Benchmade Proper 318 Clip-point Micarta review: a classy everyday carry knife

First impressions

The Benchmade Proper 318 Clip-point Micarta is a handsome looking thing. Perhaps best described as a contemporary take on the traditional gentleman’s pocket-knife, it boasts a Barlow-style clip point blade and mottled green scales that soon take on a weathered patina. The scales are actually made from modern Micarta though, and similarly, despite the knife’s classic silhouette, the steel is a bang up to date CPM S30V. Widely regarded as being among the best all-round high-end stainless steels available, S30V is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, while also balancing hardness and toughness.

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In terms of folded and overall length, we think the proportions of the 318 are just about spot on for an everyday carry-type blade. The slipjoint mechanism also has a blade stop at 90 degrees for safety, and though the backspring isn’t the stiffest, nor the action particularly crisp, it still possesses a sense of confidence and assuredness in operation. We just wish the blade had nail grooves on both sides to make pinching and pulling the knife open a little easier.

Though there’s no pocket clip – which would arguably affect the aesthetics – there is a lanyard hole in the handle. This is a nice touch for a companion knife, and gives a little more reassurance that it’ll stay safe and secure in the great outdoors too.

In the field

We were looking forward to testing out that S30V steel, and we weren’t disappointed. It can take a razor edge that will shave hairs off your arm, but more importantly it retains that edge impressively well. Those qualities alone give the Proper 318 a broad range of capabilities. Though a clip-point might not be everyone’s blade of choice, it is a fairly versatile shape that can slice, pierce, whittle and do plenty more to boot. Overall, this is a great blade that maximises the performance of the superb steel, with a nice thin edge that has plenty of visual appeal too. The warm, slightly tacky Micarta also ensures a firm grip and makes this a comfortable knife in the hand. It’s a very tactile piece that is inviting to hold and use.

It goes without saying that unlike some others tested here, this is no beater knife. It’s a classy blade at a premium price, and not everyone will be able or willing to spend this much on a pocket-knife – especially a slipjoint. And even if you can justify the cost, whether you’d be too keen to take it camping or hiking is another matter. On the other hand, its build quality is excellent, boasting  premium materials and ‘made in the USA’ credentials – so you should be guaranteed of high quality in terms of both components and craftsmanship. The fit and finish of our test sample was certainly spot on.