Benchmade

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Benchmade

44 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 6, 2025

  Looking to buy first quality knives.

  I did Japanese steel for a while, and while fabulous they are kind of a pain in the ass to maintain. We now do 90% of our cutting with Hadley and Bennett: great quality, not crazy expensive. https://www.hedleyandbennett.com If you do a ton of beef, maybe supplement that with a benchmade carving knife.

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• #2Dec 5, 2025

  BIFL small pocket knife with a gut hook?

  The Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter has a gut hook and is definitely BIFL quality, though it's more of a fixed blade than pocket knife. If you need folding, Buck's 110 Folding Hunter sometimes comes with gut hook variants and those things are basically indestructible

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• #3Dec 4, 2025

  What’s the BIFL item that you love but everyone around you thinks is ridiculous?

  My Benchmade AFCK has been my EDC for 26 years. More than half my life.

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• #4Dec 4, 2025

  What’s the BIFL item that you love but everyone around you thinks is ridiculous?

  Thing is, after inflation adjustment, this knife now (the 31 version) costs less new than when I got my 21 in 2019 (but the wait for one from the manufacturer is now incredibly long). But yes, it's very expensive, hence why people think it's ridiculous! But also, this isn't anywhere near the top end of even the non-custom market (Chris Reeve knives aren't exactly mass produced, but the they aren't custom). Here's the [Benchmade Mini Narrows](https://www.benchmade.com/products/743), from a company people here love and of the same basic size as my Small Sebenza, and it costs more than $125 more (and *still* isn't the top!) And the Chris Reeve warranty allows maintenance disassembly; Benchmade does not. (And btw, one big reason I bought my Chris Reeve knife is because I'm left handed and, for once, wanted a high quality knife that works for my handedness in the way that they work for right handers.)

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• #5Dec 1, 2025

  Gift Ideas for My Boyfriend Who Has Everything?

  I came to recommend the same thing. My wife gave me a Benchmade Bugout CF-Elite one year and it's been the most practical gift anyone has ever given me. I literally carry it everyday and use it almost as frequently.

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• #6Dec 1, 2025

  Gift Ideas for My Boyfriend Who Has Everything?

  I agree that experiences are top of the list (concert weekend in another city? Tour ). A few other ideas: * High quality pocket knife. As a collector, [this one ](https://www.benchmade.com/products/535-3-bugout?srsltid=AfmBOoqe5ijsgnAXOCJJTbqtk83XhCiLEzI9l6FFkGC4UcMiWlztyKZb&country=CA)is my everyday carry. Plenty of others to choose from. * Stocking stuffers: For watches, does he have a [travel case](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XJPVH7N?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apan_dp_Q3C2HMX66X75WVE1VF2D&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apan_dp_Q3C2HMX66X75WVE1VF2D)? If he's an Apple guy, [Air tags](https://www.apple.com/ca/airtag/) \- can always use more? Maybe a [lifestraw ](https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/backpacking-water-filter/lifestraw-peak-squeeze)for the hike?

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• #7Sep 4, 2025

  Best Buy it for Life Gift?

  A Benchmade pocket knife.

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• #8Sep 3, 2025

  Best anniversary gifts that actually last

  A nice watch if he wears them can be a companion for the rest of your life . I also agree a nice well made pocketknife from a brand like Benchmade or spyderco is a really nice BIFL gift

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• #9Sep 3, 2025

  Best anniversary gifts that actually last

  +1 for a Benchmade pocket knife. I've owned so many knives over the years, but I keep going right back to my 940-2

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• #10Sep 3, 2025

  Best anniversary gifts that actually last

  Not sure if it fits your husbands style, but a good quality pocketknife is super useful and something I use multiple times a week. It’s a deep rabbit hole of quality brands and everyone’s got different preferences, but a Benchmade Bugout is a great BIFL knife, and the warranty is stellar and you can send it in anytime to get it repaired or re-sharpened. Be warned though, you may start an addiction. 

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• #11Jul 5, 2025

  Your Top 3 BIFL Items

  1. Benchmade Bugout 2. Glock 19 3. My wife’s diamond wedding ring

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• #12Jul 3, 2025

  Ever Bought Something That Quietly Changed You?

  Benchmade griptillian with the drop point blade. At first I thought the plastic handle felt cheap but I have beat the heck out of it for a long time now and it only shows slight wear.

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• #13Jul 3, 2025

  Whats the best knife to invest on?

  For you probably the [3 piece set from bench made](https://www.benchmade.com/products/4000-cstm). Pretty solid. Expensive but very nice and come with lifetime sharpening and warranty. Buy once cry once

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• #14Jul 2, 2025

  Your Top 3 BIFL Items

  My Glock17 - I have many other guns and do not want to get into what kind of gun is stupid or better, but this one just keeps on keeping on. Over 20 years of reliability. Benchmade knife - not sure the exact model- another 20ish year old item that blows my mind I haven’t misplaced it. Yeti 1/2 gallon water jug thing - was gifted this after saying I’d never get one due to price and it’s stupid, but dear lord do I put it through a beating. Keeps ice cold forever. Never fails me on a hot ass day after starting work early and needing a cold drink at the end.

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• #15Jul 2, 2025

  Whats the best knife to invest on?

  Bench made knives are really nice. No need to weekly sharpen unless you’re constantly dulling the blade but if that is happening you should reconsider if the blade is the right tool for the job

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• #16Jul 1, 2025

  Name your top 5 BIFL items

  Safety razor Stainless steel made in pan Cast iron Dutch oven  Benchmade pocket knife  Thinkpad with Linux 

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• #17Jun 13, 2025

  I have money to spend. Advise me.

  Trusco or Tone toolboxes Leatherman Nicks, White's, or Viberg boots Horween wallet Hamilton Murph watch Good tools. Knipex, Wiha, Wera, PB Swiss... Benchmade 940 Bark River fixed blade Rio Bravo GoRuck GR2 backpack

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• #18Jun 6, 2025

  What's a high quality BIFL that you carry with you every day and can't leave home without it.

  Benchmade mini bugout

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• #19Jun 6, 2025

  What's a high quality BIFL that you carry with you every day and can't leave home without it.

  Benchmade mini crooked river (purchased eons ago before their quality became questionable).

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• #20Jun 6, 2025

  What's a high quality BIFL that you carry with you every day and can't leave home without it.

  Benchmade mini grip

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• #21Jun 6, 2025

  What's a high quality BIFL that you carry with you every day and can't leave home without it.

  Benchmade Bugout.

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• #22Jun 3, 2025

  What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?

  Exactly! I’ve carried Benchmade pocket knives for prolly 30 years. I’m on my second and the only reason I got the new one is the Bugout is soo much lighter than my original. Also have a Victorinox small knife in my pocket as well for the scissors

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• #23May 10, 2025

  How are the mighty fallen

  Right now… if you don’t care about where it’s made the obvious answer is Reate, but ZT if you want US made is the closest you’re going to find to vintage Benchmade.  Zero Tolerance has been surprisingly able to keep their prices reasonable for the past several years.  Hogue makes great knives for the money, and of course there’s Spyderco doing the thing that Spyderco does.  Their prices have gone up but not as crazy as BM.  You can also find vintage BMs at reasonable prices on occasion if you know where to look.  

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• #24May 10, 2025

  Experts in niche specialties- Are there any products you feel strongly about, for or against?

  My husband was a CCT and is now a combat dive instructor. Garmin dive watches are a staple. We’ve never had one die. Also Kestrel weather meters. He loves benchmade knives. Frog fins are bullet proof. Arcteryx gortex jackets. Massif baselayers. Outdoor research firebrand mittens. These are things he uses on a daily basis, or used for years and years in terrible conditions, and we still have them to this day.

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• #25Apr 9, 2025

  What is your current BIFL item you recommend to everyone?

  I love a good Case knife or Benchmade. My current knife is a Case that my grandpa got in the 1970s, gave to my dad in the 90s, and dad just gave to me. You can get a high quality used one from the past 40-50 years for less than $100 on ebay that will probably last a few generations.

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• #26Mar 9, 2025

  Spyderco Knives, take your pick for BIFL

  They are slicers. They will break if you use it as a work pry tool like a lot of people do for some reason. Benchmade is better for that type of abuse. They both will last for life if you use them what they’re made for Benchmade for heavier work Spyderco for slicing

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• #27Mar 8, 2025

  Looking for a good BIFL pocket knife.

  Pocket knife only? Buck 110/112 series. They are heavy. For something lighter, Spyderco pm2 but it’s more expensive. Benchmade 940 as well but they are expensive for a pocket knife. Kershaw leek is a nice alternative to it. Avoid gerber and buck (either than 110/112), SOG as well Multitool knife? Swiss Army knife by far, they will last a lifetime. Leatherman for heavy use, particularly the higher end ones like the surge or wave or charge

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• #28Mar 4, 2025

  BIFL Souvenirs from European Countries

  I look for something special that will last in every country or city I visit. I try to research the area and history and things they are known for or famous for too. I included some US places too. I can’t think of everything but here’s some I thought of Rome - savinelli pipe(turkey you could get a meerschaum one) Florence Italy - leather watch holder and leather jacket, Florence is a big leather city. Naples Italy - hand made and painted ceramic bowl and olive oil container from Vietri near amalfi coast Dublin - Peterson pipe (similar to getting a Savi in Italy) Guinness glass Aran islands in Ireland - wool cardigan and wool blanket Germany - Nomos Watch (German movement is made there and their own special style) Denmark - Ole Lynggaard jewelry ring, georg jensen is from there too. Also Lego. Chicago, Illinois - horween leather boots and a bag. Horween is based out of Chicago. Also a hat from Optimo one of the last old fashioned hatters around. Post falls, Idaho - buck knife from factory Beaverton/portland, OR - benchmade knife also Leatherman tools nearby apparently the knife capital of the world.

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• #29Mar 4, 2025

  What is a BIFL cigar cutter?

  They're discontinued and (in my opinion) very overpriced, but the Benchmade 1500 seems like it would fit your bill. Your best bet is probably keeping an eye on the knife swap sub and posting in their "Want to Buy" thread.

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• #30Mar 4, 2025

  What is a BIFL cigar cutter?

  I just use a pocket knife to cut a cat’s eye so any us made knife I guess Benchmade, gerber (I think?), lots of others get posted here all the time

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• #31Feb 8, 2025

  What brands do you trust to always deliver a high quality product?

  Benchmade for knives! Quite expensive but quality & their lifetime sharpening warranty is sweet! Subaru for car. Same amazing longevity as Toyotas, more premium materials at a fraction of the price. Le Creuset for cooking. Again, pricey but last for generations if maintained. Hoka for shoes. I had a pair of their hiking boots I wore religiously (live in the PNW. Hiking everywhere). They lasted me 6+ years without a single hole, worn inside or rubber coming apart. Only reason I ditched them is because I wore the lugs down to nothing!!

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• #32Feb 7, 2025

  What brands do you trust to always deliver a high quality product?

  Vevor, oddly enough everything I've gotten from them has been solid. Knipex products have been great aswell, but generally too pricey for what they are. Dixxon makes solid flannels, but they're also just way too expensive for what they are. Anker makes pretty decent electronics, but they don't sell parts for any of the things I've grabbed. Next Level apparel makes pretty decent shirts (they hold up to battery acid, welding sparks, normal sparks, and general wear) Carthartt is still alright for pants, if you buy directly from the website. Otherwise, everything else I've found has been trash.  Timberland and brunt have proven pretty decent shoe wise. I really wanted to like wolverine, but I can't get their boots to last more than 5 months. Smith still makes decent helmets, but I prefer the petzl ones. They're fall protection equipment is also pretty solid. Benchmade for pocket knife, but victorinox makes very nice kitchen knives. (Their Swiss army knives are meh to be fair) Cat still makes half decent equipment, but their generators are garbage. Kohler generators are way better. Speaking of, kohler faucets are dogshit, but their toilets are still half decent. 

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• #33Feb 7, 2025

  What brands do you trust to always deliver a high quality product?

  Kriega for bags. Benchmade for knives. Suzuki for vehicles. Omega for watches. Makita for tools.

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• #34Feb 6, 2025

  What brands do you trust to always deliver a high quality product?

  Benchmade is a great one

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• #35Feb 6, 2025

  What brands do you trust to always deliver a high quality product?

  Lexus, Schott NYC, Benchmade

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• #36Feb 1, 2025

  Buy Once Cry Once items?

  Just picked up a Benchmade 9400 (to go with my stimulus) and honestly I don't know if I ever need to buy anything else again.

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• #37Feb 1, 2025

  Buy Once Cry Once items?

  Redwings, benchmade knives, Snap-On tools or the like, custom made chefs knife

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• #38Jan 11, 2025

  What did you buy not realizing you bought it for life?

  My pm2 is a beast but the benchmade mini griptillian has seen thousands and thousands of feet of cutting. I haven't been around long enough to have a knife for 30 years but I'm on about year 7 with the benchmade.

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• #39Jan 6, 2025

  Bird & Trout Knife for life

  Really, it’s just steel. Most fixed blade knives in this category should last forever if you take care of them. You could go as cheap as a little Dexter Russel filet or boning knife, or get some high end custom. Benchmade makes the Flyaway which might work for you if you can handle the price.

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• #40Dec 4, 2015

  BIFL : Commander by Emerson Knives the only knife you can completely take apart and the warranty is still good

  I've had 3 emersons and honestly - they're "meh". The best version of the CQ7 ever was the Benchmade version, and Emerson pulled it from them because of how much money they made (it basically launched "tactical knives" into a semi-public light). There is no way emerson is what someone should go with - even the emerson customs are way below the quality of other knives in that spectrum. As far as the take it apart -- no, there are lots and the one that comes most to mind is the Sebenza - which comes with a allen key to specifically take the knife entirely apart. I don't want to dog on OP, but Emerson aint it in knives. I've got knives in the 100s of dollars and in the 2000s of dollars. Emerson's aint it. Buy a Benchmade or spend more and get a nice ZT or spend more and get a Sebenza or Hinderer. Skip emerson. I will say the Emerson "Mini horseman" model is a good front pocket knife and I gave one to a friend as a gift.

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• #41Dec 3, 2015

  BIFL : Commander by Emerson Knives the only knife you can completely take apart and the warranty is still good

  My reccomendation is generally the same for both...one of the benchmade 940 series. It's a little more expensive than it used to be (and ought to be, if you ask me), but it's very hard to beat. Very light for the amount of blade you get, strong tip, great lock, and absolutely dissapears when clipped to your pocket; hard for you to tell it's even there. Steel is S30V, which benchmade has improved their heat treat on over time to the point where it's great now. There are also some limited/special editions available in other steels and special finishes for more money, if you're so inclined. If you want a purely gentleman's knife, both Lionsteel and MCusta have some great offerings in various styles. If you don't want to spend more than 150 bucks, the best low cost all arounders are the Ontario Rat 1 and 2, and the buck vantage s30v. The buck is an unexpectedly low priced s30v knife with buck's great heat treat. I don't think it gets nearly as much love as it should. If you want to spend more than 300 bucks...sky is the limit and there's a lot more reccomendations I could give you, but you get very very quickly diminishing returns after about 150 bucks, in my opinion.

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• #42Dec 3, 2015

  BIFL : Commander by Emerson Knives the only knife you can completely take apart and the warranty is still good

  Kershaw/ZT and Spyderco both have knives with the wave feature now, so what you are saying about other knives not having it is untrue. Emerson knives were great in the 90s when everything was a backlock or a liner lock. Since then, a lot has changed in the knife world and there are higher quality knives with better steel and materials, and better fit and finish for less money. Also, if you know you will be out in the boonies why would you want to rely on a folding knife as your only knife? Fixed blades under most circumstances are going to be stronger, and require far less maintenance. A good Esee, Ontario, or Becker will do way more and tolerate abuse far beyond what any folding knife would be able to endure if you really had to push it. And they are way cheaper. If you are stuck on having a folder, then I would argue that Kershaw/ZT, Benchmade and Spyderco all make knives with large handles that are way stronger than the Emerson (Kershaw Knockout, ZT0550... Hell ANYTHING ZT makes, Benchmade Adamas, and Spyderco Tuff all come to mind) and can be had at the same or less of a pricepoint. The Emerson isnt a bad knife, but its way too expensive for what you get... Which is why a lot of people are giving you flack over this recommendation. It may be BIFL, but there is much better stuff out there for the $ that is also Made in 'Murica (ZT and Benchmade are all made in America these days). If you would like to learn more about knives come visit us over in /r/knifeclub . We have a good community over there that loves to discuss knives in a friendly way.

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• #43Dec 2, 2015

  BIFL : Commander by Emerson Knives the only knife you can completely take apart and the warranty is still good

  At this price range, I would definitely go Spyderco or Benchmade. Emerson's have shoodier QC than Kershaw who'se 1/5th the price.

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• #44Dec 2, 2015

  BIFL : Commander by Emerson Knives the only knife you can completely take apart and the warranty is still good

  You can do the same to benchmade knives. Swap the clip to the other side.

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