Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Benchmade Weekender! If you’re looking for a versatile camping knife that can handle all your weekend adventures in nature, then this review is for you. Benchmade is a renowned American knife brand known for its functional designs and high-quality construction, and the Weekender is no exception. Let’s dive in and explore all the features, pros, and cons of this reliable outdoor companion.
Key Takeaways:
- The Benchmade Weekender is a versatile camping knife perfect for weekend escapes to nature.
- It offers great blades with toothy grinds and a comfortable handle with a secure grip.
- The slip joint mechanism and strong tension add to the safety of the knife.
- Some cons include the slip joint spring tension and the lack of convenient carry options.
- Overall, the Weekender is a reliable and well-designed knife for outdoor enthusiasts.
Specifications
The Benchmade Weekender is a versatile camping knife designed to enhance your weekend escapes to nature. Let’s take a closer look at its features and specifications.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 7.0″ / 6.0″ |
| Blade Length | 3.0″ / 2.0″ |
| Blade Material | CPM-S30V Steel |
| Hardness | 58-60 HRc |
| Opening System | Nail Nick |
| Blade Grind | Flat |
| Handle Material | Micarta |
| Locking Mechanism | Slip Joint |
| Weight | 3.5 oz |
| Country of Origin | USA |
This knife combines the durability of CPM-S30V steel with a user-friendly nail nick opening system. The flat blade grind ensures optimal cutting performance, while the Micarta handle offers a comfortable and secure grip. The slip joint locking mechanism provides additional safety during use. Weighing only 3.5 oz, it is lightweight and easy to carry on your outdoor adventures.
Pros and Cons
The Weekender knife from Benchmade offers great blades with toothy grinds, making it a reliable tool for various outdoor tasks. Its ruggedness sets it apart from other slip joint knives, and it excels in activities like whittling. The handle of the Weekender provides a comfortable grip, ensuring a secure hold even in challenging conditions.
However, there are a few cons to consider. One drawback is the slip joint spring tension, which can make it a little difficult to open the blades smoothly. Additionally, the Weekender lacks convenient carry options, limiting its versatility for everyday use. Lastly, the knife is on the heavier side for a folding knife, which might not be ideal for those seeking a lightweight option.
Let’s break down the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great blades with toothy grinds | Slip joint spring tension can make blade opening a bit difficult |
| Rugged design suitable for outdoor activities | Lack of convenient carry options |
| Comfortable handle with secure grip | Heavier than other folding knives |
As you weigh the pros and cons, consider how important each factor is to you and your specific needs. While the Weekender provides excellent performance and durability, it’s essential to assess whether the potential downsides align with your preferences.
Next, let’s dive into the fit, finish, and overall feel of the Benchmade Weekender.
Fit, Finish, and Feel
The fit, finish, and feel of the Benchmade Weekender knife are impressive, justifying its price tag. Unlike some other knives on the market, this knife feels like a sturdy tool rather than an overpriced toy. The attention to detail in the design and construction is evident, making it a reliable option for outdoor enthusiasts.
The handle of the Weekender is designed with both comfort and security in mind. It provides a comfortable grip that allows for easy handling, even in challenging conditions. The streamlined and rugged feel of the handle ensures that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor activities.
The use of Micarta material for the handle adds to the knife’s durability. Micarta is known for its grippy and comfortable texture, ensuring a secure grip in wet or slippery conditions. However, it’s worth noting that Micarta material may stain over time. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help preserve its appearance and longevity.
The handle size of the Weekender is suitable for most grips, providing a comfortable and ergonomic experience. However, it’s important to mention that some users with larger hands may find the handle a little short for their preference. It’s always recommended to handle the knife in person, if possible, to ensure it fits your hand size and grip style.
Slip Joint Tension
The slip joint tension of the Benchmade Weekender is one of its noteworthy features that contribute to its rugged feel. The strong tension ensures that the blades securely stay in place when opened or closed, providing a sense of confidence and safety when handling the knife.
The nail nick holes on the blades further enhance the ease of opening, providing enough traction for a solid grip. However, some users may find it slightly challenging to open the small blade when the big blade is closed, requiring a bit more effort and dexterity.
The slip joint tension not only contributes to the functionality of the Weekender but also adds an extra layer of protection by preventing accidental blade openings when carrying the knife in a pocket or bag.
The Benchmade Weekender offers a strong slip joint tension for a secure and safe knife handling experience.
Speaking of the Blades
The blades of the Benchmade Weekender are designed with performance in mind. They are sharp and toothy, making them highly effective for cutting through wood and rope. Whether you need to chop firewood or trim branches, the Weekender’s blades have got you covered.
The larger blade, with its length of 3.0 inches, is perfect for tasks such as sharpening hot dog sticks or cutting cloth and rope. It offers excellent precision and control, allowing you to tackle various camping and outdoor activities with ease.
On the other hand, the smaller blade, with its length of 2.0 inches, excels at wood carving. It has a bite that allows for intricate detail work, making it ideal for creating beautiful wooden crafts during your weekend adventures.
Not only are the blades sharp and versatile, but they also have good edge retention. They respond well to honing, ensuring you can maintain a razor-sharp edge for efficient cutting. However, one drawback to note is that the sharpening choils on the blades leave too much space beneath the cutting edges. This design choice reduces the overall length of the cutting edge and may impact certain cutting tasks.
On Edge Maintenance
The retention of the Weekender’s edge is essential for maintaining its durability and overall performance. This versatile camping knife is designed to withstand a variety of outdoor tasks, making it crucial to keep the blade sharp.
The Weekender features a toothy grind that facilitates aggressive cutting, allowing you to tackle different materials with ease. However, like any knife, the edge may require occasional honing to maintain its optimal performance.
When it comes to sharpening the Weekender, there are a few options available. One method is to use a leather belt as a sharpening tool. This involves running the blade along the belt, ensuring a consistent and controlled sharpening process.
Another option is to utilize a conventional strop with green compound. This technique involves applying the compound to the stropping surface and running the blade along it to achieve a sharp edge. The green compound helps remove microscopic burrs and enhances the blade’s cutting ability.
Overall, maintaining the edge of the Benchmade Weekender is relatively easy and straightforward. By periodically honing the blade using a leather belt or a conventional strop with green compound, you can ensure that the knife remains sharp, reliable, and ready for any outdoor adventure.
Recommended Sharpening Tools
| Sharpening Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Leather Belt | A traditional sharpening method that provides consistent results when used correctly. |
| Conventional Strop with Green Compound | Helps remove microscopic burrs and enhances the blade’s cutting ability. |
Keeping your Benchmade Weekender knife in optimal condition ensures its longevity and performance. By maintaining the edge through proper sharpening techniques, you can continue to rely on the Weekender’s durability for all your camping and outdoor needs.
The Bottle Opener and Limited Carry Options
The Benchmade Weekender knife is not only a reliable camping tool but also offers some additional features that enhance its versatility. One of these features is the built-in bottle opener. Positioned at an angle that allows for easy leverage on bottle caps, the bottle opener works efficiently and holds the tool securely in place during use.
However, it is worth noting that the bottle opener is relatively thin, which may make it a little challenging to latch onto some caps. Nonetheless, with a bit of practice, users can easily master the technique and enjoy the convenience of having a bottle opener readily available.
When it comes to carry options, the Benchmade Weekender has some limitations. The knife does not come with a pocket clip or a lanyard hole, which may restrict the ways in which users can carry it. While this might be seen as a drawback for those who prefer alternative carry methods, it aligns with the minimalist design philosophy of the knife.
| Features | Availability | Price Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in bottle opener | Yes | Comparable to other knives in its category |
| Pocket clip | No | N/A |
| Lanyard hole | No | N/A |
Although the limited carry options may not suit every individual’s preference, they do contribute to the streamlined and minimalist design of the Benchmade Weekender. Ultimately, it depends on the user’s personal choice and requirements.
Now that we have explored the various features and qualities of the Benchmade Weekender knife, it’s time to draw our conclusions regarding its performance and suitability for outdoor enthusiasts. Keep reading to discover our final thoughts in the next section.
Conclusion
The Benchmade Weekender is an exceptional camping knife that is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. With its high-quality construction and functional design, it is a reliable companion for weekend escapes into nature. The knife features great blades with toothy grinds, allowing for efficient cutting through various materials like wood and rope.
One of the standout features of the Weekender is its comfortable handle, which provides a secure grip, enhancing user control and reducing the risk of accidents. The slip joint mechanism and strong tension add an extra layer of safety, ensuring that the blades remain securely closed when not in use.
While the Weekender excels in performance and durability, it does have a few drawbacks. The knife lacks convenient carry options, such as a pocket clip or lanyard hole, which may inconvenience some users. Additionally, the knife is on the heavier side for a folding knife, which may impact overall portability.
Overall, the Benchmade Weekender is a reliable and well-designed knife that delivers on its promise of versatility and ruggedness. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or engaging in other outdoor activities, the Weekender is a trusty tool that won’t let you down.
FAQ
What are the specifications of the Benchmade Weekender knife?
The Benchmade Weekender knife has an overall length of 7.0″ / 6.0″ with a blade length of 3.0″ / 2.0″. It is made from CPM-S30V steel with a hardness of 58-60 HRc. The handle is made from Micarta material, and it features a slip joint locking mechanism. The weight of the knife is 3.5 oz, and it is proudly made in the USA.
What are the pros and cons of the Benchmade Weekender knife?
The pros of the Benchmade Weekender knife include its great blades with toothy grinds, ruggedness for a slip joint knife, and suitability for whittling. The knife also has a comfortable handle with a secure grip. However, some cons include the slip joint spring tension, which can make it a little difficult to open the blades. There are also no convenient carry options, and the knife is on the heavier side for a folder.
How durable is the Benchmade Weekender knife?
The fit and finish of the Benchmade Weekender knife are impressive, justifying its price tag. The knife feels like a sturdy tool, with a handle designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip. The Micarta material used for the handle is grippy and comfortable, although it may stain over time. The slip joint tension of the knife adds to its rugged feel and safety, ensuring that the blades do not open accidentally in the pocket.
What can you say about the performance of the blades on the Benchmade Weekender knife?
The blades of the Benchmade Weekender knife are sharp and toothy, making them great for cutting through wood and rope. The larger blade is suitable for sharpening hot dog sticks and cutting cloth and rope, while the smaller blade is ideal for wood carving. The blade edges have good retention and respond well to honing. However, the sharpening choils on the blades reduce the length of the cutting edge.
How easy is it to maintain the edge of the Benchmade Weekender knife?
The retention of the Weekender’s edge is good, and the toothy grind allows for aggressive cutting. The edge may require occasional honing to maintain its performance. The knife can be sharpened using a leather belt or a conventional strop with green compound. Overall, the edge maintenance is relatively easy, ensuring that the knife stays sharp and ready for use.
What are the features and carry options of the Benchmade Weekender knife?
The Weekender features a bottle opener, which is positioned at an angle that allows for easy leverage on bottle caps. The opener works well and holds the tool in place during use. However, it is thin and can be a little difficult to latch onto some caps. The knife does not have a pocket clip or lanyard hole, limiting the carry options. Some users may find the lack of carry options inconvenient, but it adds to the minimalist design of the knife.
Is the Benchmade Weekender knife a good choice for weekend escapes to nature?
Yes, the Benchmade Weekender knife is a versatile and rugged camping knife that performs well in various outdoor tasks. It offers great blades, a comfortable handle, and a secure grip. The slip joint mechanism and strong tension add to the safety of the knife. However, the knife lacks convenient carry options and may be on the heavier side for some users. Overall, the Weekender is a reliable and well-designed knife for weekend escapes to nature.