Benchmade 560-01 Freek

The Benchmade Freek 560 is a full-size folding knife with a carbon fibre handle and a 91.4 mm drop-point blade in CPM-S90V. At 123 mm closed and 215 mm open, it is built for larger hands and heavier everyday tasks – outdoors, hunting and as EDC for those who prefer a full grip.

The Freek is known for its sculpted handle with room for the whole hand. This version takes the smaller Mini Freek as its starting point and upgrades to a carbon fibre handle, a CPM-S90V blade and red details – a more premium combination of materials than the Freek variants with G10 handles and M4 steel.

CPM-S90V, carbon fibre handle and AXIS lock

Five features that make the Freek a large EDC knife with long edge retention:

• CPM-S90V powder steel (59–61 HRC): A stainless steel with about 9% vanadium. It gives better wear resistance and edge retention than S30V and S35VN, but takes longer to sharpen.
• 91.4 mm drop-point blade, 2.9 mm thick: A versatile blade shape with good control over the tip and enough length to cut food, rope and game without switching knives.
• Carbon fibre handle: Carbon fibre is stiff and light and keeps its shape in cold and heat. The handle is 15.75 mm thick and shaped to fill the hand, so the grip stays secure during forceful cuts.
• AXIS lock: Benchmade's crossbar lock works the same from both sides, so the knife is Ambidextrous, and the blade can be opened and closed one-handed – even with gloves on.
• Split-arrow clip: The clip holds the knife securely in the pocket and matches the red details that set this version apart from the other Freek models.

Maintenance and safety

• Wipe the blade after use, and give the AXIS lock and pivot a drop of knife oil now and then – especially after rain and damp.
• Do not use the knife as a pry bar or screwdriver – S90V is very wear-resistant, but a hard steel tolerates twisting less well than a softer one.
• Keep your fingers clear of the edge when folding the blade, and guide it all the way closed with the lock pulled back.
• Check the regulations in your country before carrying the knife in public.