Benchmade Knives
 What's
it made of? What is that black stuff on the handle?
Which blade steel is best? These are just a few of the
many questions we are asked when people see our knives,
and on the surface they all funnel into one basic answer...
Benchmade uses a variety of modern materials specially
selected for their superior performance characteristics
regardless of their manufacturing difficulty. We strongly
believe that if you're going to put so much effort into
designing a custom knife, then it only makes sense to
build it of the materials which compliment its form
and enhance its function. It's exactly this kind of
thinking that has led to Benchmade having been the first
knife manufacturer to utilize many of these materials,
especially to this level. And in some instances it's
more than just using a superior material in a product
-- it's what we do to it to bring out the extra edge
which makes a Benchmade that much better in performance.
Following is a Benchmade materials list with a brief
description of the component material characteristics
and some of the processes we use.
BLADES MADE OF STEEL
ATS-34 STAINLESS STEEL A high carbon alloy steel produced
by Hitachi®with super-fine grain structure which
bodes well for excellent lasting edgesharpness. We temper
to a Benchmade "custom" toughness which has
proven to offer higher than average blade strength.
154CM STAINLESS
STEEL USA made by Crucible Steel, which is now back
in production. It was actually our original choice,
but was not being produced at that time in rolled sheets
conducive to our manufacturing, and was later discontinued
by Crucible for lack of demand. Developed for use in
military jet engine turbine blades, 154CM has properties
approaching and surpassing some carbon steel blends.
It's nearly identical in make-up as ATS-34. We're very
excited to be introducing it into our blade production,
and we process it the same as ATS-34 with equally superior
performance results. M2 HlGH-SPEED STEEL A very tough
tool grade steel used for cutting steel and offering
high abrasion or wear resistance. Offers high-impact
strength with incredible edge holding properties. Nonstainless
by nature, but we heat-treat and apply our proprietary
BT2™® coating which provides a high level of
corrosion resistance.
HANDLES TO LOVE AND TO HOLD
6061 T-6 ALUMINUM Originally developed as a premium
aircraft grade aluminum which is aged to a T-6 temper
for improved toughness. We precisely machine to sped,
bead blast for texture and then anodize with hard oxide
coating for enhanced grip and "wearability."
G-10 Developed as a circuit board material capable of
withstanding extreme conditions without distortion or
negative effect. A highly compressed epoxy and woven
glass composite providing nearly indestructible strength
and is of nominal weight. We laser cut and machine finish
to final spec.
ZYTEL® A lightweight glass filled nylon, engineered
for strength and durability while still offering moldable
versatility. It's widely used in the automotive industry
in engine related components. For our purpose, the injection
molded handles offer great lightweight, durable performance
at an inherently economical value for you.
LINERS WITH PUNCH
6AL-4V TITANIUM A slightly lighter weight, modern metal
offering incredible strength and resiliency. Key properties
include non-magnetic and corrosion resistance. We laser
cut to form and machine finish to final spec.
410 STAINLESS STEEL An ideal 400 Series steel offering
good corrosion resistance and workability. We laser
cut material to form, machine finish to spec and heat-treat
for optimum performance strength. A high carbon alloy
steel produced by Hitachi® with super-fine grain
structure which bodes well for excellent lasting edge
sharpness. We temper to a Benchmade "custom"
toughness which has proven to offer higher than average
blade strength.
And remember, if you don't see what you are looking
for email us at
customerservice@dragonflyproducts.com.
Thank you for visiting www.DragonflyProducts.com
|
