Benchmade 15031-2 North Fork Review

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

The North Fork from Benchmade is a classy, functional piece of equipment eclipsed by the Mini Barrage only in that the MB has assisted opening functionality.

Photo: Jediah Porter

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.

Simple whittling would be "beneath" the capabilities of the North Fork if it weren't just so enjoyable to shave precise curlicues with the razor sharp blade.

Photo: Jediah Porter

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.

Like the Editors Choice Mini Barrage, the North Fork knife is smaller than "full size". For the vast majority of tasks, though, this size is just right. For carrying, of course, smaller like this is better. We like this size compromise.

Photo: Jediah Porter

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.

The pocket clipped North Fork. It's always handy this way, and largely unobtrusive except in the most formal of situations.

Photo: Jediah Porter

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