For my money, there isn’t a better knife on the market than one made by Benchmade. If you’re looking for an “every-day carry” knife (EDC), you don’t need to look any further. Whether you need a hunting knife, a camping tool, or a self-defense weapon, you’re bound to find a Benchmade knife that meets your needs.
What makes a knife great? Sleek design, light weight and easy to handle, and a sharp, high-quality blade. Benchmade knives definitely fits all the criteria.
Before we reveal our top 5 Benchmade knives, here are some interesting facts about the company.
Benchmade Knives – A Long Trail to Victory
Benchmade has actually existed under three names so far. Like so many businesses, the beginning was a struggle. Luckily, found Les de Asis had a commitment to making the highest quality knife on the market – and it paid off.
Originally known as Bali-Song, the company started out with one mission: to make a better butterfly knife. Owner Les built the best knife he could in his garage, and the product took off in his local community.
Eventually he changed the name to Pacific Cutlery Company… but that didn’t feel right. So after some trials and tribulations Les landed on Benchmade Knives. The company has become iconic for its butterfly logo ever since.
Top 5 Benchmade Knives
Benchmade Griptilian 551
This is one of Benchmade’s best selling pocket knives ever. The name – Griptilian – comes from the injection-molded handle and the ambidextrous thumb-stud opener. This combination guarantees that any human hands can handle this knife well.
This knife is known as one of Benchmarks top EDC knives because it’s light, easy to handle, yet tough enough for any job.
Round Up:
- Made in USA
- Black Glass Injected Nylon Handle
- Ambidextrous thumb-stud
- Tough enough for everyday jobs
Benchmade Pardue 530
The Pardue sticks out and is a favorite for one reason above all others: it’s one of the lightest blades around. Surprisingly, it’s also built with Benchmade Axis locking system, making it tough enough to handle hard labor or self defense.
The blade is 3.25” long, which is slightly above average. The blade is designed in a dagger style, so you know what they had in mind when they were designing this blade. I love this blade because of the balance between featherweight lightness and Benchmade toughness.
Round Up:
- Lightest blade around at .090 thick
- 3.25″ long blade, above average
- Axis Locking System
- Best for hard use and self defense
Benchmade Barrage 580
The Benchmade Barrage 581 was designed with only one purpose in mind – battle. This thing is intense. The knife is complete with spring-action self assisted opening so you’re ready whenever you need it. The aluminum handle makes this knife heavy and dangerous.
While it’s designed for police and military, you can easily use this knife to hack through the elements on your next camping or outdoor adventure.
Round Up:
- Assisted opening
- Geared toward fighting
- Aluminum handle
Benchmade 940 Osborne
This knife is gorgeous. It’s my favorite Benchmade knife on our list today. You’ll love it for one reason above all others – it’s less than 3 ounces in weight. That’s nearly unheard of for a knife of this caliber. Put this knife in your pocket and you’ll forget it’s even there.
The blade is only .114 inches thick, made from super-tough S30V stainless steel. In normal Benchmade fashion, what you have here is an extremely useful knife, with quality blade steel to take on any job.
The length of the blade makes the knife ideal for every-day carry, which just so happens to be my pocket knife of choice for everyday carry.
Round Up:
- Premium S30V blade steel
- Under 3 ounces total weight
- Perfect EDC knife choice
- Made in USA
Benchmade 761 Monolock
This is the upper crust of the knives we’ll look at today. I would recommend this knife for any serious knife lovers that are ready to take the step into real luxury. This knife isn’t for the faint of heart, it carries a hefty price tag north of $300. If you can get past that you’ll absolutely love this knife.
This knife is fantastic because it’s nearly impossible to break. It’s the toughest knife in the Benchmade line, and it’s weighs in at just over 4 ounces. That is incredible.
The knife boasts an M390 stainless steel blade with a sandblasted and oil finished grip. If any knife could make your friends envious – this is the one.
Round Up:
- Top of the line
- M390 Blade Steel
- Sandblasted and oil finished titanium handle
- Made in USA
Conclusion
There you have it. The best Benchmade knives your money can buy. Whether you’re looking for a gift for your brother who loves camping and hunting, or you need something to protect yourself after dark – Benchmade makes some of the best pocket knives available.
