The Benchmade Infidel is a highly regarded automatic knife that has gained a strong following among knife enthusiasts. If you’re in the market for a reliable and high-performance OTF knife, look no further. In this detailed and unbiased review, we will explore the key features, specifications, pros and cons, and primary uses of the Benchmade Infidel.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, this review will provide you with valuable insights and help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the Benchmade Infidel and discover what makes it stand out in the market today.
Key Takeaways:
- The Benchmade Infidel is a highly regarded automatic knife with a strong following.
- It offers impressive performance and build quality, making it a top choice among knife enthusiasts.
- The Infidel features a spearpoint blade design with excellent edge retention and toughness.
- Its handle is comfortable and well-built, providing a secure grip during use.
- The Infidel’s deployment and lockup mechanisms are reliable and sturdy.
General Dimensions and Blade Details
The Benchmade Infidel is a versatile and high-performance automatic knife that stands out for its exceptional build quality and precision engineering. To understand its capabilities better, let’s delve into the general dimensions and blade details of the Benchmade Infidel.
The overall length of the Benchmade Infidel is 8.95 inches, making it compact and lightweight. The blade length measures 3.95 inches, striking a perfect balance between everyday usability and tactical effectiveness. With a weight of just 5.00 ounces, this knife won’t weigh you down during your daily carry or demanding tasks.
Designed and manufactured in the USA, the Benchmade Infidel is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Its blade features a spearpoint design, characterized by a symmetric point and a double-edged edge. This enables versatile cutting and piercing capabilities, making it ideal for various applications.
The blade of the Benchmade Infidel also includes a long fuller, a groove that runs along the blade’s surface. Not only does this add a touch of aesthetic appeal, but it also reduces the overall weight of the knife without compromising its strength.
When it comes to the blade finish, the Benchmade Infidel offers two options: uncoated and black-coated. The uncoated version showcases the raw beauty of the steel, while the black-coated variant adds a sleek and tactical look to the design.
| Dimensions | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 8.95 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.95 inches |
| Weight | 5.00 ounces |
| Blade Style | Spearpoint |
| Edge Type | Double-edged |
| Blade Finish | Uncoated or Black-coated |
Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip
The handle of the Benchmade Infidel is made of black anodized aluminum, providing both durability and a sleek look. The handle construction is solid, with no sharp edges that could cause discomfort during use. This attention to detail ensures a pleasant and ergonomic grip, allowing you to handle the knife with ease and confidence.
In terms of ergonomics, the Benchmade Infidel has two finger choils on the handle, which further enhance the knife’s usability and stability. These finger choils offer a secure grip and prevent your hand from sliding during cutting tasks, providing added safety and control.
“The handle of the Benchmade Infidel provides both durability and a sleek look. Its solid construction and ergonomic design ensure a comfortable and secure grip.”
Another notable feature of the Benchmade Infidel is its pocket clip. The deep carry pocket clip allows for discreet and secure everyday carry, ensuring that the knife remains securely in your pocket or attached to your gear. The clip’s design also adds to the knife’s overall aesthetics, further enhancing its appeal.
Benchmade Infidel Specifications
| Handle Material | Handle Color | Handle Construction | Pocket Clip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black anodized aluminum | Black | Solid with no sharp edges | Deep carry pocket clip |
The Benchmade Infidel also comes with a helpful MOLLE-equipped pouch. This pouch adds to the knife’s practicality, making it an excellent choice for professionals in fields such as law enforcement, military, or outdoor enthusiasts who require a versatile and reliable tool.
Deployment and Lockup
The Benchmade Infidel is equipped with a dual-action out-the-front automatic mechanism that allows for easy deployment and closing of the blade. With just a push of a button, you can swiftly activate the blade, making it ready for use. The deployment button, conveniently located at the back of the knife, requires a moderate amount of force to engage, ensuring intentional deployment.
When it comes to deployment, the Benchmade Infidel excels in providing a smooth and secure experience. The blade deploys with a substantial clack, indicating its solid lockup and reliable functionality. Its tight lockup ensures minimal blade play, giving you confidence in its stability during various tasks and activities.
Whether you need a dependable tool for everyday carry or specific professional roles, the Benchmade Infidel’s deployment and lockup are designed to meet your needs. Its strength and reliability make it a valuable asset in tactical situations, outdoor adventures, or as a go-to tool for any cutting needs.
Pros and Cons
The Benchmade Infidel offers several advantages that make it a highly sought-after knife. Its exceptional build quality ensures durability and longevity, making it a reliable tool for various tasks. The solid handle construction provides a secure and comfortable grip, allowing for precise control during use. The ergonomic design of the Infidel further enhances its usability, reducing hand strain and fatigue even during prolonged use.
Additionally, the Infidel’s deployment and lockup mechanism is highly reliable, giving users the confidence they need in critical situations. Its double-edged blade with a spearpoint design adds to its aesthetic appeal and versatility, making it suitable for both utility and self-defense purposes. The Benchmade Infidel’s reputation for high-level performance and its intimidating design have garnered widespread praise and recognition among knife enthusiasts and professionals.
Similarly, every product has its downsides, and the Benchmade Infidel is no exception. One notable drawback is its D2 blade steel, which may require more effort to sharpen compared to other blade steels. This can be a deterrent for users seeking a blade with low maintenance and easy sharpening capabilities. Another disadvantage lies in the deployment switch, which has an unpredictable actuation distance, requiring users to familiarize themselves with the specific switch sensitivity of their Infidel model.
Furthermore, the Infidel’s opening and closing action produces a distinct clack sound, which may not be ideal in situations that require silence or discretion. This noise can draw attention and potentially compromise stealthy operations or activities that demand minimal disturbance.
To summarize:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive build quality | Requires more effort to sharpen due to D2 blade steel |
| Solid handle construction | Unpredictable actuation distance of the deployment switch |
| Comfortable ergonomics | Loud opening and closing may not be suitable for all situations |
| Reliable deployment and lockup |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Benchmade Infidel is a well-crafted and powerful knife that has gained a loyal following among knife enthusiasts, professionals in law enforcement and the military, and collectors. With its combination of durability, functionality, and intimidation, it proves to be a formidable tool in various situations.
While the Infidel may not be the ideal everyday carry knife due to its size and weight, it excels in its intended purposes. Its double-edged blade and reliable deployment mechanism make it a trusted companion for those who require a high-level performance knife.
The solid handle construction and comfortable ergonomics of the Infidel provide a secure grip, ensuring control and precision during use and adding to its overall appeal. Additionally, its intimidating design further establishes it as a top choice in the OTF knife market.
In summary, the Benchmade Infidel has proven to be a reliable and versatile tool, capable of meeting the needs of knife enthusiasts and professionals alike. With its exceptional craftsmanship and performance, it has earned its reputation as one of the top choices in the industry.
FAQ
What are the key features and specifications of the Benchmade Infidel?
The Benchmade Infidel has an overall length of 8.95″, a blade length of 3.95″, and weighs 5.00 ounces. It is made in the USA and features a spearpoint blade design with a double-edged edge. The blade is made of D2 steel and is available in both uncoated and black-coated options. The handle is made of black anodized aluminum with visible stainless steel or titanium liners. It comes with a deep carry pocket clip for easy everyday carry.
How does the Benchmade Infidel deploy and lock up?
The Benchmade Infidel features a dual-action out-the-front automatic mechanism, allowing for both the opening and closing of the blade with the push of a button. The deployment button is located on the back of the knife and requires a moderate amount of force to activate. The blade deploys smoothly and securely with a substantial clack. The lockup of the blade is tight, with minimal blade play.
What are the primary uses of the Benchmade Infidel?
The Benchmade Infidel is a versatile knife that can be used for various purposes. It is often used by professionals in law enforcement and the military due to its durability, functionality, and intimidating design. It is also popular among knife enthusiasts and collectors.
What are the pros and cons of the Benchmade Infidel?
The pros of the Benchmade Infidel include its impressive build quality, solid handle construction, comfortable ergonomics, and reliable deployment and lockup. It is highly regarded for its intimidating design and high-level performance. However, it does have some cons, such as the D2 blade steel, which may require more effort to sharpen, and the unpredictable actuation distance of the deployment switch. The Infidel’s loud opening and closing may also not be suitable for all situations.
Is the Benchmade Infidel suitable for everyday carry?
While the Benchmade Infidel can be carried every day, it may not be the ideal everyday carry knife for everyone. Its size, weight, and automatic mechanism may not be practical for all individuals or legal in all areas. It is best suited for professionals and enthusiasts who require a durable and high-performance knife for specific purposes.