Benchmade H&K Epidemic OTF Auto Knife, D2 Satin Blade

This knife is discontinued, shop all Benchmade knives here.

The Benchmade H&K Epidemic series has been re-branded to the Benchmade Precipice found HERE:

The Benchmade H&K Epidemic OTF auto knife is a double action out the front model that offers smooth action and durable construction. The entire H&K line of knives are all manufactured by Benchmade and carry their limited lifetime warranty and are eligible for all Benchmade services. This automatic knife features an an ambidextrous thumb slide located on the side of the handle. Unlike its slimmer counterpart, the H&K Turmoil, this knife offers a wider handle scale with additional milling slots for added grip security. All H&K Epidemic knives include D2 tool steel, in a spear point style blade, which was designed for hard use applications. The pocket clip is designed for tip down carry while offering either a left or right hand carry option. Made in the USA.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Blade Length: 3.44"
• Overall Length: 8.22"
• Blade Material: D2 Tool Steel
• Blade Finish: Satin
• Handle Length: 4.78"
• Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
• Weight: 3.9 oz.

Benchmade H&K 14850 Epidemic OTF Knife

 

Heckler and Koch has been a leading designer and manufacturer of firearms for military, LE and civilians for over fifty years. They have a proven track record of dedication to quality. HK Knives continues this proud tradition in the edged tool department. Built by Benchmade Knives with tolerances fit for the aerospace industry, these edged tools are built practical for real world applications. Several notable assist knives and OTF knives have come out of the HK Knife line. The Epidemic is one of the very best. It continues the tradition of excellence by living up to the HK motto of “No Compromise”.

 

BLADE

The 3.44” single edge D2 tool steel spear point blade comes out with the kind of blistering speed everyone dreams of when they first start looking at Out The Front automatic knives. The blade is fairly thin measuring 5/8” wide and narrowing to a point at the tip. It boasts a fuller’s groove (sometimes referred to as a blood groove) down the middle of the blade that extends to about 1” from the end of the blade. When open, the blade has virtually no movement from side to side and the same from front to back. The blade is opened by sliding the red anodized aluminum slide trigger toward the end of the handle. It is retracted easily by pulling the same slide trigger toward the butt of the handle. Some OTF knives have extremely stiff slide triggers--opening the blade isn’t onerous on the Epidemic. There is a bit of resistance that is appropriate—the resistance acts as a simple safety—keeping your knife from firing accidently. About 10 years ago I fired a 3 ½” framing nail through my right thumb—right through the knuckle. As a result of this, I have since had a bit of a “weak thumb”. I have absolutely no problem firing the Epidemic.

The benefit of D2 tool steel as a blade is that it ranks very high on the scale for toughness, wear resistance, hardness as well as corrosion resistance. In fact, it rates so well on all of these measurements that it is one of the very best blade steels you can get for tough use applications—think military deployment situations or LE type environments.

 

HANDLE

The black anodized 6061 T-6 aluminum handle is .55” thick and 4.78” long. The handle has CNC machining on the front and back. The machined pattern gives grip points. The handle flares slightly on the inside edge. The flare has wide jimping lines that gives extra traction where your forefinger sits—giving you an extremely comfortable and secure grip. A deep carry, removable pocket clip has the HK logo. The Epidemic weighs in at 3.86 ounces meaning it isn’t going to drag your pants down or overly burden your duty belt or MOLLE gear.

 

OVERALL IMPRESSION

 

Easy to carry, built to incredibly tolerances, produced in the USA, and reliable—the Benchmade produced HK Epidemic Out the Front automatic knife is definitely one of the best OTF knives on the market. Especially for someone who wants a knife that is going to endure heavy, hard use on a regular basis. With a price tag under $200—the Epidemic is the kind of knife you can bank on.