NEW 2025 KERSHAW & ZT | NOW IN-STOCK AND SHIPPING! Details

Best Benchmade Knives: Top Picks

September 11, 2024 By: David C. Andersen Categories: Best

Updated for 2024, our list of the best Benchmade knives includes the latest and greatest from the leading American knife brand. Although they flirted with outsourcing some of their manufacturing overseas in the past, their lineup today is all USA-made and built to a high-quality standard. From their roots as a maker of butterfly knives through to the modern era building automatics, fine EDC pocket knives, hunting fixed blades, and of course, the AXIS-Lock, they manage to cover pretty much every knife genre out there.

What is the AXIS Lock?

Benchmade’s identity today is tied to the success of the AXIS Lock, the progenitor of the Crossbar Lock genre. Invented by Bill McHenry and Jason Williams and originally licensed to Benchmade, a steel crossbar extends through both sides of the knife handle and a pair of springs wedge the bar into the back of the blade to achieve lockup. The advantages truly set this lock apart: it is strong, completely ambidextrous, allows centrifugal operation of the blade, and allows you to keep your fingers out of the path of the sharp edge while closing. Even though the original patent has expired and other companies make their own versions of a crossbar lock today, Benchmade is still the one that others are measured against, and you’ll find this lock across their lineup on all manner of knife styles.

Griptilian & Mini Griptilian Folding Knives

Although not their flagship design, the Griptilian has formed the backbone of Benchmade’s roster for years. It is relatively affordable, decently lightweight, and versatile enough to handle most tasks. With multiple blade shapes, this knife is suited as an everyday carry, work knife, tactical blade, and even for outdoorsy pursuits. There are also two sizes for those who would prefer a smaller pocket knife rather than a bigger blade.

As the name hints, the real charm of this knife comes down to the handle and how it feels in the hand. It is injection molded, and the advantage of that is the ability to achieve a sophisticated shape easily and economically. This is a handle that instantly feels at home when you latch onto it, and thanks to the neutral, elliptical shape, it manages to fit just about any hand size under the sun. For a more premium feel, G10 is also an option that comes with upgraded blade steel to boot, but those versions are slimmed down a little – they don’t fill the hands in quite the same way but some may prefer how they sit in the pocket.

Bugout & Mini Bugout Ultralight EDC Pocket Knives

All Griptilians are certainly easy to carry, but the Bugout is even lighter and more suited to EDC pocket knife needs. It weighs a mere 1.8 ounces and yet offers a full-sized cutting experience thanks to the 3.25” blade. Mini versions push it even further at 1.5 ounces with a 2.82” blade.

Those blades are our favorite part. They sport a do-it-all drop point shape and are built for pure slicing. Thin blade stock and a high flat grind ensure they cut like a laser, an excellent contrast to thick overbuilt knives.

The handle is what gives the Bugout its identity though—everything is focused on reducing weight. Made from Grivory with steel liners kept to an absolute minimum, they provide the necessary strength for light to medium-duty use without getting bulky or heavy. They shrunk the deep-carry pocket clip as much as they could, and they even used DLC-coated titanium for the lockbar rather than steel. Newer CF-Elite versions, a carbon fiber reinforced nylon material, weigh even less while being more rigid to boot.

Originally marketed as a knife for ultralight backpackers, we think the Bugout is even better for everyday carry. For an upgraded experience, look to recently released versions with carbon fiber or milled aluminum handles. They may not be as light as the original, but with a design this strong, it is well worth it.

Crooked River & Mini Crooked River Modern Traditional Folders

Benchmade Crooked River Knife Balanced On A Rock

For AXIS-Lock convenience with an old-school vibe, the Crooked River from Benchmade perfectly channels the spirit of the classic folding hunter format. Like many knives in the lineup, there is a mini and a full-sized version, but they are both plenty big with 3.4” and 4” blades respectively.

Aluminum bolsters house the lock, while the handles are constructed from high-quality Dymondwood. This stabilized wood product is made from layers of natural wood and it won’t shrink or crack in the same way natural wood can, making this knife a great long-term usable investment. For the perfect pop of color, the orange backspacer and pivot rings set things off nicely.

Adamas, Mini Adamas, & Adamas Automatic Tactical Folders

Proving the AXIS-Lock can do it all, the Adamas stands as the polar opposite to the ultralight Bugout. This big, beefy tactical brute has entered its second generation, now equipped with tough CPM-CruWear blade steel with or without serrations. While slightly slimmer and more streamlined than the first-gen knives, this is nonetheless Benchmade’s heaviest-duty AXIS knife.

With a big handle, full steel liners underpin the G10 scales for a rock-solid backbone, and a prominent finger guard offers protection from the edge which is especially important in tactical or combat roles. The blade itself reminds us of a drop point interpretation of the classic Mark 2 Fighting Knife, often called simply, the KA-BAR. Like that blade, the Adamas just won’t quit, whether you choose the 3.8” bladed model or the, also new, mini version with 3.25” of blade length.

The Adamas platform also showcases the versatility of the AXIS mechanism. While most will likely prefer the manual versions, you can also get an Automatic Adamas. A simple pull backward on the lockbar will launch the blade into the open position with as much authority as any push-button automatic out there. It even features a spine-mounted safety switch that will wedge the lockbar in place, effectively acting as a redundant lock both in the open and closed position for extra security.

940 Osborne / 945 Osborne Mini EDC Folders & Automatics

Benchmade 940-1, 9400, and 945 open on wood background.

The 940 Osborne is undoubtedly Benchmade’s flagship—by now a classic—combining high-end good looks, the fast AXIS Lock, and a truly useful and unique reverse tanto blade shape. With the introductions of new Mini versions, MagnaCut versions, and a full-sized push-button Osborne automatic, this storied design continues to live on and pay tribute to it’s late namesake designer, the one and only Warren Osborne.

The shape of the knife just works. It is narrow and pocket-friendly whether you are wearing dungarees or Dockers, and there are versions to complement either aesthetic. The 940-1 pictured above (top) established a material combo that we see on the high end of Benchmade’s offerings combining carbon fiber handles with the long-lasting edge of S90V steel. This option makes a great gentleman’s knife but you can opt for open-backed G10 handles with S30V instead for more workaday vibes. The classic variant neatly splits the difference with a sculpted aluminum handle and S30V blade steel.

One of their most popular and enduring models, you’ll also see a lot of limited edition variants as time has marched on, including titanium handles and lots of models from Benchmade’s Gold Class program, where their designers get to have fun and throw as many high-end materials at the knife that you can think of!

Infidel OTF Automatic Knives

Benchmade Infidel Limited Edition on a canvas bag background

As evidenced by the last two models, Benchmade has a strong automatic game. You can see it with their AXIS-Auto mechanism and their strong push-button automatic operation, but none of their autos are more famous than their Infidel OTF automatic knife, one of the most highly regarded cover-switch OTFs in the industry, available in full-size or mini variations.

In combination with the double-edged blade, the switch placement ensures the knife is completely ambidextrous without the need to reverse the pocket clip. The double-action inspires confidence and the ergonomics are just as inspiring. No mere rectangle, the wasp-waisted aluminum frame takes its cues from historic combat daggers. Smaller details are just as important; ridges on the front increase traction, while the clip side is smooth for easy extraction, ensuring the Infidel is a pleasure to carry and use on all fronts.

Steep Country HUNT Fixed Blade

Benchmade Steep Country fixed blade laying on orange sheath, wood background

If we had to boil it down to the best all-around fixed blade in Benchmade’s lineup, it would be the Steep Country. The performance value on offer for an American-made fixed blade makes it a winner, and at a mere 3 ounces (4.1 oz with the sheath), this is essentially a fixed blade Bugout!

The S30V blade does a lot of things right. With a thin cross-section and a full flat grind, this is a knife that can slice with the best of them. The length is perfect too—not too long, not too short—easily controllable and it never gets in its own way. An orange Santoprene handle, grippy and highly visible, molded over the full tang is the cherry on top.

The best part? Even though it is part of Benchmade’s HUNT Series, it can do so much more. Ultralight hiking? Check! Camping? Check! Food prep? Check! Chores around the house? Check! Even EDC utility and work knife? Check and check!

Water Line

If you crave adventure on or around the water, a reliable and corrosion-resistant knife is a necessity. Benchmade’s Water Line meets this need with knives made from MagnaCut steel to excel in wet environments, making them ideal for boaters and anglers or anyone who spends time near lakes or rivers, saltwater, or even just humid environments.

For those serious about fishing, the Fishcrafter pictured above is a fixed-blade filleting knife available in two sizes, 7-inch and 9-inch. Based on the popular Meatcrafter platform, the thin, flexible MagnaCut blades allow for accurate cuts and precision slices. The textured Santoprene handle offers a comfortable grip, even when wet with fish slime. Molded sheaths keeps them secure and protected. Although no belt-attachment hardware is included, they are compatible with a wide range of aftermarket options, including the ever-popular Tek-Lok attachment.

The Adira and Mini Adira are folding knives that provide everyday practicality in a water-resistant package. They feature 3.9 and 3.2-inch blades respectively, crafted from CPM-MagnaCut steel, with a drop point profile that makes them good for just about everything. The Grivory handle material keeps the weight low without sacrificing strength, and the AXIS-Lock mechanism enables smooth, one-handed opening and closing. An included orange lanyard-fob is included for extra grip and easier pocket extraction. These knives are perfect for everyday tasks around the water, from opening packages to cleaning fish.

The final entry in the Water Line is the Intersect, an everyday carry knife that proves fixed blades don’t need to be huge to be useful. Its 2.68-inch MagnaCut blade is built for quick access and with no moving parts like a folder, it is much easier to keep clean and sanitary. A grippy Santoprene handle makes it easy to maintain a solid hold in the wet, and the sheath with its integrated clip is easy to mount on a belt, vest, or even your pocket. Next time you head out on the water, be sure to add one to your packing list.

—————

This isn’t all Benchmade has to offer! Make sure to check out more models in our video roundup below.