Benchmade 15031-2 North Fork Review

Cons: Expensive, no assisted opening function
Manufacturer: Benchmade
Our Verdict
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Benchmade 15031-2 North Fork | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Price | $160.00 at REI | $130.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $294.95 at Backcountry | $74.12 at Amazon | $84.00 at Amazon |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Great blade, classy wooden handle | Incredible blade quality, assisted open, perfect combination of compactness/functionality | Small, excellent materials and construction | Beautifully constructed, assisted open, good value | Big blade, excellent steel, four pocket clip positions |
Cons | Expensive, no assisted opening function | Pricey, blade lock mechanism not intuitive | Short blade, issues with opening the blade, expensive | Slender handle makes it hard to apply even pressure, thin blade is fragile | Bulky pocket carry, slim handle in use |
Bottom Line | A compact yet "full size” pocket knife for day to day use and all but the heaviest of tasks | A high end construction of a knife carefully tuned to optimize portability and function | This high-priced knife makes a statement when you purchase and carry it | This thin knife disappears in your pocket, tackles most tasks, and is easy on your wallet | A long-time classic, enduring for its solid design, significant customization options, and continuous improvements |
Rating Categories | Benchmade 15031-2 North Fork | Benchmade Mini-Barrage 585 | The James Brand the Chapter | Kershaw Leek | Spyderco Delica 4 |
Blade And Edge Integrity (30%) | |||||
Ergonomics (20%) | |||||
Portability (20%) | |||||
Construction Quality (20%) | |||||
Other Features (10%) | |||||
Specs | Benchmade 15031-2... | Benchmade... | The James Brand... | Kershaw Leek | Spyderco Delica 4 |
Weight (ounces) | 3.2 oz | 3.4 oz | 2.8 oz | 3.1 oz | 2.3 oz |
Blade Style | Drop point, straight | Drop point, straight | Drop point, straight | Drop point, straight | Clip point, straight |
Blade locks closed? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Opening Style | Ambidextrous thumb-stud | Assisted, ambidextrous thumb stud | Thumb stud | Assisted, ambidextrous thumb stud. And back-of-knife finger tab. | Ambidextrous Thumb hole |
Lock Mechanism | Proprietary (Axis) | Proprietary (Axis) | Frame lock | Frame lock | Lock back |
Carry Style, in addition to loose in pocket | Pocket Clip | Pocket Clip and lanyard hole | Pocket Clip | Pocket Clip | Pocket Clip and lanyard hole |
Blade Material | CPM-S30V stainless steel | 154CM Steel | Crucible S35vn stainless steel | Sandvik 14C28N | VG-10 Stainless Steel |
Handle Material | Stabilized wood | Plastic | 6al4v titanium | 410 stainless steel | Plastic |
Blade Length (inches) | 2.9 in | 2.9 in | 2.7 in | 2.9 in | 2.5 in |
Closed Length (inches) | 3.9 in | 4.0 in | 3.8 in | 4.0 in | 4.1 in |
Overall Length | 6.9 in | 6.9 in | 6.5 in | 7.0 in | 7.0 in |
Thickness (w/o pocket clip) (inches) | .5 in | .6 in | .3 in | .3 in | .4 in |
Other Features or Functions | None | None | None | None | None |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Benchmade North Fork knife can be thought of like a special edition of the Mini-Barrage. Notable differences include fewer customizable options, the wooden handle, and the lack of assisted opening. If you are ok with the blade steel of the North Fork (the Mini Barrage offers choices, the North Fork does not) and do not want the assisted opening function of the Barrage, the wooden handle of the North Fork may appeal to you. All others will prefer the Mini-Barrage.
Performance Comparison
Blade and Edge Integrity
All you might think you care about, as it pertains to a knife's edge, is "is it sharp?" Now, that is a simple question, with a complicated answer. First, even right out of the box, there are different definitions of sharp. Sure, sharp is sharp; the blade has a pointed edge, or it doesn't. However, that is not the whole story. The angle(s) at which the faces of the blade meet determines the function of that edge. A steeper angle may very well be sharp, but it doesn't cut very well because the faces must force the material apart further after making the initial cut.
A smaller angle cuts very well but won't last very long. Which brings us to the other part of blade and edge integrity. Your blade must be sharp and stay that way. Also, because every knife requires ongoing sharpening (despite what certain budget knife manufacturers claim), it must be easy to resurface. All these attributes are difficult to balance and tune. Additionally, the variables are many. A blade's sharpness and integrity is a function of usage, materials, heat treatment, and geometry. In the end, after tuning all of these, Benchmade does a dang fine job with the blade of the North Fork. The blade is carefully tuned and consists of excellent materials. The other Benchmade blades are similar and provide good quality as well.
Ergonomics
Aside from one major variable, the ergonomics of the North Fork knife are virtually identical to those of the Benchmade Mini Barrage 585. And it is ergonomics that set the Mini Barrage apart from other high-end knives we tested. These two are both just the right size, with smooth hinges, easy one-handed operation, and locks that work easier and more reliably than any other in the test. Larger knives are better in bigger than average hands and for bigger than average tasks, but the size of the North Fork is just right for most people in most applications.
The one way in which these two are different is in the assisted opening function. On the Mini-Barrage the blade is spring loaded in such a way that the user just needs to start the process of opening it, and the spring pulls it the rest of the way. Our test team (and likely you) like this feature. It is this that mainly sets the Mini-Barrage ahead of the North Fork.
Portability
Portability is a function of size, weight, pocket clip utility, and other carry options. Portability, regarding size, is also at direct odds with ergonomics. Larger knives (to a point) are easier to use. Smaller knives (with no limit, really) are more portable. On the entire continuum of pocket knife size, the North Fork is near the top. However, it is not at the very top. It is this size that seems to offer the best compromise of ergonomics and portability. The size is such that it clips relatively unobtrusively to your pants pocket. The pocket clip is secure and can be switched from one side to the other, depending on your hand preference.
Other Features
There are no other features on the Benchmade North Fork. It is just a simple blade in a handle. The knife we test with the most other features is the Victorinox Climber.
Construction Quality
The North Fork from Benchmade is well made. In fact, all the knives we tested are well made. We only review top scoring products, and top performing pocket knives are all well made of excellent materials. What sets the best of the best apart is their weight for the construction quality. It is easy to make a heavy, sturdy knife. Benchmade makes sturdy knives that are lightweight. This is a greater feat.
Value
This contender is not an inexpensive knife. For the price, you get great quality and lasting design. However, we cannot call it a great value. It is a boutique piece of equipment for discerning users.
Conclusion
For those discerning users, the quality of the Benchmade is self-evident and will be well worth it. Just be sure you can keep track of such an expensive piece of small equipment. It would be a tragedy to lose the North Fork knife. Benchmade stacks the deck with their products. They make immaculate pocket knives with mass distribution. It is no secret that they are going to top lists like ours.
— Jediah Porter