Warn Mini AXIS-Assist Knife (587-1)

I've always carried a pocket knife. It's one of the most versatile and useful tools I own, with a myriad of practical uses, from sharpening a pencil, removing a splinter, cleaning a fish, to whittling a stick into a pile of shavings.

This new Warn Mini AXIS-Assist (587-1) is a lovely medium sized knife that fits comfortably into pants pocket, or clipped unobtrusively to a belt. At only 4" long (closed), with a 1/2" handle thickness, and a tad over 5 ounces, it's about as light as a cell phone.

The handles of the Mini AXIS-Assist are made with G10 laminate. According to Benchmade, it's "An extremely durable makeup of layers of fiberglass soaked in resin, then highly compressed and baked. Impervious to moisture or liquid and physically stable under climate change." The handles are lightly textured to increase grip, particularly when your hands are wet. The liners (on either side of the blade) are made of 420J stainless steel, which contains a high chromium content, providing high corrosion and wear resistance. Along the back spine of the knife is a red spacer, which contrasts nicely with the deep black of the handles.

Not much larger than a cell phone

Super durable textured G10 handles

The belt clip is about 2" long, and fits snugly on thin or thick belts. It's also reversible; simply remove the three small Torx screws and install it on the opposite handle. Very nice. There is a 1/8" diameter hole on the end of the knife through which you can attach a lanyard.

Convenient belt clip

Blade lock lever

To open the knife you simply press your thumb against one of the steel thumb studs. It doesn't take much pressure, as a coil spring (the AXIS-Assist feature) fully extends the blade for you. Once you've tried it a couple of times you'll get it down pat. You'll be amazed at how fast the blade opens. Once open the blade is locked into position.

To close the blade you pull downwards on a stainless steel bar which releases the lock and enables you to use thumb or forefinger to close the blade. On the back spine of the knife is a small lever that allows you to lock the blade in the closed or open position. A useful feature if you have small children around the home. The AXIS-Assist system might seem a bit complicated (you can read more about it here), but it's really quite simple to use. Fully opened, the knife measures about 7" long. I find it has great heft and balance and the handle very comfortable to hold.

Thumb stud (top left) and  stainless steel closure bar (right)

Tanto style knife blade

The blade on the Warn Mini AXIS-Assist is made from D2 steel, an "An air-hardened tool steel, which offers good corrosion resistance and excellent mileage in wear resistance. A good choice for hard use applications." Or so says Benchmade. I say it's an excellent steel that holds an edge well but is easy to sharpen - the two qualities I find important in any knife. The tip of the blade is a Tanto (or Japanese) style. It has a chisel-like point with a thick top spine. This is the first knife I've used with such a design, and I quite like it.

Use thumb and/or forefinger to flick blade open

Depress steel closure bar with thumb and then use forefinger to close blade

At $130US this is not an inexpensive knife. But, there is nothing 'cheap' about it. Top quality materials, great craftsmanship, and super design make this a heirloom knife that will last you a lifetime.

Reviewed May 2010