What’s the one tool you carry everywhere, ready for anything life throws your way? For many, it’s a trusty everyday carry (EDC) knife. But when it comes to Benchmade, the choices can feel overwhelming. You want quality, reliability, and a knife that fits your hand and your tasks perfectly. The sheer number of models, blade shapes, and steel types can make picking the right Benchmade for your EDC feel like a daunting mission.
Choosing the wrong knife means frustration, a tool that doesn’t quite do the job, or even worse, a knife that’s uncomfortable to use. This is where we come in. We’ll break down what makes a Benchmade a great EDC companion and help you cut through the confusion.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what to look for. We’ll guide you through popular Benchmade EDC models, explain their strengths, and help you find the perfect blade to become your reliable sidekick. Let’s dive in and discover your ideal Benchmade EDC.
Our Top 5 Benchmade Knife For Edc Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Benchmade Knife For Edc Detailed Reviews
1. Benchmade – Bugout 535 EDC Knife with Black CF-Elite Handle (535BK-2)
Rating: 9.1/10
The Benchmade Bugout 535 is a fantastic knife for anyone who needs a reliable tool for daily tasks and outdoor adventures. It’s super light but also really strong. You can take it hiking, camping, or just use it around the house. Benchmade makes this knife in Oregon, so you know it’s built with care.
What We Like:
- It’s as light as a feather but tough enough for anything.
- The CPM-S30V steel keeps a sharp edge for a long time and won’t rust easily.
- The black CF-Elite handle is comfortable to hold and is made from strong, lightweight stuff.
- It’s easy to open and close with one hand, thanks to the AXIS lock.
- Benchmade will even sharpen your knife for free, forever!
- It has a reversible clip and a place to attach a lanyard, so you can carry it your way.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the CF-Elite handle is great, some might prefer a different texture.
- The price might be a bit high for some budgets.
This knife is a great addition to your everyday carry gear. It’s a reliable companion that’s ready for whatever you throw at it.
2. Benchmade – Bugout 535 EDC Knife with Storm Gray Grivory Handle (535BK-08)
Rating: 8.5/10
The Benchmade Bugout 535 is a fantastic knife for carrying every day. It’s designed to be super light, making it easy to keep in your pocket. This knife is ready for all sorts of tasks you might need it for.
What We Like:
- It’s very light, so it won’t weigh you down.
- The Grivory handle feels good in your hand and is tough.
- The AXIS lock is super reliable and keeps the blade safely open.
- The drop-point blade is great for cutting and slicing.
- It’s made by Benchmade, a well-known and respected knife company.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Grivory handle can sometimes feel a bit slippery when wet.
- It can be a little pricey for some budgets.
The Benchmade Bugout 535 is a top-notch choice for anyone needing a dependable EDC knife. It truly lives up to its name, being a great companion for daily adventures.
3. Benchmade – Griptilian 551-S30V EDC Knife with Black Handle (551-S30V)
Rating: 8.9/10
The Benchmade Griptilian 551-S30V EDC Knife with a sleek black handle is a fantastic tool for anyone needing a reliable knife. It’s designed to be your go-to for all sorts of tasks, from opening packages to tackling more demanding jobs outdoors.
What We Like:
- The blade is made of super strong CPM-S30V stainless steel. It holds its sharp edge really well and won’t rust easily.
- The black handle is made of tough, glass-filled nylon. It feels good in your hand and can handle tough work.
- Benchmade’s AXIS lock is super secure and works for both right and left-handed people.
- You can open and close this knife with just one hand. It’s smooth and quick.
- The knife is lightweight and the handle has good grips. This makes it comfortable to use for a long time.
- The pocket clip can be moved to either side. This means you can carry it however you prefer.
- Its drop-point blade is perfect for many different uses. It works great for everyday tasks, outdoor adventures, and even serious situations.
- Benchmade offers a free sharpening service for life. They will keep your knife sharp and in top condition.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the S30V steel is excellent, some might find it a bit harder to sharpen at home compared to simpler steels.
- The glass-filled nylon handle, while tough, might not offer the same premium feel as some other handle materials.
The Benchmade Griptilian 551-S30V is a top-notch knife that offers amazing performance and durability. It’s a smart investment for anyone who needs a dependable blade.
4. Benchmade – Osborne 940 EDC Knife with Black G10 Handle (940-2)
Rating: 9.4/10
The Benchmade Osborne 940 EDC Knife with Black G10 Handle (940-2) is a top-notch knife for anyone who needs a reliable tool every day. It’s designed to be useful for almost anything you might need it for.
What We Like:
- It’s an all-around great utility knife.
- The CPM-S30V steel holds a sharp edge and resists rust.
- The black G10 handle is tough, won’t soak up water, and stays strong even when the weather changes.
- The AXIS lock makes it safe to open and close easily.
- It’s super light, making it comfortable to carry all day.
- Its slim shape fits perfectly in your pocket, backpack, or survival kit.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the price point a bit high for an everyday knife.
- Finding this specific model might sometimes be difficult due to its popularity.
This knife truly shines as a reliable companion for all your daily tasks. It’s a well-made tool that’s built to last.
5. Benchmade – Mini Griptilian 556-S30V Outdoor Knife with Black Grivory Handle
Rating: 9.1/10
The Benchmade Mini Griptilian 556-S30V is a fantastic knife for anyone who needs a reliable tool for outdoor adventures or everyday tasks. It’s small and light, making it easy to carry everywhere. This knife is built to handle just about anything you throw at it, from opening packages to preparing food on a camping trip. Benchmade makes this knife in Oregon, so you know it’s made with care.
What We Like:
- It’s super light and easy to carry, fitting perfectly in your pocket or backpack.
- The 154CM stainless steel blade holds its sharp edge really well and won’t rust easily.
- The Grivory handle feels good in your hand and gives you a strong grip, even when wet.
- The AXIS lock is safe and makes opening and closing the knife a breeze, and it works for both right and left-handed people.
- Benchmade offers a lifetime service called LifeSharp, where they will clean, oil, and sharpen your knife for free forever.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the Grivory handle is durable, some users might prefer a more premium material like G10 for a different feel.
- The black finish on the handle can show scuffs and scratches over time with heavy use.
Overall, the Benchmade Mini Griptilian 556-S30V is a tough and dependable knife that’s perfect for your everyday carry needs. Its combination of great features and Benchmade’s commitment to quality makes it a smart investment for any outdoor enthusiast or someone who just wants a reliable pocket knife.
Your Guide to the Best Benchmade Knife for Everyday Carry
Choosing a Benchmade knife for your everyday carry (EDC) is a smart move. Benchmade makes tough, reliable knives that are perfect for all sorts of tasks. This guide will help you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at Benchmade knives, a few things really stand out.
Blade Steel
The steel the blade is made from is super important. It decides how sharp the knife stays and how tough it is.
- CPM-S30V: This is a really popular steel. It holds an edge well and doesn’t rust easily.
- 20CV: Another top-notch steel. It’s great for sharpness and strength.
- D2: This is a good, strong steel that can be sharpened easily. It’s a bit more prone to rust than the others.
Blade Shape
The shape of the blade affects what you can do with it.
- Drop Point: This is an all-around good shape. It’s strong and great for cutting.
- Clip Point: This shape has a thinner tip, which is good for detailed work.
- Sheepsfoot: This shape is safer for cutting materials without poking yourself.
Handle Material
The handle is what you hold, so it needs to feel good and be durable.
- G10: This is a strong, lightweight material that feels grippy.
- Aluminum: This is also strong and light, but can be a bit slippery if it gets wet.
- Micarta: This material is made from cloth and resin. It feels great in your hand and offers good grip.
Locking Mechanism
A good lock keeps the blade from closing when you don’t want it to.
- Axis Lock: This is Benchmade’s famous lock. It’s super easy to open and close with one hand. It’s also very safe.
- Frame Lock: This lock uses part of the handle to hold the blade open. It’s strong and reliable.
Important Materials
Benchmade uses high-quality materials to make their knives last.
Blade Materials
As we talked about, different steels have different strengths. CPM-S30V and 20CV are premium steels that offer great performance. D2 is a good budget option that still performs well.
Handle Materials
G10 is a composite material that is very tough and resists chemicals. Aluminum is a metal that is light and strong. Micarta is known for its comfortable feel and excellent grip, even when wet.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good design and careful building make a big difference.
What Makes a Benchmade Knife Better
- Precision Machining: When parts fit together perfectly, the knife feels solid and works smoothly.
- Heat Treatment: This is how the steel is treated to make it strong and keep an edge. Benchmade does this very well.
- Ergonomics: How the knife feels in your hand is important. A comfortable handle makes it easier to use for longer.
What Can Make a Knife Less Ideal
- Blade Play: If the blade wiggles when it’s open, it’s not a good sign.
- Stiff Action: A knife that’s hard to open or close isn’t fun to use.
- Poor Fit and Finish: Rough edges or uneven gaps show that the knife wasn’t made with great care.
User Experience and Use Cases
Benchmade knives are made for daily life.
How People Use Them
People use Benchmade knives for many things. They cut open boxes, prepare food, trim rope, and even for self-defense if needed. They are great tools for outdoor activities like camping and fishing.
What Users Say
Most users love how sharp Benchmade knives stay and how easy they are to open and close. The Axis Lock is a big favorite. They are seen as a good investment because they last a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most popular Benchmade knife for EDC?
A: The Benchmade Griptilian is very popular. It’s affordable and has a great Axis Lock. The Bugout is also a big hit because it’s so lightweight.
Q: Are Benchmade knives worth the money?
A: Yes, Benchmade knives are an investment. They are made with high-quality materials and built to last. You get a reliable tool that will serve you well for years.
Q: How do I clean and maintain my Benchmade knife?
A: You should clean your knife with mild soap and water. Dry it completely. You can use a little bit of oil on the pivot to keep it opening smoothly. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Q: Can I carry a Benchmade knife everywhere?
A: Knife laws vary by location. Always check your local laws before carrying any knife. Benchmade knives are generally designed for responsible carry.
Q: Are Benchmade knives easy to sharpen?
A: Benchmade knives with steels like D2 are easier to sharpen for beginners. Premium steels like S30V and 20CV are harder to sharpen but hold their edge longer. Using a good sharpening system helps.
Q: What is the difference between the Griptilian and the Mini Griptilian?
A: The Mini Griptilian is simply a smaller version of the Griptilian. It’s more compact and lighter, making it a great choice if you prefer a smaller knife.
Q: Does Benchmade offer a warranty?
A: Yes, Benchmade has a lifetime warranty and a “LifeSharp” service. This means they will sharpen your knife for free, for life.
Q: Are Benchmade knives made in the USA?
A: Yes, all Benchmade knives are proudly made in the USA. This is a big reason for their high quality.
Q: Which Benchmade knife is best for beginners?
A: The Griptilian or Mini Griptilian are excellent choices for beginners. They are user-friendly, reliable, and not too expensive.
Q: Can I customize my Benchmade knife?
A: Yes, Benchmade offers some customization options, like different handle colors. You can also buy aftermarket parts like pocket clips or scales to personalize your knife.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.