However, its also very functional when you use this as your daily carry knife. The knife is of a Sheepsfoot blade, and its quite useful in daily utility works. Think of this as a smiles per gallon as opposed to a miles per gallon type of purchase, its a Lambo and not a Honda. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Mi cuenta; Carrito; Finalizar compra; Contacto Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Textured G10Blade Length: 3.7Total Length: 8.6Total Weight: 5.81 ounces. the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Incredible blade quality, assisted open, perfect combination of compactness/functionality, Light, simple, well-made, full size blade, full-function, Beautifully constructed, assisted open, good value, Pricey, blade lock mechanism not intuitive, Expensive, low profile handle, flexy plastic construction, Slender handle makes it hard to apply even pressure, thin blade is fragile, Immaculately constructed knife in a form-factor that is easy to carry and large enough for virtually every task, For a full-function, full-size pocket knife, this is as light as it gets, and is the premier option for all sorts of human-powered adventures, A slender, svelte pocket knife with great materials and a reasonable value, Proprietary Stainless (between 440A and 420), Assisted, ambidextrous thumb stud; back-of-knife finger tab, Scissors, nail file, small screwdriver, tweezers, toothpick, key ring. I love the bugout but will be upgrading the scales. It does have a thicker heavier blade than the others but this in tun makes for a smooth balanced action and have little blade play. You might be asking yourself, there are so many factors to consider, how could you ever choose just one? For example, the Benchmade Bugout 535-191 Gold Class edition consists of a Damascus steel blade thats hand folded hundreds of times and a handcrafted carbon fiber handle. This is one knife that even a Marine wouldnt stand much chance against. That S30V steel is found across Benchmades lineup because its some of the most versatile and user-friendly steels out there and since this knife hosts a simple drop-point, you can pretty much use it for anything on anything at any time. Its a bit harsh on the hand. These two are just the right size, with smooth hinges, easy one-handed operation, and locks that work easier and more reliably than any other test. [Answered]. The Griptilian doesnt exactly exude fashion or style but what it does do is get the job done. If you consider best compromise of ergonomics and portability. Blade Style: Modified Reverse-TantoBlade Composition: CPM-M4Handle Composition: Heavily Cross Textured G10Blade Length: 3.98Total Length: 9.28Total Weight: 5.92 ounces. The main drive behind its design was to produce a tool with the performance for dressing out a deer in a small package. Lets talk about some of the best technologies theyve designed and implemented over the years. The attribute that dubs it a hunting knife is the modified drop point blade. Suggested Alternatives to the Benchmade North Fork, Black Friday / Cyber Monday Camping Deals: Gear, Hiking, Survival, Outdoor Deals. LifeSharp service from Benchmade means whenever you need to sharpen, hone, or fix your Benchmade knives, you just send them to their factory and they fix it for you. They would find the Mini Griptilian more comfortable and compact. Benchmade Griptilian 551 4. Blade Style: Clip-PointBlade Composition: 154CMHandle Composition: Diamond Textured G10Blade Length: 6.44Total Length: 11.72Total Weight: 11.74 ounces. The blade shape is specifically designed to cause a lot of damage in one fell swoop. Its also a little prone to chipping. Carbon takes a better edge and holds it longer, but stainless needs less maintenance to keep the rust off it. I have not tried the North Fork yet. This design reduces how many different parts are used, raises the overall durability of the knife, removes the need for liners and allows for far less hardware and mounting points, and makes for an overall exceptional ergonomic experience. Straight edges are great for versatile utility work. In torture tests, it outperforms any knife who dares to compete and in comfort, the textured G10 handles are perfect for medium to large size hands. Benchmade is largely more expensive than a lot of other comparable knife options because of the incredible quality and unbeatable technologies theyve implemented into their knives. Check for Signs of Poor Workmanship and Defects. I cant make a list of great Benchmade knives and skip on the Freek knife, can I? For legal reasons, many of the double-sided versions of this knife come dull. Usually, locking mechanisms are good for around 50 to 100lbs of pressure but Benchmade, of course, took things many steps further and now their absolute minimum lock strength on any AXIS equipped knife is 200lbs, with most of their knives exceeding that. No, not you, youve chosen the Altitude because you have attitude. Before we evaluate the North Fork, lets establish some general evaluation criteria: The big question is what sort of knife you want to carry. Youd be amazed at how this knife would start to feel like an extension of your arm. Simply apply pressure to the thumb stud and boom, the blade flips into place almost effortlessly. The Barrage is also available in either a partially serrated blade or a full plain edge and overall, the Barrage feels a lot like many of the other 3.6 EDC related pocket knives and it comes equipped with the Benchmade AXIS-ASSIST mechanism, meaning its perfect for quick one-handed operation. Aside from the blade, the handle is another thing that demands attention. What Other Pocket Knives Should You Consider? You must log in or register to reply here. However, some users did complain that the axis locking mechanism on this model wasnt as good as expected, though a little tinkering usually takes care of that. If you want a light slicer to disappear into the pocket then the bug out is probably the way to go. Build Your Ultimate Bugout for National Knife Day 2023 Benchmade OTF Knives for 2023 - We Review Our Favorites! If youre an avid outdoorsman looking for a knife you can carry to work with you and then head off into the fields after you clock out, this your knife. I would like to hear your thoughts and Im sure other readers would as well! Top 10 Best Benchmade Knife Reviews in 2022 Benchmade Bugout 535 EDC Knife The first thing you need to know about this EDC knife is that it is an amazing knife if you just want to drop it in a pocket and forget about it. Their edge holds well, and they do not deteriorate or rust for a long time. Despite the manufacturer recommending this knife for hunting purposes, I actually consider this the best Benchmade knife for EDC due to its superb edge retention and sharpness as it comes out of the box. But that is basically all they have in common. In this case we are talking about the different handle materials: the Bailout comes with a Grivory and an aluminium handle. It is this that mainly sets the Mini-Barrage ahead of the North Fork. Whether your hike takes you across town or to the top of Kilimanjaro, we can help find you the best gear for your money. We are a granola-eating, Birkenstock-wearing, bug spray-carrying group of hiking enthusiastswho specialize in finding the latest gear for outdoor adventures. Throw it in your truck, keep it in your bugout bag, use it with your survival kit, whatever, this knife is so light and compact that youll forget its there until you need it! - All Outdoors Guide, [] Benchmade North Fork: With a shorter but sturdier 2.7 inch blade the North Fork is a better solution if you want to give your knife some serious abuse, but it doesnt match the 1660 for sheer cutting power. If you are ok with the blade steel of the North Fork (the Mini Barrage offers choices, the North Fork does not) and do not want the assisted opening function of the Barrage, the wooden handle of the North Fork may appeal to you. Were glad you dig this post! CPM-S30V, a Benchmade favorite stainless steel to use in their premium blades, is more than strong enough to slide right through bones and will hold an edge for many outdoor adventures. This is an obvious safety concern, but could also be considered a pro if you are using it heavily for certain outdoor tasks. Compared to cheap knives that become rusted, dull, or broken easily, Benchmade knives are durable and tough. It will cut well for years and years, and Benchmade will sharpen it in a process that is also, well, smooth. Fortunately we can discuss the types of steel used. Benchmade 15031 North Fork is a compact hunting knife that's also perfect for everyday carry. Bugout. You can refer to the reviews there to check if the seller is authorized or not. But prolonged use would tell you how durable and efficient it really is. Final Note: In loving memory of the Benchmade founder Les De Asis who has made a massive impact on not only the world of knives but always gave back to his community and positivity impacted all those who knew him. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Diamond Textured GrivoryBlade Length: 3.24Total Length: 7.46Total Weight: 1.85 ounces. The handle also has a lanyard hole at one end. My Review: The Nakamura is one of my personal favorites as I believe it blends the beautiful craftsmanship Benchmade is capable of with ultimate versatility and toughness. It's a small, unobtrusive deep carry tip-up design that can be flipped to the other side if you're a lefty. upenn summer research program for high school students. The Bailout is available with fine 'tool steels'. Between those two even with the variants of the mini grip, I would still choose the northfork all day. The drop-point blade makes North Fork 1503 a handy hunting tool for skinning and slicing wildlife. It also retains its sharpness well. What I really love about the Puukko 200 is its simplicity. This method of identifying fake Benchmade knives is excellent because it works in-person as well as online. The Bedlam features a rather massive feeling 4 Scimitar inspired blade packed into an impressively compact package all being tied together with G10 handles and equipped with the coveted AXIS Lock. Its unique flat top serrations are quite easy to sharpen even on a flat stone. The Arvensis is an excellent all-around general use camp knife with a rather ominous feel to it and I think youll agree! Hold this thing in real life before you judge! Wrapping it all together is a very well built polymer sheath with a snap lock and that coveted Benchmade butterfly stamped on it. Usually, Id error on the side of an automatic knife to fit the bill of a tactical rescue tool, however, with how easy and buttery smooth Benchmades single-handed opening actions are, I have absolutely no doubt in having this as a manual rescue knife. Benchmade North Fork Review- Solid Hunting Knife and EDC Option Homegrown Outdoors 542 subscribers Subscribe 114 11K views 2 years ago Review of the Benchmade North Fork (15031-2) folding knife. It is ideal for skinning and for making precision cuts. Plain finish, satin finish, matte finish, coated finish, Damascus: there isnt a shortage in types of knife finishes. It feels cheap to me in the hand and I just can't get past it. Disclosure : Everyday Carry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. All you might think you care about, as it pertains to a knife's edge, is "is it sharp?" If you already have a solid EDC and youre looking for something with a little flair and flavor, feast your eyes upon one of the gnarliest blades Benchmade has designed to date. Benchmade 15031 North Fork is a compact hunting knife thats also perfect for everyday carry. Click Here To Learn More! That reason is the Benchmade Lifesharp program. The website might not work correctly. As part of the Hunt series from Benchmade, the North Fork joins the ranks as one of the most advanced hunting knives ever, thanks to its use of premium materials and the renowned AXIS locking mechanism. They offer some real advantages, especially when youre working blind inside a cavity; its much easier to predict where the smaller blade is going to be, so youre less likely to find it sticking in your other hand. Larger knives are better in bigger than average hands and for bigger than average tasks, but the size of the North Fork is just right for most people in most applications. The Bailout, however, is enhanced with a tanto blade. You can check out the full review of this knife here. Of course, this doesnt exactly cover you if you snap a blade trying to pry open a locker or a knife youve ground a divet in using a power grinder, but in the event that sort of thing accidentally happens, you can still send the knife in and they will repair whatever necessary for a relatively fair price. Our advice is to go with a locking folder unless you have special requirements. My Review: Before we get started its important to note that the Infidel 133 was originally an out the front automatic knife (OTF) whereas the knife I am reviewing is a fixed blade. That rescue hook is mean man, Im telling you, that thing slices seatbelts so easily it makes you second guess how good seatbelts really are. Again, what is it that youll do with this Benchmade? The differences are namely quite clear. We like this size compromise. The manual axis lock can also be released one-handedly. When youre in a sticky situation you hadnt thought youd end up in, the Bailout with its slim and light design sitting comfortably in your pocket is awaiting a quick flip of the wrist to reveal the ever-so-deadly 3.38 Tanto. Overall its a very nice handle that gives excellent grip, even when wet or slick with blood. The first thing you need to know about this EDC knife is that it is an amazing knife if you just want to drop it in a pocket and forget about it. A premium type of steel that is corrosion resistant. I say this because it is my favorite carry of all time. Usually, pocket-friendly knives make use of less sturdy steel, but that is not so in this knife. These knives do not require a lot of attention or maintenance, they dont whimper in the face of harsh elements or heavy usage, and they simply get the job done every single time. [Easy] How to Clean Rust off of a Gun Without Damaging it? The drop-point blade shape at its core is very versatile and poses a lot of use cases, especially for general outdoor activities. As a last tidbit here, when you grab yourself the Nimravus you also get a very well made MOLLE compatible sheath. The deep carry clip also makes it an ideal choice. Being one of the largest and most successful knife manufacturers in the world, Benchmade has a wide selection of knives across multiple categories. He started this website while transitioning out of the Marines, and since has recruited several other Marines to help him work on the Marine Approved website. COMFORTABLE: The 15031-1's lightweight design and textured handle make it comfortable to hold, use, and take anywhere. The knife makes use of an assisted opening mechanism that you can access with just one hand, any hand. Just like the Saddle Mountain series, you can choose whether or not youd like to have a gut hook. The cutting edge is about as long as its possible to fit on a 2.7-inch blade theres no wasted space, with the sharpened edge starting right at the pivot. If you have the full size grip I'd double down on the Bugout, very suitable office knife and anywhere else for that matter. Since this Benchmade knifes thumbhole has the same purpose, were also calling it a Spydie hole. We Are Hiring! We only review top-scoring products, and top-performing pocket knives are all well made of excellent materials. Its most reliable when you use your finger and thumb to pull back both studs together, but it can also be easily operated with one stud. This will also give you the advantage of a stronger knife. It is just a simple blade in a handle. I wouldnt suggest this as an EDC or as a knife for a beginner but more so something youd keep under your pillow or in your truck if youre traveling through a rough neighborhood. Another difference is that the original Freek came equipped with lower quality handles called Versaflex but the Super Freek comes with those G10 handles we all know and love so much. I don't like the flimsy scales. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Glass-Filled NylonBlade Length: 3.45Total Length: 8.07Total Weight: 3.88 ounces. Make no mistake, these Valox handles are seriously high quality and are only going to be found in premium knives with premium price tags. Benchmade North Fork 15031-2 8. Blade Style: Modified Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-S30VHandle Composition: Ultra Ergo Slotted and Textured G10Blade Length: 3.45Total Length: 8.03Total Weight: 4.24 ounces. Best Alternatives to Yeti Cooler | Coolers Like YETI. Whats important is that you pick a knife according to what you need and you like, and youll definitely love what you end up buying. Based on your love of the big grip, Mini-Grip is probably the best bet. It finally made sense. You would be hard-pressed to find a good EDC of this level that can perform utility tasks this well. This dude Steve Tarani designed the Aileron with a, get this, Tarani Two-handed opening mechanism, thats meant to ensure no accidental opening while traveling through our lower atmosphere. The Puukko embodies what I think a lot of purist fix blade enthusiasts truly love. Moreover, gripping a Benchmade knife is comfortable because the handles are made of durable glass-filled nylon and G10. In the end, after tuning all of these, Benchmade does a dang fine job with the blade of the North Fork. MADE FOR HUNTING: The North Fork 15031-1's drop-point, recurved blade is ideal . The Benchmade Bugout; all photos by. I know some users who absolutely appreciate this. While this bit might seem an unoriginal move on the designers part, theres no doubt that it works well. Spyderco vs Benchmade Which Should You Choose? Sure, youre still getting a very high-end blade consisting of premium CPM-S30V so it certainly is no joke of a knife, but the handles are purpose-built to be grippy and functional while maintaining a light overall package. If you havent heard of Grivory handles before, never fear, I hadnt either until I came across this knife. What is a Spydie hole, you ask? The gut hook is exceptionally sharp and perfectly angled so that it slides right through skin and hair like youre slicing paper. Overstatement? :) The lock ensures the knife opens and closes single-handedly. The North Fork offers fully ambidextrous use options thanks to the AXIS lock mechanism, dual thumb stud deployment, and reversible pocket clip. The clip isnt exactly what Id call a deep carry clip, but it is strong, sturdy, and probably one of the most comfortable overall carries in knives of this class. All Benchmade knives and other products are guaranteed for life with the companys lifetime warranty.Confirm with your knife seller whether the Benchmade North Fork 1503 folding knife you have decided to purchase is guaranteed for life with the manufacturers lifetime warranty. The Fact wont be for everyone but something I noticed is that it would fit very well in a purse or handbag due to how slim it is so perhaps this would be a good way to get your girl into carrying a Benchmade! Benchmade North Fork 15031 Knife Drop-Point Review, Things to be aware of before making a purchase. Its grippy and made of Valox, and though that gives this knife a sort of cheap feeling, it actually keeps the weight of the knife down. I have the North Fork g10 and it is edc perfection. These high-grip sections make it easy to control the blade for fine cutting, even when its wet or slimy if you like to hold your index finger along the spine while skinning theyll give you some extra security. If so the Benchmade Bugout is a great choice. A drop-point blade is a classic and effective shape for a hunting knife, and the North Fork makes effective use of it. The Freek was purpose-built to be a heavily abused EDC style knife. GearLab is reader-supported. North Fork 1503 comes with Benchmade's AXIS lock, which is fully ambidextrous and extremely strong. The blades are crafted from the same ultra high-quality CPM-S30V and have the same versatile drop-point design but the Ridge encompasses a synthetic handle called a Dual-Durometer handle while the Creek has an old school nylon filled wooden handle. A compact AXIS folding hunting North Fork knife with a recurved blade to assist with processing duties. Blade Style: Drop-PointBlade Composition: CPM-20CVHandle Composition: Anodized Billet Titanium With Triangular Scale TextureBlade Length: 3.5Total Length: 8.06Total Weight: 3.66 Ounces. We cannot discuss them all in this comparison. Shotgun: Comparison for a First-Time Gun Buyer, What Are The Basic Parts Of Ammunition? Never heard of that in any forums ether so I'm guessing if you give it a try on your North Fork you'll find it isn't the case. Shipping costs depend on order amount and shipping destination. 4.9 out of 5 stars 23. These were actually designed later than the others and were requested by Benchmade enthusiasts. The Fact would be an excellent and easy to carry self-defense knife that has incredible utility value, close to that of a solid EDC knife. First, even right out of the box, there are different definitions of "sharp." I know carrying a knife this expensive is a bit risky and a little scary but if you gather up the courage to pocket this bad boy, youll be itching to deploy it just for the beautiful mechanical sound it makes and how good it feels to use. Yes, it is a little expensive coming in at two Benjamins but this is a knife that can do it all and will do it all for many many many years to come. Its not only suitable for hunting but also tackles utility tasks and performs well as a cord cutter. Grivory is basically a super hard plastic that Benchmade used for this knife due to its lightness without sacrificing rigidity. Due to the straight edge, it will be easier for you when you do need to sharpen the Barrage. Benchmade North Fork (Scott Murdock) The blade and frame are equally tough. You can sharpen it in the field, but we recommend doing it at home and taking your time. This may actually be one of the most well-rounded knives weve ever Marine Approved. I like the low visibility these EDC blades offer. The blade might seem unassuming and simple, with its plain edge and drop point, however, theres little it cant do. how to pass the achiever test; macavity: the mystery cat analysis That drop-point is insanely strong due to S90Vs top tier tensile strength and hardness. Sure, it doesnt take a rocket scientist to know that a knife consisting of a titanium handle is probably of decent quality but what a lot of people miss is that the chunk of titanium consists entirely of just one single piece. Your message has been sent privately to our editorial staff for review. In the end, all my knives have to serve a purpose, but it's great to have something that you just connect with more than you do with another one. The North Fork from Benchmade is a classy, functional piece of equipment eclipsed by the Mini Barrage only in that the MB has assisted opening functionality.