Mini wants a back pack for hiking.

Well, Black Friday is over. All the poor souls who were forced to give up Thanksgiving to work are off the hook for now. And the millions of price stalkers have their Black Friday deals and are played out.

For that outdoor person in your life who really deserves something thoughtful, we have gathered our own Christmas Buyer’s guide that you might get some ideas from.

Our intention is to continually add to this “holiday” guide various products that can be an asset in the field, but also practical gear that you can use on casual weekends or after work recreation just to get outside and enjoy the best part of the day when you are on your own time and can think your own thoughts.

If you see a product you like, all you have to do is Google it on a separate tab and “Poof,” there’s plenty of sources you can price shop and order from.

GSI Crossover Kitchen Kit

GSI Crossover Kitchen Kit

The Crossover Kitchen Set completes the circle of cookware by providing the tools needed to cook, spice, clean-up and store using the gourmet nesting systems above. The kit includes a cutting board for food preparation; Pivot Spoon, Spatula and Tongs for cooking; squeeze bottles and spicer for eating; and a scraper, scouring pad and camp towel for cleaning. A half moon shaped storage bag nests into the cook kits for transporting. The Pivot tools are exclusive to GSI Outdoors. They use handles that deploy quickly and, unlike competing compacting tools, are easy to clean. The Pivot Spoon’s included gradations make recipe preparation easy. The Pivot Spatula’s tapered edges and a serrated cutting edge make frying and flipping and portioning effortless. The Pivot Tongs have reinforced handles and high-temperature Nylon 66 construction eliminating the floppy collapsible tools of competing products on the market. MSRP: $37.95

Teton Gravity Research Presents

One For The Road

One For the Road Tour

TGR’s award-winning producers present their newest film, One For The Road. Shot on location, prepare for a visually stunning voyage generated with Phantom, Red, Canon DSLR and GoPro HD footage. Join the athletes as they rock a record breaking season in Jackson Hole, immerse themselves into the culture of Japan’s powder mecca Hokkaido, discover Iceland’s urban side, explore the Balkan wonders of Macedonia and Montenegro, shred deep pillow lines at Baldface Lodge, uncover first descents in Pemberton, BC, and hit full throttle lines in the perfect snow and weather of Juneau, AK.

LOWA Baikal GTX Winter Boot

LOWA Baikal GTX

New! This highly insulated, multi-purpose winter boot covers the gamut from winter hiking, trekking and snowshoeing.

• Constructed of top quality suede leather and Cordura®.
• Features an ultra-warm and waterproof, GORE-TEX® lining insulated with Panda fleece.
• LOWA’s exclusive new G3 sole unit with supination/pronation support and PU midsole provides maximum grip on snow and ice.
• This innovative sole unit has embedded loops of texturized fabric in the rubber lugs to enhance grip on icy terrain.
• MSRP: $280

Marmot Randonnee Glove

Marmot Raidonee Gloves

Tough leather reinforcement, Primaloft® insulation and the industry’s best GORE-TEX® insert have made the Randonnee our most beloved glove among skiers and guides. MSRP: $100

Mountainsmith Dog Packs

Dog Packs by Mountainsmith

With more than 30 years of experience making dog packs, we have updated them for Fido’s next season in the backcountry. A fully adjustable three-point padded harness system insures a comfortable and stable fit as your best friend runs just far enough ahead of you to make you wonder if he still likes you. The fresh design deploys a newly tapered torso shape to reduce drag and increase balance to follow the natural way your dog moves along the trail. Price range: $50 to $60 depending on size of your specific four-legged best friend.

Fishpond

Fishpond Club Carry-On

Gift your special person to their next adventure with the new Sporting Club Collection Carry-On Overnighter from fishpond. Yep, that next business trip to Dubai will be that much easier to stomach with this slick dual-purpose carry-on. The waxed cotton canvas Carry-On Overnighter has hidden backpack straps to facilitate running to catch a plane, an adjustable, removable shoulder strap and thick handles to have a multitude of carrying options. The main compartment opens flat for easy packing and features a zippered compression compartment. Two additional zippered compartments help keep everything organized. MSRP: $189

GSI Glacier Stainless Ketalist

GSI Glacier Kettleist

The GSI Glacier Stainless Steel Ketalist kit is a great example of thinking through the process of design and versatility. Outdoors cooking can be a challenge unless they actually solve the issue of being compact and lightweight. The Ketalist is a solution.

Classic, low-profile design provides the capacity of a one-liter ultralight boiler in the easy-to-pour profile of a tea kettle for boiling water or melting snow oover camfires or coals. Convenient folding handle locks into place when boiling to save your finger tips from burns.

Unique bowl + mug solution with low center of gravity and Sip-It lid virtually eliminate spills while the insulating sleeve keeps your drinks hot. Stuff sack’s nylon bottom panel and short sides help to keep soot and char off your clothes and other gear. From GSI Outdoors Products. MSRP $32.95

Benchmade Osborne 940 Folder

Benchmade Osborne-940-1101

If you are looking for a special gift only a few people will own, consider the Benchmade 940 Osborne folding knife. Only 300 of these Benchmade 940’s are available. Here’s some features that make it a tool that will last a lifetime.

• AXIS® locking mechanism
• S30V premium stainless steel blade (58-60HRC)
• Black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum handles with 420J stainless steel liners
• Ambidextrous Dual Thumb-Studs
• Modified reverse Tanto blade design
• MSRP: $225

Advice From…SAGE!

Sage DXLT Backpack

For adventure trips, there’s nothing better than having a super durable backpack that keeps water out and everything inside organized. Sage’s DXL Typhoon Backpack has fully welded construction and water resistant zippers which is ideal to keep everything inside dry no matter the weather. The contoured, padded shoulder straps and mesh water bottle pockets, make this pack comfortable and functional. MSRP: $225

Hobie Revolution 11 Kayak

Here's your happiness on Hobie!

Whether it’s a day of casting, paddling, pedaling or sailing, Hobie’s brand-new Revolution 11 has you covered. Modeled after her bigger brother – the Revolution 13 – the “Revo 11” features a slippery-yet-stable hull form, Hobie’s innovative MirageDrive system, generous stowage and lashing configurations and an optional sailing kit, giving you the ability to go.

The Revo 11’s featherweight hull accelerates now and her nimble-minded design and impressive turning radius allows you to adroitly stalk fish and confidently negotiate persnickety shoals or currents. Ideal for small-to-midsize users like your 12-year-old son who needs a diversion from his incessant focus on physics. MSRP: $1,749. and up.

Gerber Ultimate Knife

Gerber Ultimate Knife

Gerber now offers the Ultimate Knife with a fine-edge that is not serrated as its predecessor was. It’s a full-tang fixed-blade sheath knife that is one piece from the top of the handle to the tip of the blade. The Ultimate Knife uses the same high carbon, stainless steel drop-point blade and texturized rubber handle of the serrated version.

The Ultimate Knife comes with a nylon and hard rubber military-grade sheath that also contains a diamond-coated knife sharpener, fire starter and survival guide. An emergency whistle is attached to the lanyard cord. Note: Exact blade steel type or Rockwell hardness rating was not provided. MSRP: $62

Deschutes Women’s Rain Jacket

Redington Women's Deschutes Rain Jacket

Redington’s Deschutes women’s rain jacket is cut to fit a woman and the unique soft hand and 4-way stretch fabric moves with you. The adjustable storm hood and concealed draw cord at the waist ensures adjustability for any fit. Makes a great gift for any woman who likes to get outdoors to play no matter the weather.  Available  in Kingfisher and Moss.  MSRP: $149.95

Mountainsmith TOUR FX

Uses 12 recycled plastic 16-ounce bottles

Mountainsmith Tour FX

This Mountainsmith Tour FX features ReForge, a material that is 100-percent recycled PET fabric with 840d nylon Ballistic reinforcements and polyester lining. Removable shoulder strap with sliding pad. Air mesh foam back panel. Back panel airline ticket pocket. Tuck-away waistbelt. Delta Compression System load adjustment. One side Hypalon attachment point with quick release buckle to accommodate lens cases carry system. Side mesh water bottle pocket fits 22oz bottle. Two compression straps for tripod carry. Interior padded compartment with camera carry dividers. Zippered clamshell opening top compartment for accessories. Expansion zipper for increased carrying capacity. Strapette compatible. Yellow lining for visibility. Zippered front panel organizational pocket. Removable storm cover. MSRP: $100

Marmot Variant Jacket

Marmot Variant Jacket

An ingenious hybrid design sets this jacket apart, with our unique Thermal R™ insulation sewn into the front panels for warmth, and Polartec® Power Stretch® comprising the back and side panels. It’s a surprisingly warm garment that never feels bulky, ideal for cold weather excursions when freedom of movement is crucial. MSRP: $150.

The North Face Jammu Jacket

North Face Jammu Jacket

This North Face Jammu jacket is a waterproof, breathable soft shell garment made from Polartec Neo Shell fabric. The fabric is said to be one of the most breathable, waterproof material available to the outdoor market. The Jammu is geared for use in active, cool weather where you need thermal insulation and waterproof protection in one jacket. You’ll also appreciate the fully adjustable integrated hood, strategically located pockets, non-abrasive cuff tabs, and hideaway cinch cord. MSRP: $399.

Redington’s Cascade Hoody

Cascade Hoody From Reddington

This Cascade Hoody is the perfect three-season piece for comfort and performance. The elongated sleeves with thumb holes, stand-up collar and UPF 30+ fabric protects sensitive skin from the sun while the fast-wicking, quick drying and odor resistant material make it great for any outdoor activity. Wear this piece to hike, backpack, camp or fish. MSRP: $69.95.

Cabela’s Thermal Zone Baselayers

Polartec Base Layer Tops and Bottoms

New Thermal Zone baselayers by Cabela’s use Polartec Power Dry High Efficiency fabrics to create a complete body temperature regulating system. The Thermal Zone features an antimicrobial treatment to manage odor. And the combined technology allows the outdoorsman more versatile insulation to deal with the variety of weather conditions faced in the field.

Body thermography was studied in order to determine the critical areas that maintain core temperatures. Heavier weight Polartec Power Dry is used in the core and maximum exposed areas, mid weight is used in less critical areas, and lightweight Polartec Power Dry fabric is used in high-output areas prone to excessive perspiration, as well as the cuff areas to minimize bunching.

So the Thermal Zone combines three weights of strategically-placed fabric to provide maximum breathability, warmth and comfort where you need it most. Cabela’s Thermal Zone baselayers include crew and one-quarter zip tops, and bottoms.
MSRP: $80 – 95.

Sockwell Compression Sock

Sockwell Compression sock

There is nothing simple about these Sockwell knee-high compression socks, other than they are simply marvelous. Constructed of 32-percent Merino wool, 31-percent Bamboo, 32-percent stretch nylon and six-percent Spandex.

The cushioned soles are very comfortable inside hiking boots, as well as worn alone. There is an arch support system as well. An arch support is an added band of spandex sewn into the arch area of the foot. This serves two functions: to provide support to the arch area of the foot and reduce slippage of the sock in your shoe.

Look no further for a stocking stuffer this Christmas season, for a price point of $24.99, you can get a leg up on your gift giving purchases.

2011 Benchmade 915 Triage Folding Knife.

By Kimberlee Frederick

Benchmade’s reputation for long lasting, easy-to-use and razor-sharp tools would be enough to encourage many connoisseurs of quality knives to pick up 2011’s 915 Triage model. But in true Benchmade fashion, this new folding utility tool goes above and beyond, boasting a number of useful features and a sleek design that make it a cut above the rest.

With the first flick of the 5.1-ounce 915 Triage design reveals the 3.5-inch blade—a combination serrated and plain-edge blade coated in black, in the 915SBK model. Blade material is composed of N680 stainless steel, the Benchmade blade has notable corrosion and water resistance features inherent with stainless steel.

The BK1 coating on the 915BK and 915SBK varieties adds another element of corrosion protection and scratch resistance. This extensive care given to the material of the blade makes it a solid tool to carry out into the elements.

Right out of the box, the blade is a little stiff coming out of its folded position, which makes the process of locking it and subsequently folding it back just a little bit snug, as it should be. A few reps of opening and closing with the thumb-stud, though, give the blade more fluidity.

Even more importantly, once locked in place, the knife’s AXIS locking mechanism ensures that the blade of the 915 Triage is

The 915 Triage is a three-function tool with a 3.5-inch blade, a hook-shaped safety cutter and a carbide glass breaker.

completely and solidly fixed, ensuring accuracy and safety with any use of the knife. The modified sheepsfoot blade style makes the Triage an ideal tool for use as a rescue blade, since its lack of point keeps the user from inadvertently injuring victims.

And the superb grip on the handle furthers the Triage’s efficacy as a utility tool. The textured G10 handle is very well designed, making the knife not just easy and comfortable to hold, but also makes the handle impervious to water and completely stable under conditions of climate change. The accompanying 420J stainless steel handle liners offer further durability and corrosion resistance.

This versatile 915 Triage also makes sure not to discriminate against left-handed wielders; the thumb-stud opening mechanism is ambidextrous, and the deep-pocket clip can be moved for right- or left-handed tip-up carry.

Although it seems a bit dense while folded and just held, when clipped into a pocket the Benchmade 915 Triage goes essentially unnoticed, even on closer-fitting pants and shorts that come in more contact with the leg. It also fits well into backpacks and other packs with limited space, as its folded length is only 4.7 inches.

The hook-shaped safety cutter at the opposite end of the knife makes the Triage a go-to rescue tool. The design is perfect for a range of uses, from cutting through a seatbelt in an emergency vehicular situation to cutting through clothes—without cutting through flesh—for first aid. Made of 440C stainless steel, the safety cutter is easy to sharpen and, like the blade, is highly resistant to corrosion.

The 915 Triage has a moveable deep-pocket clip, ambidextrous thumb-stud blade openers, and folds closed to a length of only 4.7 inches.

The multifunctional Benchmade 915 Triage is rounded off by its Carbide glass breaker at the butt of the knife. Its ability to shatter glass makes the knife the perfect worst-case scenario tool for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts.

What really stands out about this knife is that despite being tailor-made for rescue situations, the dynamic nature of the Triage makes it useful in countless situations. From day-to-day household needs to more intense outdoor uses, this triple threat of a utility knife is a must-have for anybody that appreciates a quality cutting tool.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the 915 Triage is its simplicity. Modern and subtle, the Triage takes advantage of a minimalist design. The glass breaker, for example, is unassuming and blends in with the design of the knife, rather than trying to make the tool an ostentatious one.  The safety cutter’s neat fit into the spine of the knife allows the tool to maintain its slick and unpretentious façade while still packing a punch that distinguishes the knife from others of its kind. No effort was wasted on superfluous decoration on the handle; the simple Benchmade logo on the blade suffices for aesthetic purposes. And with a black blade and smooth movements of the knife, it’s just—there’s no better way to say it—a cool knife to use.

The 915 Triage offers several styles to choose from, including those with and without coating, those with a plain edge blade and those with a combination blade. Each style is also available with a handle in safety orange. The price for the Benchmade 915 Triage ranges from $165-$180. All the BK1-coated 915 Triage folding knives are $180, the rest are $165.

Benchmade 915 Triage specifications:

Made in the USA

Blade Length: 3.50″
Blade Thickness: 0.130″
Handle Thickness: 0.530″
Blade Material: N680 Main Blade; 440C Safety Cutter
Blade Hardness: 57-59HRC Main Blade; 58-60HRC Safety Cutter
Blade Style: Modified Sheepsfoot Main Blade; Hook-Shaped Safety Cutter
Weight: 5.10oz.
Pocket Clip: Reversible, Tip-Up, Deep Carry
Lock Mechanism: AXIS
Overall Length: 8.20″
Closed Length: 4.70″
Sheath Material: Sold Separately
Class: Black

Butch Ball Harley-Davidson 13450 T-Rod

Three world-class knife designers have partnered with Benchmade Knife Company to usher in cutting-edge innovation, custom finishes, and the latest locking mechanisms for folding knives, and artisan design for fixed blade knives as well. These three custom designers are Butch Ball, Paul W. Poehlmann, and Bill Harsey, Jr.

Each of these knife makers will have a freshly created knife debut at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada starting January 18, 2011. The SHOT show is said to be the largest outdoor sports trade show in the U.S.A.

But the good news is, after the official release on January 18th, these blades and future designs of knife makers will be in the Benchmade lineup going forward. So if you appreciate great knife designs for your outdoor pursuits, then you have some cool knives to look forward to.

Here is some brief profile information on these knife makers and their recent designs created under the Benchmade banner.

Butch Ball grew up with a fascination of knives and began building his own knives in a machine shop in Florida. In 2001, he built his own shop in Virginia, where he currently resides. The first Benchmade-Ball collaboration knife will be the new Harley-Davidson® 13450 T-Rod™ as seen in the lead photo at upper left.  This knife is a push button, two-position knife that can be either a fixed blade or a dagger. Featuring a modified clip point 440C stainless steel blade and aluminum handles, this knife also includes a black leather sheath. MSRP $120

Paul W. Poehlmann is a skilled custom knife maker and designer of mechanical solutions. He draws on an engineering career in the

Paul W. Poehlmann's new Axial folding knife for Benchmade.

aeronautical industry where he designed escape system hardware and survival equipment. Poehlmann’s passion for precision has resulted in some of the smoothest and safest folding knives ever made. He invented the Paul® axial locking mechanism and holds more than forty utility patents and two design patents.

The new Axial™ series of knives will be released within the Benchmade product line. These knives all feature the Paul® locking mechanism and are available in a variety of sizes and handle materials, including G10, Carbon Fiber, Cocobolo and Ivory Micarta.

3800 NTK by Bill Harsey Jr. for Benchmade

Finally, Oregonian Bill Harsey Jr. is an award-winning knife maker and designer. Known for his unique ergonomic designs, he has crafted many one-of-a-kind folding and fixed blade knives that have become the preferred edged tools of several Special Forces units.

The 3800 NTK™ is the new Benchmade-Harsey collaboration featuring a double action locking liner automatic mechanism, D2 tool blade steel and Nylon handle with textured Kraton®.

“I am excited to add three very talented custom designers to the Benchmade team,” says Les de Asis, Founder and CEO of Benchmade Knife Company. “These additions will help Benchmade continue to create the most innovative and functional designs in the industry.”

Click on all photos to enlarge.

By Rick Shandley

Designed by Ken Steigerwalt, this Benchmade 890 Torrent folder deploys rapidly with Nitrous assist blade opening mechanism and a boost from the right-hand thumb stud. It’s not an automatic, but the 3.6-inch 890 Torrent drop point blade can swing into readiness just as quick with a little practice. You have the option of several different configurations of the Benchmade model 890. The one we reviewed is a black on black straight edge. We like it!

What stood out immediately about the 890 is the blade-back is 0.1 inches or 2.54 millimeters thick. That’s pretty thin. This relative thinness (compared to a Benchmade 950 or the heftier Benchmade 760) enhances the ability of the flat-ground 154CM stainless steel blade to sever materials with higher precision than the cleaving effect of thicker blades. Thick blades are great for many purposes, but using a fine razor edge with a thinner blade lends itself to deep clean cuts with little blade resistance.  Oh, we value those thicker blades for many reasons. We just observed the fine things about this thinner blade.

It brings to mind an evening at the Sundance Steak House in Palo Alto, California where the steak knives are a bit like meat saws; nice but overkill and not very sharp. So that prime rib dinner was not being properly honored for the fine cut of meat that it was. Out came the 890 in that dark dinner booth, only casually observed by the wait staff with no objections, to slice that slab of prime rib properly at slightly angled cuts so as not to dull the edge on the porcelain china dinner plate. A fine prime rib deserves to be sliced by a fine knife in a gentlemanly fashion. After the first use of the 890 blade was initiated, the slicing was applied to other materials.

Usually this writer will go out of his way not to dull a razor edge unless what is being cut is worth taxing the blade. But with the

Blade material is 154CM stainless. Opening speed? Quick!

Benchmade 890 Torrent, the common chores like slicing through small-gauge irrigation tubing, climbing rope, flat nylon webbing, and heavier rope gauges are the kinds of materials this blade is excellent at. It’s a folding knife that hits the sweet spot for 154CM stainless steel as a blade material. Obviously Benchmade likes to use this steel in many of their folding knifes, and it works well with the 890. Because the 890 under assessment was put to work around the ranch, blade touch ups and honing would be more frequent, but the drop-point design and the easy radius of the blade sweep to the knife tip makes this a doable procedure for a solid working knife this one is.

Titanium steel blade liners run the length of the body.  The Nitrous assist design uses the tension of two Titanium steel torsion arms designed into the blade liners to make contact on the blade tang (rear of blade termination point) so that as the user applies pressure from the right thumb onto the blade top thumb-stud in a forward and clock-wise arc past 30°, the torsion arms continue to open the blade fully into the locked position.

890 Torrent's blade locking mechanism. Titanium steel liner shifts right to lock blade tang in place.

As the blade is swung to open position, the clip-side stainless steel liner springs inward to lock the knife tang into a position. This blade locking mechanism, in and of itself, is a design has been tried a true for decades, and it secures the blade in the open position for any type of cutting you might require the 890 to accomplish. But the patented Nitrous assist of the Titanium steel torsion arms adds an entirely new dimension to the safe deployment of the blade and locking it in place.

Closing the blade simply requires the user to apply pressure from the right thumb to move the Titanium steel liner back towards the inner handle shell to disengage and fold the blade securely. Both opening and closing of the 890 blade is swift and safe. Like any fine cutting tool, you learn how to use it, care for it, and apply its features. Even though this writer is left-handed and the 890 Torrent is set up for right handed users, it is easy enough for a non-right handed person to become proficient at, like everything else in a right handed world.

When the Benchmade 890BK Torrent (BK for black) is opened it measures 8.2 inches in length. The knife handle scale design offers plenty of room for big hands to work with the knife with certainty and safety, but not bulky. The thinner blade thickness seems to be incorporated with a generally slim overall profile of the Benchmade 890. Handle scales are made with G10 material made of composite fibers bound with epoxy under tremendous pressure. This G10 material does not conduct electricity, is highly resistant to moisture, and it provides a wonderful grip surface thus reducing the chance of the 890 from slipping out of your hand when working with the blade.

Yet one of the qualities most observed about G10 as a knife handle or handle scale material is the myriad of creative ways this

890 Torrent provides a lanyard hole in the functional pommel.

material can be shaped and sculpted to lend uniqueness and beauty to a cutting tool. This entire review could have been written strictly on the aesthetic sculpture and design of Ken Steigerwalt’s creative art form. Yet, the 890 is every bit as much of a working knife, and the working qualities could be quantified more directly than describing the beauty of this particular folding knife.

A tip-down carry clip and the thumb stud are designed for right-handed owners.   Like any fine knife, this folder is one that will last a lifetime, an heirloom, to be gifted upon that one person somewhere along the road of life who you know will value a cutting tool encased in aesthetically unique art form and created by a gifted knife maker.

Photo location: Gila National Forest in New Mexico above Silver City.

Note: See below photo gallery for Benchmade 890 Torrent specifications and features.

Specifications and Features

Price: $150 – $165

Blade Length: 3.60″

Blade Thickness: 0.100″

Handle Thickness: 0.600″

Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel

Blade Hardness: 58-61HRC

Blade Style: Modified Drop Point

Weight: 3.50oz.

Clip: Tip Down Carry-Clip

Lock Mechanism: Locking-Liner with Nitrous Assist

Overall Length: 8.20″

Closed Length: 4.60″

Sheath Material: Sold Separately

Class: Blue

Best quality: Made in the U.S.A

Benchmade’s Rift 950 honed blade flashes into fixed position with a simple boost of a thumb-stud. It’s not an automatic, spring-loaded folding knife, but it opens awfully quick and quietly. It doesn’t matter whether you’re right-handed or left. This blade whips out just about as fast as a true spring-loaded auto folder. But it’s your thumb working with the rift-shaped handle shells and your entire hand that fires the edge fast. It’s a fun knife. It’s sturdy, sharp, yet with a flair of design and craftsmanship that’s just fun.

Rift’s reverse-tanto blade is 3.67-inches long, with a deep blade belly that continues as a robust cutting edge to the tip. The stainless 154CM steel blade of this 950 Rift pops out of the box with a fine edge; something you can expect from Benchmade. From past experience with Benchmade to more recent products reviews, each knife, fixed-blade or folder, arrives razor sharp. You mess up that fine edge, and it will take a new fine edge. And just as intuitive as it is to use your thumb to open the blade instantly, it’s also got a blade designed to get maximum power when you bear down for a cut.

This cutting power comes, we’d like to think, from the way the reverse tanto blade works with the G10 handle material and shape.

Thumb stud blade deployment works smoothly.

G10 is a composite of fiberglass and epoxy resins bound together under high pressure. The G10 handle shells of the Benchmade 950 Rift tend not to absorb moisture or conduct electricity. It’s a stable material that can be readily milled and shaped for both form and function. We liked the layered, multi-dimensional grip-surface of these handle shells that tend to mimic geologic rift valley formations.

Handle shells are 0.560-inch thick. The blade is 0.114-inch thick, and sits perfectly centered between the blade liners. AXIS® blade locking mechanism works like a vault latch, every time. And the ambidextrous thumb stud doesn’t discriminate between right-handed or left-handed people. Rift also has a fairly slim profile, excluding the clip height, at about 12mm or .5-inch thick. It’s not bulky.

Blade design and your hand positioning offers you the leverage to sever any material you realistically need to cut. It’s not a delicate slice; it’s more like dividing asunder. You get full power in working this blade like bull shark on a ham hock. Your hand clinches on the asymmetrically –shaped handle shells with full grip and power. Rift lends itself to be used as a daily working knife very well. Or you can use it as a surgical instrument you keep spoiled-rotten sharp. This writer loves to keep a blade flat hard core sharp right up till the moment a heavy-duty razor is required.  Yet it sure is fun to cut with this blade. It has a forward bite, down and away from your body… or down and back.  Bite and slice.

We valued the pure aesthetics of this Osborne designed folding knife.

The one thing we would like to see in a folder like this is the ability to lock the blade shut. Although this one is not an auto, it’s not much slower in opening. Locked in the open position, the blade won’t collapse. But when folded into the blade liners, this blade can unfold at an undesirable time. The thumb stud is the principle snag/hold on this knife, and the blade can deploy. Carrying this folder in a sheaf, never a worry; carry it clipped onto your pocket-top or at the bottom of your pocket, it might go crocodile on you. The same blade-locking safety mechanism used on the Benchmade 9051 SBK AFO II automatic folders would be a great asset to the non-autos.

Six-lobe headed fasteners bolt the handles to the 420J stainless steel liners in the core structure of the knife. You can acquire the

Spring steel clip is adjustable to either side of knife.

Benchmade tool kit to adjust screws, swap the spring clip, and general maintenance of the folder. These folders can pick up lots of debris and grit just sitting in your pocket. On a recent trip out to Moab, Utah we experienced several days of high wind and blowing sand. Even with the protection of your pocket or a belt sheath, driving sand will find its way into your gear, all of it.

The spring-steel clip can be moved to either side of the knife body. Both clip positions are attached with three six-lobe screws. This clip is strong and will clasp onto your jeans pocket with a certainty. But it transports best, for our purposes, just sitting on the bottom of whatever front pocket with the thumb-stud pointed down and in towards the leg. At this position, the Rift comes out of the pocket ready to deploy. By the time it was decided to carry the Rift this way, it was also fairly clear this folder would benefit from a locking mechanism to keep the blade shut while it’s in the pocket.

In general, the Benchmade Rift is a solid, good-looking, and fun folder to have around. The blade and handle design compel you to put this knife to work. It’s sharp, and the blade is readily maintained. Unfolded, the blade is very secure within the core-structure; no wiggle room here. We like this knife, and it fit in very well as a back country blade that is strong, light, sharp, and versatile enough for using as a camp and general purpose blade.

By Rick Shandley

Additional Features:

• Class: Black (Benchmade extreme-duty series of knives)
• Overall length: 8.27-inches
• Closed length: 4.60-inches
• Weight: 4.80-ounces
• Origin: Made in America
• MSRP: $180.00

Steady Growth, Lean Efforts and Green Initiatives

Benchmade Knife Company won the 2009 Manufacturer of the Year award for its lean manufacturing and management approach, initiating Green processes, and achieving steady growth. The honor is a regional recognition in the Medium Sized Company category bestowed on the Benchmade team by The Portland Business Journal (PBJ).

The PBJ presented its 2009 Manufacturer of the Year award at The Oregon Manufacturing Awards Luncheon that took place on Thursday, October 29th at the Portland Art Museum in downtown Portland, Oregon.

“It is an honor to be presented with such a prestigious award within the Oregon community” says Les de Asis, Founder and Owner of Benchmade Knife Company. “We are thrilled to be recognized as a leading manufacturer because of our dedication to providing U.S.-based jobs and commitment to customer satisfaction.”

2009 Knife of the Year: Benchmade 585 Mini-Barrage.

 The award for Manufacturer of the Year is based on company performance, overall business strategy, and innovative approaches to internal operations, manufacturing processes, and sustainable practices involving customers, partners and suppliers.

Benchmade is long known to be a leader in innovation, design, and engineering excellence in creating the highest quality cutting tools they can produce. Whether the purpose of a Benchmade knife is created for the medical field, the military, outdoorsmen, hunters, or hikers, each knife, and every conceivable design is created and manufactured in the United States of America.

In July, Benchmade won the 2009 Knife of the Year Award bestowed by The Shooting Academy For Excellence for the 585 Mini-Barrage folding knife. As it turns out, 2009 has been a good year for recognition of Benchmade, not only for forward thinking management practices and environmental awareness, but also for the quality of the product. If it all stopped there, Benchmade has good reason to celebrate as we wrap up 2009. 

We tested this Benchmade Auto Folder in severe cold, heat, and dirt. Mechanically, it was flawless. Tactically, it was scalpel sharp.

Some Benchmade knives, like the 9051 SBK Auto-Folder knife we reviewed a while back in FreshAirJunkie.com are only available to active military soldiers. One of the most beautiful and functional Benchmade knives was created to honor Marc A. Lee — the first Navy Seal to lose his life in Iraq since the war started in 2003. Lee was KIA on August 2, 2006. Marc graduated with BUDS/S Class 251, and this Navy Seal inspired the Marc Lee “Glory Knife,” designed by Eddie Killian. We’ll have more down the road on the Marc Lee 150 BKSN, a commemorative, combat ready, and a tactical knife used today by U.S. soldiers. Yet, we want to congratulate Benchmade Knife Company and all the hard work they give back to the community they operate in, whether it is recognized or not.

Here’s another great cutting-tool option to consider for your Fresh Air junkets, the new Benchmade Model 551H20 locking folder. From the AXIS locking mechanism to the Noryl GTX handles, the entire knife is made with corrosion resistant materials. This includes the “hard to overlook” bright Orange Griptilian grip textured molded handles and double 420J handle liners.

The 551H20 folder is a modified drop-point blade designed using X15 T.N stainless steel (58-60HRC); with an edge that comes shaving sharp and is reasonably easy to maintain. This is a folder set up for both right- and left-handed people with thumb-studs on both sides of the blade back. Being it’s an ambidextrous design the stainless steel carry clip is also reversible to tailor the folder to your preferences.

Benchmade Model 551H20 Specifications:

• Locking Mechanism: AXIS  Lock
• Blade Style & Opener: Modified Drop-Point; Ambidextrous Thumb-Studs
• Blade Steel: X15 T.N Stainless Steel (58-60HRC)
• Handle Specs: Orange Glass Fill Noryl GTX; Double 420J Liners
• Carry Options: Reversible Stainless Steel Carry Clip
• MSRP: 551H20 $120, 551SH2O $120
• Blade Length: 3.40″ (8.64cm)
• Blade Thickness: 0.115″ (2.92mm)
• Open length: 8.07″ (20.50cm)
• Closed Length: 4.62″ (11.73cm)
• Weight: 3.82oz (108.39g)
• Handle Thickness: 0.64″ (16.29mm)
• Country of origin: USA

Testing the Benchmade 9051 Folding Tactical Knife

By Rick Shandley

When it comes to a high-quality knife, our motto is to “Honor The Edge.” It’s good to give a knife the respect it deserves, especially when its a tactical knife like the Benchmade 9051 SBK AFO II. Right out of the box this knife is shaving sharp, and we wouldn’t consider cutting on a cardboard box with it…that’s what box cutters are for.  

This particular Benchmade tactical knife is a drop-point folding knife, finished in black on black. It’s capable of serving a variety of applications from a dependable, relatively lightweight backpacking knife, to a  solid hunting knife or very efficient folding sheath knife. However, the 9051 SBK is primarily designed as a tactical knife and was tested at Fort Bliss, Texas by select soldiers at the Army Evaluation Task Force in the 5-1 Brigade Combat Team, 1^st Armored Division. We’ll get to their findings a little further in our review.

There is one downside to this knife. It’s the fact that not all US states will permit ownership of  a tactical knife, unless you are active military or law enforcement. It’s best to check the laws of your particular state, province, or country first. Nevertheless, there are plenty of active military men and women who read articles on Fresh Air Junkie.com, and civilians can gain an appreciation for this 9051 Benchmade folder and check into acquiring one for themselves.

The Benchmade 9051 knife worked well even after being frozen in ice.

From our point of view, outdoor lifestyles and activities inevitably require a person to carry a cutting tool,  whether it be a chipped-out chunk of obsidian lashed to an elk horn handle, or a state-of-the-art knife like the Benchmade 9051. Our review process put the Benchmade 9051 through some grueling tests to see how it would perform in a variety of extreme situations. We found that the Benchmade 9051 promises to be a stout companion that any outdoor person can own and expect to last a lifetime.

To test the Benchmade knife’s automatic opening mechanism, we put it though an extreme cold temperature test. The 9051 was to be immersed in a small water-filled container and placed in a deep-freezer for 72-hours. Temperatures ranged from 15º to 0º for the three days. Then the knife was busted out of the ice block with the mechanisms still frozen solid.  The 9051 was allowed to thaw for three-minutes on a 90º day before the trigger button was pressed. Even while the metal knife chassis, scales, and operating mechanism were still very cold, the blade swung strongly into position without hesitation. The blade-locking mechanism clicked immediately into place and the knife was fully operational. This 72-hour ice-block test was repeated twice. Both times the Benchmade 9051 opened immediately upon thawing with ambient day temperatures and body heat.

The Benchmade 9051 features a pommel (for breaking glass, etc.) built into the handle.

Between the ice-block tests, the knife was submerged in water and frozen again for 36 hours, twice. Then the knife was allowed to thaw and dry in the hot sun. No perceptible blade corrosion or mechanical hesitation was evident. After the battery of freeze tests, a film of lubrication could be seen on the blade. This is to be expected from the  radical temperature changes from cold to hot, and possible metal expansion. Also, keeping a mechanical instrument lubricated is part-and-parcel with maintaining the tool. What is impressive is the unfailing ability of the 9051 SBK auto-assist mechanism to swing the blade into position without hesitation every time.

Our heat test put the Benchmade 9051 in the California desert dirt and sand. It was left out in the heat for days. One would expect the black-on-black finish of the blade and scales to take on a weathering, dulling affect. But the anodized finish was unfazed. Whether the owner is left or right-handed, the knife opening button mechanism and blade-lock safety lever are easy to use. A right-hand person would activate the blade with the right thumb, while a left-handed person uses the left forefinger.

During our tests, the 9051 opened every time without hesitation

In addition to the blade the Benchmade 9051 features a pointed butt-cap pommel integrated into the knife casing. This works well for smashing ice blocks or breaking a car window to help extract a trapped person in the event of an emergency. The 9051 can be carried in its heavy-nylon fabric sheath or with the spring-steel clip that can be adjusted to the owner’s preference by way of  four different mounting points on the knife scales.

We found the Benchmade 9051 SBK auto-folder to be super sturdy and reliable. The knife scales, or handles, are machined so the knife is comfortable, and there is plenty of girth to hang onto if you really have to do some serious slicing. Benchmade chose to build this knife blade with 154CM high-carbon stainless steel. There are more exotic stainless steel grades available, but 154CM is great for a blade of this length. And the 154CM stainless steel seems to fit this application very well. When it comes to keeping a fine edge on it, well…that’s the responsibility of the owner. There are lots of modern edge honing tools available such as diamond-coated steels, oil and water stones, and ceramic rods. Also, Benchmade offers knife sharpening at no charge for every registered knife owner.

ARMY EVALUATION TASK FORCE ASSESSMENT OF 9051

Testing the U.S. Army conducted on the Benchmade 9051 SBK auto-folder was almost the opposite of cold-environment testing. They tested for hot weather and salt-water corrosion. The soldiers who tested the 9051, all with combat experience, evaluated the knife from their practical application view point.

The Benchmade was the only auto-folder to pass the salt-water corrosion test. And they field tested several. In salt-water the corrosion that builds up will tend to bind the opening mechanism of any folding knife. Auto-folders are that much more vulnerable to rusting up and binding if corrosion and rust builds up in the opening mechanism. They found the 9051 to be  extremely rugged and durable as it performed very well in every condition they could put it through.

The 9051 features a blade lock and a removable clip that can be adjusted to various positions on the handle.

In the grit, mud, dirt, and grind conditions the soldiers put the 9051 through, it still cleaned up nice. Easy clean up was attributed to the open-design of the blade housing. After bashing the blades during impact tests, they did start to develop slack and get loose. This was considered a normal occurrence after subjecting the knife to extreme impact conditions. However, the blades remained intact during the tests.

Overall, the U.S. Army judged the Benchmade 9051 SBK to have performed so well that SFC Kevin Reagan stated, “We have recommended, and submitted the order for one knife per combat soldier.” The 9051 SBK appears to be a solid tool that not only performs great mechanically, but it lends a small degree of confidence knowing  that it’s ready to go. We like it!

Benchmade 9051 AFO II Specifications

Locking mechanism:       Button Auto with integrated safety

Blade Style & Opener:     Drop-point: Auto Open

Blade Material:                 154CM Stainless Steel (58-61HRC)

Handles and casing:        6061T6 Aluminum, open back-spacer

Carry Clip:                          Steel multi-mount adjustable to four positions

Finish:                                  Black hard anodize

Blade length:                     3.56 inches

Blade thickness:             0.125-inch

Open Length:                   8.51 inches

Closed Length:                4.95 inches

Weight:                              5.8 ounces

Handle thickness:          0.60-inch

Made In:                            U.S.A.

Retail Price:                     $245

Stout, stealthy, and razor sharp, the Benchmade 585 Mini-Barrage is also kinda' slick.

Benchmade Knife Company walked away with 2009 Knife of the Year award at The Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence for the model 585 Mini-Barrage^TM on July 24th in Windsor, CT. 

“We are thrilled and honored to receive such a prestigious award” says Les de Asis, CEO and Founder of Benchmade Knife Company.

“Benchmade prides itself on manufacturing high-quality, American-made products. To have our standard of excellence recognized is extremely rewarding and gratifying,” de Asis said.

 The 585 Mini-Barrage features a patented AXIS® Assist Locking Mechanism, combining speed and strength in one complete package.

Other key features include 100% ambidextrous function, reversible carry clip and 154CM blade steel. For more information on the 585 Mini-Barrage, please visit: www.benchmade.com
Benchmade has won Knife of the Year eight times since 1998 and remains committed to designing and manufacturing world class sports cutlery and superior-edged tools. Knife of the Year winners include 610 Rukus (2006), 425 Gravitator (2005), 921 Switchback (2003), 556 Mini-Griptilian (2002), 690 Elishewitz (2001), 720 Mel Pardue (2000), 710 McHenry & Williams (1999), and the 910 Stryker (1998).