I was issued this knife in 2004. It served me well and was carried everyday during a year tour in Iraq. I still carry it to this day. Looks kind of rough now, but functions just like new. Love this knife!
I have carried this knife since the fall of 2000. I have done 4 combat deployments with this knife and have zero problems. All deployments were as Marine Infantry.
I found this knife in my son's bedroom. He stated that he was given the knife by a neigborhood kid who happened to get expelled from school for bringing a knife to school. Needless to say, I have kept the knife and it has been part of my EDC ever since. As a professional Firefighter/EMT, I use this knife EVERY DAY and am in love with it. I have always carried "Throwaway knives" in the past. I had no idea the value of it until this past weekend. WOW.
NS means it is part of the US military stocking system. That means your military unit can use its unit funds ie money to buy that knife for unit members' use. A NS listing for an item makes its acquistion by a unit MUCH easier. And since it was paid for by our unit it was free for me as it was issued kit.
Hey Nutn, Always enjoy your reviews. I have this knife, my one and only auto, and I enjoy it. You did not mention that this knife comes razor sharp. And I do mean razor - its one of my sharpest knives. Also, I have found the coating to be pretty resilient, more so than Emerson knives for example. I totally agree with your assessment of the clip placement. It sucks! This is my single greatest bugbear with knife manufacturers. The plus side is they have corrected this problem with the new AFO-II.
The new Benchmade 9051 AFOII is a much better knife. They have improved on everything.. yes it is bulky, but this is not your everyday normal guy pocket knife. This knife feels great in your hand!! When you want a go to knife, for the price this is it!! I have spent 12 years in SF I always carried a Chris Reves Sebenza. That knife never let me down, but I decided to retire that knife. Time for the history box. I did loads of research on my next knife. I decided on the 9051!! great knife guys!!
as reviews go... i'd say you've pretty well hit the mark. with one exception. I've got the same knife. had it since 2007. when tucked INSIDE my tactical vest strap, that 3/4" sticking out from behind the straps are perfect for pulling it out. it has sliced several seatbelts with ease. The serated edge started the cut and the smooth blade finished it. as with any personal tool, it may or may not fit one person, but how you place/store/carry it counts.
Works perfect, carries great, Can take more abuse than most will ever put it through. This one been going strong since '05. Blade play-adjust the small screw by the, not the pivit screw the overhead back pin is adjustable for up down play.
I own this Knife As well, I actually purchased it from a ex-military guy who was getting rid of it Due to weight and needed the cash ..the serrated part of the blade is harder than hell to properly sharpen And is the only pitfall I experience with it ..This is a really heavy knife but it's almost impossible to break no matter what you do to it It's virtually bomb proof
I personally prefer the combo edge on all my knives. I would not trust a plain blade to work as quickly all the time. Especially if i'm in a situation where I don't have time to sharpen my blades. Try using the whole run of the blade instead of exclusively using the serated edge when cutting threw rope. You build more momentum. It just works for me at least. I see no flaws in a combo edge other then shapening the serations.
I just got my 9051BK. And I love it! I am not in Military, but I do live in Oregon. I will never use it as a tactical knife, in fact I doubt that most Military or Police Officers will either, because combat in such close quarters is a rare thing (a good thing), but for an EDC knife that I will use every day for all sorts of tasks (many times with my other hand holding something), this knife is perfect, and I expect that it will last me a very long time!
Lol! Too heavy? Compared to what? A P38? Its a great knife and fits in your pocket just fine. In uniform Im not concerned if it sticks out of my pocket or out of a pouch on my chest rig. The military doesn't care how it fits in your jean pockets. You really are digging hard to find detractors on this knife.
I know the Coast Guard issues that knife to their Rescue Swimmers. They need a knife on the chunky & heavy side due to their work environment. Swimming in the ocean in a survival suit with heavy gloves and still being moderately hypothermic, a small handled 3 oz auto knife would be easy to drop and lose. So for their POU the knife fits their needs perfectly.
Good review. I have this knife as well. The knife is very heavy duty. Great auto action. But there are two things I hate about it. 1. The serrated part, it's difficult to sharpen and Benchmade doesn't do it. 2. The black finish, I understand the tactical element it was made for but it wears to easily.
@bladenairsoft i really dont think so, it does have that very high quality to the blade steel took an awesome edge and keeps it very well.... and it loks up solid as hell... i havent yet wound one like it yet... maybe it is? but even if it is its AMAZING quiality
Do you think you could review the Gerber 06? I heard it's the newest issue auto knife since the U.S. military changed their knife contract from Benchmade to Gerber. I've seen pictures of it and it looks pretty legit. :)
oh boy, that looks like a VERY nice knife.... anyway i just wanted to say i agree with you nutn, but if i were going into a war-zone at a troop i'd DEFINETLY be taking this as if you ever need to acctually resort to your knife as last resort... this seems to be strong and reliable... not to mention the size for lenght.
hey maybe you can help me, i got one of these for free, the reason being is because it has a broken tip and the seller knew nothing of the value of benchmade knives im assuming, but anyway. the blade is not coated, no pocket clip, handle looks exactly the same, no safety, and it must be pretty old because the butterfly says bali song on it.. you help is very very much appreciated.
I have this knife as well......., the only question (or complaint rather) that I had was if this knife has an alternate spring available, one that is stronger (i.e. FASTER OPENING) than the one it comes with.
i like to collect knives, but i wish i could buy a switch blade like this, i still think its dumb i have a FOID card i can buy a handgun or shotgun, but i cant buy a knife like this ???? how odd does that sound
+Noah Rose Same. He passed it down when he was being taken by cancer. It's my EDC and it's never failed me once. Mine also looks trashed from his time over seas. So much of the black is scraped off the countless drings and scratches, regardless, I will never not be proud of it.
My dad has this knife and I am young so I like to carry it but then he started using it to skin deer and now it has blood and hide all over it so I was peed because I can't get the blood off so I'm going this week to get me a bench made and I will post a vid my u tube name is macncheze1
I don't think that you should shut your mouth and be happy at all. We're paying for that knife as taxpayers, and we want our military to have all the best stuff out there. If the military isn't picking the right knife, that should be known. Granted, they try to do a good job with the knowledge they have, but sometimes they just don't get it right. But when you buy this stuff and another knife would have been more useful, that should be known too.
I was issued this knife in 2004. It served me well and was carried everyday during a year tour in Iraq. I still carry it to this day. Looks kind of rough now, but functions just like new. Love this knife!
I have carried this knife since the fall of 2000. I have done 4 combat deployments with this knife and have zero problems. All deployments were as Marine Infantry.
I found this knife in my son's bedroom. He stated that he was given the knife by a neigborhood kid who happened to get expelled from school for bringing a knife to school. Needless to say, I have kept the knife and it has been part of my EDC ever since. As a professional Firefighter/EMT, I use this knife EVERY DAY and am in love with it. I have always carried "Throwaway knives" in the past. I had no idea the value of it until this past weekend. WOW.
NS means it is part of the US military stocking system. That means your military unit can use its unit funds ie money to buy that knife for unit members' use. A NS listing for an item makes its acquistion by a unit MUCH easier. And since it was paid for by our unit it was free for me as it was issued kit.
Hey Nutn,
Always enjoy your reviews. I have this knife, my one and only auto, and I enjoy it. You did not mention that this knife comes razor sharp. And I do mean razor - its one of my sharpest knives. Also, I have found the coating to be pretty resilient, more so than Emerson knives for example. I totally agree with your assessment of the clip placement. It sucks! This is my single greatest bugbear with knife manufacturers. The plus side is they have corrected this problem with the new AFO-II.
The new Benchmade 9051 AFOII is a much better knife. They have improved on everything.. yes it is bulky, but this is not your everyday normal guy pocket knife. This knife feels great in your hand!! When you want a go to knife, for the price this is it!! I have spent 12 years in SF I always carried a Chris Reves Sebenza. That knife never let me down, but I decided to retire that knife. Time for the history box. I did loads of research on my next knife. I decided on the 9051!! great knife guys!!
as reviews go... i'd say you've pretty well hit the mark. with one exception. I've got the same knife. had it since 2007. when tucked INSIDE my tactical vest strap, that 3/4" sticking out from behind the straps are perfect for pulling it out. it has sliced several seatbelts with ease. The serated edge started the cut and the smooth blade finished it. as with any personal tool, it may or may not fit one person, but how you place/store/carry it counts.
Works perfect, carries great, Can take more abuse than most will ever put it through. This one been going strong since '05. Blade play-adjust the small screw by the, not the pivit screw the overhead back pin is adjustable for up down play.
I own this Knife As well, I actually purchased it from a ex-military guy who was getting rid of it Due to weight and needed the cash ..the serrated part of the blade is harder than hell to properly sharpen And is the only pitfall I experience with it ..This is a really heavy knife but it's almost impossible to break no matter what you do to it It's virtually bomb proof
I personally prefer the combo edge on all my knives. I would not trust a plain blade to work as quickly all the time. Especially if i'm in a situation where I don't have time to sharpen my blades. Try using the whole run of the blade instead of exclusively using the serated edge when cutting threw rope. You build more momentum. It just works for me at least. I see no flaws in a combo edge other then shapening the serations.
Awesome stuff nutnfancy. Thank you very much for your military service.
I just got my 9051BK. And I love it! I am not in Military, but I do live in Oregon. I will never use it as a tactical knife, in fact I doubt that most Military or Police Officers will either, because combat in such close quarters is a rare thing (a good thing), but for an EDC knife that I will use every day for all sorts of tasks (many times with my other hand holding something), this knife is perfect, and I expect that it will last me a very long time!
Lol! Too heavy? Compared to what? A P38? Its a great knife and fits in your pocket just fine. In uniform Im not concerned if it sticks out of my pocket or out of a pouch on my chest rig. The military doesn't care how it fits in your jean pockets. You really are digging hard to find detractors on this knife.
I know the Coast Guard issues that knife to their Rescue Swimmers. They need a knife on the chunky & heavy side due to their work environment. Swimming in the ocean in a survival suit with heavy gloves and still being moderately hypothermic, a small handled 3 oz auto knife would be easy to drop and lose. So for their POU the knife fits their needs perfectly.
After 10 years mines looking a bit rougher than that...Still can't kill it...
are you in the cub scouts you really havent been in harms waay this knife will SAVE YOUR LIFE
I'd be curious about your thoughts on the new 9051. I know it's no smaller, but they have made several improvements otherwise.
Thanks jonny, cool thumbnail you got there too.
Good review. I have this knife as well. The knife is very heavy duty. Great auto action. But there are two things I hate about it. 1. The serrated part, it's difficult to sharpen and Benchmade doesn't do it. 2. The black finish, I understand the tactical element it was made for but it wears to easily.
the 9051 AFO2 has a better placed clip. it was moved up for improved carry.
This is my edc, I absolutely love it!
I would love to see a review on the Benchmade Auto Stryker.
the thinking behind the clip placement was that it would be easier to take it out of your pocket with gloved hands
nice review,hope you make a auto styker video as soon as possible.
Nice. How did you keep them from inscribing it? All the guys I know who were issued this knife, have numbers etched in them. Cool knife.
Iv got this same knife I got it for free from a buddy of mine love this knife also got a newer one for $50
@bladenairsoft i really dont think so, it does have that very high quality to the blade steel took an awesome edge and keeps it very well.... and it loks up solid as hell... i havent yet wound one like it yet... maybe it is? but even if it is its AMAZING quiality
@techiscool1 We are able to carry autos in Florida. The blade just has to be 4" or less.
Do you think you could review the Gerber 06? I heard it's the newest issue auto knife since the U.S. military changed their knife contract from Benchmade to Gerber. I've seen pictures of it and it looks pretty legit. :)
oh boy, that looks like a VERY nice knife.... anyway i just wanted to say i agree with you nutn, but if i were going into a war-zone at a troop i'd DEFINETLY be taking this as if you ever need to acctually resort to your knife as last resort... this seems to be strong and reliable... not to mention the size for lenght.
Should I oil my Benchmade
ok, i just got the 9052 (tanto) and its the sickest benchmade i own other than my balisongs....
and i have a lot of benchmades!
When are you going to do a review of the Auto Stryker?
Aww, Snap mine is mine earlier model. Clip is on other end. Sucks to be you. Don't know why they changed it. Maybe quality has slipped since '04.
errr maybe they thought to add a bulkier handle because maybe they thoought some of you would wear gloves so u can grip it better? iono just a thought
hey maybe you can help me, i got one of these for free, the reason being is because it has a broken tip and the seller knew nothing of the value of benchmade knives im assuming, but anyway. the blade is not coated, no pocket clip, handle looks exactly the same, no safety, and it must be pretty old because the butterfly says bali song on it.. you help is very very much appreciated.
I paid for mine $50 for a used one, I think it was a good deal.
I have this knife as well......., the only question (or complaint rather) that I had was if this knife has an alternate spring available, one that is stronger (i.e. FASTER OPENING) than the one it comes with.
i like to collect knives, but i wish i could buy a switch blade like this, i still think its dumb i have a FOID card i can buy a handgun or shotgun, but i cant buy a knife like this ???? how odd does that sound
What about the new 9051?
These knives are given mostly to pilots (in their ejection seat pack) and supply guys to help with opening packages
Did thes knives have ats-34 blade steel?
is it ok on the spring to store an automatic knike closed or should i leave it open? i use the benchmade auto stryker
thanks!
The newer 9051 is MUCH better. It has a lower pocket clip, weighs only 4 ounces, has a glass breaker/pummel on it, and gimping.
Does ns number mean the military buys it for you.
gave the combo knife to everybody for doodoo use
tiny blade for that big handle!
my stepfather gave me this knife after he used it it looks like crap
+Noah Rose Same. He passed it down when he was being taken by cancer. It's my EDC and it's never failed me once. Mine also looks trashed from his time over seas. So much of the black is scraped off the countless drings and scratches, regardless, I will never not be proud of it.
I got mine from my dad in Iraq.
Nope still prefer plain edge
My dad has this knife and I am young so I like to carry it but then he started using it to skin deer and now it has blood and hide all over it so I was peed because I can't get the blood off so I'm going this week to get me a bench made and I will post a vid my u tube name is macncheze1
that knife is 220 dollars.. sounds wayyy overpriced
I don't think that you should shut your mouth and be happy at all. We're paying for that knife as taxpayers, and we want our military to have all the best stuff out there. If the military isn't picking the right knife, that should be known. Granted, they try to do a good job with the knowledge they have, but sometimes they just don't get it right. But when you buy this stuff and another knife would have been more useful, that should be known too.
Way too bulky. Not worth it.