Imagine this: you’re out and about, and a small task pops up. Maybe you need to open a package, cut a loose thread, or even help a friend with a quick fix. What if you had a reliable tool right in your pocket that could handle it all? That’s the magic of a good everyday carry (EDC) knife, and when we talk about EDC knives, Benchmade is a name that always comes up.
But here’s the thing: picking the *perfect* Benchmade EDC knife can feel like a puzzle. With so many cool models, each with its own strengths, it’s easy to get a little lost. You want a knife that feels good in your hand, cuts well, and is tough enough for everyday adventures. You don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on a knife that ends up just sitting in a drawer, right?
That’s exactly why we’re here! This post is your friendly guide to navigating the world of Benchmade EDC knives. We’ll break down what makes them special, look at some popular choices, and help you figure out which one might be the best fit for *you*. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel more confident about choosing a Benchmade that you’ll love to carry every single day.
Our Top 5 Benchmade Edc Knife Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Benchmade Edc Knife Detailed Reviews
1. Benchmade – Bugout 535 EDC Knife with Ranger Green Grivory Handle (535GRY-1)
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Benchmade Bugout 535GRY-1, a knife built to be your constant companion. This knife weighs next to nothing, making it feel like a feather in your pocket or pack. It’s tough enough for any adventure, from a weekend hike to setting up camp. It’s also designed for daily tasks, so you can always have a reliable tool handy. This knife is ready to go wherever you go.
What We Like:
- It’s super light, yet very strong.
- Perfect for hiking, camping, and everyday use.
- Made with high-quality CPM-S30V steel that stays sharp and resists rust.
- The Ranger Green Grivory handle feels good in your hand and is built to last.
- The AXIS lock is safe and easy to open and close.
- Benchmade offers a free sharpening service for life!
- You can carry it in different ways with the reversible clip and lanyard hole.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the Grivory handle a bit slippery if their hands get wet.
- While it’s great for general use, it might not be the best choice for extremely heavy-duty tasks that require a much thicker blade.
The Benchmade Bugout 535GRY-1 is a fantastic, lightweight knife that excels in versatility and durability. It’s a smart investment for anyone needing a reliable everyday carry tool.
2. Benchmade – Bugout 535 EDC Knife with Storm Gray Grivory Handle (535BK-08)
Rating: 8.6/10
The Benchmade Bugout 535 is a knife designed for everyday carrying. It’s made to be light and strong. This version, the 535BK-08, has a cool storm gray handle made of Grivory. It’s a popular choice for people who need a reliable tool with them all the time.
What We Like:
- It’s super lightweight, so it won’t weigh you down in your pocket.
- The AXIS lock is really secure and easy to open and close with just one hand.
- The drop-point blade shape is versatile and good for many different cutting tasks.
- The Grivory handle feels good in your hand and is tough enough for daily use.
- It’s a great value for a high-quality Benchmade knife.
What Could Be Improved:
- While Grivory is durable, some users might prefer a more premium handle material like G10 or carbon fiber for a different feel.
- The blade, while sharp, might not be the best for extremely heavy-duty prying tasks.
The Benchmade Bugout 535BK-08 is an excellent everyday carry knife. It offers a fantastic blend of performance, durability, and value.
3. Benchmade – Bugout 535 EDC Knife with Black CF-Elite Handle (535BK-2)
Rating: 8.9/10
The Benchmade Bugout 535BK-2 is a knife designed for adventure and everyday tasks. It’s super light, almost like it’s not even there, but it’s built tough. This makes it a great friend for hiking, camping, or just carrying around every day. The special handle material, called CF-Elite, makes it even lighter and stronger. You can trust this knife to be with you wherever you go.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly light, making it easy to carry all day.
- The CF-Elite handle is both lighter and stiffer for better handling.
- The CPM-S30V steel blade holds its sharp edge for a long time and resists rust.
- It’s made right here in Oregon, USA!
- The handle has a good grip that feels secure in your hand.
- It works for both right-handed and left-handed people.
- The AXIS lock is safe and easy to open and close smoothly.
- You can carry it in different ways with the reversible clip and lanyard hole.
- Benchmade offers free sharpening and maintenance for the life of the knife.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the CF-Elite handle is tough, some users might prefer a different texture for extreme wet conditions.
This Benchmade Bugout is an excellent choice for anyone needing a reliable, lightweight, and versatile knife. Its combination of smart design and durable materials makes it a standout EDC tool.
4. Benchmade – Bugout 535 EDC Knife with Crater Blue Grivory Handle (535FE-05)
Rating: 8.7/10
The Benchmade Bugout 535 is a fantastic knife designed for daily use. Its lightweight build makes it easy to carry wherever you go. The Crater Blue Grivory handle not only looks cool but also provides a comfortable and secure grip. This knife is built to handle all sorts of everyday tasks, from opening packages to light outdoor chores.
What We Like:
- Super lightweight and easy to carry all day.
- The AXIS lock is very strong and reliable.
- The drop-point blade is versatile for many cutting jobs.
- The Crater Blue Grivory handle feels good in your hand and looks sharp.
- It’s a Benchmade, known for quality and durability.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Grivory handle, while light, might not feel as premium as some other materials.
- For very heavy-duty tasks, a thicker blade might be preferred.
The Benchmade Bugout 535 is a top-notch choice for anyone needing a reliable and lightweight everyday carry knife. It balances performance and portability perfectly.
5. Benchmade – Griptilian 551-S30V EDC Knife with Black Handle (551-S30V)
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Benchmade Griptilian 551-S30V, your new go-to knife for everything. This knife is built tough and designed for comfort, making it a fantastic companion for daily tasks, outdoor adventures, and even more serious situations. Its sharp blade and easy-to-use design make it a valuable tool you’ll reach for again and again.
What We Like:
- The CPM-S30V steel blade stays sharp and resists rust, so it’s always ready.
- The glass-filled nylon handle feels good in your hand and can handle tough jobs.
- Benchmade’s AXIS lock is super strong and works for both left and right-handed people.
- You can open and close this knife easily with just one hand.
- It’s lightweight and comfortable to hold, even for long periods.
- The pocket clip can be moved, making it easy to carry your knife your way.
- Its drop-point blade is super versatile for all kinds of cutting needs.
- Benchmade offers free sharpening and maintenance for life through their LifeSharp service.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the handle is tough, some users might prefer a more premium material.
- The Griptilian line is very popular, so sometimes it can be hard to find specific models.
The Benchmade Griptilian 551-S30V is a dependable and well-crafted knife that offers excellent value. Its combination of durability, ease of use, and Benchmade’s lifetime warranty makes it an outstanding choice for anyone needing a reliable everyday carry knife.
Choosing Your Perfect Benchmade EDC Knife
Having a good everyday carry (EDC) knife is like having a trusty sidekick. It’s there to help you with all sorts of tasks, big and small. Benchmade makes some of the best EDC knives out there. This guide will help you pick the right one for you.
What to Look For in a Benchmade EDC Knife
When you’re shopping for a Benchmade EDC knife, keep these important things in mind.
Key Features to Consider
- Blade Shape: Different shapes are good for different jobs.
- Drop Point: This is a very common and versatile shape. The spine of the blade curves down to meet the tip. It’s great for slicing and general cutting.
- Tanto: This blade has a sharp, angular tip. It’s built for piercing and tougher tasks.
- Spey: A straighter edge with a rounded tip. Good for whittling and controlled cuts.
- Blade Steel: This is what the blade is made of. It affects how sharp it stays and how strong it is.
- Locking Mechanism: This keeps the blade safely open when you’re using it.
- Axis Lock: This is a very popular Benchmade feature. It’s a bar that slides back and forth to open and close the blade. It’s ambidextrous, meaning it works for both right and left-handed people.
- Frame Lock: The lock is part of the handle itself. It’s strong and reliable.
- Handle Material: This is what you hold onto. It should feel comfortable and give you a good grip.
- Size and Weight: You want a knife that’s not too big or too small for your pocket. It should feel good in your hand.
Important Materials
Benchmade uses high-quality materials to make their knives last.
- Blade Steel:
- 154CM: A good all-around steel. It holds an edge well and is pretty tough.
- S30V: This is a premium steel. It’s excellent at staying sharp and resists rust.
- CPM-M4: A very strong and tough steel. It’s great for hard use, but might need a bit more care to prevent rust.
- Handle Materials:
- G10: A strong and lightweight material made from fiberglass and resin. It feels grippy even when wet.
- Aluminum: Light and strong. It can be anodized in different colors.
- Micarta: Made from layers of fabric or paper with resin. It’s durable and offers a great grip.
What Makes a Benchmade Knife Great (or Not So Great)
Quality matters. Here’s what to look for.
- Factors That Improve Quality:
- Precision Engineering: Benchmade knives are known for their tight tolerances. This means parts fit together very well.
- Sharpness Out of the Box: A good Benchmade knife is usually very sharp when you get it.
- Smooth Action: The blade should open and close easily and smoothly.
- Durable Construction: Everything should feel solid and well-made.
- Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Loose Parts: If the blade wiggles or the handle feels loose, it’s not a good sign.
- Poor Fit and Finish: Gaps between parts or rough edges can mean lower quality.
- Blade Play: The blade should not move side-to-side when locked.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will you use your knife? This will guide your choice.
- Everyday Tasks: Most Benchmade EDC knives are perfect for opening packages, cutting string, preparing food on the go, and other light jobs.
- Outdoor Adventures: For camping or hiking, you might want a tougher blade that holds an edge longer.
- Work: If you need a knife for demanding work, choose one with strong steel and a robust locking mechanism.
- Comfort and Portability: You’ll carry this knife every day. It should be comfortable in your pocket and feel good in your hand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benchmade EDC Knives
Q: What makes Benchmade knives special for EDC?
A: Benchmade knives are special because they are made with high-quality materials, have excellent craftsmanship, and often feature innovative designs like the Axis Lock. They are built to be reliable and perform well for daily tasks.
Q: Are Benchmade knives worth the price?
A: Yes, for most people. Benchmade knives are an investment. They last a long time, perform very well, and hold their value. You get what you pay for with their quality.
Q: What is the best Benchmade knife for a beginner?
A: The Benchmade Griptilian is a great choice for beginners. It’s affordable, durable, and easy to use. It has a comfortable handle and a reliable Axis Lock.
Q: How do I maintain my Benchmade EDC knife?
A: You should clean your knife regularly, especially after using it for food. Keep the blade lubricated with a good knife oil. Sharpen the blade when it starts to get dull.
Q: Can I carry a Benchmade knife everywhere?
A: Knife laws vary by location. You need to check the laws in your city, state, and country before carrying any knife. Some places have restrictions on blade length or how you can carry it.
Q: How sharp are Benchmade knives out of the box?
A: Benchmade knives are known for being very sharp right out of the box. They are sharpened to a high degree during manufacturing.
Q: Which Benchmade steel is the best for EDC?
A: For general EDC, steels like 154CM or S30V are excellent. They offer a good balance of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
Q: What does “Axis Lock” mean?
A: The Axis Lock is a unique Benchmade mechanism. It uses a sliding bar to lock the blade open and closed. It’s very secure and easy to operate with either hand.
Q: How do I clean the Axis Lock?
A: You can clean the Axis Lock by using compressed air to blow out any dust or debris. You can also use a small brush and some knife cleaning solution. Make sure to lubricate it afterwards.
Q: Where can I buy a Benchmade EDC knife?
A: You can buy Benchmade EDC knives from authorized dealers, outdoor gear stores, and directly from the Benchmade website. Be sure to buy from a reputable seller.
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.