I can see that each knife has some advantages and disadvantages, as evidenced by all the varying opinions here. My Review: The Foray is a get the job done well rounded little pocket knife that I think anyone could get some seriously good usage and value out of. Particularly, if youre going to swim, camp, or go backpacking, dont pick wood or Dymondwood handle as moisture will make it unsuitable for a while. This is one knife that even a Marine wouldnt stand much chance against. benchmade north fork vs bugout. Those people are right when it comes to personal preference and I understand where theyre coming from, I really enjoy many of Benchmades premium handles that arent plastic-based. What kind of knife is Benchmade North Fork Drop-Point? If you dont already have a nice EDC, check out the loads of fantastic EDC knives weve reviewed above from Benchmade. That spring is always under tension so be extra careful with the button! Spyderco vs Benchmade Which Should You Choose? The handle is available in two variants, both made up of scales attached to a steel frame; the 15031-1 has scales made from G10 composite, while the 15031-2 uses Dymondwood. The S30V steel takes an excellent edge, almost as good as traditional carbon steel, and it doesnt need a lot of maintenance. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. While this boasts a Dymondwood handle and a tough drop point blade with a serrated spine, the shining point of this knife is the folding gut hook that comes along. This uses an internal sprung bolt that locks into the rear of the blade when its opened. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2PCS Handle Patch G10 Micarta Blade Scales Fit For Benchmade North Fork Knife at the best online prices at eBay! how to pass the achiever test; macavity: the mystery cat analysis However, make sure you dont go swimming with this in your pocket as the handle will expand and be unusable for a while. D2 tool steel is specifically engineered to survive a beating and thats what this blade is capable of doing. Dont buy a non-locking folder, though theyre dangerous. Our advice is to go with a locking folder unless you have special requirements. Alright, that was cheesy, but the Altitude is a seriously cool knife and as much as it is cool, its actually functional. They are, however, easy to sharpen in the field, even with limited means. While pondering this, your knifes intended use is a good place to start. This may actually be one of the most well-rounded knives weve ever Marine Approved. The clip is textured just like the single-piece body of the Anthem which is a very nice touch, something Id expect from paying this much but despite the price, it still feels over the top and like they really took notice of the small details. Smaller knives (with no limit, really) are more portable. However, if you keep it dry, these beautiful handles remain perfectly serviceable. How To Make A Switchblade Learn With Five Steps, How to Hone a Straight Razor Use for Silky Smooth Shaving. Tough types of steel that retain their sharpness well. My Review: First and foremost, the Saddle Mountain is more of a lineup of knives that just a single knife itself. 2. Check out the beautiful Benchmade 15080BK Crooked River Gold Class. We Are Hiring! That handle is a little squishy but you know what its good for? Menu And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, benefits, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. Usually, Id error on the side of an automatic knife to fit the bill of a tactical rescue tool, however, with how easy and buttery smooth Benchmades single-handed opening actions are, I have absolutely no doubt in having this as a manual rescue knife. Theres a lanyard hole at the pommel end, which is drilled through the liner and exposed by cutouts in the scales. I think the Bailout is amazing. Ever since childhood, Ive always loved to play with knives in my moms kitchen. These are the fastest and least requiring effort to open and use a spring to flip the knife out immediately. Another big factor here is that CPM-20CV is slightly easier to sharpen than other premium steels like S30V or M390 which makes this knife a bit easier to maintain for those of you that are new to the premium knife world. In addition to making some of the most iconic and popular knives for everyday carry, Benchmade also has a long and storied history with their outdoor knives. The Bugout has a fairly standard drop-point blade. The blade provides impressive edge qualities and excellent rust/ collusion resistance capabilities.It has a well-balanced and ergonomic wooden handle, designed for more resistance to harsh outdoor conditions. Okay, fine, I will, but only because I really enjoy saying the word triage. If you make a purchase after clicking on a link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Benchmade North Fork Review- Solid Hunting Knife and EDC Option Homegrown Outdoors 542 subscribers Subscribe 114 11K views 2 years ago Review of the Benchmade North Fork (15031-2) folding knife. Weve talked about super simplistic knives earlier on in this guide and I think Ive hit home some solid models for those of you who dont need extra goodies. Benchmade makes sturdy knives that are lightweight. I have all 3. Something that really sets the Axis mechanisms apart from the rest is how strong they are. My Review: The Nakamura is one of my personal favorites as I believe it blends the beautiful craftsmanship Benchmade is capable of with ultimate versatility and toughness. Step 1 Size:The most important is size. Simple whittling would be "beneath" the capabilities of the North Fork if it weren't just so enjoyable to shave precise curlicues with the razor sharp blade. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Compared to cheap knives that become rusted, dull, or broken easily, Benchmade knives are durable and tough. $200 for probably the best spear-point assisted folder consisting of CPM-S30V steel is actually a pretty good deal if you really enjoy this type of thing. These high-grip sections make it easy to control the blade for fine cutting, even when its wet or slimy if you like to hold your index finger along the spine while skinning theyll give you some extra security. If youre looking to get yourself the best Benchmade knife, theres a chance youll be ruined for any other knife brands, especially when it comes to EDC knives. If you want to spend even more money on some of the worlds finest custom blades, check out Benchmades Gold Class custom built blades here. In the end, after tuning all of these, Benchmade does a dang fine job with the blade of the North Fork. They are also easy to put an edge on. The thinner spine near the tip on the reverse-tanto allows for quicker and more nimble cutting through tight spaces and thus makes this knife extremely versatile for precise tasks like carpentry, woodwork, etc. I have linked out to the version with only one edge, which is also the serrated version. This is a greater feat. When it comes to the handles ergonomics, this knife beats all the rest. The main drive behind its design was to produce a tool with the performance for dressing out a deer in a small package. I've replaced my minis with a Bugout: Longer blade, slimmer in the pocket, lighter weight, easier carry. In torture tests, it outperforms any knife who dares to compete and in comfort, the textured G10 handles are perfect for medium to large size hands. Sure, sharp is sharp; the blade has a pointed edge, or it doesn't. Keep 'em coming. Benchmade - Bugout 535-191, EDC Folding Knife, Gold Class, Drop-Point Blade, Manual Open, Axis Locking Mechanism, Made in USA. The Freek was purpose-built to be a heavily abused EDC style knife. With the added strength from this treatment, theres no need to worry about the wood chipping, drying out, or getting wet. Basically, a dependable cutting tool has a role to play in anything you do outdoors. Of course, blades consisting of M4 Tool steel do hold an edge for a really long time and can endure massive amounts of daily abuse before needing any care but its vital that you oil this bad boy up from time to time as CPM-M4 has traded in its protection from corrosion resistance for optimum strength. Let us know what your favorite Benchmade knife is in the comments section below or if you think there is a knife we should add to this list. The drop-point blade shape at its core is very versatile and poses a lot of use cases, especially for general outdoor activities. And they share the same opening and locking mechanisms. It's been in the box since I bought it. While that large selection to choose from is great, most of our readers arent going to pony up thousands of dollars to buy and test them all. This is by far one of the smoothest and most incredible integral bodied knives we have reviewed thus far. Best Alternatives to Yeti Cooler | Coolers Like YETI. We are pocket knife experts that understand that you don't Pocket knife shopping is daunting. Now you have a good idea of what sort of knife you should be looking for, but theres still a huge choice. The Fact wont be for everyone but something I noticed is that it would fit very well in a purse or handbag due to how slim it is so perhaps this would be a good way to get your girl into carrying a Benchmade! Normally you might find Benchmade blades coated or uncoated and typically the user will decide which version to buy based on personal preference, but the Freek only has one option and that is a nice matte black Cerakote. All Axis locks are ambidextrous and most of them are easily used with one-handed operation. Flipping this open with one hand quickly becomes second nature and is, in my opinion, more satisfying than even some of the best assisted-opening knives. Blade Style: Drop-Point|Blade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Dual-Durometer Glass-Filled NylonBlade Length: 3.5Total Length: 7.84Total Weight: 3.77 ounces. Shotgun: Comparison for a First-Time Gun Buyer, What Are The Basic Parts Of Ammunition? Its satin-finished drop point blade uses S30V steel and features two jimped sections one by the thumb grip and one closer to the tip for ultimate blade control. No matter which sheath or set of handles you choose, the Saddle Mountain series is sure to be as rough and tough as you are with absolutely no exceptions. All Benchmade knives and other products are guaranteed for life with the companys lifetime warranty.Confirm with your knife seller whether the Benchmade North Fork 1503 folding knife you have decided to purchase is guaranteed for life with the manufacturers lifetime warranty. For Sale: Custom & Semi Production Knives (Dealer), KnifeMaker's Market: Knives & More for Sale, Wanted: Knifemaker / Craftsman / Related Services, Busse / Swamprat / Scrapyard Knives For Sale, For Sale: Traditionals, Slipjoints, "Old Timey", International (Non-US) For Sale & Trade Forums. CPM-S30V, a Benchmade favorite stainless steel to use in their premium blades, is more than strong enough to slide right through bones and will hold an edge for many outdoor adventures. The Axis Automatic mechanism is a little more aggressive than the Axis Assist and works by ejecting the blade immediately when the Axis tension bar is pressed. Ultimately I decided the blade was slightly too short for a lot of tasks, and the handle just a bit small for my preferences. The full tang construction makes sure that the blade is more durable and steadier than folded knives. I carried a mini grip of one variety or another for several years. While Benchmade still offers knives with regular manual locking mechanisms, theyre rare and usually found on their lower-tier offerings. What?! We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Benchmade Griptilian 551 4. Got feedback? Glass breaker, rescue hook, lanyard hole, drop-point with three different serrated or fine edge options, super light but durable G10 resin-soaked fiberglass body, and the ever so loved AXIS locking mechanism. [wc_share_buttons class=][/wc_share_buttons]. This knife doesnt offer a whole lot of versatility and it wouldnt exactly be my first choice to go camping with, but if someones primary goal was to cause me or my loved ones harm, the Contego is the folding knife Id look for to defend myself with. We cannot discuss them all in this comparison. If so the Benchmade Bugout is a great choice. However, a lot of customers thought calling it Bugout is a bit of a stretch, since a true Bugout knife would ideally be more capable. A final note here, most Benchmade clips are not compatible with the Anthem and the Anthems clip is not compatible with any other Benchmade knife Ive reviewed. I cant make a list of great Benchmade knives and skip on the Freek knife, can I? As Ive already waxed poetic about the Griptilian, you know thats one of the best EDC knives from the house of Benchmade. I would say northfork. The lock ensures the knife opens and closes single-handedly. Despite being expensive, many people flock to buy Benchmade knives. Make no mistake, these Valox handles are seriously high quality and are only going to be found in premium knives with premium price tags. This is probably one of the sleekest and lightest self-defense knives on the market today that most people would also find quite handy in a wide array of non-life threatening situations. A: One of the many advantages of getting a Benchmade knife is its warranty. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. The North Fork-1503 is designed to feel comfortable in your hands. Another thing that contributes to making this knife a prime choice for hunting is the gut hook that folds into the handle. When you buy it, you will see a document certifying that your purchase comes with a limited lifetime warranty. A smaller angle cuts very well but won't last very long, which brings us to the other part of the blade and edge integrity. My Review: The Puukko 200 is a Scandinavian inspired general use utility knife with a fixed blade consisting of CPM-3V. The action that runs on bearings is not going to be ideal if youll be exposing your knife to loads of dust and other debris, but if you arent and youre capable of keeping it relatively clean, the action is insanely smooth. The New Benchmade Bugout 535BK-4 is a Striking Version of the Original The Benchmade Claymore and Shootout Two new knives in the Benchmade stable, the Claymore and Shootout represent two different actions. Benchmade calls this a hunting knife and yeah, I could understand that, but really, I think this is more of just a flat out awesome design thats refreshing and unique to the usable and functional fixed blade industry. However, if you dont want the hassle of opening a knife, no matter how smooth the action is, you can go for a sheathed fixed blade knife. The handle is rubberized Santoprene, and the texture wraps around the entirety of it. If you think that 7.25 total length would be tough to conceal or a bit overkill, you can check out the Benchmade Mini SOCP here. The North Fork from Benchmade is a classy, functional piece of equipment eclipsed by the Mini Barrage only in that the MB has assisted opening functionality. Great in case of an emergency, although you hope to never use it. Selection Criteria Is the Benchmade North ForkThe Right Knife For You? The Bugout has a very thin handle - it's fine for light tasks if that's all you need it for. The company is located in Oregon in the US. Many people choose fixed blades over the folding counterparts because they believe the fixed blade is less prone to failure and is stronger overall and while that was true for a very long time, its still true! No, not you, youve chosen the Altitude because you have attitude. The Benchmade Bugout; all photos by. The Axis Lock by Benchmade consists of a spring-loaded bar that can move back and forth in its designated slot that is between both liners typically high-quality steel liners. In all reality, this knife was designed to be abused and it will withstand constant daily abuse in harsh elements with no problems and thats why the Crooked River is a solid choice among outdoor sportsmen. You can check out the full review of this knife here. It feels a lot like super high-quality Balisongs with how it flips effortlessly and the sound it makes. The very first look convinces you that this knife would not slip from your grip. This is not a knife that fits into that category. The Benchmade Freek (actually known as the 'Super Freek') is the Bugout's big brother and delivers all of the same components but just makes them bigger. Benchmade has taken this idea and, in my opinion, refined it to be as handy and as durable as possible given the current steel and knife technology. This shape allows good control and protects against the hand slipping down onto the blade. Knife manufacturers are always trying to change the game and expand upon existing designs and Benchmade does this often, however, in terms of the Puukko, we get a form factor that really couldnt be any simpler paired up with some of the finest materials you can craft a knife out of. The 3.24-inch long and .090-inch thick premium-quality CPM-S30V stainless steel blade is razor-sharp, has great edge retention, good centering, and high corrosion resistance. Ideally, the knife suits anyone keen on getting a reliable folding knife.North Fork-1503 isnt ideal for knives buyers with a relatively small budget.Again, its razor sharp blade can potentially make it unsafe for inexperienced hunting knife users. For the Bugout the lanyard hole is a part of the scales. 30 Best Benchmade Knives in 2023 (Ranked by Category), Here Are the Best Benchmade Knives for EDC, Here Are the Best Folding Self Defense Benchmade Knives, Here Are the Best Fixed Blade Self Defense Benchmade Knives, Here Are the Best Benchmade Folding Camping, Hiking, and Hunting Knives, Here Are the Best Benchmade Fixed Blade Camping, Hiking, and Hunting Knives, 21. Its not much in terms of versatility, although I suppose it is usable across many applications, however, its very clear this knife was designed to perform sustained damage in a combat situation. Benchmade North Fork 1503 is excellent for campers, hikers and hunters. Being one of the largest and most successful knife manufacturers in the world, Benchmade has a wide selection of knives across multiple categories. Due to its lightweight and versatility, this is the top folding knife of our backpacking knives guide here. The knifes drop-point utility blade is made from s30v steel, which is as sharp as you can get nowadays, and a lot of great Benchmade knives make use of this material. Part of that is making sure you have the right gear and information when its time to go out and have fun. All you might think you care about, as it pertains to a knife's edge, is "is it sharp?" Features AXIS lock folding mechanism Drop-point, CPM-S30V premium stainless-steel blade (58-60HRC) Blue Grivory handles with anodized aluminum barrel spacers You have an outdated webbrowser. The Benchmade North Fork is a handsome folding knife designed for hunting, but it has all the right features to make for a great everyday carry blade as well. We can be brief when it comes to the similarities: the handles of both knives look alike. The Benchmade Bailout, on the other hand, was designed for soldiers and other professionals who ask a lot from their tools. With the purchase of a Benchmade knife, you have the option to mail in your knife when it gets dull or requires maintenance and Benchmade will have it back to you in less than two weeks looking and performing as if it was brand new. The differences are namely quite clear. Slicing? Benchmade 940 EDC 2. This site contains affiliate links. The Grivory handles ensure the knife stays close to that ultra-light 2oz mark while still ensuring that the deadly Tanto blade is well supported when utilized. Upon opening up the Benchmade Butterfly stamped sheath youll notice the inside is actually nylon. The first thing you need to know about this EDC knife is that it is an amazing knife if you just want to drop it in a pocket and forget about it. North Fork is a great little folder but thickest through the handles. This puts the tang of the blade between the steel stopping pin and the AXIS spring-loaded bar, ensuring its fully locked and isnt able to retract in any manner under any usage without using the thumb button to move the tensioner bar out of the way. North Fork! I have both but usually find myself carrying the Griptilian 551. For those discerning users, the quality of the Benchmade North Fork is self-evident and will be well worth the cost. Yeah, I didnt miss the 3 or 4 for that 1, it really does weigh less than 2 ounces. Or the Benchmade Bailout. I only have had my mini crooked river for a week and so far it is on top. Absolutely! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Security is provided by Benchmades trademark Axis Lock. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Some of our team have accomplished amazing feats like climbing 6000 feet to the top of mountains, others have explored every dirt trail they could find and we even have some people that have backpacked solo on various continents. Whether you are planning to go hiking, camping, or a backpacking trip, the Benchmade Bugout 535 7.46-Inch Folding Knife is a great knife for EDC purposes. This is one of the best knives we have ever tested with a wooden handle, What makes a super pricey knife twice as good as one that costs half as much? The Bugout is a really great knife, but pocket jewelry it ain't. The Benchmade Bugout is pure 100% utilitarian practicality, and there wasn't any room to pack on the flash. All images on our website are the property of their respective owners. I recommend it for the same reason the others did not. This knife is made to deploy when you really need it most, as opposed to being abused on the daily, so it makes sense why they swapped out S30V for 3V instead. ProHuntingKnife.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The clip makes it easy to secure in a pocket or on your belt although it doesnt allow point-down carriage and if youre after some extra security the lanyard hole makes it easy to fasten it to yourself. The knifes drop-point blade is ideal for the avid hunter. The knife makes use of an assisted opening mechanism that you can access with just one hand, any hand. Benchmade Saddle Mountain 15003-2 or 15003-1, Here Are the Best Tactical Benchmade Knives, Unique Benchmade Knife Designs and Notable Mentions, 30. No matter what our readers want to learn and do, our team is here to help them accomplish those goals. luke86 Joined Mar 29, 2015 Messages 825 Its sturdy G10 handle offers excellent grip when making your cuts and its 7.85-inch blade is perfectly suited for cutting through hard materials.Overall, the knife is a formidable rescue and hunting tool. I just yesterday received my order of this knife from Amazon. The Bugout has always come with a nice deep pocket clip which isnt as deep as some of the other clips they offer but it gets the job done nicely and has no play, something Ive learned to expect from all Benchmade products. I don't like the flimsy scales. Kizer Knives V4423A1- this quality folding knife is reasonably affordable than Benchmade North Fork-1503. By the way, did you know Benchmade makes fire starters? The knife is made for hunting, but it can still be utilized for other tasks and in various outdoor activities.Unlike other Benchmade knives, the folding knife is crafted to deliver great performance coupled with enhanced durability.Even some of the most popular folding knives cant match the degree of versatility offered by Benchmade North Fork-1503.Again, even the market leaders cannot tackle as many tasks as the ones this folding knife can tackle. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S90VHandle Composition: Full-Tang handleless with Micro Carbon ScalesBlade Length: 3.08Total Length: 7.38Total Weight: 1.67 ounces. Now, there is some controversy here as many people will cry and whine about how Valox is really just a fancy word for plastic and that it doesnt encompass that Benchmade solid quality feel. The 440HC steel is not like the typical premium hard to sharpen steels that Benchmade usually uses and can be sharpened relatively easily in a short amount of time. The first thing you might notice is the lack of scales. This website is not affiliated with the United States Marine Corps, and the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Marine Corps as a whole. I bought it to use around the farm (orange handles makes it easy to find if I lay it down somewhere). Blade Style: TantoBlade Composition: 154CMHandle Composition: ValoxBlade Length: 3.6Total Length: 8.35Total Weight: 4.51 Ounces. Start Your Benchmade Career Today. Lastly, lets take a look at the Dymondwood handle. Its also rust and corrosion resistant to a great degree, and it retains a razor-sharp edge even after heavy duty. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This is definitely not the run of the mill Benchmade experience Ive known to expect but it is a refreshing design that gives the user plenty of deployability options. On the Mini-Barrage, the blade is spring-loaded so that the user just needs to start the process of opening it, and the spring pulls it the rest of the way. Even when soaking wet, you never feel like youll lose grip and the lock is so strong you could support the weight of an average man on it all day without worry.