• 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

Arrival [return to top] The knife arrived on November 14, 2005, in a retail/display box approximately 5¾ x 2¾ x 1½ in (15 x 7 x 4 cm). The box was received undamaged. Printed on the end of the slide-out portion of the box is a warning that “BENCHMADE KNIVES ARE PACKAGED EXTREMELY SHARP” (more on this later). When I opened the box, I found a Benchmade User Care Manual, which includes a Warranty card. Within the foam cutout was a satiny black drawstring bag, with a grey Benchmade logo, containing the knife in a plastic bag. There was a small folded paper tucked under the pocket clip explaining how to switch the clip for left-pocket carry. There were no other contents, and all contents appeared undamaged.

Description [return to top]

Benchmade groups their knife products into four color-coded classes: Gold (special, low-production designs), Black (Law Enforcement/Public Safety/Military), Red (basic/beginner styles), and Blue (for the true knife user/afficianado). More details on the classes and on all of their products are available on the web site.

The 530, part of Benchmade’s Blue Class, is a folding knife with synthetic black handles, dual (ambidextrous) thumb studs and an ambidextrous lock. Other than the reversible pocket clip, the knife is completely ambidextrous (seeing a pattern here?), a fact that I – a fairly ambidextrous right-handed person with two left-handed parents – appreciate. The blade is 440 stainless steel with a plain, non-serrated edge, and the name of the designer – Mel Pardue – printed on the blade along with the patent number. The knife measures just over 4 in (10 cm) long and 1 in (2.5 cm) wide when closed. When open, the knife measures 7 3/8 in (18 cm) long. Except for the pocket clip, the knife measures around 3/8 in (1 cm) thick. The 530 is also available in two variants: the 530S with a partially serrated blade for the same price, and the 530SBK with a partially serrated black-coated blade for $10 US more.

The pocket clip is attached at the butt end of the knife, resulting in a hinge-down/point-up carry in the pocket. This is opposite the configuration of the no-name knife I have been carrying and, while it is very logical, it will take some getting used to. I also note that the pocket clip grips a bit more firmly than I am used to, which has me concerned about the potential for increased wear to my pants/shorts where I clip the knife, as well as increased difficulty in clipping it on. I expect, however, this will result in increased security and will keep all this in mind during testing.

The Axis Lock on the 530 works equally from both sides of the blade, eliminating any twisting forces on the hinge. This makes it, like the rest of the knife, ambidextrous. Pulling back away from the blade on one or – more easily – both of the concave-surfaced studs draws the pin out of the lock slot on the back of the blade, allowing it to be folded closed. Spring tension keeps the pin riding on the spine of the blade throughout the opening/closing motion, and the pin settles into another, less-recessed notch on the blade that keeps it from opening until needed. I find the pressure needed to overcome this tension when opening the blade to be minimal, yet confidence inspiring.

First Impressions [return to top] This is one sharp puppy. After taking it out, weighing and documenting it, I decided to try it on a piece of newspaper. I held the paper loosely and gently stroked the blade at a 30-45° angle from the top edge of the sheet down. If I had not pulled my knife hand away from the page when I did, I would have completely sliced off the corner of the paper. In all my years of sharpening my own knives, I have only managed to get close to this sharpness once or twice – I was highly impressed. I used the knife over the weekend to cut some heavy cardboard (the back panel of my TV cabinet), and notice that I have managed to reduce the edge from “wickedly sharp” to just “really sharp”. I am still impressed.

Field Information [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 will also carry the knife daily, to determine how readily it can be used in my day-to-day life.

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 don'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.

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

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