• 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 included a minimum of 2 nights of camping, with temperatures from lows around 25 ºF (-4 ºC) to highs around 70 ºF (21 ºC) during the 4-month test period. Elevations ranged from sea level to approximately 1,500’ (457 m).

Since my Field Report, I have continued to carry the 530 daily. I did manage to track down a fairly good sharpening stone, and have managed to get the blade a little sharper, but not quite as sharp as when new. I have sharpened it twice, with about 6 weeks in between, and found very little difference between before and after the second time. In other words, other than some very minor dulling from the original factory edge, this blade really seems to hold an edge quite well.

The 530 has become a permanent part of not only my hiking/packing gear, but my daily carry as well. Kudos to Benchmade and designer Mel Pardue.

Things I was 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: Ease of opening. This is a very smooth-opening knife. The only issue I have had was catching one of the thumb-studs on the fabric of my pocket when taking it out, resulting in a partially open knife. The pants in question were frayed and worn, which – I believe – contributed to the situation. 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. In four months of daily carry and use, the blade has gone from “scary sharp” to just “really sharp”, and I am able to keep it there. Sharpening. I am able to keep a nearly-factory edge with very little maintenance. Usability. I open the mail, cut cords, shave wood for tinder, etc. This is a great knife. Cleanability. I haven’t yet noticed any buildup of lint /dust within the knife. Any sticky products have generally wiped off the blade with my fingers, only requiring a damp cloth once or twice. Durability. The black coating on the pocket clip is beginning to wear around the edges, showing through to the silver metal underneath. 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.

Things I like [return to top] Sharp! Light. Sharp! Secure. Sharp! Comfortable. Oh, yeah. . . sharp. :-) Things I didn't like [return to top] None. Really.

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

Reviews > Knives > Folding > Benchmade 530 > Chuck Kime > Long Term Report