Benchmade 290BK-2 Full Immunity

The Benchmade 290BK-2 Full Immunity is a compact folding knife from the Benchmade Black series with a 63 mm Wharncliffe blade in CPM-M4 and a handle in Woodland Green anodised 6061-T6 aluminium. The blade is Cerakote coated, and the knife weighs 65 g with a closed length of 88 mm. It is made in the USA.

Full Immunity is made for those who want a small knife with a robust lock and a blade that can take hard use. On the Wharncliffe profile the edge is straight all the way, and the spine drops down towards the tip. That gives good control for precise cuts in tape, cable ties and packaging. Benchmade Black is aimed at professional users in law enforcement, the military and rescue services.

CPM-M4, Wharncliffe and AXIS lock in a compact format

Five features that make this small knife tough:

• CPM-M4 high-speed steel (62–64 HRC): A powder-metallurgy steel with high hardness, wear resistance and toughness. M4 is not stainless and needs more care, but it takes more abuse than many stainless steels such as S30V and 154CM.
• Cerakote coating: A ceramic coating that protects the non-stainless M4 steel against corrosion and wear and gives a matt, low-glare surface.
• 63 mm Wharncliffe blade, 2.29 mm thick: The straight edge cuts evenly along its full length, and the tip sits in line with the edge, giving precision in detail work.
• 6061-T6 aluminium handle with lanyard: The 12.7 mm thick handle gives a full grip despite its short length, and the lanyard makes the knife easier to draw from the pocket.
• AXIS lock and reversible tip-up Mini Deep Carry clip: The lock works from both sides and the clip can be moved to the other side, so the knife is Ambidextrous and works for both right- and left-handers.

Maintenance and safety

• M4 is not stainless: wipe the blade dry after use and give it a thin coat of knife oil, especially if the Cerakote coating has worn near the edge.
• Do not use the knife as a pry bar – the short, hard blade is made to cut, not to twist.
• Keep your fingers out of the blade's path when closing the knife with the AXIS lock.
• Check the regulations in your country on carrying a knife in public.