Benchmade

HK-14255S-Axis

(Snody)

Yes, I must admit, I am a total fan of the Tanto blade. But I know that it is not the best shape for every task. Anyway, I love Tantos! That is why I got me a HK-14255S-Axis, designed by Mr. Snody and manufactured by Benchmade. The number-codes of Benchmade are always confusing me. You really have to study it and be up to date for the latest code. I would rather see a real name. Also the recognition value would be much better this way. But maybe that is just me.

The HK-Series of Benchmade always caught my eye. Not just because it has a lot of Tanto blades ;-) but since I have tested The Alley I was sold to the design and quality. But the Ally was just an affordable back-up for EDC in LE. The Snody-Design is a worthy EDC. G10 Handel, 154CM steel blade, ambidextrous Axis lock mechanism, a steel clip and a HK logo etched on the blade. With a weight of 4.96oz it is no featherweight but I would not describe it as heavy. Rather a healthy weight, if you know what I mean. 3.40” is the length of the blade, folded the 14255S is 4.56” and in ready position it´s 8.19”.

154CM, which is the steel the blade is made of. 154CM is the American made equivalent of the Japanese ATS34 which we all know from several Spyderco-knives. Compared to the 440 steels the 154CM is harder, tougher and it has more edge holding abilities. But it is not as rust resistant as 440C for example. The HCR is 58-61. Not bad at all. Like I told you before, I love Tanto blades. This one here is no exception. It´s not a traditional Tanto but rather an American Tanto blade. The tip is very spiky, a trough penetrator. “S” in 14255S stands for serrated. 40% of the blade is serrated and the blade is curved inward for better cutting ability with the “teeth”. The “teeth” are razor sharp. Slicing paper is a breeze. Thumb-studs are on both sides of the blade for ambidextrous use. Even though there is no “thumb-guide” in the grip panels, opening the blade with the thumb-studs, left and right handed, was fluently. On top of the 0.15” thick blade is a serrated and upward curved thumb-rest. This allows the user a very firm grip.

The cutting edge was very disappointing. I hope that this is not a common problem with Benchmade knifes, but I can´t tell since it is my first “real” Benchmade. Compared to other out of the box knifes the edge was rather dull. My anticipation is that a knife has to be able to shave hair or to slice paper easily. Even out of the box. I don´t know if my standards are too high. But that is what I expect from a quality knife.

The steel handle is G10 lined. G10 is a 50% fiberglass, resin soaked laminate. It’s lightweight, very hard and very strong. The one

on the BM-HK is clean, black and slip-proof cause of the fine checkering. The steel carry clip is powerful enough and can be mounted ambidextrous. Tip-up carry only, off course. Just the way I like it. There are 4 Torx screws size TX6, holding the panels together and a center-screw size TX9.

The Axis-Lock is really great. It opens and closes as smooth as butter. There is no jiggle and wiggle with the open blade. Even the table-test was not able to open the lock on impact. I have read many bad things about the Axis-lock but I can´t agree with that. This one here is perfect. It will give also a good less-lethal-option holding the Benchmade closed in a fist. There is enough room to stick out of the top and bottom with a size “L” hand.

Surely you will find this design more in the defense-corner, then in the outdoor-working-corner. But I guess, that is what it´s made for. The Material is great, the craftsmanship is very good. I love the ergonomics of the handle-blade construction as much as I love the smooth Axis-Lock mechanism. The tip is scary and the serrations are super sharp. What I don´t understand is, how this knife could leave the factory without a proper quality control. The “two” plain edges are dull, at least for this category of knifes. I am just curious; if they get this done till I buy my next Benchmade. One is none, two is one.

I hope that the review about the Benchmade HK 14255S Axis was useful for you.

Cheers,

Gunner