It is, possibly, most exciting month of the year for production knives. Many of the big names choose January to show off their new for 2025 lineups, and Benchmade is here right out of the gate with a shiny fresh 2025 catalog. The lineup includes a whole mess of line expansions, as well as brand new models that see Benchmade exploring some new directions.
491 Flipper
Certainly one of the most eye-catching in the 2025 class is the 491, a new everyday carry knife equipped with the rarely-seen Axis Lock/Flipper combo. The 491’s 2.79-inch spear point opens only with that flipper tab, and its made with CPM-20CV steel. Benchmade says it is expected to start shipping in August.
315 Slipjoint
Another uncommon (for Benchmade) folder style here on the 315. This is a modern slipjoint, with a 2.56-inch MagnaCut blade that, in these early renders at least, appears to be nail mark-less. In lieu of an attached pocket clip, the 315 will come with a clipped slip. You’ll have to wait till October for this one.
Fixed Bugout
Here’s one that seems so obvious in retrospect, now that it is here – or rather, coming soonish. The ever-popular Bugout folder (which is getting some new variants in 2025 as well) has been morphed into a lightweight fixed blade. Interestingly, it’s actually smaller than the standard Bugout, with a blade length of 2.99 inches. It is scheduled for a September release.
Mini Bedlam
Benchmade dipped into the archives for the Mini Bedlam, a smaller version of a radical tactical folder from years past. And it speaks to the size of the original when this Mini’s scimitar-style blade is still a beefy 3.45 inches long – and made from hardworking S90V steel to boot. The Mini Bedlam will be arriving much sooner than the knives above, with a March release date planned.
Bolster Bugout
There are a fair few Bugouts on the way, with different steels and scales, including MagnaCut and S90V, but the most radically new-looking version is what we’re calling the Bolster Bugout – for obvious reasons. The scale beneath the aluminum bolster is made from a rich red Richlite, and it weighs 2.52 ounces total. It’ll be here in March.
Richlite Barrage and Mini Barrage
Speaking of Richlite, the Barrage family will be landing with scales made from that material this year as well. Both the full-size Barrage and the Mini will be getting this variant, which comes with S30V blade steel. This guys have also been given the March release window.
MagnaCut Crooked River and Mini Crooked River
There are too many steel/handle material variants on the way to cover them all individually, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t touch on this handsome new pair of Crooked River models. The canvas Micarta and aluminum bolsters give this HUNT line favorite a whole new look, and the blade steel has been bumped up to none other than MagnaCut. These are mid-year releases, slated for July.
Knife in Featured Image: Benchmade 491 Flipper
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