Hi Gang,
I’m honored to have designed the Adamas line for the Rangers. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Ranger Assistance Foundation.
The nomenclature is Latin for Diamond (the Ranger logo) and Greek for ‘invincible” or “unconquerable.”
The Benchmade team was looking for a knife “set” for the Army Rangers and needed some tough knives that were priced well, easy to carry and functioned under any environment.
The fixed blade came first. With input from Benchmades military team and aware that military personal carry TONS of gear and consequently a lot of weight, the design had to be low profile, low weight and be able to be easily carried flat on a chest harness or combat vest/armor, or on a drop leg pistol holster system without too much bulk flopping around. Additionally, I wanted to maximized all aspects of available cutting surfaces for a variety of materials being cut. This knife could be called a backup knife or companion to a larger fixed blade if desired without causing too much of a fuss, but can also function on its own as a primary blade as well. The first prototype I did for them was O.K and was in the right direction, but Benchmade wanted something more conducive to work with a para cord wrap. So, I went back to the drawing boards and the shop. Out of the dust my EXO model was born, of which I presented to Benchmade and they dug it! Designated as the ADAMAS 375.
The spine serrations where something as many of you know I have done for years, but was a new feature for a Benchmade knife. The serrations are designed to be able to be field sharpened on a flat stone and a chainsaw type file. The serrations are not meant for metal but more for nylons and thick ropes. This is a knife made for a combat theater, so I wanted to get the most out of all available areas that could cut various materials. And having a secondary variant cutting edge is nice when needed to save the primary edge from heavy use. The .170 thick D2 blades are coated with a liquid ceramic to environmentally harden them against the elements and reduces infrared signature.
The handle works well without the para cord wrap and the spine is contoured for a comfortable grip. But from the beginning, was designed to be used with a para cord wrap. Grooved Jimping on the handle aids in keeping the para cord in place from sliding around. The holes are a good lashing point and reduce weight. This customization feature will allow the troops to individualize the knives while adding enhanced grip and functionality, cooler to grasp if perhaps sitting in the sun and now they have a hank of para cord for use in emergencies.
The Sheath design is great as it is low profile, jump rated with a secondary tension setting screw, lashing holes that work with zip ties or para cord and a multi position tek-loc. The knife locks easily into the sheath even with a cord wrapped handle.
To add to the family they requested a Ranger tough heavy duty folding version of the fixed blade knife, of which I made a prototype and is now what is called the ADAMAS 275 and will be available in various forms. The 275 folder has Benchmades patented AXIS lock which has been beefed up to be 25% stronger than previous models. The utilitarian modified drop point blade is .160 thick of D2 and is 4” long. The handle features holes in it to help reduce some weight and while locked open, to also act as a lashing points if needed in a survival situation. Ceramic coated steel thick liners and a contoured G-10 handle with milled grooves aid in grip. Ambidextrous thumb studs make the knife a breeze to open and the pocket clip can be set up as a left or right and tip up carry.
The Adamas 275 is not meant to be a light weight gentleman’s folder, but instead a authoritative, functional work horse that has the brute strength to endure repeated rugged use and be able to count on in all conditions. This knife is tough!
Shane Sibert