Right off the bat, this knife screams heavy duty. And with knives like that, comfort matters—big time. Thankfully, the crew over at Benchmade clearly did their homework. The Freek features nicely contoured G10 handles with a unique sculpted pattern that’s not just for looks. This isn’t that rough, sandpaper-like G10 that’ll chew up your hands and pockets. It’s smooth but grippy, with a wavy texture that gives your fingers something to hold onto.
Photos don’t do this knife justice. Of all the knives I own, this one’s up there among the most comfortable in-hand. The shape just works. Up top, there’s a solid run of jimping that gives my thumb a secure place to land. The spine then curves into a rounded heel that rests cleanly in my palm without creating any pressure points. Flip it over and you’ll find a well-proportioned finger groove and a gentle bump behind it that helps with indexing. It’s not flashy or overbuilt, but it’s dialed in just right. Sometimes simple is better, and Benchmade clearly knew where to draw the line.
For lockup and pocket retention, we’ve got the tried-and-true Axis Lock. Sure, everyone and their brother is using some version of it these days, but nobody does it quite like Benchmade. The lock is smooth, predictable, and tuned with just the right amount of spring tension. I’m not a lefty, but I appreciate when a lock is truly ambidextrous—and this one is. The Axis Lock is part of what put Benchmade on the map, and it still holds up all these years later.
The pocket clip? It’s Benchmade’s standard split-arrow style, mounted for tip-up carry on either side. It’s not my favorite design, mainly because the end of the arrow can catch on thicker materials during pocket insertion. I’d love to see a smoother, more rounded entry point with a touch more flare. It’s a minor gripe, but I wish companies spent as much time perfecting their clips as they do the rest of the knife. The Freek is too well-designed to have a “just okay” clip.
Now let’s get to the meat and potatoes: the blade. This one sports a 3.6" drop point made from CPM-M4, and it means business. Drop points are easily one of the most versatile blade shapes, and this one’s no exception. Whether you’re breaking down boxes, doing yard work, or even heading into the woods, this knife can handle it. There’s actually a YouTube video of a couple guys taking the Freek out bushcrafting, and it held up to batoning and other heavy tasks like a champ. Try that with just any folder and you’ll probably be dealing with a warranty claim soon after.
M4 isn’t stainless, so yes, you’ll need to care for it. But in return you get incredible edge retention and toughness. Benchmade coated the blade in black Cerakote, which helps cut down on corrosion and gives it a stealthy, utilitarian look. Deployment is thumb stud only, and honestly, that’s all it needs. Benchmade has thumb studs down to a science—they’re stepped just enough to be grippy without hurting your thumb, and they deploy the blade smoothly every time. I do wish the studs sat a little closer to the handle for better leverage, but the current placement probably helps with gloved use. Fair trade-off.
All in all, the Benchmade Freek is a rugged, no-nonsense tool that’s going to stick with you no matter what you throw at it. Between the excellent steel, smart design, and comfortable ergonomics, it’s easy to see why this knife has earned cult status. If you’re looking for your next grail folder—or just something dependable for the campsite—the Freek might not seem like the obvious choice at first. But give it a try, and you’ll quickly understand why so many folks swear by it.
