Benchmade 950 Rift Osborne Axis Lock Knife (3.67" Satin)

This is a great knife, in fact the perfect work knife (for me). I guess it depends on what you need a knife for, and what's important to you, and also how big your hands are. My hands aren't big, but I do have long fingers. Anything smaller than this is too small for me. In fact I could comfortably use a knife with a slightly larger handle, but this one is perfectly fine as well.

I use this knife only at work (auto repair) for cutting hoses mostly, and other plastic things. Really whatever needs to be cut. Never wood or anything like that. Just strictly used in an auto repair shop. I have had no issues with the blade going dull too fast, but unlike that other reviewer, I don't use it to cut wood.

The textured handle is ideal for gripping with oily hands. Not only the texture, but the shape conforms to my grip, so when I have to put real force into what I am cutting, the knife does not slip. This is one of the issues I've had with cheap knives over the years.

This is considered a manually opened knife, or assisted opening. You can open it however with one hand, and you can also close it with one hand though. You can flip the blade out quickly, or push it out with your thumb and first finger. Either way it opens silky smooth. Even from day one mine opened easily. (I got this from my local knife store, so it had probably been opened 100 times, but still) You can also flip it closed, or just push it closed. Very easy either way, and you never have to use 2 hands.

After handling and using the 950 Rift it has grown on me. Could not get used to the feel at first, finally removed clip, much better now. Love the reverse tanto blade, thickness of blade, and size of knife, although might freak out non-knife lovers in public. Sharp out of the box. However, using 154CM when S30V has become the new standard at this price point seems unfair. No real complaints with 154CM, I still have some older Benchmades with ATS 34, the equivalent of 154CM, still holding up good, but look at the Spyderco Manix 2 for $86 with s30v and better ergonomics. Not flat grind or reverse tanto and with a bit shorter blade, but seems like a good value. Still looking for the elusive perfect knife, this one does come close. I'm sure Benchmade has a perfect one in their inventory or will have soon. I guess perfection cost more than $150.00 though.