Benchmade knives are known for their precision, quality, and durability, and that includes the handle, or scales. We use a range of high-performance materials across our product lines to offer the right balance of weight, grip, strength, and style.
Here’s a quick guide to the materials we use most often:
Grivory®
Fiberglass-reinforced nylon. Lightweight, tough, and resistant to wear. Offers the widest range of color options across our lineup.
G10
Layers of glass cloth soaked in epoxy resin, then compressed and heat-cured. Extremely durable and rigid. Stronger and stiffer than Grivory. Typically found in tactical and hard-use models.
Richlite®
Paper composite material made by layering paper sheets with resin, then compressing and baking them into solid form. Offers a unique, matte texture and is lightweight and sustainable.
Carbon Fiber
Woven carbon strands set in resin for a strong, lightweight, and premium finish. Known for its sleek appearance and excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Aluminum (6061-T6)
Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, hard-anodized for durability. Lightweight yet rugged, with a sleek, modern feel and strong corrosion resistance.
Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V)
High-strength, low-weight alloy prized for its corrosion resistance and premium feel. Found on select high-end models.
Stabilized Wood
Natural birchwood powder stabilized with resin, then shaped and finished. Offers a classic look with enhanced durability and resistance to moisture and cracking.
Santoprene®
Thermoplastic elastomer with rubber-like softness and grip. Waterproof and resistant to weather and chemicals. Commonly used on field and water-specific models for superior control in wet conditions.
Each material is carefully chosen based on the knife’s intended use—whether for EDC, tactical applications, culinary tasks, or outdoor adventures.