All Outdoors Review – Benchmark Redoubt

Benchmark knives are known for being one of the best folding knives available, but their prices can put people off. Redoubt is where the benchmark is trying to solve this problem. This is one of the more affordable, yet very good knives in the Benchmark range, and gives you excellent performance without the really expensive S30V, M390 or crucible steels. I’ve used the Redoubt a lot, during filming, at the shooting range, for work in the workshop and every day, and I’m really impressed.

Benchmark gave me the Ridout for this review and I have permission to keep it, but it should not impact my opinion of any of their current or future knives. Benchmade did not see this article prior to publication. I have been using this knife for over a year now for a variety of purposes.

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Specifications – Benchmark Redoubt

• blade length – 3.55″
• Total length – 8.29″
• closed length – 4.75″
• Blade Steel – CPM-D2
• Blade thickness – 0.124″
• Blade Style – Drop Point (Plain Edge)
• Handle Material – textured gravel
• Lock – axis lock
• weight – 3.7 ounces
• clip – Reversible deep-carry, tip-up
• country of origin –usa
• MSRP- around $180-$200
• where to buy

Review – Benchmark Redoubt

In the benchmark range, the Redoubt is a good knife for those who use their own knives. It doesn’t aim to be as light as Bugout or as rigid as Adamas. It’s a well-balanced, straightforward tool that’s ideal for the woods, on a construction site, or when you need a dependable knife for everyday cutting. Its special feature is CPM-D2 steel, this steel is a powder metal version of the classic D2 steel. It gives you a great edge that lasts, strengthens and resists wear and tear, and it’s much cheaper than the more expensive knife steels in the benchmark.

The AXIS lock is, as always, excellent, sleek, very strong and one of the best available. And with the thumb stud, the blade opens quickly and safely with one hand. I really like everything about this knife because it feels reliable. The 3.55-inch drop point blade is the right size for most everyday tasks like cutting rope, opening boxes, preparing food, or even doing a little work in the bush, without being too big to carry. The flat grind makes it cut very well, and the CPM-D2 steel holds its edge very well for a knife that you’re going to use hard.

The gravity handle is really nice. It’s lightweight, has a very strong grip even when wet or wearing gloves, and it feels secure in your hand when you’re biting hard. The textured surface has good grip but won’t be uncomfortable if you carry it around all day. At only 3.7 ounces, the knife doesn’t feel heavy in your pocket, but it still feels solid when you take it out.

I’ve used this knife for everything from setting up range sessions to breaking up cardboard boxes and performing general tasks. It has never failed me. The build quality is what you’d expect from Benchmark, with precision construction, a smooth action, and the confidence you get from a tool made in America with a lifetime sharpening and warranty.

The only thing I don’t like is the pocket clip. Although I generally like deep-carry clips, I don’t think the size of the knife and how firmly it grips was ideal for me. It sits a little too high in my pocket, and often stuff in my pocket would ride up and collect on the clip, so this was a major failure in my opinion. It does the job, but that’s one thing about the Redoubt that isn’t as good as some of the other benchmark knives.

what i like

– Excellent CPM-D2 blade steel, which holds a sharp edge and is strong
– Comfortable, grippy grippy handle that works well in all weather conditions
– Very strong axis lock and easy way to open the blade
-Lightweight, but feels well made
– Good value for money as it is way cheaper in the benchmark range

what i don’t like

Honestly the pocket clip is a big failure in my opinion

Wrap Up – Benchmark Redoubt

The Benchmark Redoubt shows that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a knife that feels like a quality tool from Benchmark. It is in a great position in the Benchmark range as it has their famous AXIS lock, it is solidly made in the US, uses good CPM-D2 steel and is reasonably priced for what you get. Yeah, the pocket clip isn’t great, and that’s what holds back what could be a really great overall package in my opinion. If you’re thinking about Benchmark but haven’t spent the money on their top-end knife, the Redoubt is a ‘perfect’ option as long as you can live with the pocket clip.

Redoubt® | Black Grivori® | drop point

patrick orcutt

Patrick is a freelance photographer who has been fortunate enough to see a lot of the world and record his travels with his camera. He has worked as a public affairs officer for the US government documenting multi-national special forces training around the world. As well as being a gear enthusiast and outdoor enthusiast, he is currently working on becoming a Blackhawk pilot for the Army.