Benchmade Knives - Why Are They So Good?

de Knives was originally founded in California in 1988.composite of thin strands of carbon tightly woven
Benchmade Knives opened shop in Clackamas,into various weave patterns, then set in resin, which
Oregon in 1990. The initial line of Benchmade Knivesis most commonly clear but can be color tinted. It
consisted mostly of their Bali-song knives. Benchmadeoffers great looks and is exceptionally strong for its
Knives used a combination of outsourcing, secondminimal weight.
hand machinery and in-house processing to produceSTABILIZED WOOD: Select hardwood veneers are
those Benchmade Knives. Their passion for qualityvacuum impregnated with special dyes and resins.
lead to tremendous growth for Benchmade Knives.Sheets are layered and combined under tremendous
As Benchmade Knives was able expand their productheat and pressure to adhere the veneers for a
line they were able to do more work in-house, usingdurable real wood medium.
new equipment and technology. Benchmade knivesMICARTA: Layers of linen cloths soaked in resin and
became the first knife maker to have lasers in-house.pressured together. Most commonly used on more
The use of non-traditional materials and innovativestylish knives due to its rich color finish qualities.
processes allowed Benchmade knives to make better6061 T-6 ALUMINUM: A nonferrous metal originally
knives. The Benchmade knives philosophy - “Makedeveloped as a premium aircraft grade aluminum, it
it cool, make it solid, make it happen and definitelyoffers a solid handle form and function at a nominal
make it Benchmade." Benchmade Knives combinedweight. Most typically color anodized to spec.
custom knife makers knowledge with BenchmadeKRATON®: A thermoplastic elastomer offering
knives innovations and in 1991 they released theirexcellent flexibility and memory elasticity even under
Designer Series with several custom knives.harsh conditions. It is over-molded onto the handle
The commitment to quality and innovation led tofor added grip surface and tactile qualities.
several years of incredible growth. Benchmade knivesNORYL GTX®: A modern engineered plastic
moving into their own 35,000 square foot building inoffering high-strength, minimal flex and optimally
1996 with modern equipment. The equipment used inlightweight properties. Molded to form.
producing Benchmade knives now includes modernG10: An extremely durable makeup of layers of
lasers and machine centers that can achievefiberglass soaked in resin, then highly compressed and
tolerances of .00005”. Most of the Benchmadebaked. Impervious to moisture or liquid and physically
knives products are hand assembled for a fit andstable under climate change. Most commonly black,
finish that is normally associated with custom knives.but is available in various colors, too.
Benchmade knives warrants to the original ownerZYTEL®: A lightweight glass filled nylon engineered
that the knife will be free from defects in materialsfor strength and durability. Widely used throughout
and workmanship. Benchmade knives will withoutthe auto industry in engine related components.
charge, repair or replace at their option, any knifeMolded to form.
returned for Warranty work and found to beKYDEX®: A mixture of acrylic and PVC, which
defective by Benchmade knives. The knife must beoffers outstanding impact and chemical resistance as
shipped by owner, prepaid and insured, together withwell as fire retardancy. Widely used in the auto and
a description of the problem and must beaerospace industry. Molded or thermo-formed.
accompanied by the original bill of sale, your charge orDELRIN®: A lightweight and durable engineered
credit receipt or any satisfactory proof of the originalpolymer with low wear properties. Used throughout
date of purchase.the auto industry. Molded to form.
Benchmade knives also offers LifeSharp. This is aVALOX®: A reinforced resin with excellent
service for Benchmade knives customers wherestiffness, strength and dimensional stability. Molded to
Benchmade knives will resharpen your Benchmadeform.
knife. Simply ship your knife to the BenchmadeANODIZATION: An electrochemical process used for
knives address: LifeSharp, 300 Beavercreek Rd,adding color to titanium surfaces. A combination of
Oregon City, Oregon 97045. Make sure you insurechemical bath and electrical voltage level generates
your shipment, include your shipping address, andthe desired color. A similar process is used for
return shipping fees of $5 for the first knife andaluminum with the addition of a chemical coloring bath.
$2.50 for each additional knife. They will also inspectBENCHMADE KNIVES LINERS
the knife for any warranty repairs and “tune”6AL 4V-TITANIUM: Considered an exotic metal alloy
your knife.(Titanium + 6% Aluminum + 4% Vanadium) with an
Benchmade knives uses a wide variety of materialsexcellent strength to weight ratio, which offers
to make the handles and liners for Benchmade knives.exceptional performance in a knife. Titanium is
The handles on Benchmade knives also come in manycorrosion resistant to natural elements as well as
shapes and sizes. People have different size handsmany industrial chemicals.
and knives fit differently in each hand. Benchmade420J STAINLESS STEEL: A common knife grade with
knives designs enough grip and stability in each modellow carbon, high chromium content steel which offers
so that it will still be functional in a lot of differentexcellent bend toughness and wear ability. It offers
hands. Likewise, with their liners Benchmade knivesexcellent corrosion resistant characteristics as well.
uses different materials to produce their superiorAlso used in handles.
Benchmade products. What are the materials used toBENCHMADE KNIVES SHEATHS
produce the world famous Benchmade knives?BALLISTICS NYLON: A heavy-duty woven nylon
BENCHMADE KNIVES HANDLES & SCALESfabric originally developed for use in bulletproof vests
CARBON FIBER: A contemporary, premiumand body armor.