129 days to Christmas · 5320 new picks today
GiftsFeed

Bailout | Taiga Green | Tanto

  • Bailout | Taiga Green | Tanto

  • Made in USA

The 3-second version

  • S90V stainless super steel holds an edge through extended cutting tasks
  • Tanto blade geometry provides reinforced tip strength and flat cutting edge
  • Aluminum frame construction minimizes carry weight without flex
  • Requires ceramic or diamond stones for sharpening
  • Anodized aluminum shows pocket wear over time
  • Tanto grind less suited to rocking cuts

Why it's on GiftsFeed

Lightweight folding knife with S90V steel and tanto blade geometry

Most everyday folding knives compromise on steel to keep sharpening accessible, which means more frequent maintenance when you're actually using the blade. This model inverts that priority: S90V is among the most wear-resistant steels in production, so the edge lasts weeks or months longer between touch-ups, even with daily cutting tasks. That matters if you work outdoors, travel without sharpening tools, or simply prefer carrying a knife that stays sharp rather than one that's easy to fix when it dulls. The trade is straightforward—you'll sharpen less often, but when you do, you'll need better stones.

Good gift when

  • People who carry a knife daily and prefer lighter pocket weight
  • Anyone working in conditions where frequent sharpening isn't practical
  • Users who value tanto tip geometry for piercing or scraping tasks
  • Benchmade owners who appreciate AXIS lock familiarity

Skip it if S90V steel is harder to sharpen than standard stainless and requires ceramic or diamond stones, so if you prefer quick touch-ups with a basic sharpener or don't want to invest in specialized sharpening gear, a knife in 154CM or S30V will be less demanding.

Specs

Blade Material
S90V stainless steel
Blade Finish
FDE PVD Battlewash
Blade Profile
Tanto
Handle Material
Aluminum
Handle Color
Taiga Green anodized
Lock Mechanism
AXIS lock
Hardware Finish
Burnt Copper
Made In
United States

If you're giving it

  • No sizing to guess

Check local knife carry laws before gifting; restrictions vary by jurisdiction.

The details

This folding knife pairs a tanto-profile blade in S90V stainless steel with a lightweight aluminum handle. The blade receives an FDE PVD coating for corrosion resistance and reduced glare, while copper-tone hardware adds visual contrast to the green frame. S90V is a powder-metallurgy steel known for holding an edge through sustained cutting tasks, making this a capable option when sharpening access is limited.

The tanto grind delivers a reinforced tip for puncture work and a flat belly section that favors push cuts over rocking motion. Aluminum construction keeps the overall weight low without sacrificing structural rigidity, and the folding design compresses to pocket-carry dimensions. A pocket clip allows tip-up or tip-down orientation depending on draw preference.

The Bailout mechanism uses an AXIS lock, a Benchmade-signature system that releases with dual thumb studs and ambidextrous pressure. This configuration supports one-handed deployment and closing, and the lock bar retracts behind the pivot to avoid accidental release during use. The handle scales are contoured but not aggressively textured, offering a secure grip that doesn't snag fabric during daily carry.

Built in the United States, this knife reflects Benchmade's manufacturing tolerances and warranty support. The green anodized finish is durable but will show wear over time with repeated pocket carry and field use. The blade arrives sharp and ready, and S90V responds well to ceramic or diamond sharpening media when maintenance is eventually required.

Green aluminum frame meets high-edge-retention super steel in a carry-ready design

$350at benchmade.com

Ships and sold by Benchmade. About this merchant

Questions

What makes S90V steel different from other knife steels?
S90V is a powder-metallurgy stainless steel with very high vanadium carbide content, which gives it exceptional edge retention and wear resistance. It holds a sharp edge significantly longer than common steels like 154CM or even S30V, but it is harder to sharpen and requires ceramic or diamond sharpening stones rather than standard whetstones.
Can I sharpen this knife with a regular sharpening stone?
S90V steel is too hard for most oil stones or standard whetstones to sharpen effectively. You'll need ceramic or diamond sharpening media to restore the edge. The upside is that you'll sharpen much less frequently than with softer steels.
What is a tanto blade used for?
A tanto blade has a reinforced tip and a flat cutting edge. The strong tip is useful for piercing or prying tasks, and the flat grind works well for push cuts, scraping, and slicing with a straight motion. It's less effective for tasks that require a curved rocking cut, like food prep.
How does the AXIS lock work?
The AXIS lock uses a spring-loaded bar that spans the handle and engages a ramp on the blade tang. To open or close the knife, you press both ends of the lock bar with your thumb and finger, which retracts it and allows the blade to move. This system is ambidextrous and allows one-handed operation.
Is this knife legal to carry where I live?
Knife carry laws vary widely by state, county, and city. This is a folding knife with a locking blade, which is restricted or prohibited in some jurisdictions. Check your local regulations before carrying any locking folding knife, especially in urban areas or on public transportation.
Will the aluminum handle hold up to hard use?
Aluminum is strong enough for the structural demands of a folding knife handle and won't flex under normal cutting pressure. However, aluminum is softer than steel or titanium, so it will show scratches, dings, and pocket wear over time, especially on the anodized finish.

No reviews yet.

The first one comes from someone who bought it here.

Boost this pick

More like this