With trade shows like Outdoor Retailer and SHOT Show canceled, knifemakers are revealing their upcoming lineups virtually. And Benchmade has a strong lineup coming for 2021!
While we won’t get to see these in person, brands are currently releasing many of their 2021 product lineups. Benchmade’s yearly rollout includes updates on several brand stalwarts and a few new knives. These are the highlights for 2021.
New Benchmade Knives in 2021
Bugout Series Expands
Benchmade’s Bugout is beloved for its light weight and solid performance. It’s a wonderful knife for hikers. And now the brand is doubling down and expanding the line.
First, the 533BK-2 Mini Bugout puts the same design in a smaller package. Some may argue the mini is better for its intended purpose. It weighs just 1.5 ounces and has a 2.82-inch blade, plenty for the light-duty use most backpackers encounter. Get it for $160 on Jan. 15.
The other new model in the line is the 535-3 Bugout, which looks quite beautiful with a carbon fiber handle. It also rocks incredible CPM-S90V steel. These premium materials command a premium price. Expect to pay about $300 when it hits the market on Feb. 1.
Osborne Goes Mini
Benchmade’s Osborne is an iconic design with a lot of admirers. The brand has offered quite a few iterations of the Osborne over its 20 years in production, and this one is sure to fit well in a lot of pockets. The Mini Osborne scales down the classic with a 2.92-inch S30V reverse tanto blade that weighs just 2 ounces. Get it on April 30 for $205.
Benchmade Claymore
A brand-new model for 2021, Benchmade built the Claymore with military service in mind. The slender pushbutton automatic knife uses CPM-D2 steel for toughness and edge retention on the 3.6-inch serrated blade. Benchmade claims it has set a new bar for closed break strength, making this the brand’s toughest folder to date.
Adamas Family Expands
Adamas is another family of tactically oriented knives, and Benchmade pushes several new models to the forefront. The already-large group expands with the 273 Mini Adamas ($250), a lighter version that packs a lot of punch in a 4.6-ounce package.
Benchmade reengineered the 375-1 Adamas ($250) to make it stronger. Machined from CPM-CruWear, this blade brings upgraded corrosion resistance and toughness. Finally, the 2750 Auto Adamas ($250) provides tank-like toughness in an auto-folder.
4170 Auto Fact
This knife is simply stunning. Benchmade re-imagined the classic stiletto knife as a modernized EDC tool. And darned if it isn’t beautiful.
We haven’t seen any of these in person, but this one stands out in photos. The Fact rocks aluminum handle scales with a carbon fiber inlay, an Auto AXIS mechanism, and a black-coated S90V super-steel blade. Of course, you’ll pay a premium. It hits the market at $400 on March 19.
Other New Benchmade Knives
Benchmade has several other new knives coming to market, including a $550 Gold Class Tengu Flipper, which is pretty but wildly expensive. It’s also launching two guided hone tools in concert with Work Sharp.
So there’s a lot coming from the brand in 2021. We hope to put many of these models to the test as they come to market in the coming months.
