This knife is discontinued. Find all available Benchmade Auto knives right here.
The Benchmade Presidio Auto Axis Tanto knife features a multi direction positive grip that makes it easy to hold onto. The black anodized handle is made of machined 6061 T6 aluminum and has 420J stainless steel liners. This tough and reliable automatic knife is built with the Benchmade Auto AXIS® pull release that opens the knife rapidly and safely. This model, the 5300, has a tanto point, plain edge blade built of 154CM stainless steel. The blade has bead blast finish. The Presidio also comes with a tip up black reversible pocket clip. This USA made automatic knife is one of the most reliable, dependable, and tough auto knives available. SPECIFICATIONS: Blade Length: 3.44" Blade Thickness: 0.115" Handle Thickness: 0.640" Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC Blade Style: Tanto Weight: 5.80oz. Pocket Clip: Black, Movable, Tip-Up Lock Mechanism: Auto-AXIS Ambidextrous Pull Release w/ Integrated Safety Overall Length: 8.30" Closed Length: 4.86" Sheath Material: Sold Separately Class: Black
Benchmade 5300 Auto Presidio, Tanto Bead Blast Blade
The Benchmade 5300 Auto Presidio knife most notably features the ever dependable Auto AXIS opening system. Add in a machined aluminum handle and you have a comfortable, well built, durable knife that is ready for hard use. Built for the real world, the Auto Presidio has many features that make it one of those knives that are perfect for every day carry whether you work in a warehouse or in some foreign country.
BLADE
The 3.44 tanto blade has a standard edge. Made of 154CM stainless steel, the blade steel is strong enough to tackle heavy work without constant resharpening but still soft enough so as to not be brittle. The tanto point makes it less susceptible to tip breakage. To me, this is one of those just perfect sized blades that can do just about anything.
HANDLE
The handle is machined, black anodized 6061 T6 aluminum. Built with a "multi directional positive grip" the handle seems nearly non slip in my hand. There is some light jimping on both edges of the handle right close to the blade. Closed, the Presidio measures 4.86".
SAFETY AND FIRE BUTTON
The Auto AXIS system is one of my favorite on the market. A true ambidextrous firing system, you slide the AXIS button down to trigger the blade open. It isn't talked about very often, but this system fires extremely fast. By the time you have the AXIS pulled all the way down, the blade is fully open and locked into place. There is an integrated safety on the spine that locks the blade open or closed.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
This is a great, mid sized auto knife. If you prefer a drop point blade, check out the 5000 series. At a price point of right around $200.00, this is an automatic knife that will last for years. Plus, it has the added advantage of being built in the US as well as carrying the limited lifetime warranty from Benchmade. If you need a mid sized auto knife that will do you right--check out the Auto AXIS Presidio.
