Benchmade 530 SBK Knife Review
- Blade Length: 3.25"
- Overall Length: 7.42"
- Blade Material: 154cm stainless steel
- Frame: Grivory handle w/ 420J stainless steel liners
- Weight: 1.9 oz
- MSRP: $120.00
As an avid backcountry traveler I am always keen to see what I can do to lighten my load. And while I have never been one to cut off the handle of my tooth brush, I do think about how to dial in the things that I carry during a trip so that I am saving weight. Usually I am a nut when it comes to multi tools, so much so that I rarely would consider carrying just a folding blade knife because my multi tools come so equipped. That was until I found this little gem. The Benchmade 530 SBK.
When I opened the package I could not believe how damn light this blade was and to be honest being so light I really did think I would snap the blade or break the handle in no time, and boy was I wrong. The 154cm steel is super strong and resilient to abuse I beat on the tine of the knife with a log as I was pounding it through some cottonwood branches and it never gave any sign of wear. But I guess I should have known that because as we all know Benchmade doesn't produce crappy knives. This knife stood through all of the regular rigor of testing where we dropped it and kicked it, both with the blade locked opened and closed. I cut ropes of all diameter and even went through a few beer cans and just about anything else I might need or want to cut. The blade had proven itself to be stout and the handle although light as can be managed to hold up with out an issue. In my opinion the axis lock locking mechanism for the blade is awesome providing a securely and safely open locked position that has absolutely no give.
This is the knife that you will never leave at home when counting ounces. You barely know it is there and the overwhelming benefit of having it greatly out weighs the measly 2oz that it add to your kit.
Steve Hitchcock
Yeti
Yeti is an all around outdoor adventurer, enjoying everything from mountain and road biking, climbing and bouldering, orienteering, skiing, surfing, backpacking, trail running and exploring. Yeti is proud to make his home in the Colorado Mountains with his wife and son.
Sweet blade!!! Testing
Sweet blade!!! Testing comment from iPhone.
oh -- you had me until $120.
oh --
you had me until $120. :(
I hear ya man! Pricey indeed.
I hear ya man! Pricey indeed. But one way to look at it is that these seem to be built as lifetime knives, like grandpa's...not that that helps the wallet at this moment. But I do like to justify my purchases by breaking down the cost over my lifetime.
I know I know. I also
I know I know. I also prefer to make quality purchases, instead of buying (and subsequently replacing) crap. I carry a smaller knife than this in general though. The only 4" blade I have, I have never even carried.