Custom Benchmade 485 Valet Axis Folding Knife 2.96" M390 Acid Wash Blade Gray G10 (Pre-Owned)

It was smaller, lighter and thinner than I expected. I have the small stiletto still mel perdue with 154cm steel which cost around $100 - this is a far better knife all around! Not factoring price, I gave it 4 stars because it will not flip open which in my opinion is the best thing about the axis lock. You still have ambidextrous one hand open and close but due to the design it will not flip. The previously mentioned benchmade thats maybe even a little smaller does flip (takes a bit more effort than a heavier edc).

The steel is just insane. I cut several hundred feet of cardboard before it needed sharpening, but I was able to touch it up in about 5 minutes on my sharpmaker.

The blade shape/size makes it great for packages, and small food prep (lunch, fruit, ect..). The pocket clip is one of the very deep models, but I don't find it hard to grab. G10 is great both in the hand and on my pocket.

The axis lock components were downsided to 75%, so that took a little bit of time to get used to, but I couldn't be happy with this, my 4th benchmade, and my first m390 blade. I'm looking for others as a result.

Like all the other eleven bencmade knives I own, this one does not disappoint. It is extremely light and goes well with a pair of slacks or would fit in with a business suit. There is no play in the blade and it is well balanced. The M390 blade is extremely sharp. With its size comes one particular hazard, be careful when trying to close this knife with one hand; it is extremely easy to get the palm of the hand in the way of the blade. Other than this issue, the weight of this knife and its size makes it an ideal everyday carry or money clip.

Beautiful specemin, my fourth Benchmade. Stays sharp. The smooth handle combined with the smaller size make it difficult for me to operate even with one hand. I have lost this knife more times than I can count due to the clip getting snagged. The clip does not help retention at all. It's pretty though.