Just announced this week, the Benchmade Vector grinds premium CPM-20CV steel into a complex blade suitable for myriad tasks.
CPM-20CV is a very high-end knife steel. It has superior edge retention and good corrosion resistance and toughness. And while it’s hard to sharpen, knifemakers use this still in blades that need to do a hard job for a long time between stropping.
Now, couple this very good steel with a really useful-looking, complex grind, and the new Benchmade 496 Vector provides a compelling tool.
Here’s Benchmade’s elevator pitch:
As the new addition to the Vector family, the 496 Vector is a detail-laden knife, ready for everyday carry, that exudes style at every angle. This EDC will hang with the best of them, featuring Benchmade’s first compound grind blade crafted from CPM-20CV and uses the Benchmade AXIS Assist flipper mechanism. Full stainless-steel liners, a gray aluminum bolster, and dual colored G10 handles provide strength and comfort to this unique design.
That piques my interest for sure. However, the $325 price tag definitely dampens my enthusiasm.
Here are the specs for you knife nerds:
- Blade length: 3.6” (9.14 cm)
- Blade thickness: 0.1” (2.540 mm)
- Open length: 8.42” (21.39 cm)
- Closed length: 4.82” (12.24 cm)
- Weight: 4.5 oz. (127.57 g)
- Handle thickness: 0.60” (15.24 mm)
Benchmade 496 Vector
Now if you can get past the hefty price, Benchmade gives customers what looks to be a very versatile tool. I haven’t had my hands on it yet, so I’m just judging from photos and specs. But if the AXIS assisted-opening flipper action proves smooth and ergonomics nice in the hand, the blade shape alone is very interesting.
The tip of the drop-point blade, being flat-ground, should provide excellent durability. Then, the hollow-ground main cutting edge will help the knife in precise cutting situations while holding an edge for a very long time. This is Benchmade’s first compound grind on 20CV, and I’m excited to see it in person.
The Vector hits the market September 20. Learn more at Benchmade.com.
