benchmade north fork vs bugout

The blades are crafted from the same ultra high-quality CPM-S30V and have the same versatile drop-point design but the Ridge encompasses a synthetic handle called a Dual-Durometer handle while the Creek has an old school nylon filled wooden handle. I have the north fork, bugout, and gifted a mini grip. I know some users who absolutely appreciate this. 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. Today many EDC enthusiasts have also embraced this great pocket knife. Traditional hunting knives have been a lot larger, but short blades like this are becoming a lot more popular. I have all 3. The handle is simply just an extension of the D2 steel from the blade and although I personally like that, many Adamas owners actually wrap this bad boy up in some nice paracord. A blade's sharpness and integrity are a function of usage, materials, heat treatment, and geometry. Something that really sets the Axis mechanisms apart from the rest is how strong they are. Sure, it doesnt take a rocket scientist to know that a knife consisting of a titanium handle is probably of decent quality but what a lot of people miss is that the chunk of titanium consists entirely of just one single piece. Im a huge fan of small slender blades because they tend to lack the tensile strength required for a rugged lifestyle. Traditional hunting knives have been a lot larger, but short blades like this are becoming a lot more popular. The 15003-1 comes with a black molded Kydex style sheath that, in my opinion, would last longer and likely give you a bit more value. By the way, did you know Benchmade makes fire starters? They are, however, easy to sharpen in the field, even with limited means. The second thing you might notice is the saw teeth on the back of the blade. Copyright 2017 - 2023 ProHunting Knife | All Rights Reserved. $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. On the back its straight for about half its blade length then curves gently down to give a fine, slim tip. We cannot discuss them all in this comparison. For carrying, of course, smaller like this is better. We are currently looking for former Marines to join the team who are interested in writing about tactical gear, survival gear, hiking supplies, etc. Lighter, more blade length, and better slicer. Furthermore, some of the metals they use can be especially hard to sharpen on your own. No self-respecting sailor will ever be without a knife to help with rigging repairs or clearing damaged gear. 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. 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. Benchmade Aller 380 Tiny But Mighty. For legal reasons, many of the double-sided versions of this knife come dull. CPM-20CV is not a steel Benchmade is known to use but this particular steel offers incredible corrosion resistance while still being close in hardness to the other ultra-premium steels. Home Knives 30 Best Benchmade Knives in 2023 (Ranked by Category). Sure, youre still getting a very high-end blade consisting of premium CPM-S30V so it certainly is no joke of a knife, but the handles are purpose-built to be grippy and functional while maintaining a light overall package. The Benchmade Bushcrafter is the perfect knife for someone that doesnt worry about knicks and dings, the guy/gal that abuses their knife and really puts the craftsmanship to the test. The knife is of a Sheepsfoot blade, and its quite useful in daily utility works. It's plenty sturdy IMO and the tiny pocket clip is fantastic. Ultimately I decided the blade was slightly too short for a lot of tasks, and the handle just a bit small for my preferences. I think the blade deployment concerns are valid, depending on your application. Its no secret that the Saddle Mountain series was designed to be a hunters best friend. OnlyKnife.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. 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. For more information about us or joining the team, check out the About Us tab. Moreover, the Tanto profile is great for piercing, and so that makes it the best Benchmade knife for self-defense in this list. Despite that, I feel that this is quite a good Benchmade EDC. The pocket clip is secure and can be switched from one side to the other, depending on your hand preference. Dont buy a non-locking folder, though theyre dangerous. This site contains affiliate links. Make sure these handles are well-textured, and youre all set. This extends the blades longevity and ensures it doesnt lose its razor sharp edge. The lock ensures the knife opens and closes single-handedly. Theyre generally stronger, because theres more metal at the spine, and you can push on the back of the blade if more force is needed. 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. Its a full circle EDC get r done kind of knife and Id feel more than comfortable recommending this to pretty much everyone and anyone. Another difference is that the original Freek came equipped with lower quality handles called Versaflex but the Super Freek comes with those G10 handles we all know and love so much. In this case we are talking about the different handle materials: the Bailout comes with a Grivory and an aluminium handle. Grivory is basically a super hard plastic that Benchmade used for this knife due to its lightness without sacrificing rigidity. The All-Outdoors Guide team is comprised of enthusiastic experts that enjoy helping others that aspire to be better at outdoor fun. Typically, I wouldnt ever recommend something like this to someone new to handling knives but this little kit is an excellent way to introduce a dagger style knife for self-defense. [Easy] How to Clean Rust off of a Gun Without Damaging it? Youre paying some of that price tag as a royalty for them being well known and well respected within the knife community. 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 bugout never gets carried. Both models use a full stainless steel liner to protect against wear, and if the blade does loosen at all you can tighten it back up with the bolt. 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. The assisted opening mechanism Benchmade uses is on a whole other level from the industry standard and the secondary locking mechanism ensures there is no accidental deployment of that ultra-sharp and ultra lethal spear point. Reproduction of any part of this website without direct permission is prohibited. dr james hughes psychiatrist Navigation. So, we talked a bit why you should take special notice of the buy once cry once mentality when shopping for a new knife and we mentioned the outstanding craftsmanship, quality, materials, and designs youll find in each and every Benchmade knife, but there is one more extremely important key to why the prices seem expensive versus their competitors. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure : Everyday Carry 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. There are no other features on the Benchmade North Fork. The Wharncliffe design makes penetration and stabbing virtually impossible which means using this blade around sensitive material and even skin is much safer than a regular blade style. If you like your Freeks on the small side, check out the Mini Freek found at this link here. My Review: The Super Freek is well-known by its ultra-hard and super tough CPM-M4 steel blades that are certainly not for a beginner knife owner. Do you want random dudes to smile in awe and quickly ask Bro, is that a Benchmade? Maybe you do, maybe you dont, but thats the kind of brand recognition Benchmade has earned by delivering exceptional customer loyalty and overall quality. A large knife pretty much needs to be fixed blade, but with the size, were looking at theres a choice. (0.090" Bugout / 0.115" 940) As a slicer, the Bugout is fine, but IMHO, a daily carry knife should be able to handle all kinds of tasks from cutting to prying, and the ever most important, to shotgun that beer! A lot of glass breakers you find as a kind of throw in function on many knives usually feels pretty lame but not this one, Im absolutely terrified to let it even look at a piece of glass and on top of that, its ultra-tiny and doesnt get in the way. Benchmade - Bugout 535-191, EDC Folding Knife, Gold Class, Drop-Point Blade, Manual Open, Axis Locking Mechanism, Made in USA. Despite preferring folding knives when it comes to Benchmade, I sure do appreciate their fixed blades. Ever since childhood, Ive always loved to play with knives in my moms kitchen. My Review: This knife is hard to use, not because its not versatile or strong but because its so dang beautiful! This shape allows good control and protects against the hand slipping down onto the blade. Benchmade Knives Custom Handle Scales Custom Bugout Scales Custom Bugout Scales These custom scales fit any version of the 535 Bugout from Benchmade. That passion has led me to build this site, Read on for my story. On the other hand, serrated knives stay sharp for longer but are notoriously tough to re-sharpen. Slicing? My Review: This knife feels a lot like what Id expect James Bond to flip out of his hidden jacket pocket once he runs out of ammo pewpewing bad guys. The S30V steel takes an excellent edge, almost as good as traditional carbon steel, and it doesnt need a lot of maintenance. 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. That exceptionally high hardness level allows this blade to retain its edge even when highly abused for an extremely long time, making this blade very low maintenance and ready to go when you need it most. Think of this as a smiles per gallon as opposed to a miles per gallon type of purchase, its a Lambo and not a Honda. Blade Style: Trailing Clip-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Resin Filled Wood GrainBlade Length: 4Total Length: 9.3Total Weight: 5.41. I would say northfork. Q: Does a Benchmade Knife Have a Lifetime Warranty? the blade would come out without my intending it. I just yesterday received my order of this knife from Amazon. If extra goodies are what you want, the Tactical Triage is worth a look. That rescue hook is mean man, Im telling you, that thing slices seatbelts so easily it makes you second guess how good seatbelts really are. On the entire continuum of pocket knife size, the North Fork is near the top. He started this website while transitioning out of the Marines, and since has recruited several other Marines to help him work on the Marine Approved website. The satin-finished 6061-T6 aluminum handle is also something Im quite fond of. Types of Rifles Every Shooter Should Know About, Rifle Vs. However, this is the biggest Benchmade folder and has a long clip point blade that will suit not only EDC tasks but also tasks during hunting and camping. The Benchmade North Fork knife is super smooth. We can be brief when it comes to the similarities: the handles of both knives look alike. You can check out the full review of this knife here. There are a few factors to look at there. And for them, with a very un-Benchmade-like price of around $110, the Bugout is great. The handle is rubberized Santoprene, and the texture wraps around the entirety of it. The price is pretty dang high, you could get value and use out of much lower-priced Benchmade knives, however, the Anthem is one of a kind and truly is a piece of incredible engineering that, if its your flavor, is well worth the money. Of course, if youre not a hunter or fisherman, the gut hook likely wouldnt be of much use to you and in terms of actually using a gut hook, Id personally prefer a fixed blade, but this knife is more than usable in each and every way that the Saddle Mountain is. Another thing that contributes to making this knife a prime choice for hunting is the gut hook that folds into the handle. This may actually be one of the most well-rounded knives weve ever Marine Approved. Ever since Benchmade set out to craft the best and most tactical knives in 1988, the company has never disappointed its clients for it has been manufacturing high quality knives each year.Benchmade North Fork 1503 is a relatively new entrant into the market, but the tactical folding knife is already winning the hearts of many folding knives users. However, the winning point that makes this knife the best Benchmade knife for everyday use is the exceptional handle. For the vast majority of tasks, though, this size is just right. Now, Im really glad they chose to go with 154CM steel on this particular blade because for most people, resharpening this in one of the more premium steels like S30V would be a nightmare. The. We are a granola-eating, Birkenstock-wearing, bug spray-carrying group of hiking enthusiastswho specialize in finding the latest gear for outdoor adventures. (89.58g) Features You May Also Like Mini Crooked River Family As low as $300.00 I'm going to circle back and take a look at this. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Are Benchmade Knives Worth the Expensive Price Tag? Youd be amazed at how this knife would start to feel like an extension of your arm. That S30V steel is exactly the kind of metal Id want in an outdoor bushcrafting knife and with how solid and well balanced this knife is, its worth the 7.72 ounces of additional weight to ensure this goes in the loadout. MADE FOR HUNTING: The North Fork 15031-1's drop-point, recurved blade is ideal . A quick last note here, the Griptilian sometimes receives a little hate because it doesnt have the G10 or carbon fiber handle. However, make sure you dont go swimming with this in your pocket as the handle will expand and be unusable for a while. Most people likely end up with a drop-point shaped blade when searching for an EDC and that makes sense, considering the drop-point is one of the most versatile blade shapes, however, the reverse-tanto can be just as versatile and when done correctly, as it is on the EDC 940. It is just a simple blade in a handle. Its ambidextrous, anodized, and feels very luxurious in the grip. If so the Benchmade Bugout is a great choice. For those discerning users, the quality of the Benchmade North Fork is self-evident and will be well worth the cost. All others will prefer the Mini-Barrage. The very first look convinces you that this knife would not slip from your grip. benchmade north fork vs bugout. Its a bit harsh on the hand. Take a look at the specific factors you need to consider before choosing the best Benchmade knife for yourself. Those things take a lot of time and expensive employees to manufacture. As Ive already waxed poetic about the Griptilian, you know thats one of the best EDC knives from the house of Benchmade. This thing almost looks like a throwing knife and to be honest, when you first hold it, thats probably what your first impression would be. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. 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. The Benchmade Bailout, on the other hand, was designed for soldiers and other professionals who ask a lot from their tools. The slim point is ideal for precision work and while its not as strong as a sheeps foot form its still tough enough for most everyday cutting jobs. Of course, this thing has virtually 0 self-defense properties and it wouldnt ever be a knife Id rely on for camping or survival but it is easy to carry on a keychain so that you always have a tiny suite of tools on hand at all times. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. 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. My Review: The Benchmade Griptilian is one of the most well-known multi-purpose folders in their lineup and this is due to its versatility-first approach. The Benchmade Knife Company is well known for creating superior blades, so I was eager to put the North Fork to the test. This uses an internal sprung bolt that locks into the rear of the blade when its opened. For self-propelled, wild travels, the Benchmade Bugout is arguably the best pocket knife we have tested. Unlocking is achieved by two studs running in slots cut through the handle, one on each side. But not completely stainless. The fidget factor and aftermarket options bumped up the score a little bit, but this knife isn't trying to be a looker. Were glad you dig this post! I was wondering if you had any recommendations for another Benchmade product, or another brand at a similar price point to the North Fork that might address some of the concerns I have. What Other Pocket Knives Should You Consider? benchmade north fork vs bugout breaking news blue mountains. My current daily carry is the SOG AE24-CP Aegis Mini, and if you are familiar with it or similar products, it is a spring loaded release and takes some thumb effort to get the blade out. 154CM is extremely well-rounded, not really excelling in any one category but providing an overall balance between durability, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and sharpening difficulty. Their edge holds well, and they do not deteriorate or rust for a long time. Basically, if you click on a product link on this site and buy that product we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Tanto blades make these appear quite aggressive but in my experience, these knives perform quite well as a daily use blade and can endure quite some abuse. 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. The hardness gives the blade incredible rigidity and strength but requires a little love and care to keep in tip-top shape. The Freek was purpose-built to be a heavily abused EDC style knife. With the Axis Lock system that the North Fork uses it will not open if dropped or a flicked wrist if you do not depress the lock mechanism. Designed and manufactured by Benchmade, North Fork-1503 is an all-round compact knife featuring a recurved blade to help you with your cutting tasks. 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. If youre looking for a hunting/outdoors inspired knife for EDC, I highly recommend this particular knife. Straight edges are great for versatile utility work. 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 original Freek, the 560, isnt available new anymore from what I understand and since the new version, the 560-1, encompasses CPM-M4 steel instead of what was previously used, thats why this version is dubbed the Super Freek, even though its not technically called that by Benchmade. Bugout. 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. Benchmade North Fork Review February 5, 2015 GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS 98 Construction & Materials 10 Ease of Use Steel Quality & Edge Retention 10 Durability 10 The Good Good value Well made Dymondwood handle scales Works well as back-up or secondary hunting knife The Bad Blade is too small to be a primary hunting tool Feels a bit small in hand My Review: Before we get started its important to note that the Infidel 133 was originally an out the front automatic knife (OTF) whereas the knife I am reviewing is a fixed blade. The idea here was to give the users more options and enable both automatic and manual use. How To Make A Switchblade Learn With Five Steps, How to Hone a Straight Razor Use for Silky Smooth Shaving. Three tapped holes left and right just beside the lanyard hole mean the clip can be mounted on either side. If youd like to show your support to Les De Asis and the Benchmade family, visit this link and find out how you can become a part of the Benchmade community by contributing to his Makerspace memorial contribution fund that is geared towards educating our youth for further exploration, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The attribute that dubs it a hunting knife is the modified drop point blade. The Griptilian fits in just about any pocket you slide it into and after just a few minutes, it sits so lightly and comfortably that you may forget its even there until of course, you need it! This knife is a tad bit heavier for its size than what I would normally carry, however, the classic design is exactly what a lot of people are searching for in an EDC and as I said, its versatility can rival any of the top EDC knives around today. The Bedlam features a rather massive feeling 4 Scimitar inspired blade packed into an impressively compact package all being tied together with G10 handles and equipped with the coveted AXIS Lock. I bought it to use around the farm (orange handles makes it easy to find if I lay it down somewhere). Secondly, all Benchmade knives are American made right here in Oregon City, Oregon. The CPM-s30v stainless steel blade is built like a tank, and it can take care of skinning your hunt very easily. Step 3 Shape:Blade shape is a very personal choice. Need to do some piercing? If you didnt read the spec sheet yet, let me blow your mind with the fact that this knife consists of a 3.08 CPM-S90V blade and it all weighs a whopping 1.67 ounces. They look about as tactically cool as you can make a knife and the fixed blade variant of the original OTF is solid. That good old homegrown quality and attention to detail dont come cheap and although I dont know the specifics, the information found here on Glassdoor indicates average wages that far exceed what Id expect most foreign knife manufacturers to offer their employees. Marine Approved is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. The razor-sharp, partially serrated blade is 3.6 inches, perfect for daily utility work. A little fun fact before we get started: The Benchmade Butterfly logo originated from the early days of the company when they specialized primarily in the creation of premium grade butterfly (Balisong) knives! The one way in which these two are different is in the assisted opening function. The differences are namely quite clear. Okay, I know, that was a lead up to virtually nothing, but nowadays we have the AXIS lock which makes Benchmades folding knives exceptionally strong. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact TalentAcquisition@benchmade.com or 1-800-800-7427. Its small, but extremely well made, and packs in a lot of performance for a tool this size. BUT. it may be knocked off the throne by my mini crooked river. The folding knife isnt just built for hunting, but also suitable for other uses as well.This Benchmade North Fork 1503 review explains everything about this versatile, tactical knife. Related Gear: Benchmade Bugout ReviewBuild Your Ultimate Bugout for National Knife Day 2023Benchmade OTF Knives for 2023 - We Review Our Favorites! It opens smoothly, locks smoothly, and cuts smoothly. Its extremely lightweight for a knife this capable, and due to the axis locking mechanism, its very user friendly as well. Based on your love of the big grip, Mini-Grip is probably the best bet. Check out the beautiful Benchmade 15080BK Crooked River Gold Class. Benchmade makes sturdy knives that are lightweight. While this one has a slightly shorter handle and will make your pinky finger dangle free, its expected for such a small knife. Throw it in your truck, keep it in your bugout bag, use it with your survival kit, whatever, this knife is so light and compact that youll forget its there until you need it! Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: G10Blade Length: 3.48Total Length: 8.33Total Weight: 5.28 ounces. 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? A: You can purchase it from an authorized seller on Amazon. Benchmade is largely more expensive than a lot of other comparable knife options because of the incredible quality and unbeatable technologies theyve implemented into their knives. The pocket clipped North Fork. It's a more solid feeling knife than its bigger brother because the liners fill almost all of the handle area. Make no mistake, the glass-filled nylon handles found here are excellent and is one of the major reasons why this knife can be offered at such a low price. alain picard wife / ap calculus bc multiple choice / benchmade north fork vs bugout. LifeSharp service from Benchmade means whenever you need to sharpen, hone, or fix your Benchmade knives, you just send them to their factory and they fix it for you. Plain finish, satin finish, matte finish, coated finish, Damascus: there isnt a shortage in types of knife finishes.