When you’re caught in the line of duty or are stranded in the wilderness and things suddenly begin to get serious, a knife can be your friend to carry out survival tasks like splitting firewood, starting a fire, skinning game, or opening a can. This is why survivalists do not compromise on what knife they carry in their backpacks. Cut, chop, dig whatever it is, a folding knife is a second choice against the fixed blade options owing to its complexity in design and risk of failure in hardcore tasks.
While many blade makers would settle for this perception, Benchmade in the US is redefining the wheel with a folder that is positioned to become a hardcore warhorse for camping tasks and survival experiences. Benchmade PSK, short for Personal Survival Knife, is an efficient and ambidextrous folding knife, engineered for outdoor enthusiasts inside-out.
Designer: Benchmade
I think it would be unfitting to back all the claims, but from the looks of this stunning folder, you wouldn’t want to write it off either. The corrosion-resistant CPM MagnaCut blade with a black Cerakote coating is the first instant heartwinner. For those who wouldn’t know, CPM MegnaCut is Crucible Industries’ premium steel that boasts toughness, corrosion resistance, and most importantly edge retention. The Cerakote finish enhances this quality manyfold, which the survivalists would leverage.
The interesting blade, measuring only 3.4 inches, houses – when folded – within a black G10 handle with a textured carbon fiber bolster. It also comes in a choice of carbon fiber handle. Measuring a total of 8.4 inches, the PSK, which tips the scale at slightly over 5 ounces, is built sturdy with a set of full liners. The “palm-filling” foldable knife features a quick and reliable AXIS Assist opening and locking mechanism.
Provided with a striking choil at the base of the blade to light a fire with a Ferro rod, this pocket-friendly survivor knife is a comfortable EDC you’d definitely want to try. It should be hand-washed and kept dry and lubricated, the maker notes. The Benchmade PSK retails for $450 in its carbon fiber model.
