Benchmade 390 SOCP Review.
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The knife is big, but not tall or fat. Honestly it is not as big as I thought it would be. It has a neutral handle and works in a variety of grips. The handle does have wide jimping in three places on the top of the handle, two on the bottom and some on the butt end. It is the wide type so it is not too abrasive. Both the handle and blade are long so transitioning from forward to reverse grip and takes a little added manipulation. It does have a Contego styled glass breaker, and I am happy to report it does not interfere with a supported reverse grip much. Then again I don't have tender fingers.
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The clip is unique and per the promo video Benchmade produced, it is short so that if the knife is carried IWB the clip will be hidden behind the belt. I would suspect the circle in the clip is just for style to give it a cue related to the fixed bladed versions finger hole.
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It opens with a thumb disk. I love the thumb disk, and this one has a unique feature. Most disk openers are held in place by a screw that attaches from the top. The 390 is different, the disk is solid, and the blade is milled and the disk is attached by a screw that goes horizontally through the blade under it, not vertically through it. This can be seen in the pictures below. I would assume this done to add strength to the design, as broken screws on disk openers are not uncommon.
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The blade is a long dagger style blade and is attractive. It is a coated D2. The liner lock is secure with no play, and is smooth. Benchmade has always made a smooth liner lock. Given the size of the blade and the smoothness (along with the detent) the knife is super easy to inertia open.
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The handle has milling along the edges and three circular divots on each side, these help with indexing and when changing grips.
The clip is held on with two screws, just eyeballing it, it looks like the standard low ride two screw clip would fit. It is drilled for tip up right or left hand carry.
The knife comes tip down, and this is one case where you might want to leave it that way. The length of the handle and the low ride clip really handicap tip up carry. When you draw the knife you will have to do some serious manipulations to get it open (ie move up the handle) and frankly tip down gives you a better initial grip on this knife from the pocket. Also if you are going to carry IWB LEAVE IT TIP DOWN!!! The size of the blade and the ease of opening will make it likely to open when carried IWB in tip down carry. In the pocket the back of the pocket will keep this from happening (if switched to tip down).
It is a unique knife, but a niche knife. It is a defensive folder. I for one, am happy to see Benchmade make more purpose driven defensive knives, and this is one.
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Benchmade 390 with Fact for size comparison.
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Thanks Mark good review 0 -
Nice writeup Mark, thanks for taking the time.
Some good info here.
I find the thumb disc seating and fastening method on this knife to be very interesting. I had no idea. Totally overlooked that while initially browsing photos of the 390. From my perspective (not having purchased or even held one), I also had the thought that this should most likely remain a tip down carry kinda folder. I personally won’t carry it IWB, so I’ll still try tip up, but you bring up some good points as to why this design would excel if carried tip down, and I very much agree with your logic. Thanks for sharing. I’m all hot to trot for one of these in the worst way...
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Freeking cool...
Thanks, Mark!0 -
I definitely want to get one, I'll wait though so I don't get a first production one.
I usually prefer a plain edge on my folders, but I may get the serrated version of this, since it looks like there's about 3.5 inches of plain edge on there.
Is the diameter of the hole in the clip enough for you to stick a finger in to aide in drawing the knife?0 -
quote:Originally posted by SilentH:
Is the diameter of the hole in the clip enough for you to stick a finger in to aide in drawing the knife?
Not likely an effective deployment method.
I’m thinking the clip is mostly just meant to aid in drawing the knife from concealed carry, IWB. And as Mark mentioned, it’s circular as to visually tie it in with the other fixed blade SOCP daggers.quote:Originally posted by BKC Customer Service:quote:Originally posted by Marty McFly:
How am I supposed to get my finger in there?
Hey BKC, can you please give us a hole diameter on that “quick deployment ring”?
Diameter is 1/2".0 -
Mark very good review of the new Benchmade 390 edc folder. Thank you for not addressing it as a tactical dagger. Good reference pic of the fact & 390, notice the lack of traction and glass breaker makes leverage at this area difficult at best. 0 -
Hey Mark - Have you been toting around your SOCP folder much? Can we get an update after some pocket time yet?
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martymcfly posted:
Hey Mark (if you’re still here) - Have you been toting around your SOCP folder much? Can we get an update after some pocket time yet?
Still here.
It does not get carried all that much, but it has seen some pocket time.
I normally carry it when I am pocket carrying a handgun, it gets carried on the weak side pocket and because it is tip down carry... The knife will not open in the pocket (which a tip up might unless you flip the clip).
People like to harp on the clip, but I like it. It works and looks kinda cool.
Honestly one of the reasons I don't carry it much, is because it got DC'ed. I might put it up in the box and save it... I assume it might go up in price as it was discontinued just about as fast as any Benchmade I have ever seen...
If I were to redesign the knife, here is what I would do.
Get rid of the glass breaker. It is likely you are going to use this knife in a reverse grip and your thumb is going to cover the end of the knife for support. It is not a super aggressive glass breaker, but just in principle I think it limits the primary design for a secondary use.
I would shorten the overall design. I think if it was shrunk to about 3/4 size it would still work, and work better. It has a hard time with less than deep pockets and if it was intended for IWB carry, it was just too long. This knife is just about as big as a Cold Steel 6 inch Ti-Lite. Knives of this size and style are always a bit awkward. The handle is very neutral, which is good. But when you push the size out on a neutral handle, your hand is always trying to figure out just where to go. This creates a very vague feeling in the hand.
I think it would sell better with an Axis lock. Yea it will make it an uber tactical like 530, but who cares.
I like the knife, but it could be better. I would like to see an improved version. As is, I think there are too many deal breakers for too many people (size, clip, blade style, carry orientation, and lock style).
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markg posted:martymcfly posted:
Hey Mark (if you’re still here) - Have you been toting around your SOCP folder much? Can we get an update after some pocket time yet?
I think it would sell better with an Axis lock. Yea it will make it an uber tactical like 530, but who cares.
I would not care.
I agree that with a revised/updated version, an Axis locking folder would be far more attractive to the masses. I know there’s quite a few of us here who’ve wanted an upscaled 530/531 for some time. This 390 isn’t that, but it’s in the neighbourhood enough for me to have bought a pair. They aren’t going to be for everyone though. I realize I’m a minority, being such a fan of these SOCP folders. I’ve always appreciated liner locks, have XXL hands, and am a spear point fanatic. That’s not exactly a large target demographic. If you’re anything like me though, this knife will tick some boxes for you. I happen to be attracted to this knife for some practical reasons, but am also drawn to it’s aesthetics. It’s all business, but it’s still a great looking knife. I think it’s a gorgeous in it’s own way, despite it’s functional and basic design.
This is another purpose built folder. And yet it’s another knife that can be used for more than one purpose. I will carry it often, because it packs a lot into a package that other knives in the current BM lineup don’t quite offer:
4.5” blade
10.12” overall length
0.42” handle thickness
4.63oz. overall weight
Those specs alone were too much for me to not be enthusiastic about this knife. Add it’s super-sexy, iconic blade profile (with THUMB DISK
), grippy G10 scales (which provide nice traction, yet also aid in transitioning grips), a glass breaker that doesn’t interfere or bother me at all when taking up a reverse grip (a pleasant surprise)... There’s a whole lot of knife here, and a whole lot of value in a slim package. A very slim package, for such a serious knife. The 390’s handle profile is a hair thinner than that of the 781 Anthem’s! For these reasons, the knife is a winner in my eyes.
I like to think of it as a “530 x 810 x 975 hybrid”.
Being discontinued so quickly, I’m pretty curious to see what plans are in store for the SOCP family. If the 390 was indeed pulled to be redesigned/updated, I can’t help but wonder what’ll change. I agree that this is a knife that would still work well for most if downscaled. A “395BK Mini SOCP” could still be a sizeable knife, and probably a much more useful and popular tool, considering knife law state to state. Me, on the the other hand, I like the 390 as is. Although, I’d gladly take a bit more thickness and some added weight to see an Axis 4.5” SOCP of the same length dimensions. But hey, I’m not complaining. I love this knife!
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Also, the 390 doesn’t mind gloved hands.
No problem.
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Up until this past weekend, I’ve been carrying my 390BK as it came to me - tip down. I’ve had no complaints or concerns while doing this. Recently, however, I figured it was time to try it in the tip up configuration, with a little twist...
I actually wasn’t expecting to find the same ease of functionality or comfort by swapping clips & orientation, but I’m very pleased to report that my spare 908 clip has transformed an already great knife into an excellent one. I really like it tip down.
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I think that clip looks much better
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tu posted:
I think that clip looks much better
Thanks. Me too.
Asthetically, I prefer it over the original, but I was a bit concerned that a longer clip would interfere with the knife’s low profile feel in hand, but it doesn’t whatsoever, and transitioning to and from reverse grip is just as simple. It’s actually a perfect fit for me, as my fingers want to rest in the valley of the clip, no matter my hand position. The knife now rides slightly higher in my pocket with the 908 clip, but I kinda like it that way. Still a deep carry, but the extra bit of handle works well when carrying this knife tip up in terms of ease when retrieving it from my pocket and getting the blade open quickly. This said, I’d still suggest carrying tip up to anyone with smaller hands.
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Due to the low production of that knife it might be a good idea to keep the original clip in good condition anyway.
Any rumors on a revised SOCP folder?
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No axis lock? I know disc is good for both hand but why liner lock?
Is it very lock tight?
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Thanks Mac.
As you have the Fact too, would you agree BKC could take best elements of the two knives & make a great knife.
size & lock from Fact & add the handle design from SOCP.
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How old is this knife ........is it still made ?
Everywhere Ive looked has been out of stock
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dj posted:
How old is this knife ........is it still made ?
Everywhere Ive looked has been out of stock
I think it was sold for less than a year, & they sold out the last of the stock earlier this year. Rumor is that they are re designing it and will re release it again. Unconfirmed rumor.
Hopefully it will include an Axis upgrade
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tu posted:
Rumor is that they are re designing it and will re release it again. Unconfirmed rumor.
BMK Jimmy confirmed the rumor over on another forum. He said:
"To add some clarification. After some professional feedback the 390 is going to be re-designed with some strong improvements."
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I hope they leave the liner lock ..........
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I'm hoping for an Axis lock variant in both 390 and 395 in of course m390 steel!
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3900 Axis
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tu posted:
3900 Axis
How did I know that was what you were gonna say? 😜
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