COMBOEDGE™
Refers to a
partially serrated plain blade configuration.
Benchmade's serration pattern offers ideal cutting
ability for fibrous materials such as webbing,
straps, netting or rope. HEAT-TREAT We specially
heat-treat our blade steels to a "custom toughness"
for Benchmade superior performance. high carbon
alloy steel produced by Hitachi® with super-fine
grain structure which bodes well for excellent
lasting edge sharpness. We temper to a Benchmade
"custom" toughness which has proven to offer higher
than average blade strength.
FINISH CHOICES
BT2™
COATING
Benchmade's
own proprietary blade coating is a black Teflon
based polymer offering corrosion protection which
exceeds the ASTM-117 specification for saltwater
corrosion resistance. And due to its high
lubricity, it helps make the knives operate more
smoothly.
What's it made of?
What is that black stuff on
the handle?
Which blade steel is best?
These are just a few of the
many questions we are asked when people view our
collection of knives.
Benchmade uses a variety of
modern materials specially selected for their
superior performance characteristics regardless of
their manufacturing difficulty.
We strongly believe that if
you're going to put so much effort into designing
a custom knife, then it only makes sense to build
it of the materials which compliment its form and
enhance its function. It's exactly this kind of
thinking that has led to Benchmade having been the
first knife manufacturer to utilize many of these
materials, especially to this level. And in some
instances it's more than just using a superior
material in a product -- it's what Benchmade does
to it, to bring out the extra edge, which makes a
Benchmade that much better in performance.
Following is a Benchmade materials list with a
brief description of the component material
characteristics and some of the processes they
use.
Blades
ATS-34 STAINLESS STEEL A
high carbon alloy steel produced by Hitachi® with
super-fine grain structure which bodes well for
excellent lasting edge sharpness. Tempered to a
Benchmade "custom" toughness which has proven to
offer higher than average blade strength.
154CM STAINLESS STEEL
USA made by Crucible Steel, which is now back in
production. It was actually Benchmade's original
choice, but was not being produced at that time in
rolled sheets conducive to Benchmade's
manufacturing, and was later discontinued by
Crucible for lack of demand. Developed for use in
military jet engine turbine blades, 154CM has
properties approaching and surpassing some carbon
steel blends. It's nearly identical in make-up as
ATS-34. We're very excited to be introducing it
into our blade production, and we process it the
same as ATS-34 with equally superior performance
results. M2 HlGH-SPEED STEEL A very tough tool
grade steel used for cutting steel and offering
high abrasion or wear resistance. Offers
high-impact strength with incredible edge holding
properties. Non-stainless by nature, but Benchmade
heat-treats and apply their proprietary BT2™®
coating, which provides a high level of corrosion
resistance.
Handles
6061 T-6 ALUMINUM
Originally developed as a premium aircraft grade
aluminum, which is aged to a T-6 temper for
improved toughness. Benchmade precisely machines
to sped, bead blast for texture and then anodize
with hard oxide coating for enhanced grip and "wearability."
G-10 Developed as a circuit board material capable
of withstanding extreme conditions without
distortion or negative effect. A highly compressed
epoxy and woven glass composite providing nearly
indestructible strength and is of nominal weight.
Benchmade laser cut and machine finish to final
spec.
ZYTEL® A lightweight
glass filled nylon, engineered for strength and
durability while still offering moldable
versatility. It's widely used in the automotive
industry in engine related components. For
Benchmade's purpose, the injection molded handles
offer great lightweight, durable performance at an
inherently economical value for the consumer.
Liners
6AL-4V TITANIUM A
slightly lighter weight, modern metal offering
incredible strength and resiliency. Key properties
include non-magnetic and corrosion resistance.
Benchmade laser cuts to form and machine finish to
final spec.
410 STAINLESS STEEL An
ideal 400 Series steel offering good corrosion
resistance and workability. We laser cut material
to form, machine finish to spec and heat-treat for
optimum Benchmade strength.
AXIS LOCK™
This cutaway
side and top view of the model 710 folding knife
illustrates the 'AXIS Lock'.
Ingenious
simplicity of form supports the solid reliability
of function. U.S. Patented exclusive!
This patented,
Benchmade exclusive, AXIS locking mechanism is an
ingenious marvel that has been touted by some as
quite possibly "the strongest folding lock ever."
It's the culmination of four years of "tinkering"
by renowned custom knife makers Bill McHenry and
Jason Williams. So simple yet so functional, this
mechanism is certain to leave you scratching your
head and saying, "WOW, why didn't I think of
that…".
The features of
the AXIS lock are significant and greatly enhance
the function of knives. First and foremost is the
strength. This lock is definitely more than
adequate for the demands of normal knife use. A
close second to strength is the inherent AXIS
advantage of being totally ambidextrous without
user compromise. The blade can be readily actuated
open or closed with either hand- without ever
having to place flesh in the blade path.
By design,
there are no traditional "friction" parts to the
AXIS mechanism, making the action the much
smoother. And it's all reasonably exposed so you
can easily clean away any unwarranted debris.
Basically, AXIS gets its function from a
spring-loaded bar which rides forward and back in
a slot machined into both liners. The bar extends
to both sides of the knife; spanning the space
between the liners and is positioned over the rear
of the blade. It engages a ramped notch cut into
the tang portion of the knife blade when it is
opened. Two omega style springs, one on each
liner, give the locking bar its inertia to engage
the knife tang, and as a result the tang is wedged
solidly between a sizable stop pin and the AXIS
bar itself. It's a lot of words in an attempt to
describe simplicity, but the very best way to
truly appreciate the AXIS lock is to experience it
for yourself firsthand. There are several models
to choose from with more on the way.
View A
Demonstration by
Clicking here. There will be
several minutes of downloading time.
