Benchmade 560BK-1 “Super Freek” Hype Vs Reality

[@DanielRyanScott]

Thanks for your review. I am a proud owner of a new super freak and I am very happy with it. It's amazing, looks sexy, and is functional. The fact it's beefy was the deal winner for me. I am 6ft3 and 210 lbs, I tried to carry some lighter knives and I literally couldn't feel them on me! I washed a zero tolerence once because I left it clipped in my jeans. This will be my carry for at least a decade like my Gerber was.

[@inthepocket7405]

Of course. Yeah man, this is honestly one of the best options for a one knife collection. It’s just an all around great knife.

[@ricksmith7232]

It’s currently $252 after the price hikes. Has it held up well enough to be worth that price now? I’ve had my eye on one for awhile now

[@elzippo488]

The price increases have to do with the US Alloy Shortage Crisis. If you think they are expensive now, you ain't seen nothing yet! More Sanctions against Russia are not going to help at all. Here, let me rub my crystal ball and make a very astute prediction… The next video's you will see all over KZbin will be “hey what’s up with the knife shortages!” People are clueless as to what is driving the "current alloy shortages" which will begin to affect all knife manufacturer’s WORLDWIDE any day now. As soon as they can’t get any more blade stock or high speed tooling to machine with due to sanctions -they will all dry up. Yes You voted for it! Ya’ll had better start backing US President Trump and his Foreign Policies, or you can kiss your new knife selections buh-buy!

[@thepugilist4379]

Mine was gummy and not very sharp out of the gate, but after cleaning, tuning and re-profiling the edge…basically doing Benchmade’s job for them, it’s pretty sick now. Tougher than I would have imagined and super smooth…

[@jackfarmboy]

Such a good one, nice review. Good to see the thorough testing and hear about fatigued edge in real life application. Thanks for the knowledge bombs👍

[@inthepocket7405]

Thanks a lot, buddy✌️

[@xxcaseyxxc]

The Super Freak will be my next BM for sure. Such a great looking knife. Great review bro 👊

[@inthepocket7405]

Yeah, it most definitely is. Thanks buddy👊

[@BigRedEDC]

Love the Super Freek! Thanks for sharing brother!

[@inthepocket7405]

BigRedEDC thanks for watching bud✌️

[@williwyte]

Dude the factory edge fatigue thing blew my mind. Never thought about that.

[@kenmarapese9085]

The day Blade HQ listed the 560 I jumped on it, no regets and I overlook how difficult it is to get into the pocket. I kept the factory bevel but after seeing what you have done with yours the next time it's on the Wicked Edge I'm going to take off a couple of degrees as I think I'm leaving some performance on the table. I like the looks of the Super Freek better, nice review as usual. Buy the way, I agree with new blade edge fatique, for years I thought it was me and had no clue why after a couple of sharpenings I got the edge I wanted. What a relief to know I wasn't the only one experiencing this very frustrating phenomenon.

[@inthepocket7405]

Yeah, it’s a great knife, and it’s not as bad as some people make it seem. Yeah, lay it back a bit, and it will perform even better. About the fatigued steel... Yeah, it needs to be a common subject, but not a lot of people talk about it. Steeve really brought it to the forefront of the community, and it’s finally bringing more attention to it.

[@kenmarapese9085]

@@inthepocket7405 I wonder if manufacturers will adjust how the edge bevel is put on? I have a Blade HQ M4 Shaman arriving today, if you didn't get one and are interested in reviewing it let me know.

[@bobsaffron8284]

Thanks for the review. The strenuous cardboard workout was very instructive.

[@inthepocket7405]

Thanks again Bob.

[@Dirtyknives007]

The machines mess up the knife edges, I think that’s skynet’s first move against humans.

[@Patriot-rising]

I have this as well as the mini ( super ) Freek. I kinda wish Benchmade would come out with a full size super Freek in carbon fiber to match the mini.

[@patrickduncan9584]

Watch the shot show they are releasing it carbon with s90v, probably going to be 400+

[@myredfast]

I have this knife and use it every day and the coating is as tough as you may think! Great knife though I've cut through tough stuff and it holds an edge well, little tough to sharpen if not experienced in sharpening. Also: as far as the edges not being blunted , I have working hands as an electrician so it doesn't bother me at all but if you don't have tough skin I can see how it might dig

[@inthepocket7405]

myredfast yeah, mine is holding up great too. Yeah, M4 is great stuff, and Benchmade seems to do a good job with it. Yeah, the sharper edges don’t really bother me, I’m a carpenter with pretty tough hands, but it’s just something to note. If they had rounded that edge, it would have just made the handle that much more comfortable in all day use.

[@Outpost_76]

I finally got enough time to finish this one. Loved the review and I may be the only person who wants an M4 blade for the Versaflex handle, lol.

[@inthepocket7405]

Outpost 76 hahaha yeah, this was a long one🤦🏽‍♂️ yeah, you might be. Lol no, I’m sure there’s others out there, that like the Versaflex. I like them, but I just don’t know if I would choose them over the g10.

[@willywinket]

I have the partially serrated. Also just ordered the plain edge. I freaking love the Supa Freek.

[@inthepocket7405]

Okay guys, I know I said it has red g10 liners, and this knife doesn’t have “full” liners per se. It has a different color g10 base layer glued to the grey and black g10. There are “partial” steel liners that support the axis lock, but there are not full steel liners like the mini griptillian. Sorry that I said liners, I didn’t mean to, and should have specified that.

[@inthepocket7405]

VETERAN the mini grip does though, buddy, and I think you need to find something better to do with your time, than be super critical with guys that are just trying to provide you with information. I do research this stuff, and I just happened to mess up the verbiage in this specific video, I don’t think it’s the end of the world bro. I did my research and I just accidentally stated liners, give me a break.

[@jamesgurr7678]

Another great breakdown of the short and long-term ways that this knife may serve you.You are fast becoming my favourite knife channel, and I think that has a lot to do with the ways in which you differ from other reviewers-i get the impression that you try to put out content about the aspects of a knife which YOU would like to know before buying it, and not just using most of the video's time up with length, blade steel and other specs with a quick summary at the end. I at least come away from one of your videos feeling like I know almost as much about a knife as I can without getting it in hand. My favourite type of vid you put out are these hype Vs reality type, because it seems that whilst every other reviewer is scrambling to churn out content and quickly cycling from knife to knife, you are spending more time getting to know the knife a bit before releasing your opinions on it. Anyway, sorry if this is too much of an essay instead of a quick comment, suffice it to say keep up with the excellent content- a lot of us really appreciate it ;)

[@batman19763]

Just got mine today have to break it in. Nice video

[@davemartel9572]

I was kind of surprised to hear you using Heavy on the pivot. I have the KPL and the Heavy. My personal taste, I use the KPL on pivots, but use the Heavy on any "impact" type of applications. Heavy works great for triad locks, detent ball and track, things to that effect Ryan says. Great review, love hearing the various points of view on all these knives. I'm an Axis lock fan, so you know the rest...lol 👍👊👊👊👊

[@inthepocket7405]

Dave Martel yeah, I have found the heavy works great in pivots too, in all knives really. It doesn’t swing as fast, but it’s super smooth action, and that will stay better than the regular. It’s more of a cloudy feeling... Thanks a lot buddy✌️

[@davemartel9572]

@@inthepocket7405 Lol...leave it to you Kenny. I've never heard anyone describe the action as being "cloudy" sir. That is hilarious!!! My first thought when I read that was, hmmm, is Kenny describing his state of mind being like mine sometimes....lmao. Thanks for all you do for us knife nuts brother. 🙌🙌🙌🙏🙏🙏

[@inthepocket7405]

Dave Martel 🤣🤣🤣 just trying to keep you on your toes buddy😁 but my memory’s a bit... I forget the term🤔 hahahahahaha

[@whatfreedom7]

The angle of the blade na d handle looks different on the Para 3 vs 2.

[@marekmasar5216]

Good Job Kenny🙏 This might be the best knife from Benchmade yet.. 940 was always icon but I never liked that knife, or not the knife itself but rather it's slicing potential (thin blade with pretty thick edge)..

[@inthepocket7405]

Marek Masar thanks brother👊 Yeah, I agree... it would be hard to beat. The 940 is great, but yeah, I wish they were ground thinner. In fact, I think you just nominated my 940 for a regrind😉

[@jaytay7989]

Do you prefer the Freek or mini Freek? Do four fingers comfortably fit on the mini? Does the full size grip feel too big and take up too much room in the pocket? Thank you.

[@freshjnew]

The coating is cerakote, their other coating is dlc. I think they use a 3rd one, maybe a nitride or something. Also, mine has loosened up nicely after about two days. Haven't disassembled it yet but I assume it will be similarly loosey goosey afterwards

[@adunn413]

I've been wanting one pretty bad. Just so many and the funds just disappear too fast. I just picked up the Fact special edition

[@inthepocket7405]

adunn413 yeah man, I get it. There’s so many good options out there, and its hard to decide, or not get them all hahahaha

[@tfre3927]

The zt609 is a such a honey. I bought that to wear inside my suit when I got married haha

[@inthepocket7405]

It is a very nice knife, that is so well designed👌 Great gentleman’s carry

[@johnnymotorboat8824]

Dude me too. That's funny. I was teasing my wife that it's the main thing I remember.

[@Annabella346]

For the price the original buyout is the best knife for the money. I have the 550 and I love my new auto Adamas. The bugout just rocks! I love the 535-3 the carbon fiber and s90v turned the original into a fine custom. The freak feals great I just haven't bought one yet. If it's as good as the bugout or the Adamas. It will be a very good knive.

[@dalecarpenter8828]

Blade shape for pocket knive should be pointy for small pocket knife jobs ! Hollow grind thin behind the cuting edge cuts butter !

[@Howardsheppard]

Great. Now I want one!

[@inthepocket7405]

Howard Sheppard hahaha yeah... sorry man.

[@frankiejdwm_edc1037]

The red liners aren't really liners. Its 1 piece of layered G10 the liners are BMs cartridge liners (like in the Griptilian) they're black steel. And the blade is Cerakote coated, it is heavy duty stuff, better than DLC or PVD. (Great review bro not trying to bust your balls just getting the details out there)

[@inthepocket7405]

Frankie J Thanks Frankie, and I was aware the different colored g10 liners are glued, but I was more saying your can’t see any bleeding or gaps in the glue up was what I was more implying. I probably should have specified that that g10 liners are glued. Thanks for clearing up the blade finish... I’ve heard both. I heard that it was a cerakote, but then I heard somewhere else that it was a dlc, and Benchmade doesn’t say anything about the coating in all the literature I found. Thanks bud, and no offense taken👍 I’m all about truth. I appreciate you letting me know

[@davidlane6808]

I saw another video that said the cerakote was less durable than DLC. I’d be interested to see someone really abuse one of these. I won’t be abusing mine to find out 😂

[@electricfatman]

@@davidlane6808 Alchemy_1 has a video showing the wear on his. It did not flake off but wore off a small amount close to the blade edge.

[@abc456f]

Love my superfreek! Beats out my g10 griptilian. Btw, my knife is black where yours is grey and vice versa. Coating is cerakote.

[@BaddMann73]

It’s dlc coating not cerakote

[@Schwiftey]

Great review, subbed!

[@inthepocket7405]

Shawn Kiefer thanks bud! And welcome to the channel

[@brianf9619]

Its definitely a gorgeous knife . I don't get all the hype about the M4 , for the price I'd rather have 20CV , but its not , so I'll just keep my S30V model. I use mine for work and the Versa Flex handles feel great in hand , and its really not that bad on the pocket once you get used to it .

[@inthepocket7405]

Brian F Honestly... the hype about M4 is the edge it takes, and the way it cuts, along with the toughness. I do love 20cv, it wish these companies would push the HRC on their 20cv a bit. They’re just not taking it to the level it could be at, and would perform with M4, or better. I can dig that, the S30v version is great too👍

[@davidmarshall7752]

Agreed, the versaflex is an advantage. Best daily carry of 2018.

[@BrentonCarr]

I could never get used to that versaflex I hated it. which stinks, because I loved everything else about it.

[@inthepocket7405]

EDC elephant yeah, I can understand that... this you would probably love then👍

[@Adam-rw4xk]

There is a reason pretty every international cutting competitor uses M4 knife and have for many years. You can look up the details but I think that fact speaks for it's self. The Freek (and Griptilian) are Benchmade's work knives which means tougher steel is on list of attributes people want.

[@timtim4525]

Great Review Sir......

[@jasonerickson1033]

Do u sharpen for a toothy edge or a polished edge on m4 steel? I just bought this knife i love it so far thanks for all u do bro great info

[@Adam-rw4xk]

You got the coating backwards. Benchmade uses DLC on 99% of their knives; the 560-1 uses Cerakote which is a well known brand that specializes in coating firearms. They've got in the knife's description on the website.

[@inthepocket7405]

Adam thank you for clearing that up, but I did search their website, and it doesn’t specify what the coating is on the Super Freek, at least on the page for that product. I searched for the literature stating what the coating was, and could not find it. If you can add a link to where it states that, I would appreciate it. Thanks

[@johnd9357]

No, you’re the one that has it backwards. This is 100% DLC on the super freek. Benchmade uses cerakote on almost all of their knives up to 2019. I have sprayed literally hundreds of cerakote jobs, and I can tell you with 100% certainty that the super freek is not cerakote. It is DLC. However most of Benchmades other coated options are in fact cerakote.

[@johnd9357]

In fact I have a Benchmade cerakote black blade right here, and my freek. I compare the freek to my dlc M4 Para 2 and the coating is exactly the same. Then you look at my M4 griptilian which is cerakote and it is noticeably different than both.

[@johnd9357]

In doing more research it looks like the coating on these was changed in production. Some have been cerakote, and the more recent ones have been DLC.

[@-TheRealScubasteve-]

I’m new to really nice knives, and just got one for Christmas yesterday. Mine didn’t come with an awesome edge either. What do I need to buy to sharpen this guy to its full potential?

[@inthepocket7405]

Nice man! That really depends on your sharpening skills. If you freehand, just grabbing some DMT diamond stones and maybe some diamond compound and strop would do. If you have never sharpened, a Spyderco Sharpmaker with the diamond stones would probably be the way to go. Then, when you’re ready, you could use the stones to freehand as well. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, and want to get into a fixed sharpening system, the KME is the one is use, and i think it’s great for the price and quality. There’s also the Lansky fix angle if you want to go cheap, and the wicked edge if you want to go expensive. Whatever you do, diamond stones will really help with cutting a steel like M4, and utilizing the aggression. I never go past 600 grit on the stones with a steel like M4 either... it likes to be coarse👍

[@ashmerch2558]

@@inthepocket7405 opinion of the Edge Pro Apex 4 kit ? Comes with 120, 220, 400, 600 & 1000 grit stones & 2000 & 3000 grit polish tapes , and a 1200 grit ceramic hone... its another fixed sharpening system, Nick Shabazz said it was "really really nice", and he "liked it so damn much" was curious about your opinion... in a perfect world, I would just get a Wicked Edge Gen 3 Pro and the 1500/2200, and the 3000/ glass blank stone packs with a few (6 micron, 3 micron, 1 micron, 0.5 micron and 0.1 micron) diamond lapping films

[@Stonio16]

Got one of these coming to me early next week! Do you notice any difference between benchmades M4 on this guy and spydercos M4?

[@inthepocket7405]

Marco C Nice! Well, I will say that the Spyderco’s came with a much better factory edge and seemed to be less fatigued, but once I got though that, I feel like the Benchmade will perform on par at least. I’m curious to see how it does with a few more sharpenings.

[@carknelson5895]

I agree for my hands the original Freek with the rubber handle feels better in hand. But if I was going to be pulling a knife in and out of my pocket 10 times a day for simple cutting tasks I’d choose my super Freek.

[@inthepocket7405]

Cark Nelson Yeah, that’s for sure Mark. The application would definitely decide which one I would prefer. If you just have your knife in you hand all day, original. If you’re going on an out all day, super freek👍 Now M4 on the original handle would make even more sense for all day cutting, but I’ll leave that one alone hahaha

[@beau-j5s]

I'm still trying to decide between this and the hogue ritter:( wish I could get both.

[@inthepocket7405]

William Ray Yeah, that’s a tough one. Hogue has bee doing some great work lately, and I’m really drawn to that knife, but if I had to decide again, I would go this way again. Although, I am curious to see where Hogue takes their M390. If they take it 60 to 61, and do a good heat treat, that’s something I want to get in hand to try, and and would probably beat the M4 out of my pocket. Otherwise, M4 is kind of that battle, for me at least. I do really like the freek template too, and better than the Griptilian, which I feel is very similar to that Ritter Hogue.

[@beau-j5s]

@@inthepocket7405 good to hear. I love my g10 grip. but I'm very entranced by both the m4 freek and the hogue grip.

[@ScottieG59]

I was considering the same options and I went with the Hogue Ritter. I may get the Super Freak later, especially if it shows up in the Exchange (Army store).

[@inthepocket7405]

Scott G I definitely want to grab one of those hogue’s eventually myself. You won’t be disappointed by the super freek, I’m almost positive. One of, if not my favorite Benchmade I own.

[@ScottieG59]

@@beau-j5s I have a couple G10 Griptilians. I don't know if they are better or worse than the Hogue Ritter. In the end, it is like 3 premium versions of the Griptilian. Still, the Hogue Ritter is the one currently in my pocket.

[@don0giorgio]

Sup Kenny!!! So what is hrc on this one? Great vid!

[@reneklein3658]

don0giorgio should be around 62-64 hrc

[@user-pz5ju7mw3k]

Only benchmade I’ve bought that I had to turn that pivot literally at least 5 full rotations and still wasn’t free dropping. Ridiculously stiff. Bought it as a gift for my father in law so hoping it will break in with time but idk felt gritty and not smooth like all my other benchmades. Looks great though

[@inthepocket7405]

Interesting... I haven’t heard that yet. Did you try to take it apart and clean it?

[@user-wr3gp8hj3i]

I have the freek and want to change out scales. Would super freek be a straight swap?

[@worldofedc1737]

I keep saying it but it remains true I wish it was 3.5” so I could carry it legally. Seems like an amazing knife and I love the blade shape

[@inthepocket7405]

World of EDC yeah... I’m pretty sure I Benchmade will do a mini. I think they would be dumb not to.

[@myredfast]

Not every state has the same law so I'm glad it's under 4" lol wait for the mini

[@drzrider4399]

Your guys states suck lol size limits? Not here just no autos

[@blvckvv999]

Everyone should follow Doug Ritter and the amazing work he does with his knife advocacy group Kniferights.

[@olylorenz9884]

It’s £285 ($359) in the uk

[@petermccann2561]

Did you ever test the hardness?

[@inthepocket7405]

Yes, it came up at 63

[@don0giorgio]

Cerakote?

[@jessd1952]

What did your blade hardness come up at?

[@inthepocket7405]

jess d 63👌

[@williamthomas5780]

Nice edge polish.

[@inthepocket7405]

Thanks 🙏

[@linusmcnasty]

Hollow ground?

[@brauss878]

What do you use for sharpening your knives?

[@gregoryblake3377]

Awesome video but i must say im more impressed with the fro 💪

[@inthepocket7405]

Lol thanks man👊

[@RealAndyOriginal]

Got one coming in the mail for 160$ new open box.

[@artcantulaw]

I just bought one. This guy is SILENT on the axis lock knob. Its sticks open, it is very rough and lack of smooth sliding. The knife will NOT close by gravity the blade stick less than 50% closed. The lock has a design defect wven after oil and repeated closing

[@inthepocket7405]

Yeah, Benchmade’s infamous for not having the best quality control, but I can say that about a lot of companies at this point. There’s definitely a lot of variance in production knives.

[@dalecarpenter8828]

the rubber would make it a real pain to put in and out of the pocket ! it was a bad idea , like their customer disloyal high greedy prices ! and the bugout sold with a crappy rubber plastic handle well over $100.00 ? good grief the greed !!! benchmade and a few other greedy so called American knife co. ( that all use Chinese cnc machines to make production knives ) is why I buy the clones ! the steel BS hype when the average user will not be able to tell the difference without the label ! edge holding S30V is repackaged 440C ! S35VN is like XHP but XHP is better than S35VN and D2 is like XHP but D2 holds an egde just a little better ( all 56-60 hardness )! so in reality D2 is better edge holding than any of the BS hyped super steels ! XHP being one of my favorite steels but D2 is the best I'll settle for S35VN if I have to !

[@ТоварищЧе-я7й]

👍

[@frzh0626]

Hollow grind? Is BHQ wrong?

[@inthepocket7405]

Francis Zhou yes:)

[@ssunfish]

Thats not hard for them to do. Theyhave a lot of pages and knives, so I am leery anyway

[@johnd9357]

Wrong about the coating as well.

[@isaacshaw1914]

I sent mine back after owning it for a day this is the most overhyped knife I've ever purchased. My fault for believing the hype 🤣🤣🤣...

[@elzippo488]

Sure as hell beats the new $500 spiderco's LOL!

[@crichaelmisty6555]

I'm a Supa freek, Supa freek....

[@mitchellgardner2193]

You're super freeky

[@sgtgrantham]

So a knife review about a knife but let’s spend most of the time talking and showing other knives.

[@commanderkid7]

Oh man s30v I thought it was m4

[@nealwright1976]

Built like a bull shark

[@kylewood8327]

Had one, traded for a Spyderco. To bad Benchmade betrayed us!

[@ORflycaster]

Which Is one reason I’m getting the RSK and not the blatant copy by Benchmade.

[@blvckvv999]

oh is this where the idiot brigade convenes

[@SirYuri]

Are you still making videos? What's a good contact or email?