Range R15 000 - R30 000 

Benchmade is dressing up the Crooked River for a new Gold Class release. The 15080BK-191 will be the priciest version of Benchmade’s beloved modern classic and among the most expensive Benchmade models ever released.

With a four-figure price tag, the Gold Class Crooked River is among the most expensive knives that Benchmade has ever made. According to the company’s Matt Glass, while not a full-fledged custom knife, the Gold Class Crooked River is something even more special than the typical limited edition model. “It is a work of art,” he says. The team of designers and craftsmen that create this model go to amazing lengths to find, develop, and integrate new materials and techniques that push the limits of what is possible for a knife that is not a custom one-off.” 

The Gold Class Crooked River makes adjustments to materials across the entire 9.3-inch length of the large outdoors folder. Blade steel moves from S30V to 20CV with a black coating, and the bolsters are pieces of Vinland pattern Damasteel. The 2/3rd’s length scales are carbon fiber with a unique, almost wood-like grain pattern.

Of course, Benchmade plays with higher-end steel and even some exotic materials on non-Gold class releases, like the upgraded Proper models or the limited edition Python Micarta Mini-Loco. It seems to be the details that boost a particular release from Blue to Gold class. On this Gold Class Crooked River, several visible pieces of hardware – meaning the handle screws, thumb stud, and the pivot collar – have been given a blue PVD coating, and the liners have been hand-polished and given a cracked ice finish, a la a Tod Begg knife.

Another low-key material swap regards the pocket clip, which here is made from titanium instead of steel. It has been given a blue anodization to compliment the PVD-coated hardware elsewhere on the knife.

Limited editions have always been a big part of the Benchmade style. “There is always strong demand from our customers for variants, limited editions, exclusives, and Gold projects,” Glass explains. “The design team is always driving to create unique pieces.” As one of the most popular models of recent years, the Crooked River was an obvious candidate for such a treatment. “[It] brings together a classic profile and amazing modern materials,” Glass adds.

Overall Length:  |  9.3"
Closed Length:  |  5.33"
Blade Length:  |  4.0"
Blade Steel:  |  CPM-20CV
Blade Hardness:  |  59-61HRC
Blade Thickness:  |  .124"
Weight:  |  6.01oz. 

 

Titanium clip and thumb studs
Hand-polished and jeweled liners
Black DLC coated CPM-20CV
Crowned blade spine 

The 15080BK-191 was available with an MSRP of $1,500. It is limited to 500 pieces.
Sold out worldwide within hours of launching! 
Now is your chance to own one!