Benchmade knives and folding knives
Benchmade makes folding and fixed-blade knives for everyday carry, outdoor tasks, hunting and food preparation. Its range includes compact pocket folders, larger working knives and purpose-built hunting tools, with blade steels, handle materials and features that vary by model and configuration.
The Bugout is a lightweight choice for everyday carry, while the Griptilian offers drop-point and sheepsfoot blade profiles for general or more controlled cutting. For a hunting-oriented folder, the Crooked River pairs a classic clip-point design with field-focused use.
Choosing a Benchmade folder
The Bugout family focuses on lightweight pocket carry. The Mini Bugout offers a smaller option, and materials differ between versions: for example, the 535BK-2 uses a CF-Elite handle, while the 535GRY-1 has ranger-green handles and a gray Cerakote blade. Check the individual configuration for its steel and handle details rather than assuming all Bugouts share the same materials.
The Griptilian family puts everyday utility first. Its drop-point blade is the versatile all-around option; the sheepsfoot profile has a flatter edge for controlled, detailed cutting. The Mini Griptilian keeps that family’s approach in a more compact format. Handle and blade materials vary by configuration, so compare the specific model when those details matter.
For hunting and outdoor use
The Crooked River is a larger folding option designed for hunting and outdoor work, while the Mini Crooked River offers a more pocket-friendly version for everyday carry. The family uses a clip-point blade in CPM-S30V stainless steel, a steel selected for edge retention and corrosion resistance. Depending on the model, handles combine stabilized wood or G10 with aluminum bolsters and stainless-steel liners. The full-size and Mini versions differ in scale, so consider whether field use or compact carry is the priority.
Benchmade’s Hunt Class knives are manufactured in Oregon. The company’s limited lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects and certain functional failures, but excludes issues caused by misuse or modification. Benchmade also provides LifeSharp maintenance for authentic knives, including sharpening, cleaning, lubrication, inspection and adjustments.