Benchmade 570 Presidio II Folder Knife, CPM-S30V Satin Blade

The Presidio II folder knife is one of many new knives released by Benchmade this year. The Benchmade Presidio family is one of the most recognizable tactical Benchmade knives and offers a multitude of options--different sizes, different handle materials, different blade steels and even different operating systems to truly offer a knife for every need and every budget. The Presidio II folder knife utilizes Benchmade's AXIS® lock mechanism which is a fully ambidextrous operating system utilizing a dual thumb stud design and the redesigned handle boasts a diagonally textured pattern as well as an integrated spine safety. This Black Class model, the 570, features a black anodized aircraft aluminum handle, stainless steel liners, a drop point style blade in a satin finish and the deep carry pocket clip is designed for tip up carry only but is eligible for a left or right hand carry option. Made in the USA.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Blade Length: 3.72"
• Overall Length: 8.72"
• Blade Material: CPM-S30V
• Blade Finish: Satin
• Handle Length: 5"
• Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
• Weight: 6.1 oz.

The Benchmade Manual Presidio II

Benchmade has been around for over three decades and during those years, they have developed a reputation for creating exceptional knives with a rich history. Many of the knives that they produce have a history behind them, but the brand itself has quite a complex history. Like many popular success stories, Les de Asis started Benchmade with a blueprint, a connection, and a garage. Since then, the company has sported a few different knives; starting out as Bali-Song, Incorporated and slowly transforming into Benchmade. Bali-Song, Incorporated got its name because the first knife to be designed was a butterfly knife and butterfly knives were the company’s focus for a few years. The name Benchmade stuck and has been with the company since 1988. Les chose this name because his knives were neither handmade nor factory made. He felt like they were bench made, meaning a factory produces the parts and a person hand assembles and finishes the products. Over the years, they have created many groundbreaking and innovative knives, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Recently, Benchmade released a whole slew of new knives that are just as spectacular as you would expect them to be. One of those new knives is the Benchmade Manual Presidio II.

The Blade:

The blade on the original Benchmade Presidio was made out of 154CM stainless steel. This has a few advantages, but one of the most obvious and loved advantage to this type of stainless steel is that it has great edge retention, so it is a perfect steel choice for heavier cutting needs. This original steel was designed to be used in industrial applications, so it is very durable and easy to sharpen. However, this steel has the tendency to rust if left in a humid or damp environment. With this new version of the knife, Benchmade decided to upgrade the steel used on the blade to CPM S30V premium stainless steel. This type of steel is also made by Crucible, which is a United States based company that produces high end steel. This specific type of steel was designed to be used for knives, so you can expect all the greatest qualities that you desire. This type of steel has better edge retention than the previously used steel. Not only that, but it is very resistant to rust, more so than the 154CM stainless steel. Crucible added vanadium carbides into the steel, which works to add extreme hardness that you would not originally find in the steel. Often times, if your steel is that hard, it will be brittle and not tough at all. However, Crucible worked their magic, so you get an extremely hard blade that is also very tough. One of the only drawbacks that you will find with the updated steel option is that while 154CM stainless steel was relatively easy to sharpen, S30V steel is not as easy. S30V steel has been known to be tricky to sharpen, but for all of the great qualities that you get with it, I think it is completely worth it. With this new steel option on this version of the knife, the Presidio II will be able to take on harder tasks without the worry of breaking your knife and with the same easy maintenance because your blade stays sharp for long periods of time. The original Presidio could take on heavy duty cutting tasks, but the Presidio II will be able to take on almost any task that you can throw at it. The edge of the blade on the Manual Presidio II is a straight edge.

Benchmade has designed this knife to be a great option for your tactical knife and your everyday knife. The obvious choice for the knife blade shape on this knife is a drop point shape. This blade shape is the perfect choice for your everyday and tactical knife because it is so versatile and tough. The defining characteristic of the drop point style is that the tip is formed by a slow curve coming from the handle. Because of this curve, the tip is actually lowered, or “dropped”. This unique shape creates a few major advantages. The first advantage is that the tip is broad, and thus very durable and strong. Not only are you able to cut with this knife, but because of the tip being able to stand up to heavy use, you can actually pry with this blade shape. Another advantage that a lowered tip creates is that you have more control over the tip, making it a great option for delicate or precision tip work. The drop point blade style is also perfect for your everyday carry knife because it has a large belly that makes slicing easy. Many of your everyday cutting needs are going to utilize the big belly that the Presidio II sports.

The Handle:

The handle on the Manual Presidio II is made out of a black anodized, 6061-T6 billet aluminum. Let’s break this down a little more. A billet of aluminum is when the handle (or whatever the manufacturer is carving) is made out of a single piece of aluminum. This has several fantastic characteristics, but the best one is that there will be no weak spots where the aluminum has been welded together, because it hasn’t been welded together. Because of this, your handle is much less likely to wear down and fall apart. What makes aluminum such a great knife handle material? Well, for starters, it is an extremely durable material. Aluminum is strong, and 6061-T6 aluminum actually has more strength than lots of other aluminum alloys. For how strong and durable aluminum is, you would expect it to be pretty heavy. But it’s not and that is something you should embrace. You get the hefty feel behind the knife, but you won’t feel like your pocket is full of rocks. Aluminum is also very resistant to corrosion, so maintaining your knife handle will be very easy. Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks to having aluminum be your handle material. One of them is that your knife is going to feel cold, especially in the winter months. Another drawback is that aluminum is pretty slick, so your grip isn’t going to be as secure as you are used to. To lessen the drawback of no grip, Benchmade has added ribbing that goes across the entire length of the Presidio II. On the original Presidio, the ribbing was mostly in the center of the knife, going down the full length, but on the Presidio II, they have expanded the ribbing to offer you better grip. The last drawback to aluminum is that it is susceptible to scratches. This is where the anodization process comes in. Anodizing an aluminum is done to add color, in this case, black. It is also done to add hardness and protection to the aluminum, helping to prevent those scratches, and working to make your knife handle even more durable than it originally was. Benchmade was very smart in choosing the anodized aluminum for this knife, because the anodization will prevent scratches and everyday wear that just occurs when you constantly have a knife with you. Plus, it is an extremely durable, light, and strong material that makes it perfect for your tactical situations. Your knife handle is going to be able to stand up to the situations you encounter, but it isn’t going to weigh you down in the field.

The Pocket Clip:

This knife has been fitted with a reversible, tip up, deep carry pocket clip. This the handle has been drilled so that you can carry your knife either left or right handedly, helping to make it ambidextrous. The handle has only been drilled to be carried tip up. Lastly, it is a deep carry pocket clip, so you can be sure that your knife is resting securely inside your pocket. The deep carry clip is fantastic for an everyday knife when you are going through the hustle and bustle of everyday life and not wanting to be worried about if your knife is still on you. The deep carry clip is perfect for tactical situations because it is easier to conceal your knife when it is a deep carry knife.

The Mechanism:

This is a traditional manual folding pocket knife. To open the knife, you push against the thumb stud which is attached to the blade in a matching steel. This type of opening mechanism requires pushing the thumb stud until the knife is completely open and until it locks into place. The Presidio II sports Benchmade’s patented AXIS lock, which is innovative and groundbreaking. The AXIS lock is simple to use and you can access the locking bar from either side, making this a truly ambidextrous knife.

The Specs:

The blade on this knife is 3.72 inches long with a thickness of 0.124 inches. When the blade is open, the knife measures in at 8.72 inches long, with a closed length of 5 inches. The handle on this knife is 0.63 inches thick. The knife weighs in at 6.1 ounces.

The Pros of the Manual Presidio II:

• ·Benchmade upgraded the steel, so it is stronger, tougher, and maintains an edge longer.
• ·The original Presidio could take on heavy duty cutting tasks, but with the new steel option, you will be able to take on some of the heaviest duty cutting tasks and not be worried about your blade snapping.
• ·The drop point tip is versatile, great for your tactical knife or your everyday carry knife.
• ·The big belly on the blade will be great for slicing.
• ·The broad tip is strong and can take on tasks other than the traditional cutting, such as prying.
• ·The lowered tip is great for strength and precision tasks.
• ·The handle is designed out of billet aluminum, so you will have no weak spots in your handle.
• ·Aluminum is strong, durable, and very resistant to corrosion.
• ·The handle has been anodized for extra durability, strength, and more resistant to scratches.
• ·Aluminum feels hefty, but is actually very light and keeps the weight of your knife down considerably.
• ·The pocket clip is reversible and deep carry.
• ·Features the AXIS locking system.

Conclusion:

Benchmade has been a reliable knife manufacturing company or over three decades now. Since the time that they have called themselves Benchmade, they have been giving special attention to each and every individual knife, so you can be sure that your knife is finished to perfection. A while back, they released the Presidio, which was an excellent knife. But very recently, they revamped it and released it, calling it the Manual Presidio II. The most noticeable changes in this new version is that Benchmade chose to upgrade the steel choice, giving you a better balance between toughness, hardness, and edge retention than previous steel. They kept the same handle material, but switched up the look by widening the ribbing that goes down the length of the knife, providing you with a new look and better grip. Lastly, they switched the mechanism, and now this version is a traditional manual folder. While the Presidio was a great knife and would have fared well with your daily challenges, the Manual Presidio II will be able to take on life with you, never failing. They chose high quality materials to give you a high quality experience.