STEELUPGRADES SHOT .pdf

NEWSRELEASE
STEELUPGRADES

FEBRUARY 2006

Oregon City, Ore. – For many models continuing from 2005, blade steel upgrades have been added to their list of
accolades. “Over the years our many customers have come to expect more from their Benchmades, and we’re not
about to change that now.” said Les De Asis, founder and owner of Benchmade Knife Company.
440C has been featured on the wildly popular Griptilian® series (designed by Mel Pardue) since their debut in
2001. Sure, 440C is a great blade steel with ample corrosion resistance, but Benchmade customers expect more,
and so does Benchmade. All 38 available Griptilian® blade configurations, are now utilizing the power of 154CM.
That translates to more durability and superior edge retention. Outside the Griptilian family, the 530 (an ultra
lightweight Pardue design) and the 42 Bali-Song® have also been given a blade boost to 154CM.
McHenry & Williams 180 Outbounder® fixed blade design and the 190 Drop-Point Hunter have also shed their 440C
skin and slipped into something a little more rugged - D2 Tool Steel. With a Rockwell Hardness of 59-61, this steel
adds strength, durability, and amazing edge retention. These stout fixed blades just got a whole lot beefier.
The 940 and 943 Warren Osborne designs (the cornerstones to any Benchmade collection) have had their 154CM
blades replaced with the highly sought after S30V blade steel. What makes S30V so desirable? The fact that it
is engineered specifically for knives with amazing balance between edge retention, corrosion resistance, and
durability. It brings all that one could desire from a knife blade; it’s a stainless steel paired with tremendous
durability and awe-inspiring edge retention.
Models 710 and 910 Stryker® have also undergone some steel re-vamping. Both previously available in 154CM and
optional M2 High-Speed steel are out of the line up and replaced with D2 Tool Steel models. As a result, the model
numbers have changed to distinguish the old from the new. They will now be known as models 710D2 and 910D2 .
They have the same look and feel; they just carry the new blade material. Following suit, the 140 Nimravus® will
no longer have the optional M2 steel option. Instead the 140 will utilize the muscle of D2 Tool Steel . Benchmade is
discontinuing the use of M2 High-Speed steel.
i - With the exception of the trainer blade models 550T and 551T
ii - Available blade configurations: 710D2 and 710SBKD2
iii - Available blade configurations: 910D2 and 910SBKD2
iv - Available blade configurations: 140BKD2 and 140SBKD2

About Benchmade
Working with a select group of custom designers and the most advanced production techniques, Benchmade Knife
Company offers best in class features and award-winning, field-tested performance through the entire product line.
The Oregon based company has been recognized for vendor excellence by the Defense Logistics Agency and supports
a number of sporting industry associations. For more information visit benchmade.com.
Contact
Alex Whitaker - Benchmade Knife Co., Inc., 503.655.6004 alexandra@benchmade.com
BENCHMADE KNIFE COMPANY, INC.
300 BEAVERCREEK ROAD, OREGON CITY, OR 97045 • 800.800.7427 • INFO@BENCHMADE.COM