Benchmade Full Immunity Knife Review

[@gilbaumgarten-arias3867]

If there's a common theme we've experienced with 2023 BM knives it's that their prices are high. We've let our BM rep know that they are pricing themselves out of the market place - especially for newbies in the knife community. Our rep said he'd definitely provide feedback to BM. I mean, I get BM is using nice materials (M4, milled handles, etc.) BUT for a production knife to be priced at that level? I dunno. Maybe I'm missing something. As always THANK you for your honest reviews Dirk....we've got more BM 2023 knives heading your way

[@DirkWerning]

Woohoo thanks my friend. I truly appreciate the support.

[@diceNdiceN]

Benchmade prices are disrespectful, the 🦋 stamp isn't worth it

[@RSRS-ws3px]

I think they call it Full Immunity because it’s blade length is legal in all states. They are also coming out with an automatic version that is called the Partial Immunity, since it won’t be legal in all states. I have the blue one and like it but I sort of lean towards smaller blades for edc. It is sharp but not as smooth as I like so will be putting my edge on it soon.

[@DirkWerning]

That makes sense.

[@sonofliberty78]

Just another grossly overpriced Benchmade. You can certainly buy better, but ya can’t pay more. Hard pass. Thanks for the review.

[@DirkWerning]

Appreciate the feedback. Really.

[@LairdDavidson]

The price of this is insanely high. Having got that out of the way they are a nice little knife. While the blade is short the cutting edge is only about 1cm less than the Spyderco Delica. The handle is what makes it really small compared to say the Bugout. It's much fatter the the Bugout so you might feel that in your pocket. The pocket clip is the same size as the Bugout and the width is roughly the same. Not worth the money in my opinion but it's an excellent little knife and I like the design and look.

[@johnlennon2055]

Beautiful knife! I'll look at it again when it comes in an adult size.

[@DirkWerning]

@@johnlennon2055 😂😂

[@jerrymuns]

I love that green! That’s not usually a color I’m into, but this tone is perfect.

[@DirkWerning]

Right

[@GareyGerosky]

I think they're very good-looking and I love the blade steel. If they were a little larger I would be tempted

[@DirkWerning]

So you’re saying size matters?? 😜😜

[@Popcornbeetle]

Love the design and build but the tip will slash your palm when fiddling around. Too small

[@DirkWerning]

Oh yep that’s a possibility for sure. Unless you’re really into small knives.

[@Watchandcutgearchannel]

I like it… just a bit small for me

[@DirkWerning]

Same

[@richdrumlang]

I bought one on sale here in Canada and I think it's an excellent knife

[@DirkWerning]

Congrats.

[@jason420jv1]

I've just got into the hobby a few months ago and really want a benchmade, but they seem a bit overpriced. If this knife was under $200, I might consider getting one. So far, I have 2 Kershaw knives, the Hotwire ($10 at Walmart), and the Iridium. I love my Iridium. The action is buttery smooth. it's really sharp and locks open rock solid, not to mention it feels like a much more premium knife because the build quality is so good. I can't wait to get my 1st "nice" knife that's made in the USA. Great video ✌️

[@DirkWerning]

Welcome to the hobby. Thanks for joining along my little channel, feel free to reach out with any questions.

[@mrmaxx4400]

I never bought into the Bugout craze - they morphed into another higher level and Full Immunity seems to be a variation on the same theme. The price tag is ridiculous and candidly so are these knives- save your money over time and buy a Medford Micro Praetorian. I acknowledge my bias. For the record, my office knife was a Spyderco Delica.

[@DirkWerning]

Meh better options than the Micro Praetorian also but I get where you’re coming from.

[@OGBladeReviews]

Yup, personally don't get this one. Have the opportunity to pick it up at a local gun store for $230 The other day but played with it a while and it's just way too small and too much for what you're getting although they do dress it up like a little gem. Thanks for showing all three and thanks to Gil! 🗡️👊

[@DirkWerning]

Thanks for chiming in Sir.

[@jeremyspaulding7735]

Pretty cool little knives! Great video 👍

[@BodyMachineShop]

Was ready to pull the trigger on one here in Canada at $300 cda. Really think I can get a great deal more for the same price from Benchmade though here we max out at 3” blade length. Thank for helping make my mind up gonna pass.

[@DirkWerning]

My pleasure. I love helping people make purchasing decisions OR not purchasing.

[@haakonr1]

I’d say it’s almost perfect. Short wharnies have proved ideal for detail work, especially in tight spaces. The Spyderco dragonfly 2 wharnie in k390 has been my go to for over a year. I can see this as a nice addition but I really don’t understand why they went with the finger grooves. This could be a perfect size for someone with small hands, but as it is, it’s optimized for those who are likely to deem it too small. I think I’d also prefer if they made it even lighter and slimmer, like the Bailout handle. All in all I think it might loose out to the Demko Shark cub as far as my preferences are concerned, but I’m more positive that most. A nice try and the most interesting design I’ve seen from BM in a while.

[@DirkWerning]

Totally agree.

[@trevorgerland2254]

Thought I’d chime in! I’ve had the BM Full Immunity for ~2mo and I’ve really grown to enjoy it. I’m coming from carrying the BM Bailout daily for years (BM 940 before that). The Full Immunity’s size took me a few days to get use to with my L/XL hands, but I was surprised how much I grew to like the size/shape of the knife. I like how the Full Immunity carry’s so shallow in my front pocket that it doesn’t hit my keys and other stuff in my pocket like my Bailout did. The main reason I went from the 940 to the Bailout was because the Bailout’s blade is so much more slicey than the 940. The Full Immunity’s blade is an even better performer than the Bailout for general cutting tasks I’ve found. I somewhat agree with you and wonder what the Full Immunity would look/feel like without the additional liners (to make it constructed like the Bailout), but I do enjoy the “added” thickness of the handle while the knife is in hand. If the handle was thinner, I don’t know how stable it would feel in hand. Overall, I am shocked how much I liked the Full Immunity and I have quite large hands. I enjoyed the size so much, I got the Spiderco Dragonfly 2 in H2 steel to be my summer pool/lake/sea knife and my workout knife in the blazing Texas summer heat. I took the lanyard off the Full Immunity after the first day because it just got all in my way while carried in front right pocket, but with the Dragonfly I use a small parachord lanyard and carry it on the wasteband of my shorts since it’s easier to pull/access the knife.

[@DirkWerning]

@@trevorgerland2254 that’s great. Thanks for the detailed response I really appreciate it.

[@MetalRush666]

Fifth pocket knife that can compete with two lil native's and microjimbo's when that's released. I don't see 270.

[@DirkWerning]

TRUE.

[@Isai_Calderon]

Thank you for the size comparison. I’m happy I have small hands for once :)

[@DirkWerning]

Haha. Well there ya go.

[@chriswebb3018]

Interesting little knife and can see why people would like it but can't see myself carrying it. It would appeal more to me and assuming most if it was at least the size of a bugout, but a 3.5" blade would be better.

[@DirkWerning]

Yep

[@Below-Average_Joe]

I don’t see what is so weird. The idea is to make a very nice axis lock that won’t get you arrested in jurisdictions with stringent knife laws. Benchmade already makes lots of larger knives. Also, there other tiny big dollars knives too.

[@DirkWerning]

Yes you make a good point. There is a place for these in those stricter areas.

[@Below-Average_Joe]

@@DirkWerning I live in Southern Illinois and carry pretty much anything I want as long as I am not on state property, but in Chicago, the limit is 2.5”.

[@DirkWerning]

@@Below-Average_Joe ah gotcha.

[@charlesholland6851]

I love the knife. I like big giant knives and I like tiny knives. But the price is nuts!

[@DirkWerning]

That seems to be the consensus lolol

[@jesseadams45]

I handled one at DLT yesterday and they're small but I really liked it. It's definitely a three finger for me because I don't like the lanyard. I think they probably should have made a little bit more choil so it's a full grip even though I'm not the biggest choil guy. I guess they originally made them for government offices where everyone's afraid of knives or they have limitations.

[@DirkWerning]

Agreed

[@jesseadams45]

​@Dirk Werning I also think they should have left room for a Bugout size version, which would be excellent. Instead, the Full is small, the Partial is even smaller, I believe, so unless they plan an Immunity XL or something I'm not sure where they can go with the names.

[@DirkWerning]

@@jesseadams45 YEP exactly. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@AGC828]

There was an "immunity" beefore this. Don't know if it's still available. Got an Instagram notice that this version was coming out...i thought not till early June. Looked bigger in photos :) Doesn't seem to have anything specail about it...Alu scales? Ummm...nice to see on an I guess "affordable" Benchmade and not need to buy a knife with S90V. I mean you can get Alu scale knives form Kershaw for $90 ...the Link in 20cv even...assisted opening....I'm more inclined to get a lInk in 20cv next...and it's a regular sized knife...similar to a PM2 in size..

[@DirkWerning]

EXACTLY.

[@jerichokangas3436]

I've been interested in this little knife, and I'm noticing many reviews seem to miss the original intended purpose of the knife. From Benchmade: "The initial request for knives like this came from federal employees who are restricted from carrying a blade over 2.5 inches in most federal buildings. Many jurisdictions have blade length restrictions on both manual and auto folders. Anyone looking for a small, easy-to-conceal folder or auto that is effective for both daily utility and as a backup-edged weapon in non-permissive environments needs to look no further." It's a niche market/purpose but I think that might clear up some confusion on its specs. It was also designed during the COVID lockdown and the pivot stud has a little virus molecule on it. Interesting little nod to world events during its development. I must admit, it is a niche purpose and style but I worked in the hospital laboratory for years and through COVID too, even joining the state health department for a year during COVID. This thing would have been perfect during that time because working for the state health department and hospitals, you're restricted from carrying "weapons." In a hospital setting, or transporting samples, like I was, I did still need a knife for things like opening boxes of supplies or samples (or even remove a sliver from my finger in the breakroom) but never wanted to be brazen with my own (larger) knife and freak people out. I no longer travel for hospital work but I still get around the country as I've got friends and family from coast to coast. For me, this would be an excellent little tool should I ever go back into the hospital or driving across state lines on vacation. I even think this would be a nice "dress" knife for a night out on the town or boardroom. I played with the Full immunity yesterday, and it was as I expected it, and enjoyed it. Excellent build quality, smooth action, decent in hand, great in pocket, and razor-sharp out of the box. Unfortunately, I ordered the blue version and was shipped the green, so I'm awaiting my replacement from Amazon. I think you could call it a novelty if you're a collector or a Benchmade fan. The price is a bit high but it's a niche and a style that I can take advantage of. Final verdict: NOT the MOST practical, but as good of a utility knife as you can get in restricted states/jobs. Thanks to DW for the review!

[@DirkWerning]

Great points and you’re right very niche market. Thanks for your input really appreciate it.

[@2873lonewolf]

I echo the same feelings as most here. The price is outrageous to me, though good materials. I do like this model but i'm not into smaller knives very much. Its unfortunate Benchmade is pricing themselves out, they do produce some good knives, in my opinion. I could buy into a $150ish price point...

[@DirkWerning]

Yep. BM needs to sort out their pricing.

[@S8NSAYS]

Great knives. Great warranty. Unrealistic pricing at this point.

[@elkcrazy28]

I think they look very good! If it was a 3.5" blade or bigger I would be all in and have one in my pocket already. But at that size, im out. Even that size at $100 wouldnt even tempt me.

[@DirkWerning]

I hear ya.

[@franciscvarga1212]

excellent knife, i carry mine for four days now.

[@DirkWerning]

Glad you like it. Do you carry as a primary or secondary knife??

[@franciscvarga1212]

@@DirkWerning Primary. i have the bronze and mine flicks and closes easily and loosely. This knife is enough for me to cut boxes, papers, food, peel my apple and do some Manicure and its enough blade for self defense to cut someone's main veins lol

[@DirkWerning]

@@franciscvarga1212 very nice. Thanks.

[@franciscvarga1212]

@@DirkWerning also i have a small hand so all my four fingers fits on the handle. i can see peeps with super large hands would have issues and troubles with this knife.

[@DirkWerning]

@@franciscvarga1212 ah yes hand size matters with these.

[@akahina]

Why can't Benchmade design this with a handle that hides the 90⁰ back end of tbe knife when closed? A design flaw on many Benchmade knives. I'll keep my 940 Osborne.

[@jsirius94]

It looks neat, but for the money I won't be getting one. For 100 bucks less or even half as much I would think about it, but it's not a lot of knife for a lot of money it feels like

[@DirkWerning]

I completely agree with you.

[@edc4fun]

Was there ever a BM that ppl didn’t complain about $ lol. I think they’re great looking knives. I’d be more interested if it was larger. And the name is silly but that doesn’t mean anything

[@DirkWerning]

GREAT point. Money is always in the comments of all my BM videos lolol.

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

I don't know Dirk.. that's a lot of money.. especially if it's not my primary carry.. I personally would not buy one.. it might be the right knife for some people..

[@DirkWerning]

Certainly not for everyone 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@David_DY]

Full immunity. Definitely a miss!! 😂 Would love to see an XL version

[@DirkWerning]

Yes

[@S4Detroit]

I really like the look of these and really wanted 1 till I seen the size. If they make 1 around 7.5 to 8.5" I will be all over it. I just don't like small knives. I have a mini Osborne and don't carry it because of the size. I have a Kizer Assasin with the flipper in Ti and don't carry that cause it feels to small also.

[@DirkWerning]

I get it.

[@Lunarpreparedness]

$270 is super super steep. It’s like the guys at Benchmade haven’t been to a grocery store since 2021. How do they expect people to afford this little guy??

[@DirkWerning]

Right

[@ekirenrut]

Yeah. Ok. 🤡 I just snagged a Redoubt with AWT scales already on it for $159 in LTK's last sale! SMH at all of this. How much of that $270 is the custom overhand-knotted and singed paracord lanyard and commemorative dingleberry? 🤔

[@DirkWerning]

Lolol

[@ryanstafford8544]

Because we are badasses like you 😂

[@DirkWerning]

Ha thanks.

[@RyanHall_]

This was the only new Benchmade that had my interest when it was first announced last year, as I typically edc smaller knives. However, I will not be making the purchase. This is just too expensive. This doesn’t give me anymore functionality than a Spyderco Dragonfly or Meerkat, and less functionality than a Delica or Para 3. Spyderco offers these tools in a variety of steels including K390 or Maxamet for much less money.

[@DirkWerning]

Agreed Spyderco hasn’t really jumped on the price hike bandwagon

[@criordan5437]

Cool looking knife, A bit small and a bit overpriced

[@DirkWerning]

Yes and yes

[@Stahlwerk88]

This should’ve been the Partial Immunity. Full Immunity should have like a 4” blade… although then it would cost like $700 🤣 “bUt ItS mAdE iN AmErIcA!!!” Yeah, poorly. At least they look cool, I’ll give them that.

[@DirkWerning]

Haha yep

[@kaizen5023]

$300... Benchmade keep smoking them rocks 🤣

[@otacon1597]

I can confidently say that no, this not worth $300. Maybe $180-$210 (still overpriced but I could justify it in my mind enough to be able to sleep at night).

[@DirkWerning]

lol I get it.

[@Run0Stop0Restore]

Way to expensive and a little to smal. 3" and way cheaper i would jump on it. Nice looking for sure

[@DirkWerning]

I agree

[@donaldbean6291]

I come here to hear the poor's cry lol😂

[@DirkWerning]

Lolol

[@williamsmith5429]

When I was glazing I used the spyderco bee for unboxing delicate items. I don’t really have much of a need for a small knife. I love the aesthetics I love the handle similar to the bailout which I love. I love m4 it’s a decently tough steel, take a awesome edge and has great retention, corrosion is not an issue since I take care of and oil my knives. If it was a full handle with a 3.5-4 inch blade I would not hesitate. I fine with benchmades prices. It is an American product with good materials and I have heard from all sources benchmade takes care of their employees. So many people shaking a cup, asking for handouts, I would much rather give an American a job. I see Chinese made knives going for 250 plus. Of course they can make it cheaper the citizens don’t get shit other then enough for survival all the money is going to the government who hates us you are litterally giving the Chinese government money for bullets to put I. Your grand childs chest. I would rather pay an extra hundred or too and know a hard working man has medical issuance for him and his family, and has a retirement and makes a living wage. The same people typing benchmade is too expensive is has paid thousands of dollars for slaves to mine cobalt and for dollars a day and teenagers to assemble it. I can always buy American but for hobbies with my disposable income it will never go to China I’m willing to spend extra for an American crafts man to design it and make it instead of Chinese to force kids in a sweat shop to copy it steal it and remake it with no overhead. The same people complaining should just get a job instead of waiting on their government checks. If you have a job are you willing to work 14 hrs a day at the same rate as a child in Asian is making it probably Minimal food and sleeping quarters price benchmade out and that might be the only option for your job when China decides to take back its trillions

[@blacklisted4885]

Benchmade have always been overpriced imo. They started out in Ballisongs too which is something Im not into. Its just a weird company

[@DirkWerning]

ABSOLUTELY. Totally agree.

[@PrinceAsmodeus]

Too small, too expensive

[@DirkWerning]

💯