By Kimberlee Frederick
Benchmade’s reputation for long lasting, easy-to-use and razor-sharp tools would be enough to encourage many connoisseurs of quality knives to pick up 2011’s 915 Triage model. But in true Benchmade fashion, this new folding utility tool goes above and beyond, boasting a number of useful features and a sleek design that make it a cut above the rest.
With the first flick of the 5.1-ounce 915 Triage design reveals the 3.5-inch blade—a combination serrated and plain-edge blade coated in black, in the 915SBK model. Blade material is composed of N680 stainless steel, the Benchmade blade has notable corrosion and water resistance features inherent with stainless steel.
The BK1 coating on the 915BK and 915SBK varieties adds another element of corrosion protection and scratch resistance. This extensive care given to the material of the blade makes it a solid tool to carry out into the elements.
Right out of the box, the blade is a little stiff coming out of its folded position, which makes the process of locking it and subsequently folding it back just a little bit snug, as it should be. A few reps of opening and closing with the thumb-stud, though, give the blade more fluidity.
Even more importantly, once locked in place, the knife’s AXIS locking mechanism ensures that the blade of the 915 Triage is
completely and solidly fixed, ensuring accuracy and safety with any use of the knife. The modified sheepsfoot blade style makes the Triage an ideal tool for use as a rescue blade, since its lack of point keeps the user from inadvertently injuring victims.
And the superb grip on the handle furthers the Triage’s efficacy as a utility tool. The textured G10 handle is very well designed, making the knife not just easy and comfortable to hold, but also makes the handle impervious to water and completely stable under conditions of climate change. The accompanying 420J stainless steel handle liners offer further durability and corrosion resistance.
This versatile 915 Triage also makes sure not to discriminate against left-handed wielders; the thumb-stud opening mechanism is ambidextrous, and the deep-pocket clip can be moved for right- or left-handed tip-up carry.
Although it seems a bit dense while folded and just held, when clipped into a pocket the Benchmade 915 Triage goes essentially unnoticed, even on closer-fitting pants and shorts that come in more contact with the leg. It also fits well into backpacks and other packs with limited space, as its folded length is only 4.7 inches.
The hook-shaped safety cutter at the opposite end of the knife makes the Triage a go-to rescue tool. The design is perfect for a range of uses, from cutting through a seatbelt in an emergency vehicular situation to cutting through clothes—without cutting through flesh—for first aid. Made of 440C stainless steel, the safety cutter is easy to sharpen and, like the blade, is highly resistant to corrosion.
The multifunctional Benchmade 915 Triage is rounded off by its Carbide glass breaker at the butt of the knife. Its ability to shatter glass makes the knife the perfect worst-case scenario tool for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts.
What really stands out about this knife is that despite being tailor-made for rescue situations, the dynamic nature of the Triage makes it useful in countless situations. From day-to-day household needs to more intense outdoor uses, this triple threat of a utility knife is a must-have for anybody that appreciates a quality cutting tool.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the 915 Triage is its simplicity. Modern and subtle, the Triage takes advantage of a minimalist design. The glass breaker, for example, is unassuming and blends in with the design of the knife, rather than trying to make the tool an ostentatious one. The safety cutter’s neat fit into the spine of the knife allows the tool to maintain its slick and unpretentious façade while still packing a punch that distinguishes the knife from others of its kind. No effort was wasted on superfluous decoration on the handle; the simple Benchmade logo on the blade suffices for aesthetic purposes. And with a black blade and smooth movements of the knife, it’s just—there’s no better way to say it—a cool knife to use.
The 915 Triage offers several styles to choose from, including those with and without coating, those with a plain edge blade and those with a combination blade. Each style is also available with a handle in safety orange. The price for the Benchmade 915 Triage ranges from $165-$180. All the BK1-coated 915 Triage folding knives are $180, the rest are $165.
Benchmade 915 Triage specifications:
Made in the USA
Blade Length: 3.50″
Blade Thickness: 0.130″
Handle Thickness: 0.530″
Blade Material: N680 Main Blade; 440C Safety Cutter
Blade Hardness: 57-59HRC Main Blade; 58-60HRC Safety Cutter
Blade Style: Modified Sheepsfoot Main Blade; Hook-Shaped Safety Cutter
Weight: 5.10oz.
Pocket Clip: Reversible, Tip-Up, Deep Carry
Lock Mechanism: AXIS
Overall Length: 8.20″
Closed Length: 4.70″
Sheath Material: Sold Separately
Class: Black
Got one for father’s day from my daughter and beau. It is without a doubt THE best knife I have ever had the pleasure of using. Tank strong and sharp as a razor..really..sharp as a razor.
No downside unless they made it just a wee bit lighter. Yet for the soize it packs easy in the pocket or on gear.
5+ stars..no doubt..it’s a Benchmade.