The Benchmade Freek (actually known as the 'Super Freek') is the Bugout's big brother and delivers all of the same components but just makes them bigger. A flick of the wrist sends the blade out, and it worries me that if I were to drop it by accident, etc. Moreover, the Tanto profile is great for piercing, and so that makes it the best Benchmade knife for self-defense in this list. If you want to spend even more money on some of the worlds finest custom blades, check out Benchmades Gold Class custom built blades here. Quality is just one of the many factors, another one is LifeSharp. I will say this, I do love assisted knives simply for the experience and although this knife is a manual two-handed opener, the blade is super heavy and the opening mechanism is so smooth that it delivers a very unique opening experience I have yet to see replicated by any other knife. I like the low visibility these EDC blades offer. The Bugout is a really great knife, but pocket jewelry it ain't. The Benchmade Bugout is pure 100% utilitarian practicality, and there wasn't any room to pack on the flash. The very first look convinces you that this knife would not slip from your grip. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Textured G10Blade Length: 3.7Total Length: 8.6Total Weight: 5.81 ounces. Check for Signs of Poor Workmanship and Defects. Theres also a sprung, Parkerized pocket clip. The handle is simply just an extension of the D2 steel from the blade and although I personally like that, many Adamas owners actually wrap this bad boy up in some nice paracord. Like the Editors Choice Mini Barrage, the North Fork knife is smaller than "full size". Glass breaker, rescue hook, lanyard hole, drop-point with three different serrated or fine edge options, super light but durable G10 resin-soaked fiberglass body, and the ever so loved AXIS locking mechanism. For steller cutting, piercing, and prying tasks, this is the best Benchmade knife you can hope to find. I have the north fork, bugout, and gifted a mini grip. I wouldnt suggest this as an EDC or as a knife for a beginner but more so something youd keep under your pillow or in your truck if youre traveling through a rough neighborhood. Before buying the knife, check for design to ensure you are getting a well-balanced knife as intended by Benchmade.Otherwise, you might actually purchase a folding knife with a terrible design if you forget to check whether the Benchmade North Fork-1503 you are investing in is well-designed. Stay on point with the latest products, offers and more! No, not you, youve chosen the Altitude because you have attitude. As part of the Hunt series from Benchmade, the North Fork joins the ranks as one of the most advanced hunting knives ever, thanks to its use of premium materials and the renowned AXIS locking mechanism. dr james hughes psychiatrist Navigation. The Puukko embodies what I think a lot of purist fix blade enthusiasts truly love. Lets talk about some of the best technologies theyve designed and implemented over the years. Because everyone is different, Benchmade includes offerings for both the OTF (Out the Front) and OTS (Out the Side) lovers. Benchmade North Fork 1503 is excellent for campers, hikers and hunters. And the same thing always ends up happening. They would find the Mini Griptilian more comfortable and compact. There are no other features on the Benchmade North Fork. Although designed for hunting this is also an excellent general-purpose blade. In short, it is smoothness. North Fork is a great little folder but thickest through the handles. My final thoughts are this: This knife is not worth the money if youre looking for a tough and durable do-it-all EDC knife. Its astonishingly functional for a knife this size, and it comes hair-splitting sharp out of the box. Benchmade 15031 North Fork is a compact hunting knife that's also perfect for everyday carry. CPM-S30V, a Benchmade favorite stainless steel to use in their premium blades, is more than strong enough to slide right through bones and will hold an edge for many outdoor adventures. In addition to making some of the most iconic and popular knives for everyday carry, Benchmade also has a long and storied history with their outdoor knives. 3. benchmade north fork vs bugout breaking news blue mountains. The 440HC steel is not like the typical premium hard to sharpen steels that Benchmade usually uses and can be sharpened relatively easily in a short amount of time. Do you want random dudes to smile in awe and quickly ask Bro, is that a Benchmade? Maybe you do, maybe you dont, but thats the kind of brand recognition Benchmade has earned by delivering exceptional customer loyalty and overall quality. 4.5 out of 5 stars (2,274) $ 13.99. The Bailout is available with fine 'tool steels'. If youre looking for a boot knife or MOLLE compatible self-defense or combat weapon, this is the package for you. The blades are crafted from the same ultra high-quality CPM-S30V and have the same versatile drop-point design but the Ridge encompasses a synthetic handle called a Dual-Durometer handle while the Creek has an old school nylon filled wooden handle. Gerber Sharkbelly Folding Knife- this versatile folding knife boasts a 320HC stainless steel blade for both precision cutting and for cutting remarkably tough materials.The scratch-resistant pocket clip offers a tip down carry that prevents the knifes razor sharp blade from tearing your pockets. Aside from one major variable, the ergonomics of the North Fork knife are virtually identical to those of the Benchmade Mini-Barrage 585. The Aller 380 is a multi-purpose Wharncliffe knife that encompasses a screwdriver, pry tip, micro bit slot, money clip, bottle opener, and of course, that handy slicing Wharncliffe blade. 5 Jun. The attribute that dubs it a hunting knife is the modified drop point blade. This kind of steel gives Benchmade knife blades good strength, long life, and resistance against corrosion. Its sleek and sexy just like an Aston Martin but everso usable and lethal as that V12 is tearing up the road. They look about as tactically cool as you can make a knife and the fixed blade variant of the original OTF is solid. Sure, it doesnt take a rocket scientist to know that a knife consisting of a titanium handle is probably of decent quality but what a lot of people miss is that the chunk of titanium consists entirely of just one single piece. [Answered]. Designed and manufactured by Benchmade, North Fork-1503 is an all-round compact knife featuring a recurved blade to help you with your cutting tasks. Theres a huge variety to choose from and most of them will do most things well. In all reality, this knife was designed to be abused and it will withstand constant daily abuse in harsh elements with no problems and thats why the Crooked River is a solid choice among outdoor sportsmen. Most of the time youre better going with a stainless blade. Benchmade Bugout 535 5. The main drive behind its design was to produce a tool with the performance for dressing out a deer in a small package. The Fact is everything I love about slender pocket knives while still being one lean mean little blade. I think the Bailout is amazing. The owner of this website does not guarantee offers on this site, and all offers should be viewed as recommendations only. A: Their amazing quality is what made Benchmade knives stand apart from other kinds of knives. D2 tool steel is specifically engineered to survive a beating and thats what this blade is capable of doing. The Benchmade Bugout is a medium-sized utility knife. Of course, if youre already familiar with how to use one, youll be ready to rock and roll and strap this puppy on your MOLLE vest! The 15003-2 comes with a dark brown leather sheath that is of super high quality, however, it doesnt last long since its so good at hugging the blade that the blade actually tears into the leather. Of course, this doesnt exactly cover you if you snap a blade trying to pry open a locker or a knife youve ground a divet in using a power grinder, but in the event that sort of thing accidentally happens, you can still send the knife in and they will repair whatever necessary for a relatively fair price. It opens smoothly, locks smoothly, and cuts smoothly. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-20CVHandle Composition: Slightly Textured G10Blade Length: 3.22Total Length: 7.34Total Weight: 3.46 ounces. North Fork. Build Your Ultimate Bugout for National Knife Day 2023. Its good for being used on a fishing boat where your hands and the grips are generally always going to be wet. Benchmade doesnt use CPM-3V very often as they generally tend to prefer S30V for its overall versatility and exceptional performance across the board, however, the 3V steel provides a slightly harder and more rigid platform for a stronger and more shatter-resistant point while sacrificing a little wear resistance, which is what the Bailout is all about. Spyderco vs Benchmade Which Should You Choose? If that 4 blade is a tad too much for ya, you can give the 15085-2 Mini Crooked River a look here at this link which sports a 3.4 blade and shaves off about 2 ounces of weight! All Benchmade knives and other products are guaranteed for life with the companys lifetime warranty.Confirm with your knife seller whether the Benchmade North Fork 1503 folding knife you have decided to purchase is guaranteed for life with the manufacturers lifetime warranty. You need something with a cutting edge long enough to be useful, but it also needs to be a size you can carry anywhere. The company is located in Oregon in the US. Posted by ; royal canin yorkie dog food reviews; parkland psychiatric hospital dallas, tx . And they share the same opening and locking mechanisms. Like you said, hunters and frequent users may have a different take on it. Both the Grizzly Creek and Saddle Mountain knives consist of S30V steel which is arguably one of the best stainless steels around for skinning due to their incredible tensile strength, ability to hold an edge even after heavy contact with joints and bones, and exceptional resistance to corrosion. We cannot discuss them all in this comparison. The latter is layered from maple and Baltic birch laminations, pressure-bonded with resin into a wood-plastic composite thats completely moisture-resistant. Disclosure : Everyday Carry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The Tanto blades make these appear quite aggressive but in my experience, these knives perform quite well as a daily use blade and can endure quite some abuse. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. All Benchmade knives are made in America and are also labeled the same. A little fun fact before we get started: The Benchmade Butterfly logo originated from the early days of the company when they specialized primarily in the creation of premium grade butterfly (Balisong) knives! Stay tuned for the first newsletter in the morning, straight to your inbox. In fact, it could be a knife even outside my list! It is a boutique piece of equipment, and losing such an expensive pocket knife out on a camping trip would certainly be a tragedy. Basically, if you click on a product link on this site and buy that product we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Of course, this thing has virtually 0 self-defense properties and it wouldnt ever be a knife Id rely on for camping or survival but it is easy to carry on a keychain so that you always have a tiny suite of tools on hand at all times. I believe this is due to state by state restrictions on double-edged blades and of course, they cant hold inventory that fits each and every states laws independently. The first thing you might notice is the lack of scales. Keep a onein your pocket and a fixed blade in your pack. These two are just the right size, with smooth hinges, easy one-handed operation, and locks that work easier and more reliably than any other test. luke86 Joined Mar 29, 2015 Messages 825 I have all 3. Benchmade has taken this idea and, in my opinion, refined it to be as handy and as durable as possible given the current steel and knife technology. The North Fork from Benchmade is a classy, functional piece of equipment eclipsed by the Mini Barrage only in that the MB has assisted opening functionality. Not only do I enjoy supporting hard-working people in the US, I think there is a notable difference in customer service, quality assurance, and overall attention to detail. In this case we are talking about the different handle materials: the Bailout comes with a Grivory and an aluminium handle. The North Fork 15031-1 is a manual knife that can be opened and closed single-handedly. But first, please take a few moments to sign up as a member of our EDC community below. Blade Style: TantoBlade Composition: 154CMHandle Composition: Rib Textured 6061-T6 AluminumBlade Length: 4.5Total Length: 9.45Total Weight: 5 ounces. I don't like the flimsy scales. I wont lie to you, these arent exactly the saw-teeth youd want for camping or outdoor use, but they will cause wounds that a normal drop-point would never be able to cause, ensuring your assailant is immobilized and you are free to carry on. Large belt knives are bulky and heavy; they can also be uncomfortable to wear after a days hiking with the sheath chafing on your leg its tempting to take it off and stick it in your pack and they also arent easy to carry discreetly. Your blade must be sharp and stay that way. We will start with the fact that there are different editions of the Bailout and the Bugout. Whats important is that you pick a knife according to what you need and you like, and youll definitely love what you end up buying. This method of identifying fake Benchmade knives is excellent because it works in-person as well as online. Its unique flat top serrations are quite easy to sharpen even on a flat stone. All Axis locks are ambidextrous and most of them are easily used with one-handed operation. Larger knives are better in bigger than average hands and for bigger than average tasks, but the size of the North Fork is just right for most people in most applications. I'm just a survivalist and knife lover. I personally chose the gut hook version of this knife because I think there are tons of other drop-point fixed blades from Benchmade and the gut hook makes this one stand out. Copyright 2017 - 2023 ProHunting Knife | All Rights Reserved. That exceptionally high hardness level allows this blade to retain its edge even when highly abused for an extremely long time, making this blade very low maintenance and ready to go when you need it most. Below are some excellent and affordable alternatives for the Benchmade North Fork 1503. That is why the blades contain coatings. ProHuntingKnife.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. These are among the strongest blades Benchmade makes and so long as youre up to the task of taking care of them, they will perform excellently and will provide you with best-in-class usage and longevity. This puts the tang of the blade between the steel stopping pin and the AXIS spring-loaded bar, ensuring its fully locked and isnt able to retract in any manner under any usage without using the thumb button to move the tensioner bar out of the way. Benchmade invests a lot in making their handles good, and you can pick any one knife and be assured that the handle will be satisfactory. The Fact wont be for everyone but something I noticed is that it would fit very well in a purse or handbag due to how slim it is so perhaps this would be a good way to get your girl into carrying a Benchmade! Step 3 Shape:Blade shape is a very personal choice. I personally prefer the thumb hole over the harsher thumb stud. Secondly, all Benchmade knives are American made right here in Oregon City, Oregon. No ads. If you consider best compromise of ergonomics and portability. It will cut well for years and years, and Benchmade will sharpen it in a process that is also, well, smooth. Most knives of such models are very compact so that you could easily carry them around while camping and hiking. This is not a knife that fits into that category. Shotgun: Comparison for a First-Time Gun Buyer, What Are The Basic Parts Of Ammunition? The other Benchmade blades are similar and provide good quality as well. Okay, I know, that was a lead up to virtually nothing, but nowadays we have the AXIS lock which makes Benchmades folding knives exceptionally strong. It is this that mainly sets the Mini-Barrage ahead of the North Fork. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. These work by pinning two angled torsion bars against the tang of the knife that creates more tension on the blade as its closed. It's always handy this way, and largely unobtrusive except in the most formal of situations. Created for hunting The knife's drop-point blade is ideal for the avid hunter. First, even right out of the box, there are different definitions of "sharp." My Review: As with many self-defense situations, sometimes a little deterrence in the form of striking the fear of death in someones eyes is all you need and I think thats what Benchmade was going for when they designed the ominous-looking Contego. For the vast majority of tasks, though, this size is just right. Q: What Materials Are Used to Create Benchmade Knives? The Benchmade Bugout; all photos by. These were actually designed later than the others and were requested by Benchmade enthusiasts. My Review: The Puukko 200 is a Scandinavian inspired general use utility knife with a fixed blade consisting of CPM-3V. The Bedlam features a rather massive feeling 4 Scimitar inspired blade packed into an impressively compact package all being tied together with G10 handles and equipped with the coveted AXIS Lock. Kizer Knives V4423A1- this quality folding knife is reasonably affordable than Benchmade North Fork-1503. The pocket clip is secure and can be switched from one side to the other, depending on your hand preference. That point is very strong and plenty capable of penetration while the belly has a ton of slashing real-estate along with a very nasty serration near the handle that is open and easily utilized against an assailant. Kershaw 1660 Review - The Ultimate EDC Knife? Portability is a function of size, weight, pocket clip utility, and other carry options. Portability, regarding size, is also at direct odds with ergonomics. There are a few factors to look at there. On different note, do you think my concern about the knife opening unintentionally is a valid concern? My Review: The Foray is a get the job done well rounded little pocket knife that I think anyone could get some seriously good usage and value out of. Our advice is to go with a locking folder unless you have special requirements. If extra goodies are what you want, the Tactical Triage is worth a look. A final note here, most Benchmade clips are not compatible with the Anthem and the Anthems clip is not compatible with any other Benchmade knife Ive reviewed. This Scandinavian inspired Puukko knife is a small, light, and nifty tool despite being fixed and needing a sheath. The full tang construction makes sure that the blade is more durable and steadier than folded knives. Top 10 Best Benchmade Knife Reviews in 2023, Benchmade Mini Griptilian Sheepsfoot knife. Many people complain about the handle material but I don't care (the Grivory is also a bit thicken on the Bailout then Bugout). Yeah, we put it in the camping section because thats what I actually use it for most, but this is an all-around EDC badass. My Review: The Super Freek is well-known by its ultra-hard and super tough CPM-M4 steel blades that are certainly not for a beginner knife owner. Aside from the blade, the handle is another thing that demands attention. A difference of two letters in total. They are, however, easy to sharpen in the field, even with limited means. The Fact would be an excellent and easy to carry self-defense knife that has incredible utility value, close to that of a solid EDC knife. Valox is also a lighter material and easier to work with giving the designers and artists a little more room to add character to the knifes appearance and ergonomics. A lot of glass breakers you find as a kind of throw in function on many knives usually feels pretty lame but not this one, Im absolutely terrified to let it even look at a piece of glass and on top of that, its ultra-tiny and doesnt get in the way. Those things take a lot of time and expensive employees to manufacture. Home Knives 30 Best Benchmade Knives in 2023 (Ranked by Category). I work at a store that sells Benchmade knives (most of which have the Axis Lock system) and I've never heard anyone say that their knife can just open without using the lock first. The grind leaves a stiffening spine to about three-quarters of an inch from the point, and there are two grooved sections to give better purchase for your thumb just in front of the pivot, and at the front end of the spine. The quality of a folding knife is ultimately among the most essential things you should consider way before you purchase a folding knife. With a high quality CPMS30V stainless steel blade, the folding knife is exceptionally well-balanced. My Review: This knife feels like youd find Rambo pulling it out of his boot after exhausting his arsenal of other weapons for that finishing kill. The Benchmade North Fork is a handsome folding knife designed for hunting, but it has all the right features to make for a great everyday carry blade as well. Yeah, you do, because this knife is so sharp and the way its designed will slice right through even thick and tough leather in no time at all. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Diamond Textured GrivoryBlade Length: 3.24Total Length: 7.46Total Weight: 1.85 ounces. Were glad you dig this post! However, if youre wearing work gloves, that problem vanishes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We like this size compromise. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed! Blade Style: Trailing Clip-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Resin Filled Wood GrainBlade Length: 4Total Length: 9.3Total Weight: 5.41. The spring-loaded characteristics are made possible by utilizing two omega springs custom-built in-house at Benchmade that push the locking bar into place when the tang of the blade exceeds their allotted tension. By the way, these are so slim that when paired with the included deep pocket carry clip they virtually disappear in your pant pockets making them very covert and yet ultra fast to deploy. How to Sharpen a Machete Most Effective & Easy Way at Home. But what is it that makes Benchmade different from other makers of small knives? These knives are exceptionally dangerous and have very little utility value. Another difference is that the original Freek came equipped with lower quality handles called Versaflex but the Super Freek comes with those G10 handles we all know and love so much. What are the differences, Spyderco Delica 4 vs Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Spyderco Endura 4 vs Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Spyderco Paramilitary 2 VS Benchmade 940 Osborne, Spyderco Para 3 vs Benchmade 945 Mini Osborne. This extends the blades longevity and ensures it doesnt lose its razor sharp edge. The Bedlam features two blade finish options, one being a regular satin finish and the other being my personal favorite on this model, the black Cerakote, which matches up nicely to the hardware finish and the black G10 handles. Reproduction of any part of this website without direct permission is prohibited. Basically, a dependable cutting tool has a role to play in anything you do outdoors. The Bugout has a fairly standard drop-point blade. The Bugout is available with Grivory, titanium and CF-Elite. It's a more solid feeling knife than its bigger brother because the liners fill almost all of the handle area. Never underestimate a good handle, since a sturdy, ergonomic, and grippy handle can make the knife so much better. Both models use a full stainless steel liner to protect against wear, and if the blade does loosen at all you can tighten it back up with the bolt. Its ambidextrous, anodized, and feels very luxurious in the grip. Normally you might find Benchmade blades coated or uncoated and typically the user will decide which version to buy based on personal preference, but the Freek only has one option and that is a nice matte black Cerakote. The Bugout was designed for the modern outdoor adventurer, incorporating the lightest, best performing materials in an extremely slim yet ergonomic package. The main drive behind its design was to produce a tool with the performance for dressing out a deer in a small package. Many of the Benchmade knives they sell the most are extremely high quality and made with rare or challenging materials and as such, are more than worth the hassle to send in and have serviced to increase their life span and usefulness. Before we jump into discussing the beautiful pieces of sharp and pointy steel offered by one of our favorite companies, you need to know the pros and cons of each blade shape as well as the steel they are made of. Here Are the Best Benchmade Knives for EDC 1. how to pass the achiever test; macavity: the mystery cat analysis That is until you get a hold on the Valox handles it comes with. Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight vs Benchmade Bugout, New Benchmade 2021 knives: Mini Osborne 945, Bugouts and more, Carryosity #1 Knife Only Edition: Top 3 Benchmade 2020 knives, Shot Show 2020: the newest Benchmade knives, Victorinox Swisstool Buying Guide: more about the SwissTool collection, Zwilling Four Star versus Zwilling Four Star II, Spyderco Paramilitary 2 vs Spyderco Manix 2, Chefs knife vs Santoku. The CPM-s30v stainless steel blade is built like a tank, and it can take care of skinning your hunt very easily. Let us know what your favorite Benchmade knife is in the comments section below or if you think there is a knife we should add to this list. MADE FOR HUNTING: The North Fork 15031-1's drop-point, recurved blade is ideal . Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-20CVHandle Composition: Anodized Billet Titanium With Triangular Scale TextureBlade Length: 3.5Total Length: 8.06Total Weight: 3.66 Ounces. While folded EDC knives by Benchmade are definitely prime quality and are loved by most users, their fixed blade knives are nothing to scoff at. My Review: Oh boy Benchmade does not normally make large blades but when they do, you get something capable of fighting off the Taliban all by yourself. I wont talk too much on this knife as I believe the differences between the two are going to come down to personal preference. For more information about us or joining the team, check out the About Us tab. These materials differ in terms of weight and price, and thus offer little in the way of a fair comparison. The very name Puukko simply stands for a small Finnish full-tang belt knife that hosts a single elegantly curved edge and a mostly flat spine. This is by far one of the smoothest and most incredible integral bodied knives we have reviewed thus far. You must log in or register to reply here. But what are the other differences between the two? Benchmade introduced their first military knife back in 2002 and they introduced the knife with their AXIS Automatic lock tech they have patented under their name. The Tanto is specifically designed to be extremely lethal as its point is among the strongest of all blade shapes, giving it superior penetration and stabbing capabilities while also hosting a sharp and straight belly for slashing. The price of a Benchmade is primarily based on three things. If you are ok with the blade steel of the North Fork (the Mini Barrage offers choices, the North Fork does not) and do not want the assisted opening function of the Barrage, the wooden handle of the North Fork may appeal to you. Benchmade North Fork Review February 5, 2015 GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS 98 Construction & Materials 10 Ease of Use Steel Quality & Edge Retention 10 Durability 10 The Good Good value Well made Dymondwood handle scales Works well as back-up or secondary hunting knife The Bad Blade is too small to be a primary hunting tool Feels a bit small in hand Because often I need to use my EDC for piercing or prying, and this sturdy, capable tip means I can do that without worrying about the tip snapping off. The Benchmade North Fork is a very neat little knife, perfect for everyday carry; it doesnt take up much pocket space and it isnt heavy either. The re curve does very well at cutting and it shines when you draw cut something as the re curve assists in cutting. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The knife makes use of an assisted opening mechanism that you can access with just one hand, any hand. The 3V depends on personal prefernce but it won't break when prying and so on despite having a thin tip. That S30V steel is found across Benchmades lineup because its some of the most versatile and user-friendly steels out there and since this knife hosts a simple drop-point, you can pretty much use it for anything on anything at any time. North Fork 1503 comes with Benchmades AXIS lock, which is fully ambidextrous and extremely strong.