With its “double-threat” high edge retention and corrosion-resistant MagnaCut steel blade combined with superior ergonomics and Benchmade’s Axis Lock system, the PSK folding knife is a prime choice for outdoor tasks and everyday carry
by Dexter Ewing; photos by Marty Stanfield, Marty Stanfield Photography
I am closing in on three decades of writing about knives and working inside the knife industry. One of the pleasures I’ve had is to watch established companies continue to innovate and evolve as the years pass. The spirit of innovation is alive and well in this industry and it is also something that is almost required when you are in the manufacturing sector regardless of what you produce. It’s what helps keep your company at the top of the food chain and gaining new customers.
Benchmade Knife Company was a different company in the mid-1990s when I first learned of them. Their focus then was to develop a fledgling folding knife line to augment their full line of butterfly knives — a product for which they are best known. From the late 1990s into the 2000s, we saw Benchmade unveil their Axis Lock crossbar lock, the first model being the 710 Axis Lock designed by Bill McHenry and Jason Williams. This lock mechanism delivered ease of use, rock solid lockup, and the ultimate in user safety by not requiring the user to place their fingers in the radial path of the closing blade — fully eliminating accidental cuts when closing the blade.
In 2024, Benchmade unveiled a new model of folding knife called the PSK (593BK-01). This model augments Benchmade’s comprehensive outdoor knife line by providing a solidly built folder suitable for survival and camping use. Made of high-end materials, the PSK is built to withstand both the elements as well as repeated hard, rugged use. It’s a folder you can count on when you need it.
Let’s take a closer look at this beast and what makes it tick.
The PSK blade measures 3 ½ inches long and is ground from premium CPM MagnaCut high performance stainless steel. At this point in the knife industry, MagnaCut is the best of the best, offering unprecedented edge retention along with greatly enhanced corrosion resistance. Understand that these two characteristics together in one steel makes for a knife nerd’s ultimate blade. Edge holding power and corrosion resistance are two of the most highly desirable traits that any steel can have. Usually, one is more than the other, so you must carefully select the steel to your tasks and budget. But to have those two characteristics in one steel was once unheard of.
The drop point blade shape allows the PSK to be used in a variety of outdoor scenarios, from whittling to food prep, and general cutting of rope, twine, and such. The flat grind bevel edge gives the blade excellent “bite.” To deploy the blade, there are ambidextrous thumb studs that allow easy, one-handed opening with either hand. The PSK is what Benchmade calls an Axis Assist. It’s the combination of the Axis Lock and assisted opening. Use your thumb to manually push the blade up and when it opens about a quarter of the way, the Axis Assist mechanism takes over and propels the blade open with the authoritative action similar to that of an automatic opening knife but far more legal to own. The opening action is sure and crisp, and the Axis Lock engages firmly every time.
The highly ergonomic handle measures 4.9 inches and has several notable features. The 593BK-01 PSK handle is made from black G-10 laminate with bolsters made of lightweight and strong carbon fiber. Both are black in color and go well together. The surface of the handle has directional grooves cut into them to provide an interesting handle texture. Because this is an outdoor knife, this is necessary to help you to obtain a positive, non-slip grip without the texturing feeling overly aggressive. The shape of the handle is thoughtful, with a specially designed gripping area that helps to prevent forward and backward sliding of your hand. It captures your hand nicely. You feel in control of the knife at all times, and that is important. The edges of the handle are chamfered to eliminate hot spots and to soften the feel in-hand.
A deep-carry pocket clip is affixed to carry the PSK blade tip up in the pocket for easy portability. The clips have extra screw holes on the opposite side of the handle to remount the clip for those who are left-handed. A large lanyard hole is included should you wish to thread a length of paracord through to tie around your wrist in case you are working around water or to prevent loss in case the knife is dropped. Dual stainless-steel liners provide the backbone of the handle underneath the G-10 and carbon fiber and form the basis of the Axis Lock’s rock-solid lockup. The lock mechanism is based in the liners. With an overall length of 8.3 inches, this is a larger-sized knife that should serve you well in the outdoors.
Due to the convergence of a well-thought-out design, use of high-end materials, the incorporation of one of the most superior blade locks on the market, and Benchmade’s precise manufacturing, you can use the 593BK-01 PSK hard and with confidence. The ergonomic handle is one of the best things about this knife. It is comfortable, with no hot spots. The MagnaCut blade steel holds up well and the edge was very sharp as delivered and only required touching up.
Keep in mind that MagnaCut isn’t like the lower grades of steel, and it takes an edge easily. It’s better to adopt the maintenance mindset with more frequent touch ups if you want to preserve the edge sharpness over an extended period. The fact that MagnaCut’s superior corrosion resistance properties outshine a lot of other high performance stainless steels, being exposed to the elements or even salt water isn’t going to hurt this blade at all. Combine this with the G-10 and carbon fiber handle — both materials known for their dimensional stability regardless of conditions — and you have a knife that will not only perform at the highest level but will also last and be impervious to the elements.
The MSRP of the Benchmade 593BK-01 PSK is $450, and the knife is made in the USA.
