Patrik Orcutt 08.25.25
The origin of Benchmade may be traced again to California in 1979, when Les de Asis, the founder, was impressed to create a greater high quality knife than these he had used throughout his childhood. Dissatisfied with the poorly made butterfly knives out there on the time, Les aimed to leverage the newest supplies and manufacturing strategies to revolutionize this market. The preliminary focus was on crafting high-quality butterfly knives, generally known as Bali-Songs, as mirrored within the firm’s brand and title on the time. Utilizing his abilities from highschool store courses, Les developed a prototype of his improved knife design. Inspired by the constructive response he acquired from a neighborhood gun retailer proprietor who noticed the prototype, Les launched into the journey of making extra knives. This marked the common-or-garden beginnings of the corporate, which initially operated beneath the title Bali-Music. At this time, we’re going to check out the Benchmade Mini Bedlam in a Black colorway as a Scimitar EDC (on a regular basis carry) knife which may be extra tactical than a Navy SEAL taking pictures a terrorist within the face.
Benchmade Protection on AllOutdoor
The Benchmade Mini Bedlam, Black, Scimitar was despatched to me for overview by Benchmade. Whereas I’m allowed to maintain these knives indefinitely, it is not going to change my present or future opinion on any Benchmade Merchandise. Benchmade has not been allowed to preview this overview previous to publishing.
Specs
Blade- 3.45″ CPM-S90V Stainless Metal (59-61HRC)Deal with- ScimitarWeight- 4.91 ozOverall Size- 8.63″ open.Lock Mechanism- Axis Lock.Clip- Deep-carry, reversible, tip-up.Deployment- Ambidextrous thumb studs.Made In- USA.MSRP – $350
Blade Form and Materials
The Mini Bedlam’s 3.45-inch blade is crafted from CPM-S90V chrome steel, a premium tremendous metal identified for its distinctive edge retention and corrosion resistance. With a hardness of 59-61 HRC, this blade maintains its sharpness by demanding duties, as demonstrated in checks the place it effortlessly shaved arm hair. The graphite Cerakote end enhances the sturdiness by including corrosion resistance and a smooth, tactical black aesthetic that reduces glare, making it about as tactical as attainable.
The scimitar-inspired blade form, additionally known as a Persian or Jambiya model, is the Mini Bedlam’s defining function. Its upswept, curved profile with a “slicey” stomach excels at slashing and hooking, making it extremely efficient for tactical purposes and slicing by robust supplies like nylon webbing or paracord. The partially serrated edge on the 865SBK mannequin has added versatility, permitting it to tear by textured supplies with ease. Nonetheless, the scimitar form is much less fitted to piercing duties in comparison with drop-point or tanto blades, which can restrict its use for extra each day duties, to not point out it’s a ache to sharpen in comparison with the aforementioned blade shapes.
Deal with Materials
The Mini Bedlam’s deal with is constructed from aggressively textured G10, a sturdy, light-weight composite that gives a assured grip in numerous circumstances, together with moist or gloved palms. The black G10 scales are milled with detailed serrations and a chamfered again spacer, enhancing aesthetics and performance for palm strikes. This deal with additionally feels actually nice within the hand. The deal with’s ergonomic design options deep finger grooves that mould naturally to the palm, serving to cut back fatigue throughout prolonged use.
The deal with is constructed round full-length metal liners, which add a whole lot of structural integrity and quantity of heft that contributes to the knife’s balanced really feel. A jimped thumb ramp and knurled again spacer additionally improve management, permitting exact dealing with throughout fast actions or heavy chopping duties. Total, this knife feels nice within the hand whereas making you’re feeling fairly assured is utilizing it to open that Amazon package deal.
Who’s it for?
The Mini Bedlam is designed for tactical customers, EDC fanatics, and collectors who respect a mix of aggressive styling and sensible efficiency. Its scimitar blade and sturdy development make it ultimate for legislation enforcement, navy personnel, or self-defense purposes, the place slashing and hooking is likely to be an actual use case. The knife’s origins hint again to a fee for King Abdullah II of Jordan’s elite safety forces, reflecting its tactical heritage. Nonetheless, its downsized 8.63-inch total size and 5.2-inch closed size make it extra pocket-friendly than the unique 10-inch Bedlam.
Total Really feel and Look
The Mini Bedlam exudes a fierce, cinematic presence, paying homage to a late-90s motion thriller prop, but it stays utilitarian. The blacked-out 865SBK mannequin, with its graphite Cerakote blade and black G10 deal with, initiatives a no-nonsense tactical aesthetic that’s each intimidating and trendy. The graceful AXIS lock mechanism, a trademark of Benchmade’s engineering, permits for buttery-smooth one-handed deployment with a satisfying click on and 0 blade play. This reliability, mixed with the ergonomic deal with, makes the knife really feel like an extension of the hand, providing confidence when combating with it on the sofa whereas watching your favourite motion flick.
Aesthetically, the Mini Bedlam is a dialog starter. The smooth traces, aggressive texturing, and delicate particulars just like the chamfered again spacer create a cohesive, trendy design that balances kind and performance. The reversible split-arrow pocket clip works nice, whereas I do want a deeper pocket clip on my knives. Every time I pull this blade out, although, my girlfriend provides an nearly audible eye-roll at its overbuilt and tactile model.
Weight
At 4.91 ounces, the Mini Bedlam shouldn’t be the lightest EDC knife, however its weight contributes to a balanced, sturdy really feel in hand. The heft, derived from the metal liners and thick blade inventory (0.114 inches), enhances management with out being overly cumbersome. For comparability, it’s heavier than Benchmade’s Bugout (1.85 ounces) however lighter than the unique Bedlam.
Likes
Premium Blade Materials: CPM-S90V metal affords distinctive edge retention and corrosion resistance.Ergonomic G10 Deal with: Aggressive texturing and deep finger grooves guarantee a safe, comfy grip.Dependable AXIS Lock: Easy, ambidextrous operation with rock-solid lockup.Tactical Aesthetic: Glossy, blacked-out design with a contemporary, aggressive look.Lifetime Guarantee: Contains Benchmade’s LifeSharp service free of charge sharpening and upkeep.
Dislikes
Scimitar Blade Limitations: Much less usable for on a regular basis duties than a easy drop level.Weight: At 4.91 ounces, it’s heavier than most of my knives in my assortment and really noticeable within the pocket.Value: Beginning at $350, it’s a premium knife at a premium value.
Conclusion
The Benchmade Mini Bedlam 865SBK is a tactical masterpiece that mixes premium supplies, considerate design, and a particular scimitar blade to ship a knife that’s as practical as it’s placing. Its CPM-S90V blade and G10 deal with cater to tactical customers and EDC fanatics who worth sturdiness and grip, whereas its daring aesthetic appeals to collectors. Although its weight, value, and blade form might not swimsuit everybody, the Mini Bedlam’s high quality and efficiency make it an superior blade to personal.
