Benchmade Snipe Folding Knife Review

The Benchmade Snipe folder is becoming a favorite amongst military and emergency personnel alike. With such a practical design and affordable price, there is no reason why Benchmade it wouldn’t be so well liked. Here are my opinions on the knife:

What I like about the knife:

1. At just under 4 inches (3.97), the modified drop-point style blade is the perfect length for both tactical applications and legal everyday carry by civilians. My knife was shaving sharp out of the box and has had no problem keeping its edge after several weeks of use.

2. Your fingers have excellent protection from lock failure. The levitator lock is a proven design that will hold up even after years of hard work.

3. The molded grip feels very comfortable in your hand and protects you from dropping the knife or slipping your fingers on the blade.

4. Jimping or thumb grooves on the back of the blade allow you to make delicate and precise cuts with hardly any effort.

5. You can get the Benchmade Snipe with a plain or half serrated edge. You also have the option of a black powder coated blade, which serves as a non-reflectant for police or military.

What I didn’t like:

I wish that Benchmade offered the Snipe with alternate blade styles such as clip or tanto point with a slightly longer blade.

Overall:

With a suggested retail value of $50, the Benchmade Snipe folder is a great value for the money. Get this knife and you will have a workhorse that will last for many years to come.

First up is the blade. It is a high quality steel with a clip-point, with an ambidextrous dual thumb-stud opener, and it’s razor sharp. I’ve been using mine daily now for approximately six months and the blade is just as sharp as it was when I first got it. The length is 3.4″ keeping it within legal limits for most laws but still long enough for utility use as well as self-defense. Benchmade makes the knife with different blade choices such as a clip-point straight edge or a partially serrated edge as well as a choice of a satin finish or black finish on the blade.

Next is the grip of the knife. The grip is slim, sleek, and ergonomically correct. The length of the knife with the blade closed is 4.47″, and 7.87″ overall length. I have small to medium size hands and find that this knife fits me perfectly. The handle is made of black, anodized, 6061-T6 aircraft grade, machined aluminum and 410 stainless steel liners. It also has a reversible carry clip that allows for the knife to be carried tip-up. This is a valuable feature for self-defense use for rapid deployment of the knife.