Blade steels such as
154CM, D2,
CPM S30V steel,
CPM S90V steel, CPM 20CV, N690 and M390 are used on many models. Benchmade also uses
high speed M2 and CPM M4 tool steels. Benchmade receives a significant amount of revenue from selling restricted-sales knives to the military and
law enforcement. They produce a diverse selection of "auto", or
switchblade knives, along with a range of hunting, fishing, utility and miscellaneous knives, though balisongs remain a core product. In recent years most balisongs have been discontinued, with the only remaining Balisong in production being the 85. Benchmade has three different knife classes. The first class is the Blue Class, also known as the Recreation class. This type of Benchmade knife is made for typical use by the everyday person. The next class is the Black Class, also known as the Professional class. This type of Benchmade knife is made for military, law enforcement, and public safety workers. The last class is the Gold class, also known as the Collector class. This class of Benchmade knife is made for collectors and are limited edition. Benchmade has a
patent on the locking mechanism used in most of the switchblades they produce. Benchmade additionally holds an exclusive license on use of the McHenry / Williams "AXIS Lock", a spring-operated locking mechanism used in both automatic and manual action models. The designers are
Jody Samson,
Ernest Emerson, Allen Elishewitz, Mel Pardue, Bill McHenry,
Mike Snody, Jason Williams, Warren Osborne, Ken Steigerwalt, and Bob Lum. Several production Benchmade models based on the work of these designers have become influential within the industry. Some of the Benchmade knife models include: • Benchmade Griptilian • Benchmade Freek • Benchmade Crooked River • Benchmade Bushcrafter • Benchmade Infidel • Benchmade SOCP • Benchmade 556 Mini Griptilian • Benchmade Contego (Discontinued) • Benchmade 940 Osborne • Benchmade BKC Bedlam Axis • Benchmade Serum (Discontinued) • Benchmade Mini Barrage • Benchmade Model 42 • Benchmade Model 533 Mini-Bugout • Benchmade Model 535 Bugout • Benchmade Model 537 Bailout • Benchmade Model 4400 Casbah • Benchmade Model 51 Morpho == Awards and honors ==