Free Gun Friday Giveaway: Win a RUGER(r] LCP(r] MAX or CALDWELL PABLE TARGETKIT Close Although Benchmade Knives is not new to the automatic knife market, they are constantly innovating and improving. Companies have increased their supply to meet the huge demand as states lift restrictions on automatic knives. Benchmade has a long list out the front and out side automatics, and now it offers two more with the Claymore or Shootout. RELATED STORY The Benchmade Bugout 535BK-4, a striking version of the original The Benchmade Claymore, and Shootout are two new knives in its stable. The Claymore (two different actions) and the Shootout (one each). Benchmade offers both OTF (Out the Front), and OTS (Out the Side), because everyone is different. OTF is my favorite because it is simple to use single-handed. OTS knives have some features that many prefer, including lockup and security. You can also open the side knife discreetly than an OTF. It is therefore easier to use your knife with people who aren’t ready to see a “switchblade in action” without being too nervous. It all comes down to personal preference, individual needs and personal preference. The Benchmade Claymore 9070BK This Claymore is similar to the Adamas out of the side auto, but with solid improvements. The Claymore has a 3.6-inch droppoint blade (with slight edge), and is available in straight or serrated edges. It is made from CPM-D2 steel and has excellent edge retention and wear resistance. CPM-D2 steel is not a stainless steel, but it has more Chromium than regular D2. It is important to watch for rust on exposed edges and oil it when necessary. The majority of the blade is coated in Cobalt Black to protect the steel. The handle is made of Grivory. It is available in black or Foliage Green. The handle has sections embossed with stippled texturing that provide a secure grip even in wet conditions. The spine and belly of this grip have jimping at guard and butt. It is very comfortable in the hand thanks to its ergonomic design and subtle embossing around the perimeter. The guard rises at your thumb and falls at your index finger. This ensures that your hand doesn’t ride on the blade while thrusting. The guard pays homage to its name by featuring the raised Morse Code letters FTE – Front Toward Enemy. The safety switch and release button are located on the presentation side of this handle. The blade snaps to its full 8.6-inch length when the release button is pressed. It then makes an authoritative SNAP! The blade locks very well once it is opened. The deep-carry pocket clip is tip-up for right-hand carrying, but can be reversible for left-hand carrying. Benchmade Shootout 5370FE. I just want to say that the Shootout is one the coolest OTF knives that I have ever used. It’s a complete departure from the traditional OTF form and does it very well. The Shootout is a lightweight 2.8 ounces, designed with law enforcement and tactical personnel. It feels almost invisible compared to other OTFs that I have. The CF-Elite handle can partly explain the weight. Carbon-fiber-filled nylon with CF-Elite handles increases rigidity and toughness, while reducing weight. The handle’s deviation from the traditional, straight, blocky shape is something I love. OTF knives are a square piece of metal with a straight blade. The Shootout’s handle is more ergonomic than a standard knife handle. The handle’s extremities are also chamfered, which enhances the overall comfort. Texturing on the sides and butt help with retention. For maximum retention, there are two panels that look like sandpaper just behind the blade on each side of the handle. A carbide glass breaker is located at the handle’s butt. CPM-CruWear is an upgraded version of D2. The blade is made from CPM-CruWear. The blade is a good balance between edge retention, corrosion resistance and wear resistance. It is not completely rust- or corrosion-resistant so be sure to keep an eye on it. CPM-CruWear can be sharpened easily. The blade measures 3.51 inches and has a tanto tip. It has a flat grind with swedge running down the spine. Flat Dark Earth PVD coating protects the blade and ensures smooth, drag-free operation. Something Different About the Action: I noticed something was different the first time that I pressed the spine fire release button. The blade fired up with a loud Schnikt! It wasn’t like other OTFs that I had, though I couldn’t pinpoint it. I reached out to Benchmade, and they replied: “Using computer software we were able analyze the stiffness and determine what frequency ranges would cause harmonics,” says Mark Delplanche, Benchmade Designer Engineer. These frequencies are what determine the Shootout’s acoustic signature. We studied other products to find the desirable frequencies and then optimized the stiffness of some parts of the knife to replicate a similar acoustic signature.” He said, “Sound design supports consumers’ expectation for quality.” We are used to cheap plastic products that easily break or bend. These products exhibit a certain tone when they are excited, which is what an OTF feels when it is fired. We knew that an OTF’s enclosed handle design could cause a sound chamber that sounds very ‘tingy’. This is unlike our folding knives, which have open handles. However, it feels substantial and smooth. The Shootout will not eject, as with all OTFs of high quality. The Shootout is designed for right-hand tip down carry, but can also be used for left-hand carry. While some tests were specific to each knife, the majority of my tests were the same or similar with all knives. The Shootout has been my daily companion for a while and is able to perform all of these tasks. It has handled everything I’ve thrown at it without any issues. The Shootout lockup was the first thing I wanted to test. I took out a phonebook, put a thick piece leather on it, and stabbed it with force. Although I was nervous, it almost buried the entire tip. I began to cut tires. I chose a steel-belted, radial truck tire for the Claymore and a doubled-up mountainbike tire for the Shootout. Both tires cut through the tire easily. The Claymore, however, hit a steel bead which gave it a slight glint. Due to the toughness of corrugated cardboard on an edge, I used each knife to cut it. The knives glided through the cardboard without any issues and had no effect on the edges. I used heavy-duty half inch twine that I had on hand. This twine is extremely tough and both knives were able to easily cut it apart. Finally, I created Porkman, a test device that Michael Janich had invented. It simulates a human leg. After creating Porkman from a pork loin, wooden dowel and twine, as well as layers of Saran Wrap and denim, I did some slashes. The knives glided through the subject matter almost too quickly. I wouldn’t like to be the one receiving either. Final Thoughts: I was thrilled when Michigan removed the restrictions on automatic knives. I have added some great autos to the collection since then. Many of those autos, not surprisingly, are Benchmade. Now, the Claymore and Shootout will be joining them. Although it may sound exaggerated, the Shootout has been my EDC since over a month and I don’t see that changing. The Claymore could be a good alternative, even if I don’t like OTF knives. Although I don’t carry the Claymore like the Shootout, it is always on my desk. I love to fidget with the Claymore. It is a strangely satisfying feeling to hear the blade smash into lockup. I recommend either knife to anyone whose state has removed restrictions on automatic knives. Either selection is great. If you are unsure whether autos are legal in your state or jurisdiction, make sure to check www.KnifeRights.org/switchblade-legality before carrying. Benchmade.com has more information about the Benchmade Claymore and Shootout. Benchmade Claymore 9070BK Specifics Blade Material: CPM–D2
Blade: 3.60 inches
Overall: 8.60 inches
Closed: 5 inches
Thickness:.114 inches
Handle: Grivory
Weight: 3.5 ounces
MSRP: $230.00 Benchmade 5370FE Specs Blade Material : CPM-CruWear
Blade: 3.51 inches
Overall: 8.22 inches
Closed: 4.71 inches
Thickness:.1 inches
Handle: CF-Elite
Weight: 2.8 ounces
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