When it comes to purchasing a high-quality folding knife, two brands that consistently come up in discussions are Spyderco vs Benchmade. Both of these companies have a reputation for producing some of the finest cutting tools on the market, but they also have their own unique characteristics and features. In this article, we will compare Spyderco and Benchmade knives in depth, covering their histories, blade styles and materials, build quality, ease of use, price points, and customer service. By the end of this guide, you should have a clear understanding of which brand is the best fit for you.
- Comparison Table of Spyderco & Benchmade Knives
- A Brief History of Benchmade vs Spyderco
- Features: Spyderco vs Benchmade
- Blade Knife Styles and Materials: Benchmade and Spyderco
- Build Quality and Durability
- Ease of Use and Comfort As Pocket Knife
- Performance and Use
- Price Comparison: Benchmade vs Spyderco
- Customer Service and Warranty
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Spyderco and Benchmade knives made in the USA?
- Which brand has a better warranty?
- Are Spyderco and Benchmade knives suitable for everyday carry (EDC)?
- Are Spyderco and Benchmade knives suitable for tactical use?
- Which brand is better for survival situations?
- Are Benchmade knives made in USA?
Comparison Table of Spyderco & Benchmade Knives
| Feature | Spyderco Delica | Benchmade Griptilian | Spyderco Endura | Benchmade Barrage | Spyderco Military | Benchmade Infidel | Spyderco Para Military 2 | Benchmade Proper |
| Blade style | Drop point | Drop point | Drop point | Drop point | Clip point | Reverse tanto | Clip point | Sheepsfoot |
| Blade material | VG-10 stainless steel | CPM-20CV stainless steel | VG-10 stainless steel | M390 stainless steel | CPM-S30V stainless steel | CPM-S30V stainless steel | CPM-S30V stainless steel | CPM-S30V stainless steel |
| Handle material | Fiberglass composite | Fiberglass composite | Fiberglass composite | Aluminum | G-10 | Aluminum | G-10 | Micarta |
| Locking mechanism | Back lock | AXIS lock | Back lock | AXIS lock | Back lock | AXIS lock | compression lock | Slip joint |
| Overall length | 7.125 inches | 8.07 inches | 8.75 inches | 8.91 inches | 8.75 inches | 8.91 inches | 8.24 inches | 7.52 inches |
| Weight | 2.5 ounces | 3.87 ounces | 3.6 ounces | 4.70 ounces | 4.1 ounces | 4.70 ounces | 3.9 ounces | 3.40 ounces |
| Price | $92 | $145 | $98 | $160 | $152 | $195 | $190 | $140 |
| BladeHQ Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 |
| REI Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
Spyderco Delica: The Spyderco Delica is a versatile folding knife that is popular among outdoor enthusiasts and everyday users. It features a 2.9-inch blade made of VG-10 stainless steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The handle is made of fiberglass-reinforced nylon, and it has a comfortable and ergonomic design that provides a secure grip. The Delica is lightweight and easy to carry, making it a great option for everyday carry and outdoor activities.
Benchmade Griptilian: The Benchmade Griptilian is a popular folding knife that is known for its versatility and reliability. It features a 3.45-inch blade made of 154CM stainless steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The handle is made of glass-filled nylon and has a comfortable and ergonomic design that provides a secure grip. The Griptilian is available in different blade shapes and customization options, making it a great choice for different cutting tasks.
Spyderco Endura: The Spyderco Endura is a larger version of the Delica, with a 3.8-inch blade that is suitable for more heavy-duty cutting tasks. It features the same VG-10 stainless steel blade and fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle as the Delica, but with a larger size that offers more cutting power. The Endura is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and tactical users.
Benchmade Barrage: The Benchmade Barrage is a folding knife that is designed for one-handed deployment and ease of use. It features a 3.6-inch blade made of 154CM stainless steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The handle is made of Valox and has a comfortable and ergonomic design that provides a secure grip. The Barrage also features Benchmade’s patented AXIS lock mechanism, which allows for easy and secure one-handed opening and closing.
Spyderco Military: The Spyderco Military is a tactical folding knife that is designed for heavy-duty cutting tasks. It features a 4-inch blade made of CPM S30V stainless steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention and toughness. The handle is made of G-10 and has a comfortable and ergonomic design that provides a secure grip. The Military also features Spyderco’s patented Compression Lock mechanism, which provides a secure and easy one-handed opening and closing.
Benchmade Infidel: The Benchmade Infidel is a tactical folding knife that is designed for self-defense and combat situations. It features a 3.9-inch blade made of D2 tool steel, which is known for its excellent hardness and toughness. The handle is made of aluminum and has a comfortable and ergonomic design that provides a secure grip. The Infidel also features Benchmade’s patented out-the-front (OTF) mechanism, which allows for easy and quick deployment and retraction of the blade.
Spyderco Para Military 2: The Spyderco Para Military 2 is a versatile folding knife that is designed for heavy-duty cutting tasks. It features a 3.4-inch blade made of CPM S30V stainless steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention and toughness. The handle is made of G-10 and has a comfortable and ergonomic design that provides a secure grip. The Para Military 2 also features Spyderco’s patented Compression Lock mechanism, which provides a secure and easy one-handed opening and closing.
Benchmade Proper: The Benchmade Proper is a modern take on the classic slip-joint knife design, with a modernized handle and blade material. It features a 2.86-inch blade made of CPM-S30V stainless steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The handle is made of contoured Micarta or G-10, and it has a comfortable and ergonomic design that provides a secure grip. The Proper is a stylish and functional everyday carry knife that is legal in many jurisdictions where locking blades are prohibited. It is a great option for those who want a traditional knife with modern materials and design.
A Brief History of Benchmade vs Spyderco
Spyderco was founded in 1976 by Sal Glesser, who started the company in his garage in Golden, Colorado. Glesser’s goal was to create a line of knives that were functional, reliable, and innovative, and he quickly gained a loyal following of users who appreciated his attention to detail and commitment to quality. Today, Spyderco is known for its wide variety of blade styles and materials, as well as its signature round hole in the blade, which allows for easy one-handed opening.
Benchmade, on the other hand, was founded in 1988 by Les de Asis, who was inspired to start the company after he was unable to find a knife that met his standards. De Asis set out to create a line of knives that were made with precision and care, and he quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the finest cutting tools on the market. Today, Benchmade is known for its high-quality materials and construction, as well as its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Features: Spyderco vs Benchmade
To help compare Spyderco and Benchmade knives in more detail, here is a table summarizing the key differences between the two brands:
| Feature | Spyderco | Benchmade |
|---|---|---|
| History | Founded in 1976 in Golden, Colorado | Founded in 1988 in Oregon |
| Blade styles and materials | Wide range of blade styles and materials | Focus on high-quality materials and construction |
| Build quality and durability | Wide range of blade styles and materials | CNC machining ensures precise and consistent production |
| Ease of use and comfort | Signature round hole for easy one-handed opening | AXIS locking system for easy one-handed opening and closing |
| Price | Range of options to suit different budgets | Tend to be on the pricier side |
| Customer service and warranty | Limited lifetime warranty and excellent customer service | Limited lifetime warranty and excellent customer service |
Blade Knife Styles and Materials: Benchmade and Spyderco
One of the key differences between Benchmade and Spyderco is the variety of blade styles and materials that they offer. Spyderco knife is known for its wide range of blade styles, including drop point, clip point, sheepfoot, and more. The company also offers a range of blade materials, including high-carbon stainless steel, H1 steel (which is corrosion-resistant), and CPM-S30V steel (which is known for its durability and edge retention).
Benchmade, on the other hand, is known for its focus on high-quality materials and construction. The company offers a range of blade styles, including drop point, reverse tanto, and sheepfoot, but it tends to focus more on a few key materials, including CPM-S30V steel, CPM-20CV steel (which is known for its edge retention and corrosion resistance), and M390 steel (which is known for its toughness and durability).
Build Quality and Durability
Both are known for their attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality knives, but they go about it in slightly different ways. Spyderco is known for its wide range of blade styles and materials, which allows users to choose the knife that best fits their needs. The company also uses a number of different construction methods, including flat grinds, saber grinds, and more, to ensure that its knives are strong and durable.
Benchmade, on the other hand, is known for its focus on using the finest materials and construction methods available. The company’s knives are made using a process called CNC (computer numerical control) machining, which allows for precise and consistent production. This results in knives that are extremely strong and durable, and able to withstand heavy use.
Spyderco and Benchmade offer a wide range of knives that come in various shapes, sizes, and styles. Both companies use quality steel in their blades and produce knives of excellent quality. From your first Spyderco to the Benchmade Bugout, you’ll find the blade length and quality to be consistent and top-notch.
Spyderco doesn’t skimp on the quality of materials either. Each knife from this manufacturer, whether it’s the renowned Paramilitary 2 or the compact Para 3 Lightweight, comes with a premium knife feel. The company makes great knives, like the Manix 2, with unique features and design elements that you’ll appreciate.
Benchmade, on the other hand, also produces premium-quality knives. Known for its butterfly knives, every knife from Benchmade, including the highly sought-after Bugout and other models, has a reputation for their excellent quality. The Benchmade uses S90V steel, a quality steel type known for its superior edge retention and resistance to wear.
ALSO READ: Comparison of Benchmade vs Kershaw knives
Ease of Use and Comfort As Pocket Knife
Both are designed with ease of use and comfort in mind, but they have their own unique features that set them apart. Spyderco is known for its signature round hole in the blade, which allows for easy one-handed opening, as well as its variety of handle materials, including G-10 (a fiberglass composite), carbon fiber, and more. These materials provide a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet.
Benchmade, on the other hand, is known for its AXIS lock mechanism, which is a patented mechanism that allows for easy one-handed opening and closing of the knife. The company’s handles are also designed with comfort in mind, with a variety of materials available, including G-10, aluminum, and more.
Performance and Use
When it comes to performance, both brands have standout models. The Spyderco Paramilitary 2 and Para 3, for instance, offer a plain edge that’s razor-sharp out of the box. The blade comes with a refined finish and a comfortable handle that makes these models exceptional performers in any cutting task.
The Benchmade Bugout is another excellent choice. This knife comes with a lightweight design, making it an ideal option for those needing a quality everyday carry. Benchmade also makes a variety of other knives, including fixed blade designs, that cater to different uses and preferences.
Price Comparison: Benchmade vs Spyderco
Spyderco’s knives tend to be more affordable, with a wide range of options available for under $100. However, the company also offers a number of higher-priced options, with some knives retailing for over $200.
Benchmade’s knives tend to be on the pricier side, with many options retailing for over $100. However, the company’s higher price point is often justified by the use of high-quality materials and construction methods, as well as its focus on innovation and customer satisfaction.
Spyderco makes some of the most affordable knives in the industry without sacrificing on the quality. You can’t go wrong with either a Benchmade or Spyderco, as both companies produce a wide range of models to suit varying budgets.
Benchmade offers premium models, like the Bugout, which comes with a slightly higher price tag. However, considering the quality and performance, they are worth every penny. Benchmade also offers some affordable knives that maintain their quality standards.
Customer Service and Warranty
Both Spyderco and Benchmade have a reputation for excellent customer service, and both offer warranties on their products. Spyderco offers a limited lifetime warranty on its knives, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. The company’s customer service team is known for being helpful and responsive, and is available to assist with any issues or questions that customers may have.
Benchmade provides a lifetime warranty on its knives, covering any faults in materials or craftsmanship under a limited provision. Their customer service team, well-regarded for their expertise and assistance, is always ready to help with any inquiries or concerns that customers may have regarding their Benchmade knives warranty.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Spyderco and Benchmade are both excellent choices for high-quality knives. Both companies have a reputation for producing some of the finest cutting tools on the market, and they offer a range of options to suit different budgets and needs. Spyderco is known for its wide range of blade styles and materials, as well as its focus on innovation and affordability. Benchmade is known for its focus on high-quality materials and construction, as well as its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between Spyderco and Benchmade will come down to personal preference and what features are most important to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Spyderco and Benchmade knives made in the USA?
Spyderco is headquartered in Golden, Colorado, and many of its knives are made in the USA. However, the company also has production facilities in Japan, Taiwan, and China, and some of its knives are made in these locations. Benchmade is headquartered in Oregon, and the majority of its knives are made in the USA. However, the company also has production facilities in China and Taiwan, and some of its knives are made in these locations.
Which brand has a better warranty?
Both pocket knife brands offer limited lifetime warranties on their knives, which cover defects in materials and workmanship. Both companies also have excellent customer service teams that are available to assist with any issues or questions that customers may have.
Are Spyderco and Benchmade knives suitable for everyday carry (EDC)?
Both brands offer a range of options that are suitable for everyday carry. Spyderco’s knives tend to be more compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in a pocket or bag, while Benchmade’s knives tend to be larger and more robust, making them suitable for more heavy-duty tasks. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you need the knife for. Some popular Spyderco options for everyday carry include the Delica, the Dragonfly, and the Endura, while some popular Benchmade options include the Griptilian, the Barrage, and the Proper.
Are Spyderco and Benchmade knives suitable for tactical use?
Both knife brands offer a range of options that are suitable for tactical use. Spyderco’s knives tend to be more compact and lightweight, making them well-suited for covert operations and close-quarters combat, while Benchmade’s knives tend to be larger and more robust, making them suitable for more heavy-duty tasks. Some popular Spyderco options for tactical use include the Military, the Para Military 2, and the Endura, while some popular Benchmade options include the Griptilian, the Barrage, and the Infidel.
Which brand is better for survival situations?
Spyderco’s knives tend to be more compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in a survival kit, while Benchmade’s knives tend to be larger and more robust, making them suitable for more heavy-duty tasks. Some popular Spyderco options for survival situations include the Bushcraft, the Endura, and the Dragonfly, while some popular Benchmade options include the Griptilian, the Barrage, and the Proper. Ultimately, the best pocket knife for a survival situation will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user.
Are Benchmade knives made in USA?
Yes, Benchmade knives are made in the USA. Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. is based in Oregon City, Oregon. They take pride in producing all of their knives domestically, using high-quality materials and manufacturing processes. This is part of their commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, this remains accurate.
Hey. I’m the author of this blog. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve seen my dad slickly stabbing. Later he taught me how to throw knives and axes at a target. Then I fell in love with knives, especially about them. This blog is in honour of my dad.
