Lefty Alert! Benchmark Backpacker -- ??1095??. High-value Fixed Blade EDC $15

[GlockandBalls]

I heard a lot about this knife as a high value fixed blade EDC. I looked online for it and couldn't find one, but in doing so I learned a lot about the company and how they were actually around before Benchmade. Yes these are made in china. They are for sale online again so I picked one up and was pleasantly surprised to see that the righty belt clip actually works great as a pocket clip for left hand carry.. And it looks cool too. Deploy with a typical thumb pushing against the sheath as you pull the knife. Quite comfortable and an awesome little slab of steel. I know its not a Busse but I am telling you its not a little flimsy blade, its a chunk of steel,, but there seems to be some question regarding the steel as mentioned in the link below and on other threads I've read. For $15 I assumed it was 400 series steel or one of the cr-mov's. I did't care and just bought it. Nice micarta with a good lanyard hole. Cool and versatile sheath. It didn't come razor sharp but took a hair popping edge on the 1x30 belt, and it DID NOT show burrs quickly like with the softer steels. If anyone can comment on the steel I would appreciate it. Either way, go get one. If you don't like it give it away. I think its a deal if you are cool with certain Chinese blades.

Here are some pics and a link to a previous thread.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/827224-Benchmark-Backpacker



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[dkb45]

I would guess it is most likely 440A or 7Cr considering the price. Properly heat treated they can be rather decent steels, but nothing to write home about. I have handled a few Backpackers and they struck my pretty decent, and of it weren't for my strong preference of folder I would own one. They have all been quite well made. No major issues that stuck out side from the Goofy sheath and less than shaving sharp blades (bad factory edges hit me as a red flag).

 

[Hickory n steel]

I've had 2 of them for the past 5 or so years and the one that I opened is perfectly serviceable for edc or as a camp food knife , just keep in mind that the sheath tends to dull the blade that's why I made a simple leather sheath for mine. I had initially Been led to believe that they were 1095, but it's definitely some form of high carbon stainless ( I can post a pic later ) I was able to stain the one that I experimented on when I left it in lemon juice overnight in an attempt to patina it because I thought it was a 1095.
FYI they usually keep them stocked at smkw for 10-12$ .