Benchmade Knives: Nakamura Plain Edge US-Made Folding Knife 480

Benchmade Knives

Benchmade Knives: Nakamura Plain Edge US-Made Folding Knife 480

The graceful, elegant Benchmade 480 Shoki Nakamura Plain Edge Knife is almost too handsome to use - its sweeping lines and careful craftsmanship seem to be made for showing off. But the sharp blade, strong construction and work-friendly features can't be ignored either.

The 2.89 inch blade is made with S30V premium-grade stainless steel. This material, known for its corrosion-resistance, was specially-designed for used in knives. The hollowground utility blade (with crowned blade spine) has a hardness of 58-60 on the HRC scale, meaning you can do a lot of cutting before you'll ever need to re-sharpen the blade (which is an ultra-thin .09 inches in width).

A stainless steel backspacer, designed with MM technology, imitates custom hand-file work for a perfect finish. The contoured handle (3.79 inches in length) is made with lightweight G10 (resin-soaked plastic) and finished with wood handle scale for attractive style. Blue, anodized titanium liners and black nickel hardware handsomely complete the design.

This knife looks so good, in fact, it won the IWA International Knife Award for Best Design (March 14, 2008). When fully opened, this knife spreads to 6.67 inches in length, but you can fold it up easily and store it in the accompanying leather sheath. A carry clip allows you to keep your knife on you at all times, giving you ample opportunity to show it off.

Made in the U.S., the Benchmade 480 Shoki Nakamura Plain Edge Knife has a masterful design and attractive style that only tells half the story. To get the rest, you'll have to use this great blade for yourself.