Benchmade  15085-2 Mini Crooked River Fine-Edge Knife

When I first received it I thought it was slightly larger than I would want, but as I have used it I think that the size is fine. It may be "mini" but only in relationship to it's full size namesake. The quality is outstanding! I like the wood scales, without which I would be concerned that the knife would appear to be too "tactical" for my taste at least. Easy to clean after use. I put a drop of clock oil in the hing to help it open more easily. Very happy with this versatile knife which I am using both as an everyday carry and for backpacking.

Knife action was not smooth. The axis lock would also stick, becoming difficult to unlock. These kinds of QC issues would be unacceptable on a $27 knife, let alone a $270 knife… which is essentially $300 with tax. I own the full sized Benchmade Crooked River custom from the Benchmade custom shop. That knife feels nothing like this one did. While I’m certain that the knife could be sent in and serviced by Benchmade; and would perform flawlessly once returned. This should be unnecessary when purchasing a brand new knife from an authorized dealer. I’m starting to lose confidence in Benchmade. Yet another QC fail.

Benchmade got it right on this one. Perfectly sized for a daily carry (the original full-sized Crooked River was just too big). This knife finds the perfect balance between being large enough for outdoor tasks but no so large (or “tactical” looking) that it scares people off when you take it out of your pocket. Between the wood handles and the orange accents, it’s beautiful to look at: modern with a subtle throw back to what your grandfather would have carried. S30V is a great steel, holds a great edge and isn’t terrible to sharpen. For all that’s been said about Benchmade’s quality, this knife came off the production line perfectly centered with no blade play in any direction. Edge grind is perfect and the axis lock works smoothly.

This knife is absolutely gorgeous. I've been using it as my every day carry knife since buying it about a month ago. It is the perfect size. The blade is just slightly shorter than the width of my hand, and yet I can fit my full hand on the handle. It has a beautiful wood handle like an old buck knife, and yet all the great features of a modern knife. It is super easy to open, and and to close with one hand. I sit at my desk and open and close it basically all day. Many knives are super technical/aggressive looking, and can intimidate people. This knife is not intimidating looking, just a great tool.

This is my first EDC and I don’t know why I waited so long to get one. Fits well in my pocket. Don’t even notice it in my pocket. This thing is VERY sharp. I can’t say enough about it.

Such a great knife. Smooth, clean action. It is a beautiful knife that is perfectly balanced.

Absolutely love this knife. I was looking for something that had more weight to it being that I will use it for field dressing deer and elk. At the same time I wanted something I use as an EDC (you're out normal crooked river...sorry). I carry this knife with me everywhere mainly because I just love to look at it. This was a knife I have wanted for many years and I got a job where I could afford to splurge a bit. This knife just makes me happy when I look at it and it's so useful for everyday tasks but has the heft for bigger stuff. If you are looking for a beast of a knife that can do anything I'd say go for the normal size one, but if you want something not too far behind it but you can take it in an office setting without looking like a rambo psycho, this is for you.

Knife review: Benchmade nailed it with the Mini Crooked River. Perfect size, weight, and performance… and build-quality. Very good steel (CPM-S30V… even though some may no longer find it “acceptable”, I LOVE it because I can sharpen it fairly easily, unlike some newer “super steels”), great build quality & design, and super slender in the pocket. And just plain classy. LOVE it! Now, for an “REI review”. The knife I received was clearly a return. Tell-tale sign was the Benchmade seal had been removed, and the insert they put between the pocket clip and knife was gone. I’ve purchased enough Benchmade’s to know this was not a factory-sealed knife. The knife was otherwise fine (no signs of wear, and QC was spot on) so I called REI to let them know. They stepped right up immediately. Three options: 1. They would replace the knife, 2. I could return send it back for free for a refund, 3. They’d give me a slight break in price. Knowing that Benchmade does sometimes have QC issues, and knowing I received an acceptable knife, I opted for #3. Glad I did - as I said above, this is a winner of a knife.

No QC issues here. This mini crooked river was sharp, almost scary sharp, a few passes on a strop and it will be. The grind was also perfect, I have zero complaints about this knife and will be enjoying this knife for a very long time.

High quality as you expect from Benchmade. Looks less intimidating than more "tactical" styled knives.