The Benchmade® 101BK Follow-Up. is a low-profile fixed-blade knife designed for back-up, self-defense and utility applications. It’s a member Benchmade Knife Company’s Black Class of professional-use knives.
Designed for discreet carry, the Follow-Up is a has an overall length of 5.99 inches (15.21 cm). Of full tang design, it has a black Cerakote® coated 2.6-inch (6.60cm) long, 0.14-inch (3.66 mm) thick CPM® S30V premium stainless steel drop point blade (58-60 HRC) and skeletonized handle with optional paracord wrap included. It has an overall length of 5.99 inches (15.21 cm).
CPM S30V is a martensitic (hard crystalline structure) powder-made (sintered) wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant, US-made high-chromium premium-grade stainless steel that also contains molybdenum and vanadium. Its chemical composition promotes the formation and even distribution of vanadium carbides, which are harder and more effective at cutting than chromium carbides.
Developed by Crucible Industries for knives, CPM S30V performs like a high-end tool steel with a corrosion resistance better than 440C. CPM S30V has a very refined grain microstructure that allows it to take a fine, consistent edge. It has superior edge retention — better than D2 and 154CM.
Although we all have our individual preferences, there’s no single best steel for knives. There are advantages and disadvantageous to every steel. When selecting a steel, a knife maker balances multiple factors, including type/design of the knife, how the knife will be used and cost. Requirements will differ.
The non-reflective matte-black Cerakote coating on the knife provides additional corrosion resistance, improved hardness, abrasion resistance and lubricity. Cerakote is a high-performance thin-film ceramic coating. It’s tough and durable.
The Follow-Up features an ergonomic skeletonized handle that helps keep weight to a minimum. The knife weighs in at just 2.03 ounces (57.55 g) Handle jimping in all right places and a deep finger groove provide a secure grip. Jimping on the rear of the blade spine provides added control. There’s a large lanyard hole in the pommel.
The handle has an innovative paracord cleat system. It’s a really cool feature. It makes it a snap to add a paracord handle wrap using the included paracord. Benchmade has several YouTube® videos that show different ways of doing a handle wrap on the knife. A paracord wrap can add comfort and mitigate hand fatigue for skeletonized knives. Paracord also has a myriad of uses and is invaluable in a survival situation.
Although a paracord wrap has advantages, I opted not to wrap the handle on my Follow-Up (other than for photos) in order to keep the slim profile of the skeletonized handle and keep any printing to an absolute minimum when worn under light cover garments.
The Follow-Up comes with an ambidextrous custom-molded Boltaron® polymer snap-fit sheath. Boltaron is 10 times as resistant to impact as standard plastics and maintains its performance in extreme temperatures. The sheath retains the knife securely and leaves most of the handle exposed for a quick, positive draw.
The sheath comes with two 1×8-inch Velcro® straps that offer a variety of carry options. It may be worn horizontally on the belt, hidden tucked behind a mag pouch or other gear, or mounted on PALS webbing. Another option is to employ the paracord as a tactical tether for inside the waistband carry.
It may may also be worn as a neck knife using the included paracord or a bead chain (not included). If you opt to use paracord as a neck lanyard, I with the knife. If you opt to use paracord as a neck lanyard, I advise incorporating some form of paracord lanyard breakaway connector / feature for safety.
The Follow-Up is an an excellent low-profile fixed-blade knife for discreet carry. It’s well suited as a back-up knife for personal defense. It also works well for the everyday utility tasks that a small fixed blade knife might be called upon to perform.
That being said, I recommend keeping a knife carried for personal defense tfor personal defense only. A defensive blade needs to be kept sharp and always ready. Carry a separate knife or multi-tool for everyday tasks.
MSRP for the Benchmade 101BK Follow-Up is $120.00, which is quite reasonable for a knife made from CPM-S30V. The Follow-Up comes with Benchmade’s Lifetime Warranty and LifeSharp® sharpening service. Custom Lasermarking is also available from Benchmade as an option.
Specifications
Benchmade 101BK Follow-Up
Manufacturer: Benchmade Knife Co.
Model: 101BK Follow-Up
Type: Fixed Blade
Blade Steel: CPM S30V premium stainless steel (RC 58-60)
Blade Length: 2.60 in. (6.60cm)
Blade Thickness: 0.14 in. (3.66 mm)
Blade Edge: Plain
Blade Finish/Color: Black Cerakote coated
Blade Style: Drop-point
Overall Length: 5.99 in. (15.21 cm)
Weight: 2.03 oz. (57.55g)
Handle Material: Skeletonized CPM S30V premium stainless steel (RC 58-60)
Lanyard Hole: Yes
Sheath Weight: 0.62 oz. (17.58 g)
Sheath Type: Boltaron
MOLLE Compatible: Yes
Country of Origin: USA
Use:: Tactical, EDC
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
MSRP: $120.00
Material Disclosure
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.
*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.