Introduced in 2021, the Benchmade Claymore OTF knife continues to gain popularity, and for good reason:
- Blade Play: There is minimal side-to-side movement of the blade when deployed.
- Reliability: The double-action out-the-front automatic blade deployment is fast and robust, no under-powered springs in this knife.
- Ergonomics: The Grivory® handle material is a fiberglass-reinforced nylon. It is lightweight, durable, and resistant to impact, heat, and corrosion. Grivory® is available in a variety of colors, offers a comfortable, warm texture, and is easy to maintain. The lower half of the grip slims down, giving the middle, ring, and little fingers a secure hold. This geometry prevents slipping and over-running the blade if thrusting.
- Pocket Clip: There is a sturdy “deep carry” pocket clip that holds the knife blade-down. Anyone who has ever reached into their pocket to find their knife blade has deployed point-up should appreciate this. With the needle-sharp tip of the Claymore, a mistake like that would almost guarantee the need for stitches.
- Slide/switch Comfort: Thankfully, the slider release button is reasonably firm. The benefit to this is preventing unintentional deploying of the blade, and when extending or retracting the blade, there is enough load on the springs to ensure reliability. The slider release is located on the wide part of the handle, making it truly ambidextrous.
- Sound: The Claymore has a satisfying, classical OTF sound when the blade deploys and retracts. While this is somewhat aesthetic (which is important), it also indicates a robust mechanism.
- Blade Quality: We can’t talk about a knife’s qualities without discussing the point of operation: the blade. The Claymore features a Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM) D2 tool steel blade 3.89 inches in length. This steel contains high levels of carbon (1.55%), chromium (11.50%), molybdenum (0.90%), vanadium (0.80%), manganese (0.45%), silicon (0.40%), phosphorus (0.03%), and sulfur (0.03%). The fine carbides and high carbon content provide excellent wear resistance, toughness, and edge retention. While not classified as stainless steel, it does offer moderate resistance to corrosion, enhanced by its Smoke Gray Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating. The blade thickness measures over .1 inch for most of its length.
OTF knives have come a long way, thanks to companies like Benchmade, that have turned them from a gimmick into a viable tool. Modern OTF knives, robustly constructed, are more reliable and provide a lightning-fast opening knife in a lightweight package. The Benchmade Claymore, with its reliable action and long, sleek blade, makes a great addition to any collection or a functional tool for law enforcement, military, outdoors enthusiasts, and anyone else who needs a one-hand deployable blade.
Material Disclosure:
I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up 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.
Follow our WEBSITE
Follow on Instagram
*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.