AllOutdoor Review: Benchmade Mini Adira – Water Collection

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. So, today we are going to take a look at the Benchmade Mini Adira, a fishing-focused blade with bright colors to help you spot it at the bottom of the river.

The Mini Adira was provided by Benchmade and while I am allowed to keep these knives indefinitely, it will not change my current or future opinion on any Benchmade Products. Benchmade has not been allowed to preview this review prior to publishing. I have been using this knife on any of my trips to the beach in Florida but recently I spent a weekend in the White Mountains of New Hampshire where this blade accompanied me in my rivers.

Specifications: Benchmade Mini Adira – Water Collection

Overall Length: 7.62 inches (19.35 cm)
Blade Length: 3.21 inches (8.26 cm)
Blade Material: CPM-Magnacut
Blade Style: Drop-point
Weight: 3.1ounces
Locking Mechanism: AXIS® lock
Pocket Clip: Reversible deep-carry clip
Deployment Mechanism: Ambidextrous thumb studs
Lanyard Hole: Yes
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $230

Mini Adira™ | Depth Blue Grivory® | Drop-point

Design and Build Quality: Benchmade Mini Adira – Water Collection

The first thing that struck me about the MINI ADAMAS is its compact size. It’s smaller than the full-sized ADAMAS, which makes it much easier to carry around, but it still feels substantial in hand. The knife is incredibly lightweight and its easy to forget its in your pocket.

The handle is made from Grivory®, a material I’ve never heard of but to dumb it down it’s a high-quality polymer, similar to something you might find in a ski boot. It has a textured finish that feels secure in my hand and has a nice design that reminds me of ripples in water. The overall design of the handle is ergonomic and beautiful, fitting comfortably in my grip, and the jimping on the spine provides extra control for more precise cuts.

Blade Performance: Benchmade Mini Adira – Water Collection

The blade itself is made from CPM Magnacut, which is known for its excellent edge retention and toughness. CPM Magnacut blade steel has really impressed me with its balance of properties. One of the biggest advantages I’ve noticed is its exceptional edge retention, which means I don’t have to sharpen the blade as often. It also stands out for its toughness; On the downside, CPM Magnacut can be a bit pricier and harder to find compared to other steels, which might be a concern if you’re on a budget. While it’s easier to sharpen than some other high-performance steels, it still requires more effort than lower-end options, so you might need to invest in good sharpening tools or skills to keep it in top shape. In my experience, the blade holds its edge well, even after extended use whether I’m slicing through rope, cutting cardboard, or doing more detailed work, the blade performs consistently without dulling quickly. The blade has a drop-point shape with a flat grind, which makes it versatile for a range of tasks. It’s not too thick, so it can handle more delicate tasks, but it’s also sturdy enough for heavier-duty cutting.

Locking Mechanism and Usability: Benchmade Mini Adira – Water Collection

One of the features that I’ve come to appreciate about Benchmade knives is the AXIS lock, and the MINI ADAMAS is no exception. The AXIS lock is smooth and reliable, allowing me to open and close the knife with one hand. It locks up solidly with no blade play, which adds to my confidence when using it for tougher tasks. The ambidextrous thumb studs make the knife easy to deploy, whether you’re right or left-handed. I found the action to be smooth, and the blade snaps into place with a satisfying click. The reversible deep-carry pocket clip is another practical feature, letting me carry the knife discreetly and securely.

Portability and Everyday Carry: Benchmade Mini Adira – Water Collection

Despite being a bit on the thicker side the Mini Adira is still relatively compact, making it a good option for everyday carry (EDC). It fits easily into my pocket without feeling bulky, and the deep-carry clip keeps it low-profile. If it was not so wide, it would honestly disappear in my pocket as its very lightweight.

Wrap Up: Benchmade Mini Adira – Water Collection

Overall, the Benchmade Mini Adria is a reliable, well-built knife that balances portability with performance with a clear focus on handling tasks in Marine conditions. It’s a bit thicker than other EDC knives, but I think the trade-off is worth it for the durability and cutting power it offers. The CPM-Magnacut blade is certainly a standout feature, providing excellent edge retention and toughness, while the AXIS lock ensures smooth and secure operation. I think if you’re a sea or river fairing kind of folk, this and probably the rest of the Benchmade Water collection is going to be right up your alley.

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Patrik Orcutt

Patrik Orcutt is currently a writer for AllOutdoor who has chosen not to write a short bio at this time.