• Blade Length: 3.25"
• Blade Thickness: 0.090"
• Blade Material: 440C Stainless Steel
• Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
• Blade Style: Spear-Point
• Weight: 1.88oz.
• Clip: Black, Reversible, Tip-Up
• Lock Mechanism: AXIS™
• Overall Length: 7.42"
• Closed Length: 4.17"
• Sheath Material: Sold Separately
• Class: Blue

Description [return to top]

The 530 is a folding knife with synthetic handles, dual thumb studs, an ambidextrous lock, and a reversible pocket clip. The blade is 440 stainless steel with a plain, non-serrated edge. For more detailed information, along with photos, please see my Initial Report.

Field Testing [return to top] Our Boy Scout troop camps monthly, generally in the wooded areas of southeastern Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. Almost all of these outings include a minimum of 2 nights of camping, with temperatures expected to be from lows around 25 ºF (-4 ºC) to highs around 70 ºF (21 ºC) during the 4-month test period. Elevations will range from sea level to approximately 1,500’ (457 m). Our new Scoutmaster has added monthly hikes to our schedule as well. My fiancée and I, who between us have 3 First Class boy scouts (ages 14, 15 and 16), have scheduled additional camping/hiking without the scouts, and there are possibilities of more AT section hikes (two down, many to go!) in Pennsylvania – aka Rocksylvania – and New Jersey with my son as he works towards the Hiking Merit Badge. I also carry the knife daily, to determine how readily it can be used in my day-to-day life.

Since my Initial Report, I have carried the 530 for multiple events other than my usual day-to-day routine. First was or troop’s annual Thanksgiving weekend cabin-camping trip. The knife came in handy opening food packages, cutting cords and ropes used for knot-tying practice, and fire prep.

On New Year’s Eve, I ‘stealth-carried’ the 530 in its normal location (outside edge of my right front pants pocket) at my wedding. The 530’s low profile and light weight prevented any unsightly bumps or bulges, and the knife went undetected throughout the day, except when I pulled it out to open a few packages.

Over the first weekend of January, our troop attended our Scout districts 43rd annual Winter Survival campout. The knife again came in handy opening food packages, cutting cords and ropes used for setting up our dining fly, and fire prep.

Things I am/will be looking for: Ease of opening. How smoothly does it open? Is it easy to open with one hand? How about the other hand (I’m somewhat ambidextrous, and don’t wish to exclude any potential uses)? Is there any wobble in the hinge? Ease of closing. I’ve used some liner-lock knives that require concerted effort to close, which can be less safe than I am comfortable with, so I will be quite interested in the Axis system’s capabilities. Does it close when I *don’t* want it to? Sharpness. How cleanly does it cut? How much (thickness/density) can it cut? Does it hold its edge well? Sharpening. If I manage to dull the edge, can I put another back on? How readily? Usability. Can I use it for common field tasks (preparing tinder, etc. for the fire; cutting rope/cord; etc.)? Is it convenient for day-to-day chores? Cleanability. Even though the knife comes with a clip, it will probably spend most of its life in my pocket (I work in a professional office). Will lint be an issue? If so, can it be cleaned out easily? How readily will ‘sticky’ materials come off of the blade? Durability. Does the blade get nicked readily? How about the body? Will it be damaged by anything else I may be carrying in my pocket? Comfort. How well does it fit my hand? Are there any edges that cause discomfort? Can it comfortably be used forcefully (for cutting heavy materials)? Grip. Does it slip in my hand? How about if wet?

My findings so far: Ease of closing. The Axis lock is rock-solid keeping the blade open, and gently holds the blade closed. Action is smooth in both directions, and there is no need to put any part of the hand or fingers in the blade path while opening or closing. The “studs” of the Axis lock are almost flush with the knife handle, making them slightly harder to pull back than they might be if they were a little longer/more prominent, but should still be sufficient for use even with gloves on. Sharpness. One word: wow! Comfort. The 530 fits nicely in my short-but-wide hand. Even with its thin profile and squarish edges I find no uncomfortable spots. The pocket clip fits into the curve of my fingers with no noticeable contact, and there is a textured thumb rest just behind the blade to aid control under heavy use. Grip. I have not noticed any slippage yet.

Things I like [return to top] Sharp! Light. Sharp! Secure. Sharp! Comfortable. Oh, yeah. . . sharp. :-) Things I didn't like [return to top] The pocket clip is a little tight. This may cause extra wear on my pants/shorts, but should be more secure in my pocket. I will be alert to changes. Update: the clip has yet to cause any wear, even on my best suit, and has not yet fallen out of my pocket.

Thank you for your time. Chuck Kime a.k.a. Fuzzy

Reviews > Knives > Folding > Benchmade 530 > Chuck Kime > Field Report