Style Over Function? Benchmade Proper Slipjoint Knife 

Love your videos but wow did you completely miss the point of this knife.

Have the green micarta handle one and really like it ... something about traditional combined with new materials etc

Tactical knife guys reviewing slip joint knives are comical. "Features! Not as many features!"

Slipjoints are for light duty tasks. Intended purpose for this knife its to be on a light carry rotation or a secondary non threatening blade option. Ergonomics? For what is intended it’s amazing, victorinox slippies essentially are thin little bricks with a knife because they got zero ergos but they are at the top of the food chain to when it comes to light non lockable knifes. I think this knife was measured under the wrong category. Just my opinion

Been working at a knife store for the past 6 months, and aside from the one I was gifted by my best friend, I didn't own any pocket knives. After looking at so many locking mechanisms, one-handed opening mechanisms, fidget-features, blade shapes - all the while thinking that I'm not a fan of Benchmade and looking at spydercos -I've landed on the BM Proper. I love the simplicity. There's just something about all its inconveniences that makes it feel extremely reliable. As cheesy as it sounds, it feels more like a partner than a tool. I'm not always on the lookout for opportunities to use it, as I likely would have been if I had, for example, a Spyderco Para3. Can't wait to give it a nice lanyard, customize its scales, and carry it everywhere for my years to come.

I got my dad one for a Father’s Day gift he enjoys it I’m happy with the modern style locking knives

Slip joints are made for cutting apples or cleaning your fingernails. You're not really gonna bear down on the handle doing small tasks like that. Your beef is not valid in my opinion

Damn, almost every youtuber and "tactical/knife" reviewer do not get it. There are so many points on this knife to be made; on the particular controversy with people, with cost, and what things cost when you have American made combined with a higher end brand. A brand that did not just get here for no reason. People do not get this knife; immediately everyone states it "has less parts", it's "not lockable", "there is no clip", it's not "ergo/tactical enough", "you can't hard use this", "there's no 10 walk and talk". No ones happy; no ones happy you can't take this knife and storm your basement and tactically whip it out, baton a log with it, have it be the stiffest slip joint so you can go on bladeforums and say look at me. And all in all get it for $50. People are delusional. I think there is a vast majority of people that are out of touch with reality on this. Let's get something straight; American made, brand recognition, quality materials, and design/engineering costs money. The Proper will never be a Chinese folder for $30. It never will, and if people cannot accept or understand why this stuff is priced where it is at, then I believe people should stick with their Chinese stuff or their cheap American made stuff and not moan about the price. If you cannot work hard in your life for a month and save up for this or anything, then you should look into the mirror. Americans have become so accustomed to these Chinese prices everyone expects something for nothing these days. On to the knife; this is your granddads knife, this is elegance and style, this is heritage, this is unique compared to all other manufactures, this has some decent quality materials, this is NOT a tactical knife, nor a hard use knife. If someone cannot get these points then you have missed the whole point of this folder. Onto the walk and talk. I actually own this knife. It is comparable to all my Swiss Army knives, yet better. The action is smooth and almost more enjoyable than other slip joints. This is after owning quite a bit of slip joints that were passed down. It is razor sharp. The micarta is awesome. It performs all the basic small tasks this was meant for with ease. Onto benchmade; first, in 2017 I received two benchmades that were subpar. They were terrible. They misrepresented what that company is. As well, tarnished the brand in my eyes. I did not accept those and returned them. For 11 years I have owned a Presidio auto, that knife has been to hell and back. It has saved me more times than I can count with zero issues. That's the benchmade I know. And the past couple years have truly wrecked benchmades image. In 2018 every knife has been flawless, dead centering, razor sharp with zero issues for myself. They have started to turn things around. In closing, too many people will never get the Proper. Too many kids and adults have been so brainwashed into this tactical and hard use/heavy use mentality that something simple just blows their heads. Everyone expects 20 features, do it all, best materials on earth, under $50 these days. That's not what this is. The Proper is a wine; everyone is looking for their coors light.

what is a sheep's Hoof? I thought it was called a sheep's foot blade. never heard it called a hoof . just curious

A sheep foot is more for opening up boxes cutting cardboard etc. it has the tip drop down like that so you don’t have to raise your hand high up on a angle to open boxes and what not.

"Resistance/Friction bar" 😂😂😂 it's a back spring, why do tactical dudes have to try to make everything sound cooler than what it is

This is a light gentleman’s pocket knife. No need for a full hand grip because the blade to pivot is very small. Heavy handed cutting will simply break the knife. Get the BM 940 is you need a small tactical folder.

I handled the Benchmade Proper over Thanksgiving, but wasn't overly impressed, because I couldn't imagine how I would use it as an EDC/Bushcraft or woodcarving. I do a fair amount of flat plane woodcarving and use many knives among my favorites are thinner Sheepsfoot and Wharncliffe blades. Next I handled a Benchmade Emissary 470 and fell in love.Went on to purchase the Emissary 477. I very thoughtful review

There’s a load of chat about the price here. I have about 50 sub three inch slip-joints (I’m in the UK) and, though the 319DLC limited edition was way too expensive, I’d say the price for this is about right. Especially as it’s US made. Obvious Far Eastern made competitors like the Enzo PK70s cost about the same, though, obviously good Taiwanese finish will always trump US dollar for dollar, but S30v and either micarta or G10 in a sub 3” slip-joint costs this price. Add some Benchmade customer service and it doesn’t look too bad at all. Show me something truly similar for less.

I absolutely love the looks of that knife. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

You’re 100% right about the price (you should see what they cost here in the UK...nearer $200!), but I have to disagree about the ergonomics. Mine just feels great in my large/extra large size hands. Compared to most of my other UK legal (sub 3” blade) knives, it’s just right. Of course it’s a 3 finger grip, but I don’t have a legal knife that isn’t. I should say, mine’s the Micarta version, but it’s not so different.

Interesting perspective, not sure i agree, but i haven’t used mine enough to form a solid opinion. It came in the mail yesterday. Psyched on the steel and the proper will be my tool when not taking my 535, but i love the design. Application is key though.

Another good review. I prefer clip points too. Have medium to large hands so I think size would be good. Benchmades aren’t cheap, but I do like them.

Good review. I wonder what Advanced Knife Bro thinks about this knife.

You probably got it at the same large outdoor store I did.. I bought 2/ 319-1 for $59 each.. BM did an all around great job with this knife.. Not perfect but real good.. I had the micarta 319 and sold it.. The micarta looked like crao after light use and carry... I'm 6ft5 and 270.. I can only get 3 fingers on handle and my pinky kind of catches the back.. I'm used to stuff being too small for me my whole life and I just deal with it..... Benchmade screws up almost everything they touch but again did a good job with this knife....

Oh man so happy your doin this one. This knife been on my radar since my Barrage almost gave the dry cleaning lady a heart attack. I’m thinking the clip point version though.

I have owned a couple of Bench made knives over the years. If there's one thing I have learned is that buying a Benchmade knife, you are purchasing more name than knife. There isn't a knife in their entire inventory that I can't find a similar knife quality and style from another manufacturer for much less of my hard earned money.

There is way more that goes into a Slip Joint folder than a modern knife. The metal spacer on the back is a spring. It operates with spring tension not friction. Generally there is more hands on fitting of the parts to a slip joint than with a modern knife. So more often than not a slip joint knife is more labor intensive to make. To learn more about slip joint knives and the correct terminology check out the Apostle P on RU-vid. I kinda like Benchmades pairing of modern material with a classic slip joint knife.

Great review as usual. I have the micarta version and love it, but you are right 80 to 90 would be a better price point. My only disagreement would be on the ergonomics. I must have larger than your large sized hands because the base lines up directly in between my pinky and ring finger when I grip it. This makes it pretty comfortable for me.

I buy a case before shelling out for this!

I agree with the ergonomics. I handled one and said no thanks. Plus $115 is way high. Great video.

I just picked up a couple of these as gifts at my local rei. They were on sale for 69$ in store only.

I’ve got a Spyderco roadie. It’s definitely smaller but works better for my use. I just feel this proper is too much and I have a knife that does the same thing. The steel is better but I don’t mind touching up the N690.

I am a fan of the sheep foot, and I find it good looking. The clip point may be overall more useful, but to my eyes this looks more attractive. I do wish it was more affordable.

Lets be real, the amount/type of cutting most people do doesnt require a locking and very grippy knife. I was fine with a swiss army knife for years, just as slipjoints were ok for a very very long time. Use the right tool for the right job. Also, a sheepsfoot knife is made for drawing type cuts such as cutting paper and opening packages.

@gideonstactical I appreciate the honesty! But in the world of slipjoints, a lot of times ergos are not something considered. The traditional knife world doesn't take that into account much. So as compared to the rest of the traditional knife world, how do you think this stacks up?

I really like my benchmade proper,good knife to carry in a city or a place that a large tactical blade would be out of place. Cheaper on Amazon got mine for $90

While I agree with your comment on the handle angle where your small finger rests (should have rounded more like the Ka-Bar that you mentioned,) there are other ways to grip the knife... even if needing to bear down on it. The slip joint knives are not meant to compete with something like the Bugout, they are "pocketknives" and hence they do not have pocket clips because they are intended to be carried in the bottom of the pocket. I believe that this is a little bit on the more bulky side and may not be comfortable in the front pocket for some folks but there are those who prefer a larger slip joint. As far as the handle design goes (back to ergonomics,) Benchmade chose to go with a traditional looking slip joint design. When closed, the Proper has the lines of a very nice looking knife. While I don't believe that looks should trump comfort, this is a great looking and functional slip joint pocket knife. Great review! I enjoy hearing other individuals preferences and you brought to light a couple aspects that I hadn't considered before, thank you for that!! If you aren't planning on keeping the knife, I'll buy it from you for what you paid in a heart beat! My paypal is good to go if you're selling 👍🏼

I have a book 110 automatic for sale very cheap brand new still have the box, after I bought it I got worn one time by the law and I’m not taking no more chances

I love slip joints a lot been carrying a sak pioneer for like 3 years straight now. I like the look of this knife but for what you get not really worth the price I understand the blade steal but to me this screams you are buying the name! That being said I have been really wanting a buck 110 for so time and finally got it today 40 bucks vs 100 plus ? Sure the buck is heavier but it was a lifetime warranty...

Do you think I can find a benchmade folder in the $20 dollar range

I sort of understand where you are coming from with the grip portion of the review... but it's not designed to be an extreme hard use knife. Also, when you compare what you get in that type of slip joint to other slip joint (non-locking) knives you do get a lot for your money, with GEC - you get basic 1095 steel, with Case, you get a poor 420 in my opinion compared to say a Buck 420. The proper has a mid-stop that you dang near cannot find on a Case these days. And lastly it appears any knife with Torx screws you pay more for right up front... I don't know why... I wish Buck would try them on some more models. the other big advantage with the proper is the way the blade stops as it closes... note- the amazing sharpening choil that you don't get on any other slip joint to my knowledge... and to compare a slip joint, small, maybe gentleman's knife to the bugout... sort of silly... big difference if you reach in your pocket in an office setting or even for a small cutting task anywhere and pull out the bugout vs. the proper

That end sits between your ring and pinky finger. And I have large-ish hands. Your comparisons were all locking knives.

You're putting down the design based on preference ... not everyone has your hands.

I respect your opinion and appreciate your videos, but I think you missed the mark on this one. It’s a traditional style knife and all of your comparisons were with locking knives. The hotspot on the grip for you is absolutely an issue, but the design is more than just form. It’s functional in that this is one of the most regulation friendly knives not just in the States, but around the world. That’s a HUGE selling point to this knife. For people who have grip issues with it like you did, that one fact may be more than enough to overcompensate for the grip compromise. Just food for thought.

Love Benchmade products. I have medium sized hands, as you are unhappy with the shape of the handles, send it to me! I'm into slip joints and think it's competitively priced. Go to Bladeforums and take a look at the "Old Timey" knives sales page, you may be surprised at the prices.

I give a thumbs up for the attempt, but you really missed the point of this knife design and use.

Great honest review.... Question - Is the Esee 6 still your favorite medium fixed blade knife? Looking to pick up a medium sized fixed blade. Question 2- does the amazon link to the Esee 6 you provide in your videos include a sheath for that price? Thank you, Sir

...115 USD for a slipjoint... who's pricing their knives? is it infused with platinum or something? Almost find it rude

I now look at Benchmade and surefire the same, they were at the top and now other companies are taking up the space so they are fighting to stay up there. Both have QC problems now..

I found it maybe half a finger too short. A dark brown leather lanyard, CRK style, complimented the green micarta and provided a full handed grip. As for the clip point version, it looks so ugly compared to the original, Sheep's foot.

It's a nice looking knife but it will be too expensive up here in Canada. I take my Swiss Champ when I'm traveling I have never had a problem taking it anywhere.

Dude WHAT IS THAT little nub in your souped up Buck, that makes it one handed. What is it and where can I get one?

I think it’s not really for a main edc knife but a back pocket knife.

I think the price it's too high. It should be around $ 70 because there isn't a locking mechanism so the design is simpler

"Legal almost world wide" * Laughs in Australian *

When will you do the benchmade grizzly ridge

The sheep foot is nice looking

for what they are id rather buy the spyderco roadie... pretty much everything benchmade just seems overpriced and with lesser blade geometry for the tasks they are made for compared to spyderco and zt blades..

If you want some really high quality slipjoints that are both nicer than this and with comparable prices, check out Great Eastern Cutlery.

Its called a HALF STOP just FYI when the blade stop midway

i think you miss what the knife would be for......apples,boxes and skinning so you would not really hold it like you want to do

Yeah I think you just don't get it. Next you're going to say your butter knife need more features with a pocket clip and better ergonomic for tactical toast moment.

Hey Aaron! Could you do me and my countrymen a HUGE favour and do a quick PSA about Canada's recent decision to basically ban most one-hand opening knives from importation? Please tell your Canadian subs to check out Kevin Cleary's video on the subject and contact their local MP's about it. Thank you and love your content!

What exactly are you bearing down on? Slip joints are NOT meant for heavy cutting or stabbing. You're going to put your eye out or have it fold on you and loose a finger. 100% agree you don't get this knife.

I think this is a really gorgeous knife but it has a benchmade price still.. You can get a lot of knife for around $40 rather than this hha

Slip joint. The offfcial food prep knife.

usually i enjoy the content but 1. "sheep's hoof" really????? 2. why are you stabbing packages with a "slip joint" 3. your not doing hard work with a SLIP JOINT they are made for light work plz learn what your talking about before you review another SLIP JOINT other that that keep up the vids

You know, That type of knife is all my grandfather ever carried and I cant remember for sure but I think I bought my first locking blade in the early 70’s. So whats so new about a pocket knife with no locking blade....

That damn Butterfly tax....

How are you going to fit paracord through that little lanyard hole?

Would you consider selling this? +gideonstactical

Did that buck 112 come with thumb studs?

Sorry, to be a pest. I am posting my question on this knowing that it is a Christian channel, thinking that my question will not get me kicked as might a non-Christian channel. I saw a youtube channel called "knife ramble" or "ramble knife" or that's the gist, anyway. Would anyone be able to tell me how to get to this channel? Thank you and thank you Gideon's Tactical.

For the price you can buy several case knives and have an easier steel to sharpen. Love benchmade but cmon.

No thanks. Got one for christmas, used it once, sold it, bought a Steel Will Modus

Maybe you have thick fingers, but you must not have that wide of palms. The butt of my proper fits perfectly between my pinky and my ring finger

I do like this modern slipjoint idea but like most benchmade's it's too much for what you're getting, to me imo, similar to the boker slack (in design and being overpriced). Cold steel also has something similar, the lucky one in s35vn and carbon fiber with a pocket clip but it's smaller (and slightly less but still overpriced, pattern here?) And I don't need benchmade fans telling me how unamerican I am for not loving benchmade and how great benchmade is, I've heard it already, many times.

Slip joints are tactical?? Ya know because you are tactical...

Very cool knife not a huge fan of slip joint knives own a couple case knives I’d rather have this one but again slipjoint knife in the USA when u can carry a lock bladed knife sure it will sell in Europe where there knife laws suck even more pricey between $114/ $135 yikes

over a hundred dollars is crazy there are better knifes out there for cheaper

You have a cute dog

At 74 I learned at the age of about 9 never own a folder that does not lock especially for the young ones . It's fixed or it's a lock back.

Way too over priced for a slip joint get a antonini had a fee and they last for years

Hate it.