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.