Few knives on the market today command as much respect as the Benchmade Bedlam knife. Offered in both a folder and automatic model, the Bedlam boasts a large 4" upswept clip point blade that closely resembles a scimitar because it was originally designed for the security forces of ancient kings. This Black Class automatic comes with textured G-10 handle scales and Benchmade's patented auto AXIS locking mechanism--providing quick action and a solid lock up. Additional features include a small thumb ramp with jimping on the blade for precise cutting measures and a back spacer that protrudes enough to form a pointed strike pommel that can certainly double as a glass breaker. This model, the 8600BK, features a black finished blade made up of 154CM stainless steel and the pocket clip is designed for tip up carry only but is eligible for left or right hand carry options. Made in the USA.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Blade Length: 4"
- Overall Length: 9.76"
- Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel
- Blade Finish: Black
- Handle Length: 5.76"
- Handle Material: G-10
- Weight: 7.1 oz.
Word History
Time for some word history for the interesting word bedlam and its meaning. Around 1402, a home of a religious community located in London was transformed into a hospital for those who were insane. This new hospital was known as the Hospital of Saint Mary of Bethlehem. To simplify the name, people soon shortened the name to Bethlehem. Different than how we speak today, in Middle English, the town of Bethlehem in Palestine was pronounced Bedlem or Bethlem. This was the pronunciation used for the hospital's name. Over time, the name Bedlem or Bedlam came to refer to any home for the insane. Today, the word bedlam is used for any scene of noise and confusion like that found in the early hospitals for the insane. The Benchmade Bedlam is a crazy knife, but not so much in a bad way. Youll soon find out why.
McHenry and Williams Design
The Benchmade Bedlam was designed and created by Bill McHenry and his stepson Jason Williams. These two spend much of their time designing and creating what they like to call art with an edge on it. Their dedication and talents complement one another in a special way. Their teamwork has led to several noteworthy innovations in the knife making world. One of these innovations was the AXIS locking mechanism. Some of their other creations that have been produced through Benchmade include the Infidel Series, the Sequel Family Line, and the 710 Family Line.
Benchmade
Before we go into details about the Bedlam, we should make mention of what a great knife making company Benchmade is. The Benchmade history began in 1979 when Les de Asis wanted a knife that had the best quality to replace the cheap balisongs or butterfly knives, he played with as a kid. Les used his high-school experience to develop and make his dream knife a reality. He created his first balisong in his own garage. From there he took the knife he had created, the model 68 Bali-Song, to a gun store where he was asked to make more of them. From this knife came the famous Benchmade Butterfly Logo that millions recognize everywhere. And from then on, the knife industry has never been the same. As a leader in the industry, Benchmade is continuously developing the best products available.
Specs
This knife is HUGE! When I first pulled it out of the box, I was quite surprised. Its size was definitely a shock. Even though it is large, it is still functional. Listed below shows you just how large of a knife the Bedlam really is. It also will show the other neat features about the knife.
- Product Type: Automatic Knife
- Overall Length: 9.76"
- Weight: 7.30 oz.
- Handle Length: 5.76"
- Blade Length: 4.00"
- Blade Thickness: 0.121"
- Blade Material: 154CM
- Blade Edge: Plain (or combo edge)
- Blade Style: Modified Bowie/ Scimitar
- Blade Finish: Black
- Handle Material: G-10
- Handle Color: Black
- Sheath Included: No
- Pocket Clip: Reversible Tip-Up
- Glass Breaker Included
- Paracord Hole Included
- Made in the USA
Something to note here is that the Bedlam is offered with either a plain edge or a combo edge. But this will be discussed later.
Black Class
The Bedlam is a part of Benchmades Black Class. The Black Class knives, also known as the Professional Class, are used by specialists when a quality tool means the difference between life and death. The Black Class can be classified as a tactical knife class. These knives are designed, built, and tested for heavy duty work. They are preferred cutting tools for Police, Public Safety Workers, and the Military. Different than Benchmades Blue Class, these knives are prepared to handle the various tactical duties that are thrown their way. These knives can also serve a purpose in the everyday carry Blue Class. The Bedlam was created as an additional tool to help those in law enforcement and the military accomplish their different responsibilities.
Auto
Automatic knives are a popular choice of knife to purchase and use. They offer many advantages that a typical folder, fixed blade, or even a spring assisted knife do not offer. One benefit to owning an auto is its deployment speed. Some may argue that a spring assisted knife is just as fast as an automatic knife. This is true in many cases, but what makes an automatic knife a better option is the easiness factor to it. With the press of a button or a flick of a switch, the blade will flash open in a blink of an eye. Not only is it quick, but it can be fired off with one hand. Plus, firing off an auto is fun to do. These features come in handy during many circumstances. If one of your hands in a bind or holding an object in need of cutting, an auto can be opened right away with one hand and do its job. Emergency response teams, law enforcement, and military personnel are all constantly faced with tribulation that requires the use of a decent knife. In many high-stress situations, having a knife ready in a blink of an eye using only one hand can help someone else live for one more day. They are different than a traditional knife and bring a new element to the knife industry.
Axis Lock
The Axis lock, developed by Bill McHenry and Jason Williams, serves both as the locking mechanism for the Bedlam as well as the firing mechanism. For those who worry about folding knives because of the locking system, there is no need to fear because of the AXIS locking system. Different than most locking systems seen before, the AXIS is user-friendly, with its ambidextrous design, for people who are left handed or right handed. The lock is able to be used on both sides of the knife. It functions by having a small steel bar that moves back and forth in a slot that is milled into both sides of the knife. Long enough to go from one side of the knife handle to the other, the AXIS is positioned near the rear of the blade. There are two different grooved portions on the tang of the blade that keeps the knife locked open or closed while the AXIS is engaged. The metal bar stretching forth from the one side to the other prevents the knife from slipping closed. There is little chance of it slipping.
To also prevent a knife from slipping or accidentally opening up is the safety on the side of the handle. Now I had a little bit of trouble trying to figure it out. Most safety slides just slide, but with this particular safety you need to push it in, and while it is pushed in move it to the off position.
Handle
The handle on the Bedlam is made from G-10 or G10. G-10 is similar to Micarta and Carbon Fiber, and is often used in handles because of its moisture imperviousness. The result is a material that is hard, lightweight, and strong. A unique property of the material is that the grip improves when wet. This material is difficult to break. It is also an ideal handle material because it does not shrink or swell in extreme hot or cold temperatures. Normally the surface of the G-10 is a checkering texture, but the handle on the Bedlam is much different. The surface is smooth, but has an uneven surface that is comprised of repeated lines that are similar to mountains and valleys with high and low points. The handle also features a reversible pocket clip that can be positioned on either side of the knife. Though not quite a concealed carry, the pocket clip allows for a deep carry in the pocket. Also on the handle is a glass breaker with a paracord hole in it.
Blade Style
The blade style for the Bedlam is a little tricky. Different people call it several names, but the two blade styles that most people call it are a Bowie and a Scimitar.
As a fighting knife, it is hard to surpass the Bowie. It has a piercing point that will go through clothing, animal hide, or any other tough material with ease. It can slice in one direction and rip in the other. It also has weight to serve as a chopper. For a working field knife, the chopping ability comes in handy.
The Scimitar is a curved blade, originating in the Middle East. The backward-curved blade is helpful when slashing and slicing.
Blade Steel
The blade steel used with the Bedlam is 154CM. It is a high-end stainless steel made by the American company Crucible Industries. The Rockwell test for this steel is around HRC 58-61. This steel is designed to be durable and rock solid. 154CM stainless steel consists of the following material: Carbon 1.05%, Chromium 14.00%, Manganese 0.50%, Molybdenum 4.00%, and Silicon 0.30%. It is comparable to or better than 440c stainless steel. 154CM is known for its corrosion resistance and strength while being comparatively cheaper than other high-quality steels such as BG-42 and S30V.
Serration Available
The Bedlam is also available in a combo blade package. It is part plain edge, and part serrated. Having a part serrated edge is helpful in many ways, and helps the knife become a better all-around tool. The combo edge is more popular because it allows you to use part of the knife for push cuts and the other part for rigorous cutting. It does a better job with cutting tougher materials. The reason for this is that additional strength comes from the greater pressure and surface area on the serrations. Serrated blades have an upper hand when it comes to slicing through coarse, textured objects like rope, tree branches or thicker objects that require a back-and-forth sawing motion. The downside to a combo edge is that the serrations tend to be more difficult to sharpen than straight blades. Serrated edges require a special sharpening rod which fits between the serrations. Another thing to consider is the placement of the serrations on the blade because they aren't always useful for certain tasks. A combo edge isnt for everyone. Thats why there are the different options for the Bedlam.
Cutting Test
I was excited to try the Bedlam out because of the large cutting edge on this massive knife. Having a long belly will be beneficial when cutting a variety of different things. Typically, the tests conducted are on paper, cardboard, rope/paracord, and plastic. These items are common materials that are cut on a day to day basis. This is how the Bedlam performed:
Paper- The nicest thing about the Bedlam blade is the ridiculously sharp and pointy tip. This made penetrating and slicing through multiple layers of paper simple. Remember those that can tear a phonebook in half with one tug? I wouldnt be surprised if the Bedlam could cut through a phonebook with one swoop.
Cardboard- It seemed to me when cutting the cardboard it was just as easy, if not easier to cut than paper. The cardboard was like warm butter that is easy to slice. This was probably my favorite part of the test, just because of how simple it was to cut through this supposed tougher material.
Rope- Here with this test, I was left slightly disappointed. The rope was cut just fine, but it wasnt a clean cut. The rope still had frayed strands after the cut. If fine, clean cuts really matter to you, you may want to consider the combo Bedlam. Otherwise, the blade still cut the rope fine.
Plastic--Plastics range from being thin as tape to a thickness similar to that used in Tupperware. The Bedlam was able to conquer all sorts of plastics. The tape that is used to seal up your products you purchased online is nothing when the Bedlam faces it. It is like cutting the air around us. When it came time to test the blade on thicker plastics, it too, was very simple to pass through. This knife is sharp and tremendously tough.
Conclusion
As the name suggests, this knife is crazy! It has a wicked sharp blade and a unique design to it that can strike fear in others. Its probably not the best knife to carry into the office, but it could work great as a tactical knife. If youre feeling like going crazy, then get the Bedlam.