I toured the Benchmade facility a couple of years ago. It’s a pretty massive affair with a ton of moving parts working in concert. There’s a lot of history there, given that the company, or at least its precursor, got started in 1979. In the time since, it’s successfully branched into many areas of the knife world, from balisongs to automatics to kitchen cutlery.
The SlipRidge product line is far from Benchmade’s first foray into hunting and outdoor knives; in fact, the brand has several. But the SlipRidge might just be Benchmade’s best blade yet for that category.
In short: The SlipRidge Folder is beefy, sturdy, but also deceptively sneaky. It carries like a smaller knife, but performs like a larger one. Carrying Benchmade’s AXIS Crossbar lock and a MagnaCut steel blade, it’s made for real work out in the field.
Benchmade SlipRidge Folder
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Well-balanced and ergonomic
- Lockup is very solid
- MagnaCut steel is always a plus
Cons
- It’s a little pricey for a folding knife
Benchmade SlipRidge Folder Review
I’ve been a fan of Benchmade for years. The brand’s knives are well-designed and reliable, and I own a bunch of them. So, when the SlipRidge line debuted, I was eager to get my hands on one. The SlipRidge Folder is one of three members of the family so far. Benchmade also has a SlipRidge fixed blade, as well as gut hook.
First Impressions
The SlipRidge Folder runs a full 8.25 inches when open. That’s longer than many of the fixed blade knives I routinely carry. Closed, it’s still 4.76 inches-long. On paper, those measurements may sound striking. However, once you have it in hand, the knife doesn’t feel cumbersome or awkward. Part of that no doubt stems from its relatively light 3.738-ounce weight.
For handle material, my preference is ordinarily some flavor of micarta, and I tend to avoid wood-handled knives. Tell you what, though — the wood really works here. Not only does it look great, it’s comfortable in hand. The scales are designed to hide the pivot, which protects it from blood, hair, dirt, and whatever else might foul up the works when you’re using the knife. When it’s time for a deep clean, the scales are easily removed via a few screws.
Benchmade also offers this knife with orange G10 scales. You can also purchase additional handle sets, so you could buy the knife in one style and then just grab scales to swap out as desired.
Benchmade didn’t forget about the left-handed knife users out there, either. The deep carry pocket clip can be reversed to the other side of the handle. There are thumb studs on both sides of the blade, too. While I’m right-handed, my wife isn’t, so I always appreciate it when a knife maker or brand remembers that lefties exist.
MagnaCut steel is the current favorite in the knife industry, and for good reason. It scores highly on edge retention, corrosion-resistance, and overall toughness. It comes at a premium price, but if you’re someone who actually uses their knife regularly, the investment is probably worth it. With the SlipRidge Folder, the MagnaCut blade has a modified clip point. It has a lot of belly for slicing along with a strong, sturdy point for piercing.
It folds open very easily, and Benchmade’s AXIS Crossbar lock keeps the blade safely in place as you use it. When you release the lock, the blade falls closed with no resistance.
Field Use and Testing
I’ve been playing around with the SlipRidge Folder for about a month now. My wife and I go hiking every single weekend, and it’s come along on a few of those jaunts. It’s also been in my pocket while running errands around town, as well as working in the backyard. It carries quite easily, despite its size. The deep carry pocket clip has just enough tension to keep the knife in place without feeling like it’s going to tear your pocket material when you remove it.
The knife was used to slice peaches and apples for snacks, break down Amazon boxes, and cut open pet food bags. Last weekend, my wife put together a nifty cardboard box fort for our four-year-old granddaughter, and the SlipRidge Folder came in handy when she asked me to help create a door. The blade easily sang through the corrugated cardboard, even for long, dragging cuts.
When I used it to whittle a feather stick, the blade eagerly shaved off sliver after sliver. Grabbing an old 2×4, I tested the blade’s tip strength by quickly carving a hole in the wood. Not only did the blade’s edge and tip handle everything without trouble, the SlipRidge Folder felt great in hand. Most of my regular EDC knives have a bit more texturing to the handle, where the wood here is fairly smooth in comparison. However, the contoured shape of the handle allowed for a very positive grip, even after intentionally soaking my hands.
I’ve opened and closed this knife hundreds of times at this point. With just a little practice, once you have the blade nudged open a bit with the thumb stud, a quick flick of the wrist will snap it into place. I love how it just falls closed when the AXIS Crossbar lock is disengaged.
Who Needs This Knife?
This is a nice knife that practically begs for use and abuse. It’s the kind of knife that you’ll not only proudly show off to friends but also not hesitate to get it dirty.
The SlipRidge Folder is big enough to get a heavy job done, but small enough to carry just about anywhere you want to go. It’s easy to deploy one-handed, which can be a very important feature in many situations. It’s just as easy to close with one hand, which is always appreciated from a safety standpoint.
With a $300 tag, there’s no getting around the fact that this is a pricey knife. While I’ve certainly spent more than that on a folding knife, it isn’t something I’ve done without serious consideration first. But it does earn that price tag through the use of premium materials and the precision execution of a stellar design.
If you’re on the hunt for a robust folder that you can use like a rented mule and it’ll come back asking for more, you could do far worse than the SlipRidge Folder from Benchmade.
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23 Comments
The cost guidance is better than expected. If they deliver, the stock could rerate.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
I like the balance sheet here—less leverage than peers.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Uranium names keep pushing higher—supply still tight into 2026.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Uranium names keep pushing higher—supply still tight into 2026.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
The cost guidance is better than expected. If they deliver, the stock could rerate.
Uranium names keep pushing higher—supply still tight into 2026.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Nice to see insider buying—usually a good signal in this space.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Production mix shifting toward Tactical & Survival might help margins if metals stay firm.
The cost guidance is better than expected. If they deliver, the stock could rerate.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Uranium names keep pushing higher—supply still tight into 2026.