Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife

The Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife promises a blend of tactical functionality and everyday carry convenience at a strikingly affordable price point. It’s the kind of knife that catches your eye not because of a premium brand name, but because it hints at a practical, no-nonsense tool. Is it a true bargain, or a case of getting what you pay for?

I’ve spent years in the outdoors and around tactical gear. Often, I’m on the hunt for reliable, yet budget-friendly options for backup or for equipping team members. My quest with the Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife was to find a sturdy, inexpensive folder that could withstand moderate use without breaking the bank.

The Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife arrived in a simple box, nothing fancy. My initial impression was surprisingly positive given the price; the weight felt substantial in my hand, and the satin finish of the double-edged dagger blade was sleek. Its stainless steel construction suggested a degree of durability I hadn’t fully anticipated.

Compared to higher-end options from Gerber or SOG, this knife lacked the refined feel and premium materials. However, against other budget blades like some offerings from Smith & Wesson, the Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife held its own in terms of initial perceived quality. It seemed a more tactical style than the budget brand knives, which tend toward “general purpose.”

I was cautiously optimistic. The price point meant I wasn’t expecting perfection, but I was curious to see how it would perform in real-world scenarios. I was hoping for a functional tool, and I had a hunch the glass breaker could prove useful.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife along on a weekend camping trip to the local state forest. The primary tasks included cutting rope for setting up the tent, preparing kindling for a fire, and some basic food preparation. The knife felt reasonably comfortable in my hand during these tasks, and the blade was sharp enough to handle the initial cutting without too much effort.

During an unexpected light rain shower, I continued to use the knife to gather more firewood. The stainless steel handle became a bit slippery, making it slightly more challenging to maintain a secure grip. There were no major issues during this first outing, but the handle’s lack of texture was something to note for future use.

I found the blade deployment smooth and easy enough, although not as refined as assisted-opening knives. After using the glass breaker to test its effectiveness on a spare piece of concrete, I noticed some slight chipping on the very tip, a minor cosmetic flaw.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few months of occasional use, the Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife has held up reasonably well. The blade has retained its edge surprisingly well, only requiring a touch-up with a honing steel every few weeks. There’s some minor scratching on the blade coating, but nothing unexpected for a knife used in outdoor conditions.

I regularly clean the blade with a dry cloth and apply a small amount of oil to the pivot point to prevent rust. The stainless steel handle wipes clean easily. Compared to my experience with other budget knives, the Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife seems to be performing slightly better in terms of edge retention and overall durability.

My Kershaw folder feels more refined and easier to maintain. However, given the price difference, the Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife holds its own as a reliable backup or for tasks where I don’t want to risk damaging a more expensive blade.

Breaking Down the Features of Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife

Specifications

• The Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife features a 3.5-inch satin finish double edge stainless dagger blade. The blade style lends itself to piercing and thrusting, although its double-edged nature might limit its utility for some everyday cutting tasks.
• It has a 4.75-inch closed length and a stainless steel handle. This compact size makes it easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt.
• The knife includes a glass breaker and a pocket clip. These features add to its tactical functionality and ease of carry.

These specifications matter because they define the knife’s intended purpose and overall performance. The stainless steel construction suggests reasonable corrosion resistance, while the glass breaker hints at a focus on emergency preparedness. The blade length is a good compromise between practicality and portability.

Performance & Functionality

The Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife performs adequately for basic cutting tasks. Its sharpness is acceptable out of the box, and the blade holds an edge relatively well with occasional maintenance. The glass breaker works as intended, providing a valuable tool for emergency situations.

The knife’s main strength lies in its affordability and tactical design. A weakness is the somewhat slippery handle. I’d expect that an upgrade to improve grip would increase overall usability.

It meets expectations for a budget-friendly tactical knife. It is functional and reliable for light to moderate use.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is reasonable for the price. The stainless steel handle provides a solid feel, though the lack of texture detracts from the ergonomics.

The knife is fairly user-friendly with a simple folding mechanism. There’s no assisted opening. There’s no complicated design to learn, and the pocket clip makes it easy to carry.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel construction should ensure decent longevity with proper care. The blade requires occasional sharpening.

Cleaning is straightforward, involving wiping down the blade and handle with a clean cloth. A drop of oil on the pivot point keeps the action smooth.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife does not come with any additional accessories beyond the pocket clip. Aftermarket options are limited.

Due to its basic design, there are few customization options available beyond potentially replacing the pocket clip. It is unlikely to be compatible with accessories designed for other knife models or brands.

Pros and Cons of Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife?

The Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife is perfect for individuals seeking an affordable and functional tactical folding knife for general use, emergency preparedness, or as a backup blade. It’s a solid choice for campers, hikers, and preppers. Anyone who needs a reliable, inexpensive tool will benefit most from this knife.

Individuals prioritizing a premium feel, advanced features, or extensive customization options should skip this product. Those who frequently use knives in demanding conditions or require a highly secure grip may also want to consider a more expensive alternative with enhanced ergonomics.

Must-have accessories are limited but a sharpening steel is recommended for maintaining the blade’s edge. A paracord lanyard could also improve grip security.

Conclusion on Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife

The Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife delivers a solid value proposition for its price. It offers a functional and reasonably durable tactical folding knife at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.

The price is justified given its features and performance, especially for those seeking a budget-friendly option.

I would recommend it to anyone looking for an inexpensive and reliable tactical knife for light to moderate use. If you want a no-frills, functional tool without breaking the bank, this knife is worth considering. Give the Benchmark Paratrooper Folding Knife a try; it might surprise you with its capabilities.