Benchmade Stryker II Axis Knife Review

The Benchmade Drop Point Stryker II AXIS knife features black textured G10 handle scales and a 154CM stainless steel blade.  Even more notable is the addition of the AXIS® locking mechanism, taking a great knife to even greater heights.

The 908 series feature drop point blades of 154CM stainless steel.  Long coveted as a superior knife blade steel, 154CM is an American made premium grade stainless steel.  It was designed specifically for tough industrial applications.  It serves as one of the all time classic blade steels because it offers one of the best blends of the Big Three in blade steels–namely, corrosion resistance, toughness and edge quality.  Since 154CM gives such a great blend of these three characteristics, you will notice most of the top knife manufacturers use it in their heavy duty, all purpose knives.

The drop point tip of the Stryker II gives you the all time classic blade shape that excels at everyday cutting tasks.  Specifically, because the point is slightly below (dropped) from where you would find the tip of most other blade styles, you get greater tip control.  The large belly gives you serious slicing power.  

The blade locks open with the AXIS® locking mechanism.  If you have never had the pleasure of using an AXIS knife, here are the basics of the system.  A patented system that only Benchmade offers, the AXIS® has at its core a small, hardened steel bar which rides along a slot that is machined into both steel liners.  The bar extends out just beyond the handle scales.  When you pull on the bar, you engage a pair of omega springs that are connected to the liners.  When the blade is fully opened, the steel bar engages and locks the blade right on the tang.  The tang is thus wedged between the AXIS® bar and a stop pin.  This makes the blade virtually fail proof–giving your knife blade the strength you need and demand in a heavy use everday carry knife.

The handle scales are black G-10.  With a heavy texture pattern, these scales give you serious grip.  A few decorative grooves run stylistically down the length of the handle.  The shallow grooves add visual appeal and a bit of texture for grip.  The handle features a shallow finger groove where the thumb studs rest when the knife blade is closed.  The finger groove has an extended groove up into the G-10 scales for forefinger positioning when holding the knife in a classic forward grip.  The rest of the inside edge of the handle is a very shallow curve for your middle two fingers.  At the end of the handle, the edge jogs down just a bit and there is a short 5/8″ flat spot for your pinkie finger to rest.  When the knife is held in a reverse grip, this flat spot becomes the perfect control point for your forefinger.

Stainless steel, reversible, tip up pocket clip.

Well designed for heavy daily use in an urban setting as well as tactical situations, the Stryker II offers you a solid, premium stainless steel blade, a comfortable, easy to control grip, and a price that works for all.  Throw in the limited lifetime warranty from Benchmade as well as their spectacular LifeSharp program and you have a knife worth investing in.  Get serious about your daily carry, get a Stryker II AXIS®.

SPECIFICATIONS: 

• Blade Length: 3.57″
• Blade Thickness: 0.124″
• Handle Thickness: 0.470″
• Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel
• Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
• Blade Style: Drop Point, Plain Edge
• Weight: 4.38oz.
• Pocket Clip: Reversible, Black, Tip-Up
• Lock Mechanism: AXIS
• Overall Length: 8.29″
• Closed Length: 4.72″
• Sheath Material: Sold Separately
• Class: Black