Benchmade 921

Benchmade has a new folder on the market designed by Warren Osborne. As this is written, the knife is yet to be named, but it has been designated the Model 921. It is a sleek, ergonomic design (as we expect from Osborne), but this knife has a unique and very useful feature. Many people who carry folders for self-defense and other emergency applications seldom actually use the blade for fear of dulling it. For a knife of this type to be effective it must be kept razor-sharp. I donÂ't want to say the Benchmade 921 offers an ingenious solution to the problem because the solution offered is really quite simple. But sometimes the simple ideas are the hardest to come up with.

The 921 has a conventional modified Wharncliffe primary blade made from tough S30V crucible steel. It offers the traditional feature of one-hand opening and is secured by BenchmadeÂ's excellent Axis-Lock. What is unique about this knife is a second blade, 2.1 inches in length, fastened into the rear of the handle under spring-bar tension of slip-joint design. It is designed to be unobtrusive when folded away, and in the closed position it looks like a section of exposed liner rather than an extra blade. There are six small holes drilled along its upper section to add a decorative touch. These holes also help conceal a small indentation for a thumbnail purchase to ease opening. This small secondary blade is made from 440C stainless, which is a good steel for general duty use and easy to resharpen.

The handle of the knife is anodized aluminum and is finished in a rich blue. The knife weighs in at 2.74 ounces and has a closed length of 4.5 inches. The handle is very thin, averaging about .350 inch in thickness, making this knife very concealable. A stainless steel clip allows for point-up carry. The 921 is yet another innovative design from Benchmade that addresses a genuine need. Suggested Retail: $190

---