Benchmade Crooked River Initial Review: Stunning, Strong, Superlative 

I too am a 110 dude. I still own my first 110 that I purchased in 1979 at the age of 14. I have bought, and given away to friends, many over the years. Your description of it is perfection and pulled straight out of my head. Based on your review of the Crooked River I will be purchasing the mini version before years end. Thanks for the video and for having like passion for the good old 110. I know this comment is late, but I have just recently found your channel. God bless.

Excellent review. I just ordered one and am even more excited to get it. Thanks for all you do for the knife community. God bless.

I've picked up one of these just today; you are deeply responsible for the purchase Sir; and you were yes right: what a beauty! what a beauty my God...

nice, real nice! Looking forward to seeing different versions of this one sprout up (mini version). The sky is the limit with this platform.

your intro perfectly sums up how I bought the knife. there were many on display, many good knives fondled, but I knew. I knew as soon as I saw it that it was gonna be mine. first high end knife and it is GORGEOUS.

Glad to see you so happy with an amazing knife. Great review

Hey Rob, great video I loved this knife since I saw it and like you had to have one. After I saw you IG post I've been waiting for your review. You raised some very good points and I am certain I won't be able to do my own review without referring back to your video. The only point of disagreement I have is regarding the orange back spacer I like it. God Bless and thanks for sharing.

Your review finally swayed me towards the wood-scaled version. Thanks, Rob! :)

Just to be clear then Rob - do you like this knife or not?

Great review Rob! Have one on order as well. You have just gone over all of the reasons why I too have purchased one of these blades. Can't wait until it arrives!

3 years later and I finally pull the trigger on one of these. Went mini, and only switched to a deep carry clip. I actually really dig the orange back spacer - not sure why it's so hated on. It gives the knife awesome side-profile character to match that of the main profile.

I am getting the bench made crooked river! Thank you Apostle P for showing this knife to me!

I've been watching this knife since they announced it. I can't wait to get one in hand. My first knife with a buck 110

I did the back spacer like this ! It took the bright out of it , no enough but way better !

Beautiful knife, I may just have to get one myself. and as always another Great Video Review.

I'm glad you gave this knife such a great rating all the better for when i receive mine thanks.

I agree, what a beauty, and a real instant classic. Bravo, Benchmade, Bravo.

Woa that is beautiful... That is absolutely stunning...

I finally bought one. I've wanted one for years but did not need it. I still don't but bought it anyway as it appears to be out of production. Last chance buy.

dang I thought this was going to get r rated there for a minute :-) great review now I have 2 more benchmades to get!

Ooooh. Maybe my next. Great video Rob.

Great review Rob. I to would like to see a smaller version next. Thanks!

I'm 15 and saving up for this to be my first high end knife

Hey, Rob. I used to be young & foolish once. I'm not young anymore. Good praise for what I suspect will be a major winner for Benchmade. Hate the orange spacer but the sleeve is okay. I would have preferred a subtle green though

I am absolutely in love with this knife from the second I seen it. I feel they should have just done one model with brown G-10. I feel that would have hit both areas they were aiming for.

This is the first thing that's tickled my fancy so much that, I'm with you I can't NOT get one, in a while now. I've been on a knife buying hiatus for the better part of 2 years trying to be more responsible. But I'm saving my milk money for this.

I love your opening analogy!

It really is a beautiful knife. Getting a buck 110 was like a right of passage in my family. And like you I've been trying to find a modern version that's got a pocket clip, one hand opening, and light weight. I missed the Harley Davidson one. I'll have to get one of these

My new dream knife is the steel will gekko now that's a gorgeous blade

I own the grey G10 model and also really hope there is a mini model. 3.25" blade

Hey Rob, this is David (who you emailed this evening about brian tighe knives). i have this in the g10 form and the stryker 2 you zhow here...and man... i cant choose which i like better...such diff. knives. that action on yhr stryker is crazyyyy free...the build on this one though is just so solid and beautiful... tough choice. i might have to get the wood version too.

Of course the manufactures are listening to you, they get a free knife design consultant along with superb entertainment!!! Great review of a sweet looking blade brother...

Excellent review and beautiful knife, all though I prefer NO back spacer at all. Thank you for the awesome video my friend!

Just got my BM Crooked River in today! I have large hands so this sized knife and handle just feels so good in my hands. Love that classic clip-Point Blade! The orange pivot collar and back spacer accent the wood perfectly and coincides with the Outdoor/Hunt style seen on most Camo gear. Yes, dirt and grime just cling to G-10, but nothing a highlighter can’t fix right lol! Question though- did you Loctite your pivot screw? Well worth the $ and keep in mind folks, the design theory is not for EDC or “Tactical”, but as an ideal folder to bring with you in the woods!

Nice vid... I just bought a custom crooked river , and now I'm researching what sharpening system that I should get.. The wicked edge looks great for boy it's pricey . I got my sights set on a KME.. you have a really nice mirror edge on your blade there, can I ask what sharpening system that you use to get that ? Thanks from Alaska =)

good ol tennessee boy here and i laughed when u said that tennessee comment....

Hey Rob, I noticed your blade looks much more polished on the bevels compared to other videos of this knife where they look to have much rougher grind lines on the bevels. Did you polish yours or is that how yours came?

I agree, this thing is gorgeous. I'd like a full flat or high flat version of this knife in carbon, and without the orange accents. That would be about perfect imo.

I love the wood+bolster, love the clip, love the orange pivot, but gosh I can't stand goofy backspacers!

Hey Rob, I really enjoy your channel. I especially like the intro to this vid as an 18 y/o haha. Keep up the great vids sir!

I bought one and totally agree Rob.

Gorgeous Blades!

So tell us, do you like this knife ?

Gotta say, that brown center piece as apposed to the blaring neon orange is definitely better. That orange is so un-cosmetically appealing.

Dude I like your analogy :) .Thanks for the video.

Do you like this one better than a 940 or which one would you go for?

Beautiful knife!

Wow, great folder from Benchmade! I need to stop watching your videos! ;) After that I have to buy every time again beautiful knives.

Hey Rob, how is this one in pocket? For an EDC would you prefer this or the Griptillian 551-1?

Would love a gold class version with titanium bolsters/back spacer and upgraded steel.

Glad to see you made a video on this knife! Ever since I saw it on the Shot Show video, I knew I had to have it so I preordered. Finally got the knife about 2 or three weeks ago and it really is a beaut. Quick question? Did you notice any blade centering issues on either your or your customers knives? Mine is slightly off towards the clip side liner. I contacted Benchmade and they want me to send it in.

Do you need to loctite the stop-pin screw?

I'm looking forward to handling this at Blade and quite possibly coming home with one. I'm also a big fan of clip points and wish more of this quality were on the market. If you haven't seen it yet, check out the Kershaw Launch 5. It's another beautiful clip point that's slightly more affordable, which is why I bought it as soon as it came out :)

Could you detail how you coloured the orange spacers? Just removed the two screws in the scales and the scales come out?

i like that alot!!! nice Review

That is a very nice looking knife!

Anyone know if there are any custom Backspacers available for these guys?

Can you detail your process for dyeing the g10 spacer? Thanks great review!

I will live but I will never learn this to be my cup of tea. Glad you like it.

Lol you know Rob while I own many of the newest amazing blades today, I still carry the Buck 110 on my belt often.

Great video. I love the knife, I really wish that I cared more for the axis lock. I don't care for that nor any of the "captured ball" locking mechanisms. I prefer frame lock then liner lock, then lockback. One handed "single digit" closure are important for me. But I must say, I really like the traditional/modern mix of the wood with the orange g10 and pivot collar ring is outstanding.

I'd be interested in the special edition you described. :)

good job with the spacer color change

I'm waiting for that CF scale, ti liner special edition from ksf Rob😉

I had a Buck Hunter 110 that I carried daily in high school in the belt holster because it was too big for my pocket. Try doing that in high school today. I do love the looks of the wood on the Crooked River but that orange backspacer has got to go. I'm thinking about getting the gray G10 version even though it's not as pretty because I think it will be more durable. But even then, that orange backsacer has got to go. I might machine my own black Delrin backspacer or maybe turn some titanium back spacers on my mini lathe. Nice job on the Rit dye.

That’s some funny shit luv the analogy 😂 and great review as always 👍🏼

Hi Rob. I know this is an old video, but what would you think about orange barrel spacers in lieu of the nasty orange backspacer? Same color as the pivot ring. Wouldn't just a touch of orange look way better?

Hi, I bought this knife and I love it. I had the same idea as you to get a spare set of scales and inquired with Benchmade and was told they don't sell parts. Do you know something about how to get them?

The G10 scales on my -1 crooked river are much darker than in your video. I wonder if it was becuase it's an early run?

How the backspace was turned brown? 40 min in what proportions of water + vinegar? 50/50?

other then paper, what else do you cut?

Very nice knife. May the blessings of the Lord be upon you all.

Good job on the video nice knife

What a intro..lol another great vid sir.

I don't know why you and cutlerylover hate the orange collar and spacer! I like it a lot!

If you hunt and use your knife outdoors you will appreciate the orange, when you drop in leaves or roots anything. I don't like it, but I appreciate it and will tough it out so my chance of recovering my knife are higher.

What do you use for sharpening? I see the edge is shiny and the blade is absurdly sharp. Please teach me or direct me how to do that. Thnx in advance!

Im considering this knife or investing double and getting a chris reeve. But Im not sure it would be worth it as this benchmade looks amazing

I love the blade grind, but not much else. black bolsters and scales, would change my opinion fast. great review, as always. keep them coming.

That's a good looking knife Rob . The color change on the back spacer works well . How is the transition between the bolsters and the scales ? It's hard to tell on the video . The second option would have looked better in black G10 handle scales and back spacer . I agree that a CF/M390 version would be sweet .

its been a while since i realy liked a benchmade model ( although i aprreciate the quality) but this is a realy good looking knife. reminds me a bit of the large rukus...wich is my only BM so far

A mini was just announced! Great prediction haha

how did you get that edge on it? holy shit, what sharpenning thing do u use

Thank you for all you do with knives! Would you take this to your local steakhouse and cut some good steak? Instead of the house knives they provide? I have 2, 110's and love them dearly! & 1 Hootenanny.

Liked and subscribed because of the INTRO! =)

I want one!

whats size comparison with BM 710 ?

Hey Robert as a fellow south paw would you say this one is definitely south paw friendly. I only ask because I am really tired of buying knives just to find there not really as left carry as advertised.

Did you move the bench made logo by yourself?

you could install a few extra pocket clip screws on your wood scale to help anchor and secure it

The job site matrix creates an illusion where 5's&6's are 9's+ once they step foot on site.

wow - that's a purdy one!

Good work with that backspacer color. Strange how hard it is to find a knife that is really perfect without any modifications. There is always one detail that you would change. Maybe designers do that on purpose to keep people talking.

I was lucky enough to pick up a first production run 300/400

Wood or G10?? Wood or G10?? I can't decide! Might have to actually flip a coin on this one.

I thought I heard some one say the liners were titanium?

Some one gave me a buck 110. I though the blade was worn out . Way back when (it was the 70s ) I thought the 110 had much more belly !

So far I own 2 ...but it's getting really hard to not buy a mini... I'm surprised no one has machined out some brass bolsters for the crooked river.

Idk what's wrong with the blade shape on a sog spec elite two i personally finde it to be a grate and useful blade shape

you hurt my rat 1's feelings ;)