Benchmade Crooked River - Overview and Review

[@SeemsLogical]

The Crooked River series of knives that Benchmade makes is arguably their best looking model. And the fact that its in the custom shop makes it even sweeter. I agree with all the points you made in the video. Looks great, performs great, has some legal tape restricting who should be buying one and it's going to cost you more than it should. But if it's legal where you are and you have the money to buy one, especially if you can afford the custom augmentation, its a recommendable knife. Personally I prefer the mini version, but it's definitely a knife that will impress friends whether its stock or custom. It's one that's worth adding to the collection if the two major flaws don't scare you away.

[@danielm7585]

I've got one and love it. I like the wood scales. Reminds me of an old Browning I used to carry.

[@chrisjaskulski8613]

Well, that was the most realistic and fair overview of this thing I've ever seen... Yes, it's over priced. Yes, no matter how contradictory it sounds, it's worth it... I have a regular, off the shelf Crooked River and LOVE it so much that I've got the custom layout queued up in the customizer... now I just gotta wait until I figure out the proper way to explain the second one to wifey!

[@robertm8401]

Best looking Crooked River one can get! Happy Thanksgiving to you and Gunner and all viewers and patrons!

[@bryantp08]

Awesome review MC!! I agree with all your points. and the action is out of the box that way and it would be a huge compliment if people design their CR similar, I personally think its a great knife and that blade is so sexy!! Thanks for reviewing my CR!!

[@frankiejdwm_edc1037]

Great vid to play in the background while cooking, thanks Brotha. Happy Thanksgiving everybody. I actually built one close to this on the custom shop myself I did the Red Backspacer to match the pivot collar tho. I'll get a custom one, one day.

[@aznelite325]

My Crooked River (large) has the smoothest action out of box. Strangely, my Super Freek was really sticky and has too much loctite from factory. My only actual complaint is that I wish the pocket clip wasn’t so close to the edge, it’s a little hot spotty and doesn’t allow much room for my pinky when closing the knife (at least for the base split arrow clip). Great overall lines and aesthetic though 👌 haha I’m definitely a “they can just deal with it” kind of person when I carry 4” knives.

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

I am a fan of Benchmade's Hunt series. Haven't had a the Crooked River in my hands yet. I have had the Grizzly Creek for a bit of time now and I really love her. Do wish that Benchmade would move past their obsession with S30V.

[@sirbricklord8074]

Whats wrong with S30V?

[@Abby_Normal_1969]

@@sirbricklord8074 - first off, it's not 2007. There are better steels, in fact arguably much better steels, for considerably less than what Benchmade and Spyderco charge for it. It is not that S30V is a bad steel, but it is not competitive with M390, 20CV, 204P, Elmax, M4, Cru-Wear, S35VN, SG2, XHP, Maxamet, 3V, LC200N, S110V, and 4V, especially at lower prices. (I don't actually have any 4V blades, but if I can ever get in on a St Nick's exclusive, I certainly will). The only knife I ever wanted because of S30V is the teal Dragonfly, and that's because it was only $6 more than the VG10 version. Otherwise, I accept that a blade is S30V, rather than I relish it. Think of a buffet with crab, lobster, prime rib, sirloin, sashimi grade unagi, and mac&cheese; sure, the mac&cheese is good, but it doesn't touch my plate often.

[@ashmerch2558]

It would be awesome if Benchmade added their "flagship" if you will. The 940 to the Custom shop. For some reason I'd really like a 940 with blue aluminum scales, a black coated CPM-M4 blade, Black hardware and a mini black deep carry clip

[@TheHunt99]

The crooked river is a gorgeous knife. Its modern and classic at the same time. If you are gonna drop any big money on a knife, this is the one.

[@randyf.9188]

I have a custom mini Crooked River, It's one of my favorites. Happy Thanksgiving 🍗

[@jeffsmith6441]

I really like the Crooked River but I would have to customize it. I don't care for the wood either. Have a happy Thanksgiving MC!

[@MrTJohnston]

Just ordered a custom shop full size crooked river

[@ronkonieska1222]

Thanx! Just ordered one from the custom shop (damasteel) to go with my Gold Class mini................will it ever stop.....lol

[@zdp-189]

I just got that black/blue grivory KW exclusive Grizzly Ridge, I absolutely love those knives for under 100! Only own that and Griptillian full size from Benchmade however. Is this the big boy model that kind of inspired the GR in the line? It did come before it right?

[@MetalRush666]

Hey is that my CR? Looks exaclty like the one I customized as well.

[@justinf5963]

That edge. Is great.

[@mickkeim4142]

I think I would go for the mini Crooked River. That is a beauty however...

[@jamesquinsler5607]

Nice review! I have a mini and it has given me some problems(springs breaking twice and the action is very inconsistent for some reason) Kinda frustrating. I think it was just a dud. it was also a 2019 model so that’s kinda disappointing. I love the looks for these knives though😂

[@patrickvanovermeeren4513]

Happy Thanksgiving!! Good looking knife ,like this one ! thanks for sharing !

[@Ww-dl7vr]

I prefer the crooked river over the mini because the mini has such a narrow handle and it makes it difficult to use the axis lock.

[@frankfranklin3365]

Maybe I’m just piss poor but there’s SO many other great options for really well made functional tough knives that aren’t like 300 bucks.

[@cwrowe]

Nice edge on that one.....Happy Thanksgiving

[@johnwest4492]

Hey MC, I like the mini but that one is Awesome love the color combo :))

[@TheCountryBoySurvivalist]

I just became a patron at the $4 level

[@jackofalltrades6488]

Designed mine in the custom shop for hours - only to find out they don`t deliver to Europe...=(

[@jerrymillett3895]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@olleaberg7271]

I think this is a good knife if you want a big knife but you want to look non-threatening. A lot of people will look at this and think it looks elegant and therefore feel less intimated.

[@Smasho8000]

I was really hoping he would say this knife sucks. He didn't do that. He praised it glowingly. Damn it, now I have to get one for my collection. Curse you, sir. jk 😁

[@MPHampel86]

*Looks at current custom shop and retail prices on the Crooked River after hearing about the prices two years ago…* …sigh….

[@cragsmen10]

Does anyone else notice that the knife is so sharp its literally cutting through fabric of the video?

[@chef_rockyc]

I just found Benchmade Crooked River First Production #7/400

[@chrisr7316]

I'm going to disagree about it scaring people most people do not mind large knives that look like hunting knives in my experience for some reason lol great vid

[@SeemsLogical]

What state do you live in? I get sideways looks carrying a Spyderco Chapparral with the Raffir Noble scales and I live in NY. The Chaparral is a sub 3 inch knife,

[@chrisr7316]

I'm from OH but I live in NC, I also live on a military base so more guys carry knives around here but when I'm home it usually isn't an issue either

[@AlexanderSLeBlanc]

@@SeemsLogical yeah but New York is full of sissies.

[@rustyknifelover4463]

Para 3 is a big knife = Snowflake.

[@profesorEDC]

Nice!!!

[@SA12String]

That is a mirror finish edge. Yeesh. This is the only Benchmade knife I like.

[@brian7578]

Mercy

[@hamzaadqareen1431]

🔥💪🤙

[@area51.52]

Do you have an email address ? I just built a super cool custom that I’d like to show you

[@bendadestroyer]

*Besides the pivot, it looks fake.*

[@conceptchannel1112]

Hate benchmade.

[@patrickvanovermeeren4513]

Happy Thanksgiving!! Good looking knife ,like this one ! thanks for sharing !