AllOutdoor Review – Benchmade Proper “Old School Cool”
Patrik Orcutt 09.19.23
In a world dominated by lightning-fast automatics, sleek assisted open knives, and flashy flippers, Benchmade surprised everyone with a modern gentleman’s knife when the Benchmade Proper came on the scene a little over 5 years ago. The Benchmade Proper doesn’t aim to be a one-handed, quick-deploying, or tactical blade like some of their other offerings. Yet, it’s precisely this departure from the norm as a saturated market of the same knife quickly becomes boring. The Benchmade Proper encourages us to rethink our everyday carry choices and reconnect with the simpler, more traditional knives that many of us began our journey with. And that’s a significant part of its appeal in my opinion.
Benchmade Knives Coverage on AllOutdoor
- AllOutdoor Review: Benchmade 940 Osborne – “A True Classic”
- AllOutdoor 1 Year Review: Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Fixed Blade
- AllOutdoor Review: Benchmade Casbah AutoKnife
- Introducing the 430BK and 430SBK Redoubt EDC Benchmade Knives
The origin of Benchmade can be traced back to California in 1979, when Les de Asis, the founder, was inspired to create a better quality knife than those he had used during his childhood. Dissatisfied with the poorly made butterfly knives available at the time, Les aimed to leverage the latest materials and manufacturing techniques to revolutionize this market. The initial focus was on crafting high-quality butterfly knives, known as Bali-Songs, as reflected in the company’s logo and name at the time.
Using his skills from high school shop classes, Les developed a prototype of his improved knife design. Encouraged by the positive response he received from a local gun store owner who saw the prototype, Les embarked on the journey of creating more knives. This marked the humble beginnings of the company, which initially operated under the name Bali-Song.
As time progressed, the company expanded its offerings beyond butterfly knives, embracing a wider range of knife types. This evolution prompted a name change to the Pacific Cutlery Corporation, signifying the company’s commitment to producing high-quality knives across different styles.
Benchmade’s legacy endures with its ongoing production of the patented Bali-Song butterfly knives and a dedication to innovation, quality craftsmanship, and diverse knife offerings. Today we will be looking at a true modern classic of theirs, the 940 Osborne.
The Proper was purchased by myself and Benchmade has not been allowed to preview this review prior to publishing.
Specs – Benchmade Proper
- Blade Length: 2.86″
- Overall Length: 6.69″
- Closed Length: 3.85″
- Blade Steel: CPM-S30V
- Handle Thickness: 0.40″
- Weight: 2.32oz
- Made in the USA
- Handle Material: Micarta (but it also comes in G10)
- Opening Style: Manual (Slip Joint)
- MSRP $160
What’s Different about the Benchmade Proper?
What sets the Benchmade Proper apart from the rest is its departure from the prevailing trend in the knife market. In a landscape dominated by tactical folders and oversized pocket bowies, the Benchmade Proper sends a distinctive message. It caters to those who have grown weary of the ubiquity of modern flippers, automatics, and assisted-opening knives.
The Benchmade Proper introduces something refreshingly different to a market that has long been saturated with a limited range of options. When you peruse the aisles of big-box stores, you typically encounter an array of products that include tactical knives, Case Knives, Swiss Army tools, and hunting knives. This description may seem somewhat generic, but it accurately characterizes what occupies roughly 90% of the shelves in my local store.
However, in 2017, a shift in the landscape became apparent with the introduction of the Benchmade Proper. While it remains a contemporary knife produced by a well-known and reputable brand, it takes a decidedly vintage-inspired approach to its design. This shift is a boon for consumers, as it means that those seeking a slip joint or “trapper” style knife now have more options beyond just Case or Swiss Army offerings.
The shift towards lightweight gear has been a game-changer for me. I can vividly recall the days when I used to carry a hefty 4″ folding knife, however, more recently, I’ve embraced the ethos of traveling light, and the Benchmade Proper has played a crucial role in this transformation.
Benchmade Proper Quality
As previously mentioned, the Benchmade Proper truly stands out when it comes to the quality of its materials. The Micarta handles, in particular, have proven to be exceptional, developing a rich patina and character in the few months since I acquired this knife. The choice of S30V blade steel, which happens to be a personal favorite among high-end blade steels, has not disappointed me in the slightest. Additionally, while I may not be an expert on Slip-Joint knives, I can confidently affirm that the Benchmade Proper exhibits an impressively tight and precise operation.
Having carried this knife every day for over two months now, I can unequivocally declare it to be a true wolf in sheep’s clothing. It may look simple but it has a lot of capabilities.
Benchmade Proper Safety
I must admit that my initial concern when considering the Benchmade Proper was its safety, particularly how well a slip-joint knife could handle the demands of everyday carry. Specifically, I worried about the possibility of it accidentally closing on me. However, after using the Benchmade Proper extensively, I can confidently attest to its safety.
The opening mechanism incorporates a half stop, a feature notably absent in Swiss Army Knife Cadets, for instance. This means that the knife will audibly and securely “click” into a half-open position during both opening and closing, rather than immediately reaching its fully open or closed state. Moreover, once it’s fully open, the Benchmade Proper exhibits a remarkably sturdy lockup. I’ve encountered no issues or apprehensions regarding this knife inadvertently closing on me during my regular EDC tasks, even when tackling outdoor chores.
Likes
- Price
- Quality
- Uniqueness
Dislikes
- No Pocket clip
- Hard to find New
Wrap Up – Benchmade Proper
I can wholeheartedly recommend the Proper to anyone looking for a knife that harkens back to their grandfather’s hunting knife. The Proper has an aesthetic and demeanor that you won’t find with many other knives being produced by a company as big as Benchmade. If you’re looking to change up your EDC with something more traditional, but you don’t want to sacrifice modern qualities, this is the knife for you. This is a really cool, fun and practical knife. It gives you everything you need and nothing more. That’s part of its unique charm.
