Can't Put It Down: Benchmade Protagonist Fixed Blade Knife

[@Double-Par-Golf]

Aaron, if these knife companies aren't paying you commission for knife sales, they need to be. Your reviews are always thorough, well thought out, and fully encompassing. Keep doing what you do sir! We love you out here in KZbin Land!

[@gideonstactical]

Rick McClanahan thank you Rick! No, never taken a dime for a review, all viewer supported.

[@RogueArbiter]

From the moment I laid eyes on this knife I knew I wanted it. Thank you for a great, honest review! Love how down-to-earth your reviews are.

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks Dan, that means a lot.

[@soulstealer1313]

@@gideonstactical would u please do a review on the benchmade precido 2 cf elite 570 model I'd love two here what u think of it

[@kenmarapese9085]

Excellent review. I like watching reviews that demonstrate what the knife was designed for.

[@gideonstactical]

Hiker Marapese thanks so much! Glad you like it!

[@lamprozar1]

my favorite fixed blade they have ever put out hands down very nice

[@gideonstactical]

Sweet!

[@kyklain86]

after this video, I think I'll be this as my next knife. I love Benchmade products, it's all I buy now for EDC knives. I'm liking how this looks in a tanto version.

[@gideonstactical]

Sweet!!

[@stalwart263]

Great review. I think your knife reviews are the best on KZbin. It's great to see the knives actually worked!

[@iancarr921]

I really love watching your vids. you don't rant and rave like other youtubers. you get straight and to the point and cover basically everything on the knife. I was curious to see if it was tec lock compatible and you covered that. thanks! keep it up!

[@Gpknives]

Great review! I think this knife is a dark horse in the Benchmade line. Great slicer, super light weight, good mid-range steel, and plenty of carry options. I feel like this knife is a great option for an outdoor knife with defensive capabilities.

[@steddyk]

I have this blade mounted on the strap of my Rush 12 pack, good blade for cutting weight on long hikes.

[@gideonstactical]

Totally Agree!

[@ignaciogarciafleury8540]

Great knife! It is my EDC fixed blade and I love the small footprint it has on your body. Also, great rust resistance for use on the boat. Keep up the cool vids

[@gideonstactical]

Ignacio Garcia Fleury all around epic, thank for watching!

[@sewercat9917]

Awesome review. I picked this knife up today- for the one downside there is a solution. The scales are designed to come off easily and it is skeletonized underneath. If you wanted a thicker handle you could make a custom ones or simply devise a paracord wrap that fills the palm a bit better.

[@UziNineMillomeetah]

Great review man! I'll have to check this knife out.

[@gideonstactical]

UziNineMillomeetah thanks so much!

[@brothersofthebackrow]

you should make a video doing pros and cons of the differnt types of blade types and styles for us noobs. love your videos.

[@alphapie1428]

This knife was just discontinued. Now is the time to pick it up. Seeing for for around $110

[@legrandfromage9682]

Oh I've had my eye on this one for a while. Thanks for the review Aaron

[@gideonstactical]

Le Grand Fromage totally!!

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

I've had my eye on this since they released it. I have the Nimravus which is essentially the same blade but with a much more aggressive handle. I love what they did with the sheath system. Excellent knife, excellent review.

[@gideonstactical]

Ya, I was going to get the Nimravus, but then when I saw this, I opted for it instead.

[@hystericaloutrage2280]

The demonstrations make this channel so damn awesome! Thank you!

[@aaronhuneycutt5738]

I'm still looking for a palm width test. expecially for fixed blades.

[@jokrazy2002]

Is this better than Strongarm ?

[@PrioritySurvival]

Jimmy Aleman Yes

[@kylejackson1158]

ReelingWithJim I think that the only thing I like about the strong arm more than this knife, is the striking pommel on the bottom

[@ozinga614]

If you ever get the chance to get your hands on a spyderco H1 aqua salt you might like it better than the benchmade it quickly became my favorite knife it feels like an extension of your hand when holding it.

[@gideonstactical]

Tony Wise sweet!

[@Cr0cket20]

Like the blade shape and overall length. Seems like a blade that would be great for a lot of things I enjoy. As always great review.

[@gideonstactical]

Cr0cket20 it has been getting a ton of use since I bought it, I bet you would too. I always appreciate your insight and comment.

[@patricksommer4857]

I’m going to put this knife onto the Ka-Bar Jorosz Choppa sheath for my system I think that combo will perform very good. What do you think?

[@kennethwever7174]

Can you do a TOPS Knives Ranger's Edge knife I want to see what it can do in the field?

[@bpaigelee]

Dang nice, it looks very similar to a reboot of their Griptillian Fixed. I love mine, but this has a much better sheath. Wonder if the Fixed Griptillian will fit into this sheath?

[@CedricAda]

That weight is CRAZY. Is it skeletonized under those scales? Thats such a good weight

[@nikgeos]

Brother, what's the exact model of the g-shock 5600 that you are wearing ? Thank you !

[@CarambarHG15]

Hi I plan to go on a long trip. Like a very, very long one and I will be hiking every day. Would you recomend this knife for that? It would be very light so that is good and I don't plan to cut down trees with it. Most of the time I will probably use it for cooking, small wood work and camp task (and self defens bacause for a woman this trip is not a good idea). To you think it will be able do do that or do you think it will fail me after a few weeks?

[@megalodonscortex7578]

Have you try the 141 niramus?

[@cowsofsuffolk2297]

I'm diggin that knife and the price is great too.

[@gideonstactical]

COWs of Suffolk I couldn't agree more.

[@johnkarhu6059]

Hi, I see your review for the Cerberus and now for the protagonist...what you think the best for hiking, bushcraft ? Nice review thanks.

[@gideonstactical]

John Karhu if I could only have one the Benchmade

[@ryanc5681]

Love Gideon's videos man, this was great video for the end of the week, great choice awesome review. 10 out of 10. TWO thumbs up Aaron! I like this knife. What do you think of the benchmade bushcrafter

[@gideonstactical]

Really appreciate the enthusiastic complement. I have not gotten to it yet.

[@ryanc5681]

+gideonstactical no problem man, always get excited t weath your work. Nice job Brotha

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Aaron, You did it again, Thanx You.

[@kodrenegbert4797]

you should do a side by side comparison of the strongarm and thus blade.

[@theoutdoordad7395]

Will this slice food (apples, cheese) well? Any tips on removing the coating?

[@oldgeccko8207]

I Love watching GidionsTatical, Aaron is like having a Personal Knife shopper! You found IT, the knife that Will serve ME BEST! Being a wheelchair, I looked at several of the Knives on your Channel, and this Protagonist is the perfect size, etc... still getting the Silent Hero though. Thanks, I Knew when I saw the Instagram photos that this was the Knife.

[@gideonstactical]

Wesley McCann awesome my friend glad to hear it! Hope you enjoy.

[@grumpyoldwizard]

I don’t care for Benchmade folders, esp. with the axis lock. Their fixed blades, however, are exceptional. I recently got a MeatCrafter and am very impressed with its feel, weight, and quality. I will purchase another field knife fixed blade and see if the trend continues. It may be I stumbled into a maker I have overlooked when it comes to fixed blades.

[@Kenstagator]

Hmmm... Silent Hero or the Benchmade Arvensis? I saw your review in 2014, I actually had to rewatch it. It was a wonderful review. I can't wait to hear your opinion on the Arvensis, I always watch your videos before picking out a new knife. You're an inspiration to many. I'm looking forward to your more candid videos where you just talk and speak your mind. I mean the reviews are great but I can speak for many when we want to know more about the man behind the reviews. Take care. :)

[@pbs1516]

This knife is incredible... How the hell could it be discontinued? I tried to buy one just when it became impossible to find... I finally was able to grab two (drop point and tanto point, both partially serrated as it was the only choice remaining), and they are absolutely outstanding.

[@mastodonxrp5314]

I own one and also wonder why Benchmade discontinued this incredible knife.

[@ChristopherSmithWHAM]

Have you compared this one to the Benchmade 183 Contego? If so, what were your impressions?

[@markreid8056]

benchmade nimravus? what'd think of that knife?

[@iancarr921]

even if it's Molle attachment can it still go on your belt or no?

[@gideonstactical]

Ian Carr yes comes with a nylon belt attachment

[@mikerobbins5049]

That sounds like a knife I might be interested in. I have a Benchmade Bone Collector that is very similar looking. I think its D2 steel. I like it quite a bit...

[@menacer26]

Great looking blade. Any chance you will review the CRKT mah-chete? Great video my man.

[@gideonstactical]

menacer26 thanks! I have wanted to for sure

[@lrivera18]

Sorry for the stupid question, but does it compare to the Nimravus? The protagonist has been discontinued and I think I want to buy a fix blade benchmade.

[@GaryHorn]

I'm impressed! Great review! It might be time for a new comparison video, especially with the new Steel Will fixed blades.

[@guns4funcajanajustin]

Sweet knife and field testing!

[@dvig3261]

looks like you're struggling with the rubber mat, the para cord and cardboard tests

[@edcticf7654]

This vs your "ultimate" becker bk16, which is better?

[@gideonstactical]

Dylan T this is more utility the bk16 is better for the woods only

[@josephmelchor7661]

isn't it like a newer version of the nimravus???

[@gideonstactical]

joseph melchor very similar

[@gwailotus9219]

+gideonstactical and anyone else: have u compared the Protagonist with the Nimravus? which do u like better and why?

[@khfsryjbcsghhvcdsfgh]

Please review the fixed blade Adamas!!

[@dvolsky914]

I'm trying to decide between this and the Bradford Guardian3 with micarta handle scales. Having used both, I would appreciate your advice.

[@gideonstactical]

dvolsky914 my suggestion would be the protagonist or the guardian4 with micarta. Both great blades and very similar in their capabilities. The Bradford will have a larger handle for bigger hands and come with a more premium steel. The Benchmade will be cheaper and lighter weight. Thanks the trade off. Hope that helps.

[@pw8516]

I would like to see you do a review of the SOG Seal Pup v. Benchmade Protagonist.

[@rooftopshootaz8927]

Paxton Wefenstette seal pup is gonna get dusted

[@pw8516]

WALDO I don't think so, but it would be interesting to see.

[@robertomora5154]

Can you do a review on kizlar supreme knives

[@gideonstactical]

Roberto Mora I hope to soon

[@robertomora5154]

gideonstactical thanks you

[@back_country_adventures9023]

how does it stand up to chopping and batoning?

[@gideonstactical]

Green mtn bushcrafter not designed for that its 4oz./0.12" thick/4.5" long. It will not baton or chop anything.

[@back_country_adventures9023]

gideonstactical oh OK so the bushcrafter 162 is better then

[@1randumbguy]

great video! ok, if you had to choose just one as your lightweight blade to go into the wilderness (paired with either a large chopper or hatchet): 1. benchmade protagonist, 2. tops shango xl, 3. tops lite trekker, or 4. something else???

[@oldgeccko8207]

Ordered just in time, I used GT's link to Amazon and there where only TWO Left! One's mine now.😎

[@gideonstactical]

Wesley McCann awesome thanks for helping!

[@hcavn]

Great review. I've cross posted on the benchmadeforum ;-} I expect a run on these at the stores in the next few days.

[@gideonstactical]

Super Cool thank you!

[@thegeneral123]

Looks a lot like my first gen M2 steel Nimravus.

[@gideonstactical]

thegeneral123 cool

[@evanmaynard8077]

Will 154cm hold a better edge than let's say 1095HC?

[@delav83]

I've been going back and forth between the protagonist and the nimravus. What do you recommend?

[@gideonstactical]

Never used the Nimravus, so can't speak to that one.

[@philipjanes]

Good looking knife too.

[@jeremyg371]

Really like this knife.

[@wheelsgonewild1286]

It's a beauty for sure.

[@slywolf2025]

Could you scout carry it

[@andreasbrauer3736]

Great Video, i 've been loocking for a review like that for a while. But how about tip streangh, i am a little bit worried about that

[@gideonstactical]

Andreas Brauer thick for its size, I wouldn't stick it in a door jam, but that is not what it is designed for.

[@silvarredonda1]

Hi Aaron! Thanks for the, as always, awesome review...If you had to choose between the protagonist and the CS Master Hunter on a camping trip, which one would have your preference? I like the MH a lot but I also found the protagonist very efficient on your vid. My only concern would be the handle thickness as you pointed out....

[@gideonstactical]

silvarredonda1 for camping the master hunter would be better, but only for the outdoors, the protagonist is more of a general utility! Hope that helps

[@silvarredonda1]

gideonstactical It surely does! Thanks for the quick answer!

[@MrNebeel]

How do you think this compares in usefulness to an esee 4?

[@gideonstactical]

I like it much better then the esee4

[@judaychop]

I have the tanto protagonist, in my opinion the handle is a complete failer, the scales are way too thin so you dont get a good grip, the hard rubber material is slippery and immediately causes your hand to sweat where the skin is in contact making it more slippery, which is terrible for such a thin handle. Shame i really liked the blade shape, grind, and the steel.

[@JesseLJohnson]

With the Nimvarius I think its called at least discontinued I bought one of those from SMKW on clearance. Then I see Knives Ship Free had these $85. If they still have them at that price I might buy the Tanto version since these knives look almost identical to the one I just bought other then that one has FDE aluminum scales and a different sheath. Same 154cm and the blade shape and all looks pretty much the same maybe I would think different if I had both in hand but from pics they look like damn near the same knife. I think I paid around $100 for that Nimvarius or however its spelled. Hard to believe how much prices change in just a couple years. I know Benchmade and Spyderco seem to up their damn prices every year but these are $170 now but $85 still on Knives Ship Free.

[@thuglincoln7699]

it looks almost identical to a Nimravus.

[@jsmitty2047]

Effing A right! Benchmade my favorite Knife maker. Friends owns this blade and used it few times on camping trips it is great quality knife and very comfortable and does it all very easily. When are we going to see the Arvenisis review vid from you?

[@gideonstactical]

I already have that one, hope to have it out before the end of the year.

[@jsmitty2047]

nice, recently purchased mine, had to wait to order because they were out of the blade type that I wanted. Can't wait to see your thoughts. Keep up the good work man!

[@Twigandberries502]

it looks just like a slightly larger version of my NimCub-II

[@DamionJR4923]

I saved up to buy a NimCub II and it was sadly discontinued.

[@opichocal]

DamionJR4923 Ebay has one used for $71 ending in 3 hours. I've had mine for 3 years now and love it

[@danofiremano]

I'm going to see if my BM Dealer has this so I can fondle it. I think I like the Contego Fixed a bit better though.

[@seanadams2391]

A Strongarm lite version with better steel. I like it. Could buy almost 2 strongarms for the price though.

[@zackmorris309]

The nimravus comes with a good belt sheath

[@MrBluoct]

. . . Thanks. ordered- . . . done.

[@gideonstactical]

Finn Green awesome!

[@bogoljubdjordjevic7528]

Benchmade always make sexy knifes

[@gideonstactical]

bogoljub djordjevic totally!

[@calholden9040]

Love this knife

[@kevinAuman1]

No battoning with it???

[@jackka82]

It seems you prefer the Protagonist's light and thin design with its relatively cost-effective metal over the ZT 0180's heavier and thicker design with its relatively expensive-to-produce material for extra hardness/toughness. I agree the Protagonist does have a much better sheath. But the 0180 was likely made with a much more extreme and longer time of use in mind than what works best for you. It feels a bit like you gloss over benefits and strengths that don't apply in your specific usage/time and peg it as a universal verdict for the knife without explaining where it would work better.

[@zebrastripes8514]

jackka82 ya he's very biased and he gets paid to promote products he's a sell out

[@PrioritySurvival]

jackka82 Actually that is not true. Most outdoor product promoters only get paid through affiliate links, and he has totally bashed some products if you watch his other videos... on top of that, he has bought some of the items he has reviewed!

[@jackka82]

PrioritySurvival I wasn't saying anything about being paid to promote. I know he bashes some products because he bashed the ZT 0180 just barely glossing over or ignoring all of its strengths or advantages. All I was asking for was that he at least explain and mention the other side of the supposed "cons" such as increased hardness and toughness, lasting through years or decades of extreme hard use, etc. If you watch the 0180 video he made it sound as if the knife was just an overpriced below-average piece with no merits. And in this video he glorifies the knife he prefers without mentioning any of its relative weaknesses due to its design choices. A good example of this underplay/exaggeration is in the 0180 video when he says that the 0180 would only have an advantage of "lateral strength and that's about it" compared to the lighter slimmer Protagonist with less blade thickness. As you can imagine, blade thickness does not just play into side to side forces, it compounds with the material hardness and toughness to determine how sturdy the blade is in any use requiring high forces. I think that he does a disservice to the audience by minimizing one design choice's strengths and maximizing that of the opposite design. Do you think it's fair for him to say that a knife designed for lasting in much harsher uses and length of times is overpriced while glorifying a knife that is easier to use in the short run but will not be as sturdy or last as long? I mean it's his review, so he can say what he wants, but at least explaining the other side of his preference would make for a better review, to say the least.

[@thehappyavocadopudding5878]

The best for edc thanks for the video

[@317jmdam]

Woke up early to watch haha. I was thinking those scales were g10. Makes sense that it isn't considering the price and the benchmade stamp. After the video I like it but I don't love it. First like btw...

[@gideonstactical]

Joe D oh I understand! Thanks so much for the support and the early-morning viewing!

[@scottsherman5262]

This would be a fantastic knife for me if not for the super-stupid thumbramp/jimping deal. I don't really mind the thin handle, I'd prefer nice contoured scales with whole palm swale thing, but not a deal breaker for me, esp. since they didn't make the mistake of gouging in some crappy pattern(s) into the scales & just left them simple. I also wish this came w a nice leather sheath, & that Benchmade would start using CPM154, it's a substantially better steel, but what are ya gonna do? Man, I'd be all over this knife if not for the ultimate deal breaker - the "super-stupid thumbramp/jimping deal". Thanks for the great vid - I hadn't seen this knife until now!

[@jamesboaz4787]

Dude you fucking kicked that flys ass.

[@verygonzo4155]

This or the Nimravus?

[@gideonstactical]

This has a better handle I think.

[@divejumpshooter6947]

Kinda of a cliche but I really prefer the tanto so glad they did that. I feel the same about the sheath- I don't have the time or desire to go chasing a better sheath. I have seen these in local outdoor store but I can't handle talking to the guy that deals with knives he is everything wrong with a sales guy he is a soft chubby wannabe and his BS is never ending. So I appreciate you reviewing this.

[@rooftopshootaz8927]

This or the esee 4?

[@gideonstactical]

WALDO I like this much more

[@tberkoff]

protagonist or tops brakimo?

[@gideonstactical]

Doublecanister4thUSArty hugely different knives. What are you wanting to do with your knife?

[@tberkoff]

gideonstactical both seem like similar knives in size, style, and function and come with a good sheath. I am looking for a solid all around belt knife for edc and outdoor use. which knife would you recommend? seems like a logical comparison.

[@gideonstactical]

Doublecanister4thUSArty well the tops is focused as a true Bushcraft knife only and is twice and heavy as the protagonist. The protagonist will not chop or baton the tops will. The protagonist is fast and great for utility/tactical tasks the tops is not. So depending on what you want your knife to do will determine which is better for you. The protagonist is a motorcycle the tops is a jeep.

[@tberkoff]

Thanks so much!!

[@Datsyzerberg]

Doublecanister4thUSArty check out houseboat robs review of brakimo. id take the BM all day.

[@wolverinebear5357]

Why do they have a million offerings for folding knives but fixed its like 2

[@mattklapman]

You have been moving up into expensive blades. Please balance it with lower cost blades. Keep up the good work!

[@gideonstactical]

Matt Klapman I have some budget items planned don't worry.

[@mattklapman]

gideonstactical Not a worry, just a request for balance. I enjoy both :)

[@Eldofarmboy]

Looks like a giant fixed 943

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Aaron, Yup another one to be a wet and snowy weather use knife, Thanx, Man. ,, .

[@gideonstactical]

No Problem.

[@paulie4x1]

Your Channel is good. ,, .

[@gunnerhusnian4375]

awesome job my friend! I love that thing. u showed it well

[@gideonstactical]

Really appreciate it!

[@rooftopshootaz8927]

You've convinced me to spend another 130 on a knife haha.

[@tommystoby1059]

maby it will replace your esee 6 :)

[@gavinreddig3969]

Hi

[@undarken]

I believe Spyderco Sprig would be of much better value.

[@MrKitty-zv3dl]

Not saying it isn't a good knife but I wouldn't have a use for such a thin 5" long knife with skinny grips.

[@Al_rocks]

uuummmm fuck yeah, talk about that knife