You don't lose much when you choose the Mini-Barrage. This knife's blade features the same 154CM high carbon stainless steel, hardened to Rockwell 58 to 61 for a long-lasting cutting edge. The blade's only about 3/4 of an inch shorter than the larger model with a length of 2.91 inches and a slightly scaled-down handle four inches long when closed. That's a better fit for smaller hands but still plenty of grip for other users.

The Mini-Barrage mounts to the lip of a pocket with a strong stainless steel pocket clip and can be reconfigured by owners to fit either right- or left-handed use. Just remove and reverse the clip mounting for left-handed carry. Dual thumb studs permanently set in the base of the blade allow both lefties and righties to open the blade without any changes. The Axis lock guarantees that the blade stays put, either closed or open, and once a push of the thumb starts the blade moving, the spring assist mechanism snaps the blade open with nearly automatic speed.

If you're used to knives with a high friction grip, the Valox handle may surprise you. This form-fitting material is the same high-impact plastic used in many modern gunstocks and stays in the hand more by shape than by tackiness. At 3.4 ounces, it's light enough to take along on runs, but it's enough practical blade for serious work.

See the Benchmade Barrage for a larger version of this Warren Osborne design with a 3.6-inch blade.

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Benchmade New Mini Osbourne Barrage Knife Combo 585SBK US $99.99   Auction Ends: 29d 33m

NEW BENCHMADE Mini Barrage Osborne Black Knife 585BK US $114.75   Auction Ends: 13d 16h 1m

Owners will still be most impressed by the tactical advantages of this Out-The-Front automatic knife. Double-action blade deployment allows blade extension and blade retraction by simply pushing a slide button forward or backward. In any situation where one-handed use is essential, the Infidel series gets high scores. The handle scale beneath the pocket clip has a smooth surface for less friction when withdrawing the knife, and the over-sized stepped slide button simply can't be missed. In a situation where you can't afford to fumble for the button, you'll know where this one is.

The opposite scale of the anodized T-6 aluminum grip shows a textured surface for better knife retention. The large size of the handle, 5 inches when closed, allows part of the grip to protrude beyond the palm for striking. The S30V stainless steel blade holds an edge well, hardened to 58 to 60 on the Rockwell scale. Benchmade calls the styling of the 3.95-inch blade a utility drop-point. The silhouette of the blade shows a straighter spine with enough width for safe back pressure during heavy cutting work..

Only active duty military, law enforcement personnel, and other special-use categories can legally carry automatic knives. If you're a civilian interested in an OTF design, try the Smith & Wesson Assisted Opening OTF knife.

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Benchmade recommends the Barrage for boaters, rescue workers, and anyone else who needs a dependable multi-purpose blade which opens one-handed in difficult conditions. The 4-3/4-inch handle deploys a 3.6-inch drop point blade with nearly automatic speed and convenience. Dual thumb studs allow easy operation with either hand -- unlock the Axis slide lock, push the blade partly open, and the strong spring-assist swings the blade to the open and locked position. Once open, it stays there unless the Axis lock is intentionally released.

Benchmade uses 154CM high carbon stainless steel for the Barrage's blade, an alloy originally designed for industrial tools. The alloy's strong points include high corrosion resistance, shock resistance, and superior edge retention. Barrage knives are available in three edge styles -- plain, serrated, or combo. The 4.2-ounce Barrage includes a reversible stainless steel pocket clip for customized carrying options.

The Barrage's Valox grip depends more on shape than texture to provide a firm hold. The flared bolster prevents slipping forward, and the elongated oval handle includes indentations for your fingers. Ribbing on the grip is minimal, but the Valox resin has great mechanical strength and remains stable and chemical-resistant from 284 degrees F. to -40 degrees F. Anywhere between, you can count on it.

Try the Benchmade Griptilian if you prefer a heavy-duty, one-handed opening knife with a textured Zytel handle.

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Benchmade New Mini Osbourne Barrage Knife Combo 585SBK US $99.99   Auction Ends: 29d 33m

NIB Benchmade 581 Barrage Knife Assisted Folding Knife Plain Edge M390 US $191.25   Auction Ends: 19d 17h 37m

Matching Heckler and Koch firearms to a knife is no small feat, but the Snody Tanto holds true to the same look and quality as the popular H&K weapons. Opening smoothly with thumb studs set for either right or left hand use, the Snody Tanto blade snaps securely in place with the extremely reliable Axis blade lock patented by Benchmade. Though it looks almost fanciful, the Snody knife conforms to the original armor-penetrating intent that made the tanto the backup knife of the samurai.

An excellent choice for Search & Rescue personnel, the Tanto's serrated section cuts harnesses and belts with ease. The black Teflon coating and smooth, quiet action also fit this blade to more discreet operations. A stainless steel pocket clip mounts to either side for easy right or left-handed access. G-10 composite handle slabs match the machined look and functionality of H&K's pistol grips. The H&K Snody Tanto's folded length is only 4.5 inches, but the knife packs a versatile 3.5-inch combo-edged blade of 154CM high carbon stainless steel and hits the scale at a slim .40 pounds.

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BENCHMADE SNODY 420 RESISTOR FOLDING KNIFE KNIVES 1st PRODUCTION 0688 1000 DISC US $122.50   7 Bids Auction Ends: 5h 2m

Black on Black Wrapped Handle Snody Damascus Japanese BOSS Custom Knife Sheath US $349.95   Auction Ends: 23h 29m

The blade measures 3.42 inches, and is made from 154CM stainless steel, ranging between 58-60 on the Rockwell hardness scale. It has a simple plain edge and comes to a drop point at the tip, plus it's coated with a black protective finish to hold the edge and shield the metal against the elements.

Its lightweight Coyote-Tan-colored handle features Benchmade's patented Bi-Directional Grip Pattern, which embeds a lot of traction for a much sturdier grip. Those looking for an ambidextrous knife will be pleased to see an automatic AXIS pull release as well as an integrated safety mechanism. It'll allow you to use the knife with either hand, if you're able to do so safely.

With its strong design, quality materials, and patented convenience features, the Pardu Presidio is certainly not one tactical knife to be overlooked, especially considering it only comes in 100 limited editions. That makes it quite easy to miss if you're not careful.

This version pictured here is the tanto combo edge, featuring extremely sharp serrations near the handle, a small plain edge on the bottom as well as a lengthy false edge on top, and a sharpened tanto point at the tip.

With all its other specs, though, it's very similar to the Full-Sized Benchmade Griptilian we've mentioned previously, with a couple of exceptions. The handle is made from black glass-filled Noryl GTX and measures 4.62 inches, instead of being an 8-inch Zytel handle.

But the blade is just as strong as you'd expect. It's made from super-strong 154CM stainless steel, and comes in a black finish.

This is no cheaply-made knife, so you shouldn't be surprised that it's not inexpensive. But for a pocketknife that'll last you for many, many years, the investment is by no means too great of a sacrifice. This Mini Griptilian will keep you happy no matter which design or color you choose.

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NEW BENCHMADE KNIFE 556 MINI GRIP GRIPTILIAN 154CM STEEL BLADE USA US $80.75   Auction Ends: 16d 18h 49m

Benchmade 556 Pink Mini Griptilian Pardue Plain Edge Knife US $69.99   Auction Ends: 8h 12m

Benchmade, of course, has been pumping out high-quality manufactured knives for quite some time. They're one of the biggest names in the business and are especially known for making no-frills knives from high-end materials.

One of the biggest features of the Apparition is the drop-point blade made of hardened D2 steel. This is one of the hardest metals available, but it's very difficult to work with and sharpen (probably why the blade is a bit more expensive).

And the handle is nothing short of strong either. The black G-10 handle is especially tough and resilient to the elements. It's embedded with a modified Liner Lock/Optimizer as well, making it easy to open and lock the blade if you know what you're doing.

So is all that worth the price? Premium steels command premium prices, so it makes a lot of sense that this D2 blade is not cheap. And it's by Benchmade, a top-quality maker, so I'm going to go with yes.

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Benchmade Apparition Assisted Open Knife Black Part Serrated Blade 672SBX New US $164.99   Auction Ends: 4d 20h 47m

BENCHMADE MODEL 672 DICONTINUED APPARITION PLAIN EDGE US $225.00   Auction Ends: 27d 22h 36m

There are many variations on the Nimravus features. We'll link to a set of Nimravus knives below, so you can pick and choose your options.

The one pictured at right features a tanto blade with a serrated top edge near the bolster. Nimravus blades are made from 154CM steel and coated with Benchmade's Kote-1 treatment solution. This is very corrosion-resistant. And you've probably guessed by just looking at it, but yes, it is full-tang fixed blade.

The handle is available in Black or Sand. It's made from lightweight aluminum, but isn't as paper-thin as some other knives floating around out there. It puts the Nimravus' weight at 6.2 oz., however, so it should feel pretty light for a full-sized fixed blade knife.

The handle also features some light scaling. This is meant to help with the grip, lest the slick aluminum get the best of you when you need a steady hand.

The only other downside we can foresee is the thumb grip and forefinger groove. But that's only if you don't prefer to have those on your blades. Other than that, the Nimravus looks to be a fine piece of equipment, and should treat you well.

And, as always, you can expect a quality item from Benchmade.

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Benchmade Nimravus 141BK Knife Tanto Plain Edge Black Fixed Blade Military NEW US $153.00   Auction Ends: 28d 23h 54m

BENCHMADE Nimravus Tanto Combo Edge Knife 141SBKSN US $161.50   Auction Ends: 6d 21h 1m

Let's get the basic specs out of the way first: The overall knife is a comfortable 8.03 inches long, with a 3.45 satin-finish blade. It measures 4.62 inches when closed and is lightweight at just over 3 oz. It's also available with a black, non-reflective blade and/or a Combo, partially-serrated edge.

The knife's blade is ultra-hard, made from 154CM stainless steel. If you're not that familiar with the term 154CM, that's ok... turns out it's pretty much the same as Japanese ATS-34 steel, only under a manufacturer's trade name. And if that's still boggling your mind, just know that either one is a harder, tougher improvement over 440C stainless steel. In fact, it used to be called "super steel" back in the day.

And of course we can't forget about the Griptilian handle. Among all the Griptilian models floating around out there, only a select few have a Zytel handle like the one you see here. It's made to be durable, comfortable, and safe to use... with an AXIS locking mechanism thrown in for extra safety precaution as well.

The Griptilian certainly lives up to its reputation as a strong, heavy duty folder from industry stalwart Benchmade.

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NEW BENCHMADE KNIFE 556 MINI GRIP GRIPTILIAN 154CM STEEL BLADE USA US $80.75   Auction Ends: 16d 18h 49m

Benchmade 556 Pink Mini Griptilian Pardue Plain Edge Knife US $69.99   Auction Ends: 8h 12m

The blade features two plain edges that meet to a spear point, ideal for whenever you need quick double-edged action. It's made from 440C stainless steel, and measures 3.25 inches. The blade is also available with a serrated edge or with a non-reflective black coating.

Now how about that handle? It's a spin-off from an original Pardue blade that featured a coffin-style handle, but this time around, Benchmade added an AXIS locking mechanism. The grip should be easy enough to handle with the added Norel GTX molding, too.

And as far as weight goes, the term "lightweight" might actually be an overstatement, because it only weighs 1.9 ounces!

It's not a bad price considering it's a Benchmade product. If you appreciate Mel Pardue's handiwork and like to keep your knives lightweight, this is a good choice.

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