BenchmadeMini Crooked River 15085 EDC Knife with Dark Brown Wood Handle (15085-2)

Honestly, this is my favorite folder. I just love the design of it and how it feels in hand. The blade opens very smoothly with use of the thumb stud or even a quick snap of the wrist if you are so inclined to open it that way (it's a little reckless but fun none the less). I enjoy the access lock allowing for single handed opening and also single handed closing with out your hand ever getting in the path of the blade.Mine had no real quality control issues. The blade was centered. Maybe a portion of the diamond wood near the bolster was not quite flush. This does not provide any hotspot for me or irritation. But it's a folding knife for spot cutting tasks; cutting open packages or digging out a splinter. I do not use it for any prolonged carving or processing task. That goes the same for the pocket clip.It's a Benchmade - I own two. They are both very quality knifes. One might slip through the checks process. But that is not always a company issue and more of a person issue. If you've ever worked in a job where someone wasn't quite doing what they were supposed to but that is not always immediately apparent to the people in charge. So, getting one bad $200 knife is not indicative of company with terrible quality control.The design - you either like it or you don't. There are countless pictures...The size - they come in two sizes. It can be difficult to gauge on-line. If that is a concern for you, don't buy it on line. Find a retailer and go hold it. It fits mine perfectly and I would say as for hands I have about medium to small.Value - it's 200 bucks for something that cuts things. There are countless knives out there for less that will perform that task equally as well. I will say that it comes sharp and retains that sharpness through moderate cutting tasks quite well.But again - it's my favorite knife. I am perfectly happy not owning another model of knife. Benchmade now offers customization of blade and scales and am thinking about purchasing a customized one of this model.The only other knife I had my eye on is the Benchmade Saibu - mainly for the full flat grind (which is usually my preference for all knives) .

I wanted a high quality knife from a US Manufacturer to have as a nice EDC alternative to my usual "Go To" knives.After watching reviews online and reading opinions on different websites, I decided on Benchmade as a brand, and the Mini Crooked River over the 941 because the Classic Look reminded me of a long lost knife my Grandfather gave me when I was a kid.Out of the box the blade is well sharpened, perfectly centered and opens with a very smooth action. I love the Axis blade locking mechanism, it feels sturdy and durable, but allows for safe and quick one handed opening of the knife.The size of this knife is perfect for my pocket, but after a few days of carrying the knife I decided I would like a deep pocket carry clip instead of the standard clip.I couldn't find a deep carry clip for my knife on the Benchmade website or PDF Catalog, so I wrote them an email asking how I could order one. I quickly received a reply which stated they would mail me the Clip free of charge. When I received the package I was surprised to get two clips, one in a light satin finish that matched the blade steel and the other in a dark, almost black satin finish that matched the standard clip.It's price is as expensive as I would be willing to pay for a Knife that I am willing to carry around and use on a daily basis, and although about $ 190 for a knife is higher than many alternatives out there, I think this is a purchase I will enjoy for years. It's build quality is top grade, and the blade steel looks like it will hold up perfectly for a lifetime (or two) of normal use.I am sure there are many inexpensive tools that can match the functionality of this knife... but I can only speak to the great service I have received in my first month of being a Benchmade customer. I will surely buy from them again.

Finally Benchmade gets it right or close enough for me!I love BM quality and have a Barrage (which is misplaced at the moment and allowed me to justify the MCR!). At the $100-$300 price range BM is the clear winner and even higher dollar custom knives may fall short...The Mini Crooked River does not disappoint! I got the wood scaled version. I was sold on the G10 and had a custom one in the BM shop cart but had Amazon credit so came to over $50 less for wood.The wood grip is fine for EDC. Sure it may get slippery as a hunting knife covered in gore but I aint doing that! This is my EDC while I'm on the road as a full time Airstreamer. It has a better grip than I expected and while it looks finely polished there are some very fine parallel lines machined in the wood to give plenty of grip for dry situationsAs an EDC the fit is PERFECT! Slides right in next to my Fenix UC35 and I barely know they're there!I was used to the assist open of the Barrage and thought I may miss that but even with a tight wiggle free blade a quick wrist flick deploys almost as easy.Fit and finish are near perfect. One wood scale is a hair bigger and I can feel a burr but I am putting under a microscope looking for flaws and that's all I can see/feel! And it a non factor!Blade edge looks a little rough, not a high polish razor BUT it is razor sharp! I easily shaved a swath of hair from my arm with light pressure. It's as sharp as I want a knife!The S30V steel is the perfect compromise between edge retention and toughness that is desired in EDC do-all knives.This is IT! It has style, quality and feel! I don't think you can get a better EDC depending upon how tactical your situation. I kinda like the weird orange accoutrements and had that combo picked out on BM website with black scales but figure I can make better use of the $50!I'd been looking for an EDC knife that would fit me for a LONG time and finally have it! Thanks Benchmade!