Benchmade Ambush

Review by Phil
Elmore

Benchmade‘s
Ambush is one of those hefty, large-framed tactical folders that just
somehow inspires a feeling of confidence in the tool carried.
It’s heavy, yes, but not too heavy;
it’s big, too, but not unwieldy. The Ambush is one of
Benchmade’s “red” class of products, meaning it provides what the
company describes as “‘best in class’ value… leading innovation,
modern materials, and quality manufacturing” at a lower price point
than the company’s “blue,” “black,” and “gold” class inventory.
Its official specifications are as follows:

Blade Length: 3.94 inches
Blade Steel: AUS 8
Closed Length: 5.36 inches
Handle Material: Diecast Aluminum
Lock Mechanism: Benchmade’s Proprietery Rolling Lock

The drop-point utility blade opens
reasonably smoothly using the ambidextrous thumb studs, but it pushes
against some resistance that is part of the rolling lock. There’s
a “hitch” in the opening sweep that you can feel when you thumb it
open. It locks positively with absolutely no blade play.

The cutting edge is ground on both
sides except for the serrated portion of the blade, which is
chisel-ground. From the box, the edge was very nicely sharp,
though the tip is relatively thick. Thanks to the very large
sweep of the blade’s curve, it has excellent belly for cutting.
In testing cutting stacked cardboard and plastic drums, the knife
cut well and penetrated deeply.

The aluminum handle is quite smooth,
which would normally be a problem for grip traction. Because the
knife is so large, however, it fills my hands very well and is quite
stable in my paw. There are grooves cut into the handle at
strategic points to improve your hold, including a welcome thumb ramp
cut into the back of the blade spine where it meets the handle.
There is a small lanyard hole in the handle as well.

The knife is configured for tip-up
carry. The black-coated steel pocket clip is relatively small for
so large a knife, but in use I found it adequate for carry of this
folder. The clip can be reversed for right- or left-handed users
and had good tension from the box.

In training, this large blade moves
very well. Its size makes it a natural “fighter,” though of
course it could still serve as a utility knife. Thanks to its
weight and size, the handle could also be used as a striking implement.

The Ambush is a great folder if your tastes run to large and
less-than-low-profile tactical knives. It isn’t so heavy that it
becomes a burden in the pocket, but it’s just about as big as a
daily-carry folder can get without reaching that point. >>

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