Benchmade Mini-Presidio Ultra Knife Review by Nutnfancy

Another great Benchmade EDC carry choice, the Benchmade Mini-Presidio Ultra 527 (long name!) provides hand filling traction from its Noryl GTX handle scales. Some users will like the additional thickness which may translate to better ergonomics in use. The traction on these scales is good. The drop point 440C blade on the 527 arrives sharp and slices with excellence (much better that more obtuse blade grinds). This grind is a high point of the design in my opinion (and does help make it lighter too). This Pardue drop point has a good belly and a sharp tip as well. Though it does add some thickness, the Axis Lock is superb providing fast use and high strength lockup. The overall ergonomics are good but of course jimping is lacking in the design (made up for with good handle flares, top and bottom). The pocket clip is reversible and thankfully features tip up carry (and it buries the 527 nicely in the pocket). With the Axis Lock and this clip, the Mini Presidio is a fully ambidextrous EDC knife choice. At 3.2 oz it is heavier than many other also excellent utility knife choices but you get the Axis lock on this still very portable knife. A hallmark of the Benchmade blade is also speed and the 527 has it. Atribute to fine machining, phosphor bronze bushings, the Axis Lock, and a perfect thumbstud for this quickness into action. And the knife deploys into position with a precision and solidness that makes these Benchmades so addicting. The design features a Zytel backspacer and fully milled out 420J2 stainless steel liners too. For 2010 the US Shooting Team blue version is offered and it of course is my favorite (the black BK1 blade contrasting nicely). Against the similar 556 Mini Griptilian and 585 Mini Barrage BM offerings, you will have to make a hard choice. But the slicing capabilies of the Mini Presidio with its hollow grinding are attractive to me. It is an enduring and excellent EDC design from Mel Pardue. ///////////// Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 8 out of 10