We know, we can hear it now. “A compound grind is too hard to sharpen!” We don’t care, Benchmade provides free lifetime sharpening so we’ll just let them do it. We think the compound grind on the Benchmade 496 Vector simply looks cool. Add to that, it’s a USA made knife with a solid lock up and a good action. Let’s check it out.

The 496 Vector is an assisted opening flipper with a CPM 20CV drop point with a compound grind and a satin finish. The blade thickness is 0.10”. The blade length is 3.6” and it has an 59-61 HRC. Lock up on this knife is solid with the AXIS lock, with no wibbles or wobbles in any direction that we could find. It also has a secondary safety switch for those who like such things.

It has contoured OD Green G-10 handle scales with a white G-10 underliner that really makes it pop. The finish is just slip resistant enough without tearing up your pocket. It comfortable in hand and big enough for even a large grip. The handle thickness is just over a half inch and the width is just over an inch.

This knife is fully ambidextrous with a reversible tip-up pocket clip and lanyard hole. It’s 4.82” closed and weighs 4.5 ounces.

Benchmade 496 Vector Details

CPM 20CV, Satin Finish

3.6” Drop Point

0.10” Blade Thickness

59-61 HRC

Compound Grind

G-10 Handles

Flipper

Assisted Opening

AXIS Lock

Secondary Safety Switch

Ambidextrous Tip-Up Pocket Clip

Lanyard Hole

4.5 Ounces

4.82” Closed

8.42” Overall

Made in the USA

The Benchmade 496 Vector is a solid, reliable USA-made knife that looks cool. It makes an outstanding addition to any pocketknife collection. If you’re interested in this knife, click any link in the article or simply click the button below.

All images courtesy of Smoky Mountain Knife Works – smkw.com.