BenchmadeArcane 490 EDC Knife with Black Handle (490)

Pretty much perfect for me. Beautiful lines, it fits my hand perfect. Lightweight but still feels sturdy. No up/down or side to side movement of the blade when open. The S90V is probably a bit overkill and I hope I never have to try to sharpen it. Will have to remember to be careful of the tip as I think it might be a little delicate for a more brittle steel like that. I did not know I would love this knife till I handled it in a store because I was a believer in why would anyone need an assisted open on an arc lock style knife. So pleased I was wrong. Very snappy. Wish all flippers could open so nice. Not thrilled with the price. I have several Benchmade but in general I have a problem with the price on most of their stuff. Especially since so much of their stuff has their very unfinished looking satin finish, their edges are never cleaned up let alone chamfered and some blades have terribly asymmetric grinds. Thankfully this one has good grinds and alignment.

This knife exceeds my expectations! The quality is absolutely amazing, not just the quality of the steel blade but im taking about every feature of this knife! The locking mechanism, the steel that makes the blade, the handle, the belt clip, all are top notch quality! Im truly amazed at the quality of this blade though. Above all other features, the blade really exceeds my expectations! It holds a sharp edge and will keep the sharp edge longer then I've ever experienced with a pocket knife blade before. The extra money you spend when purchasing a benchmade blade really are worth it! I love my pocket knives and I have a good collection of them. I mainly buy Kershaw knives like the Leek or the Chive, they have decent quality blades and knives but are very affordable as well. This is my first benchmade pocket knife and I love it by far the most out of all my pocket knives. Truly beautiful knife!

Just arrived and at first I thought it was okay. The blade is sharp and pointy, well centered, and the knife is fairly lightweight. The spring action is a little slow in speed, and late to kick-in compared to my Kershaw S30V Blur or CPM-20CV Link, but fast enough.However, when the lock is engaged the blade can move a little bit (3-4mm) if the flipper tab is bumped, allowing the tip to rise out of the handle enough to be exposed and become a hazard! This is well before the spring action would kick in, so it's not the spring trying to expose the blade tip.It's less of a problem if carried in the right front pocket, where the blade is up against the back side of the pocket. But I carry in my right BACK pocket towards the outside, which means the blade is not abuted against the side of the pocket; and if I go into my back pocket for some change I could put my finger (or hand) right into the tip of the blade if the flipper tab had been bumped!Like I said, the spring action is a little slow compared to my Kershaw S30V Blur or CPM-20CV Link, and those knives without a lock feel safer. Unfortunately this meant filing for a return the same day it arrived.

Outstanding features: blade deployment, Axis lock, safety lock, pocket clip, blade sharpness & cutting, overall design, low weight, fit & finish, handle scales shape. Everything else Outstanding also.*Only one thing wrong, handle scales are slick & smooth, No Grip.

I have carried Benchmade knives for over 20 years. Because of problems with my thumbs, It has gotten difficult for me to open one-handed knives. I have used the AXIS lock for many years because I am left-handed and it is a truly an ambidextrous lock.The assisted flip on this knife provides me the ease of opening that I wanted. The quality of the knife, especially the blade steel is terrific; holds a great edge. The smooth aluminum handles work fine for me, but I suspect that if one was using the knife in wet conditions it might pose a problem.

All I can say is, What happened to this iconic knife company? The knife I received seemed already used.. scratches and chips all over the finish of the handle. Returning it and possibly looking for another company after a decade of purchasing from Benchmade. This isn't the 1st or even the 3rd time this has happened. For an almost $300 knife this is unacceptable.

This is great knife. Came extremely sharp with a very balanced edge on blade. The Only complaint I have is the handle is really slick. I used small strips of Talon grip granulate material on handle. It no longer slips in my hand. The locking mechanism is really easy to manipulate with just one hand and holds the blade rock solid. Very well made knife for the price.

As an EDC knife, I challenge ANY and all comers to surpass the utter excellence of this 490. Smooth as butter in opening and closing, rock solid and razor-sharp blade, weighs next to nothing and the deep carry clip is perfectly positioned.Expensive? Yes. Cry once, Buy once and never look back! You will not find a better EDC, period.