Benchmade Bedlam Auto Axis Knife

The Benchmade Bedlam 8600 series boast the Auto-AXIS pull release with an integrated safety.  The safety resides on the spine of the handle and is a press and slide mechanism.  You press it down and slide it toward the front of the handle to lock the blade in either the open or closed position.  Easy to operate with one hand, this mechanism makes the Auto-AXIS a truly one hand opening knife.  After unlocking the knife, the blade is activated by pulling on either or both sides of the AXIS pull release.  The blade snaps out fast.  And of course, it hardly needs mentioning, that it locks up tight.  It is a Benchmade.

The blade on the 8600 series is a 154 CM modified Bowie style.  You can get it plain or combo edge.  Both variations have a BK1 black coating.  The modification to the Bowie is that it is upswept at the tip, giving the blade an exotic look.  The blade is large.  At nearly 4 inches, it is plenty of blade. The base of the blade spine has a nice thumb ramp with jimping for a very secure grip when holding the knife.

The black G-10 handle scales are milled with a horizontal pattern that keeps your hand from sliding up and down the blade.  The handle is extremely comfortable and big enough for even the largest of hands.  The forefinger choil sweeps up and then out to create a blade guard and keep your finger safe.  A glass breaker is sandwiched at the base of the handle.  The skeletonized pocket clip is left/right reversible.

Overall impression:

This is a solid built auto knife built from quality materials.  Designed for heavy use, the Auto AXIS Bedlam will perform under pressure and is plenty of knife for even the most demanding users.  I especially love the Auto-AXIS system and feel it is one of the most user friendly actions currently being produced.  Part of the Black Class from Benchmade, the knife is built specifically for professionals where life and death situations are part of the job.  The Bedlam is built so you can rely on it when it matters most.

Blade Length: 3.95″ Blade Thickness: 0.125″ Handle Thickness: 0.600″ Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC Blade Style: Modified Bowie Weight: 7.30oz.

Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, Skeletonized Black, Reversible Lock Mechanism: Auto-AXIS Overall Length: 9.76″ Closed Length: 5.76″ Sheath Material: Sold Separately Class: Black