The Best Benchmade Knives For Everyday Carry
Benchmade is the market staple for quality everyday carry knives and tools that will last a lifetime. This being said, it is hard to pick just 9 Benchmade models to review, but Blade City has curated a list of the top Benchmade Knives wielded by hunters, tactical enthusiasts, and everyday carriers.
1. Benchmade Bugout
One of our favorites, the Benchmade Bugout is one EDC that is extremely lightweight but still sports a CPM-S30V surgical steel blade. The Grivory handle material makes this model less than 2 ounces overall. This lightweight handle makes it easy for EDC enthusiasts to carry this piece in their pocket as if it wasn't there. Equipped with an axis locking and manual opening mechanism, the bugout is one of the top Benchmade knives out there for the everyday outdoorsman.
| Blade Finish/Color |
Satin |
| Blade Steel |
CPM-S30V (58-60 HRC) |
| Blade Style/Shape |
Drop-point |
| Clip Type |
Mini Deep-Carry |
| Clip Position |
Reversible |
| Glass Breaker |
No |
| Handle Material |
Grivory |
| Lanyard Hole |
Yes |
| MOLLE Compatible |
No |
| Sheath Type |
No Sheath |
2. Benchmade Infidel
When it comes to OTF's or Out The Front Knives, the
Benchamde Infidel is like the Ferrari of knives. Used by everyone from soldiers to hunters of all kinds, the Infidel has one of the smoothest action opens, both in and out (dual action). Equipped with a D2 American steel blade and aluminum handle, the Benchmade Infidel is one of the best otf knives on the market.
| Blade Edge |
Plain |
| Blade Steel |
D2 (60-62 HRC) |
| Blade Style/Shape |
Double-Edge Dagger |
| Clip Type |
Deep-Carry, MALICE CLIP® (MOLLE Compatible) |
| Clip Position |
Tip-Down |
| Glass Breaker |
No |
| Handle Material |
6061-T6 Aluminum |
| Lanyard Hole |
No |
| MOLLE Compatible |
Yes |
| Sheath Type |
Cordura |
3. Benchmade Griptilian
The Bechmade Griptilian is comparable to the previously mentioned Bugout except that is is slightly smaller. But don't let that fool you, this EDC packs a heavy punch. Meant to be rigoursly used, the Griptilian is one knife that you can be sure will hold its edge better than most knives out there. Loved for its compact size and lightweight, the Griptilian will not have any problem with whatever you put in its way. Benchmade did not hold back on this piece as it has a surgical S30v blade that will melt through any cut.
| Clip Type |
Standard |
| Clip Position |
Reversible Tip-Up |
| Glass Breaker |
No |
| Lanyard Hole |
Yes |
| MOLLE Compatible |
No |
| Sheath Type |
No Sheath |
| Use |
Every Day, Outdoor, Tactical |
4. Benchmade CLA 4300 Automatic
The Composite Lite Auto, or CLA, is Benchmades first side opening automatic folder. As an all purpose knife it is one of the best on the market. The handle, made out of G10, has a very natural grip intended for a non slip feel for the user. To open the CLA Benchmade has added a large action button on the top of the handle. When pressed, the 154CM blade snaps open at the blink of an eye.
| Blade Steel |
154CM (58-61 HRC) |
| Blade Style/Shape |
Drop-point |
| Clip Type |
Deep-Carry |
| Clip Position |
Reversible Tip-Up |
| Glass Breaker |
No |
| Handle Material |
G10 |
| Lanyard Hole |
Yes |
| MOLLE Compatible |
No |
| Sheath Type |
No Sheath |
5. Mini Presidio II
The smaller workhorse of the Benchmade family, the Mini Presidio 2 is a great carry that will be able to accomplish just as much as the Benchmade Knives above. This little presidio carries a surgical CPM-S30V blade so you know it has the capability to cut through almost anything. Many carriers like this piece for its lightweight frame and how easily it is to conceal.
| Blade Edge |
Plain |
| Blade Finish/Color |
Satin |
| Blade Steel |
CPM-S30V (58-60 HRC) |
| Blade Style/Shape |
Drop-point |
| Clip Type |
Deep-Carry |
| Clip Position |
Reversible Tip-Up |
| Glass Breaker |
No |
| Handle Material |
CF-Elite™ |
| Lanyard Hole |
Yes |
| MOLLE Compatible |
No |
| Use |
Every Day, Tactical |
