Benchmade Freek 560BK-1 Knife Black/Red G-10 (3.6") (USA)

I like the flow through design of this knife, the steel and the G10, I think the original freek will have durability issue with its handle but this G10 version is as good as it gets.

Overall the knife is (relatively) light, very similar to the large RSK griptilian, I have a medium hand and it fits nicely (slightly on the larger side). The M4 steel is (should be) excellent if it is like other benchmade M4, I'm yet to test it hard. The only downside of M4 is that it comes coated, and a coated blade on the axis lock sucks, it just takes away some of the smoothness opening and closing, oh well... benchmade have to do something other than the run of the mill s30v, right?

The biggest complaint is pricing, with the regular freek going at 120 ish I see no reason for this one to hit 200 - that's too much, s30v is perfectly fine, the only thing they need to replace is the original freek rubber-ish handle with FRN and be done with it.

Both Benchmade and Spyderco have been able to make solid knives without steel liners. The Freek has both smooth action and a solid feel; its blade is broad and offers a good slicing angle . The knife arrived sharp and without blade play. The handle is comfortable and provides good grip. The overall fit and finish are what one would expect from Benchmade (they are excellent). This is a great knife for the price, and is a top contender for EDC purposes. However, if the knife is going to get a lot of rough treatment from someone with considerable strength, you might want to step up to the Benchmade Boost, which offers a less tapered blade and steel liners. I actually think the Freek may be better for general EDC. I really like this knife, so much so that I bought one for a friend.