Model 560BK-1 / Freek
The hard-use one. A 3.6 inch CPM-M4 blade run at 62-64 HRC in black Cerakote, on a layered Super Freek G10 handle. This is the highest hardness in the whole Benchmade folding line, and it is built for people who cut all day.
Key Features
CPM-M4 at 62-64 HRCA high speed tool steel, not a stainless. It holds a working edge far longer than S30V and takes abuse without chipping, which is why it is a favourite in cutting competitions.
Cerakote ProtectionM4 is not stainless, so Benchmade coats it. The black ceramic finish shields the flats from moisture; the exposed edge still needs drying and oiling.
Layered G10Black, gray and red laminate, machined so the layers show through the contours. Grippy wet or gloved, and 0.62 inch thick so there is real handle to hold.
3.6 Inch Drop PointA broad, flat-ground drop point at 0.114 inch stock. Enough blade for heavy work with a tip that still handles detail cuts.
AXIS LockFully ambidextrous, one-handed open and close, with a reversible split-arrow clip and a lanyard hole.
Built in Oregon CityMade in the USA and covered by Benchmade LifeSharp, free factory resharpening for the life of the knife.
Description
The Freek was built around the steel. CPM-M4 is a high speed tool steel that Benchmade runs harder than anything else in the folding line, and the difference shows up in how long the edge lasts through cardboard, rope, hide and dirty material that would dull a stainless blade in an afternoon.
The trade is corrosion. M4 has almost no chromium, so it will develop surface rust if you leave it wet. The Cerakote handles the flats and the rest is on you: dry it after use and put a light oil on the edge. In exchange you get performance that stainless steels at this price cannot match.
Freedom USA Sales is an authorized Benchmade dealer. Every knife ships new in the factory box with full Benchmade warranty and LifeSharp coverage.
Specifications
| Model |
560BK-1 |
| Blade Steel |
CPM-M4 high speed tool steel, 62-64 HRC (not stainless) |
| Blade Finish |
Cerakote, Black |
| Blade Style |
Drop-point, plain edge |
| Blade Length |
3.6 in (9.14 cm) |
| Blade Thickness |
0.114 in (2.9 mm) |
| Handle Material |
Super Freek G10, Black / Gray / Red |
| Handle Thickness |
0.62 in (15.75 mm) |
| Open Length |
8.46 in (21.49 cm) |
| Closed Length |
4.86 in (12.34 cm) |
| Weight |
4.3 oz (121.9 g) |
| Mechanism |
AXIS Lock, manual opening |
| Pocket Clip |
Split-arrow, tip-up, reversible, black oxide |
| Lanyard Hole |
Yes |
| Country of Origin |
USA |
| UPC |
610953152116 |
What Is In The Box
Benchmade 560BK-1 Freek, Super Freek G10
Split-arrow pocket clip, installed and reversible
Benchmade warranty card and product literature
Factory Benchmade box
Common Questions
Will CPM-M4 rust?
It can. M4 is a tool steel with very little chromium, so it is not stainless. The Cerakote protects the coated surfaces, but the sharpened edge is bare metal. Dry the knife after use and wipe the edge with a light oil and you will have no trouble. Leave it wet in a pocket and you will see spotting.
Is it hard to sharpen at 62-64 HRC?
It takes longer than S30V and diamond stones make the job much easier. The upside is that you sharpen it far less often. LifeSharp covers it free if you would rather send it in.
Freek or Griptilian?
Both are work knives. The Griptilian is cheaper, stainless and lower maintenance. The Freek costs more, holds an edge dramatically longer, and asks you to keep it dry. Pick based on whether you would rather sharpen more often or maintain more carefully.
