Blade Length: 3.5″ Closed Length: 5.5″ Overall Length: 9″ Cutting Edge: 3.1″ Blade Shape: Microtech-style Drop Point Blade Material: S35-VN Stainless Steel Handle Material: Aluminum with Carbon Fiber Inserts on Front Side Spacer Colors: Red, Green or Blue Pocket Clip: Tip-up Sheath: Nylon Made in USA

A quick look at my Microtech Kestrel. This was a birthday gift from a good friend of mine a few years back. Although it looks strange it is a very ergonomic and comfortable blade to use.

This is the blade I’ve been carrying daily since 2003. It’s the Microtech SOCOM Elite in 154-CM steel. This is an automatic knife with a positive locking safety for the release. The handles are of aluminum with 180 grit emery cloth inserts for a very positive grip. The clip is non adjustable and set up for right handed, tip up only carry. The locking mechanism is very solid, essentially making the knife a fixed blade when open. The blade still carries the same shaving sharp edge it had when I purchased it. The only thing I’ve ever had to do is the occasional stropping. www.microtechknives.com

This is a short video I made of me just messing around with my Benchmade model 551 griptilian…I am just shaving some bark off of a twig, the video is more or less just suppose to show a size comparison in the hand of the full size griptilian model, and to also show how easy it is to use the axis lock on this model…its quick and easy…The fullsize model has a 3.45″ blade, in this case it is a black coated D2 blade, I normally do not liked any coating on ym knife blades but it helps to protect the D2 from corrosion as it is not a stainless steel, and it seems to have keep pretty good with use, it has not worn that bad yet, I have been using this knife for average cutting tasks for about 6 months now…The model is a BM-551BKODD2, the 551 stands for the full size griptilian with a thumbstud, the BM stands for benchmade, the BK stands for black as in black blade, the OD stands for OD green for the handle, and the D2 stands for the D2 blade…

Commentary around the usage of 580 Barrage in the Field. Hiking on the beach. Sand in the axis lock?

Here’s a side by side comparison of the Emerson Mini CQC-8 and Benchmade 950 Rift. Both are similar in price, and use the same blade and scale material. Benchmade 950 Rift specs: Blade Length: 3.67″ Blade Thickness: 0.114″ Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel Blade Hardness: 58-61HRC Blade Style: Reverse Tanto Handle Material: CNC contoured G10 Weight: 4.80oz. Clip: Tip Up, Reversible, Black Split-Arrow Lock Mechanism: AXIS Overall Length: 8.27″ Closed Length: 4.60″ Class: Black Emerson Mini CQC-8 (Horseman) specs: Handle Material: G10 Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel Blade Finish: Stonewashed Overall Length: 8.35 in. Blade Length: 3.54 in. Blade Thickness: .125 in. Blade Hardness: 57-59 RC Music track: “Get stoned” performed by Hinder.

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After much debate I decided to give in and buy the Benchmade 530. I was extremely surprised when I got it in the mail to find such a great knife inside that blue Benchmade box. The 530 never caught my eye I think because of its looks but after staring at it for a while it is quite a handsome knife. The design is simple but elegant and makes a great gentlemen’s folder but packs the punch of a full on tactical knife. The thinness of the knife is incredible. I carry it every day as and EDC and always forget that it is there. With 154cm blade steel the knife will stay sharp and hold an edge well. I am very impressed with this little knife from Benchmade and encourage all who want something different to check it out. Enjoy.

SOG X-Ray Vision knife with ARC-lock similar to my Benchmade’s action AXIS-lock. MY OTHER VIDEO’S www.youtube.com Questions or comments welcomed. Thanks and keep those blades SHARP! .

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