Benchmade 743 Mini Narrows

The Benchmade 743 Mini Narrows is a very thin, light EDC folding knife with a 6Al-4V titanium handle and a 75.7 mm drop-point blade in CPM-20CV with a stonewash polish. The handle is only 7.11 mm thick, the knife weighs 56 g and measures 101 mm closed – you will barely notice it in the pocket.

The Mini Narrows is the compact version of the Narrows and is based on the same idea: a machined titanium frame that is thin without losing stiffness. The Sapphire Blue details on the thumb stud, pivot and clip give the knife a discreet touch of colour, and the flat-ground 2.03 mm blade is made for clean, precise cuts rather than rough work.

CPM-20CV, titanium and AXIS lock

Five features that make the Mini Narrows thin, light and sharp:

• CPM-20CV powder steel (59–61 HRC): A stainless steel with a high chromium and vanadium content, giving high wear resistance and very good corrosion resistance. It holds an edge longer than S30V, but needs a little more patience on the sharpening stone.
• Flat-ground 75.7 mm blade, 2.03 mm thick: The thin blade and flat grind give low cutting resistance and clean cuts in paper, packaging and food. The stonewash polish hides signs of use better than a bright surface.
• 6Al-4V titanium handle, 7.11 mm thick: Grade 5 titanium is stronger than aluminium and corrosion-resistant. It makes it possible to build a handle less than half as thick as, for example, the Griptilian's 16.26 mm Grivory handle.
• AXIS lock with torsion spring: The lock works the same from both sides, so the knife is Ambidextrous, and the torsion spring gives a smooth action when the blade is opened and closed one-handed.
• Mini Deep Carry clip and lanyard hole: The clip lets the knife ride deep and discreetly in the pocket, and the lanyard hole lets you fit a lanyard.

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 – a 2.03 mm thin blade is made to cut, not to twist.
• 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.