Benchmade Amicus AXIS Assist Flipper Folding Knife with 3.2" CPM-S90V Drop-point Fine Edge Satin Blade, 7075-T6 Aluminum Handle

2023-08-01T20:00:00

Love my new knife! Blade is wicked sharp. The handle is slippery, but glides easily in and out of your pocket. Clip holds the knife securely. The flipper function is easier to use than my OTF switch blades. This is my first Benchmade, probably more to come.

John A.

Originally posted at

2022-11-17T19:00:00

First of all, I love this knife. I've had it for at least 3 years and it is my EDC knife. I have sent it in several times to be sharpened and one time for one of the nuts falling off the unlocking mechanism. The knife holds its blade well over time and is one of the most ergonomic knives I've held. It's quick opening assist is an awesome low profile feature. The retract function is a great added safety feature. The knife is very sleek and easy to carry. I prefer to carry it in a belt sheath because its so think in the pocket I've accidentally washed it a few times. I have one complaint about it and it is the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism locks the blade either open or unlocked. The problem is it often engages on its own through vibration or movement in hand/pants or sheath. Meaning when you need to open your knife for a one handed function or in a hurry you may have to unlock the blade or when you need to fold your knife closed one handed you cant because it is locked open. My primary concern is it not opening when need it to. When I need the knife and I only have one hand, this is extremely frustrating. Even though this isn't an all the time issue its enough that I would hate be in an emergency one handed situation and have it locked closed. Even with this shortfall, I truly love the knife. If they made the same knife without the locking feature, I would get it in a heartbeat.

Chowdawg

Originally posted at

2022-08-27T20:00:00

great knife all around holds an age for a long time and its not to bad to sharpen

Rc

Originally posted at

2022-06-27T20:00:00

This is a awesome knife. I have carried it everyday for about 5 years and use it to cut lots of hay strings calf nuts ear mark calves and many other things. I have sharpened it hundreds of times and it holds a edge better than anything else I've owned.

Ranchhand

Originally posted at

2022-05-13T20:00:00

This knife is one of my favorite Benchmade Knives, up there with the 535BK-4 Bugout, a Titanium s90v Bugout and a custom shop Mini Crooked River. Its a great looking design that frankly is often not done justice by online photos; it has an s90v blade and is lightweight without feeling cheap. I would get another if they had more options. I'd love it if Benchmade added the Arcane to the custom shop or at least came out with some more options down the road.

Chris

Originally posted at

2022-02-03T19:00:00

Being a big fan of always having a knife since my cub scout days, I have owned and carried a lot of knives over the years. Moving into adulthood knives for me has become somewhat of a daily tool + personal protection endeavor. Out of all of the manufactures knives I have owned / examined over the years this is my absolute favorite knife and it is the 2nd Benchmade knife in my inventory. My first Benchmade purchase was a 4170 Auto Fact stamped first production. It is one of the sleekest and sexiest knives I have ever seen and despite the hefty price tag I had to own it. However, the prospect of having to potentially explain carrying a 4" switchblade in my state, and trying to keep such a long knife in the pocket of my jeans, made me search for another Benchmade for my EDC. My search led me to the 490 and I am extremely happy with this knife. For me it is the perfect size for an EDC knife. It is just big enough (and way sharp enough) to be dangerous in a self protection situation, and still small enough to be considered a gentleman's knife. The 490 is ridiculously sharp, easy to get back to a razors edge, and the flipper is the real bonus for me. If Benchmade made more flippers I would buy them in a heartbeat. For some reason I find it much easier to hit the flipper with my index finger than flip a thumb actuator. In fact, my only suggestion for this knife is something that many of the other reviewers have already mentioned. It could use just a little texturing of the handle. The smooth aluminum scales make it super easy to slide in and out of a pocket but could make it harder to hold onto if your hands are sweaty or wet (such as a rainy day). I wouldn't hesitate to purchase another one if Benchmade decided to update the 490 with a little texturing.

Gary

Originally posted at

2021-10-07T20:00:00

I have owned my Arcane so long, when I bought it they called it the Amicus. The S90V lives up to its namesake and holds its edge with gusto. Since I bought it, I've only had to sharpen it once. The finish is wearing off of my handle but the action is still super smooth. My only wish is that they offered it in a tanto blade. But I'm still 100% satisfied.

Seraph

Originally posted at

2021-09-19T20:00:00

I have owned this knife for over two years. The current specs here are for a plain edge, while mine is partially serrated. Bought it on Amazon and it appears that serrated is still available. It's the exact same name and model number. The steel is the same S90V, which has proven itself What I really like about this knife is that it's very light weight. I have gotten rid of 4 other EDC and whittled my arsenal down to just three knives. This being the most heavy duty one. Secondly I feel it was the most safe in my pocket. If unlocked I just can't see it opening, unlike some others that made that last ,one,cut unexpectedly. The flipper has a low profile and the resistance point is something all my other knives with springs did not have enough of. Of my remaking three knives, this is the only one with a spring. Don't leave the US with a spring loaded knife. As for the handle, Unlike other reviewers I appreciate the smoothness because it is easier to clean, and as a hands-on-home builder and nurseryman it's likely to be more of an issue being dirty than slippery. I do wish it was easier to clean because the back is not open, and in general I find the locking mechanism easy to get grimed up if you're not careful. For days " on the water" or total silt mud work I choose another knife (#2) simply because it does not slip and the debris associated with fish and bait is easier to clean out. And if dropped will not be as much of a loss as this knife would be. After 50 years in the field, and probably as many knives, this for me is as good as it gets and concludes what has been a lifelong search.

Gbs B.

Originally posted at

2021-08-10T20:00:00

This knife is truly amazing. A gentleman's EDC knife is the perfect description. The aluminum handle with the stainless blade is elegant and beautiful. I have had my knife for almost five years and it has opened and cut many cardboard boxes without needing to be sharpened. The blade being so hard can be chipped if used in the incorrect cutting manner. I would know unfortunately. The anodized aluminum handle patinas into a wonderful light brown where your hands rubbing points will be. It took years to happen and you will be pleasantly surprised. I have never handed this knife to someone and them not be awe struck by it. It is a bit pricey but worth every penny. This is a forever knife.

Chester

Originally posted at

2021-05-05T20:00:00

I see a lot of people hating on Axis Assist...I have only ever experienced on this knife but the flipper makes deploying this knife effortless. It deploys easier than the Auto Fact IMO. Handle is a little slippery, they need to go with some texture or coating or go to CF or coated Titanium IMO. Functionally even G10 would be a better choice but that's not for me. S90V blade is sharp AF out of the box. If you hate on assisted openers, give this a try in a shop and see what you think.

Hozz

Originally posted at

2021-03-22T20:00:00

I have owned this knife for over 4 years, and it became as second nature to grab it and clip in my front pocket before leaving the house. 2 weeks ago, I couldn't find it, and scoured the house to no avail. I have multiple other knives that I could use, but nothing has even close to the same appeal. I thought I would have to buy another. Then, I found it in a seldom used pocket in my golf bag. Tremendous relief! Once you own this knife, you'll understand; it fits your hand perfectly, the blade is as perfect a shape as a carry knife blade can be, the flipper doesn't get in the way but works effortlessly and easily, the blade stays sharp, the smooth handle slides in and out of your pocket! This is the perfect carry knife for rugged use or gentleman's carry. The other Benchmade knives I own are the essence of quality, this one is the best!

Ken

Originally posted at

2020-06-08T20:00:00

With the S90V blade material which is hands down the best knife steel and its compact size make this the perfect EDC. Ive got a few others ones got a S90V blade as well but the size on this sets it apart from rest. My next buy will be the infidel

Jr3al

Originally posted at

2019-10-22T20:00:00

I just got my first 490. I love it! I have to keep grabbing it, just see how good it feels. I love the texture of the grip. It's a smooth operator.

Logger666

Originally posted at

2018-10-16T20:00:00

Instantly fell in love with this blade shape, particularly how fine the edge and point are. There were some aspects of the handle design that really took away from what this blade can do I feel. First, just under your pinky finger when you are holding the knife, the aluminum handle scales get very thin right at the same place the scales come to a point. So you have two sharp points under the inside of your pinky finger that really dig into you and leave red marks after doing some whittling. The pivot screw kept coming loose on this knife as well, and the pivot screw seemed short. I blue loctite'd it, but would have been nice if factory did that at this price point. The edge was sharp but showed some variation in the grind up towards the tip, and you can see how the line of the cutting edge dips shallow right where the variation is, which is not the end of the world. To address the main issue of the aluminum points under the pinky, I filed that whole area flat to make the scales much wider and then rounded them off. The pocket clip would be nicer as a mat unreflective finish in my opinion. This one is pretty shiny.. I think this is one of Benchmade's all time best pointy-slicer type blades, and its so lightweight as well. I think if the handle got reworked to make it more ergonomic, it would really unleash this 490 as a cutting tool. With a bladeshape like that, it has amazing potential.

Pete

Originally posted at

2018-10-16T20:00:00

In addition to my previous review, I would like to add that the description of the use profile Benchmade gave for this particular knife is EDC and "Tactical". For a tactical blade, the handle is not suitable. It needs to have checkering to grip gloves and wet hands and the handle mustn't hurt the user who uses the knife without a glove.

Pete

Originally posted at

2018-09-26T20:00:00

This is the fourth knife I own from Benchmade and I will have to say that they nailed it. The quality and craftsmanship are spot on. The material choices are awesome. This is by far my favorite knife for EDC. Not to mention it is a true show piece.

Michael

Originally posted at

2016-09-24T20:00:00

This is a superb every day carry, and everything you'd expect from Benchmade: excellent materials, superb precision craftmanship and excellent steel. The aluminum handles are very smooth with makes for a great companion in your pocket, but this can make drawing the knife a little more difficult. Either very dry or wet hands might be slippery. The spring assisted flipper action is strong. You can physically stop the blade half way out and the spring is strong enough to continue the deployment. The flipper tab is diminutive, which is nice for not snagging your hand when reaching in the pocket for other items, but is another reason this would not be a good tactical knife. Lockup is crisp and strong. I haven't fully tested the CPM-S90 steel, but out of the box it is razor sharp.Love this knife.

Tim F.

Originally posted at

2016-08-01T20:00:00

I purchased the 490 as an addition to my Benchmade 'collection', this being #21. I find the general look and feel of the knife to be of superb balance and nicely weighted. The blade is exceptional for sharpness and for edge retention. The flipper action is magic. Absolutely warm butter in a hot skittle. The handle scales are beautiful and nicely sculpted. My beef? The handle scales could have used some checkering, even slight checkering like that on the front strap of a semi-automatic. Other than that, this is a great knife.

Tetvet

Originally posted at

2016-06-24T20:00:00

As my 21st Benchmade knife purchase, this is a jewel. The assisted flipper action is smooth and easy. The blade steel is amazing. The aluminum handle scales are gentle to the touch. A great knife. Although, IMO there 'could' be some checkering on the scales for a 'better purchase' of the knife under differing conditions. That being said, I can't fault the knife. It is a true 'gentleman's knife.'

Scott

Originally posted at

2016-04-14T20:00:00

The 490 is a nice knife. I love the flipper and I am impressed with the smooth opening of the blade. I would of preferred a textured handle though. The aluminum handle is quite slippery. If it wasn't for the pocket clip on the other side against my finger, it would interesting trying to keep the knife secure in my hand. One unfortunate thing I noticed when I opened the box for the first time was that the blade had a few chips in it along the edge. I read that the stronger blades seem to chip easier than the soft ones, but having it chipped out of the box is saddening. Overall, I'm happy but not as happy as I thought I would be. The chips kind of chipped my excitement for my first Benchmade knife.

B R.

Originally posted at

2016-04-01T20:00:00

Love the assisted flipper action. Light weight and thin. Very sharp. Comfortable in the hand. Will probably become my go-to EDC. When I seen this on BladeHQ for pre-order I knew I had to have it. I have been looking for a thinner auto assist knife and now I have found it!!!

Fia

Originally posted at