As I’ve stated before, IMHO, Benchmade is the premier producer of state-of-the-art, elite grade auto-opening knives, for professionals within the military and public safety communities. So it comes as no surprise that the quality and attributes of their latest creation, the new generation 9101SBK Auto Stryker, only reaffirms my previous opinion. Quality, and pride in their workmanship seem to be the driving forces within the Oregon City, Oregon, based company.
It’s always interesting to research the names that Benchmade bestows upon its knives. It turns out that Benchmade’s 9101SBK Stryker, shares its moniker with the United States Army’s light armored vehicle, the “Stryker.” The military’s Stryker is larger, has heavier armor, and carries more firepower than the Humvee. But it’s smaller than a tank, so I guess it could be called the middle sibling of modern military armored vehicles.
Benchmade’s 9101SBK Auto Stryker is also a member of the middle classification of its genre. Weighing in at 4.2 oz. and with an overall length of 8.30 inches (with a 3.60 inch blade), its small enough to carry comfortably, but large enough to handle serious cutting tasks with ease. The handle is a comfortable, ergonomically designed masterpiece milled from high quality, absolutely rustproof, 6061 T-6 black anodized aluminum. Lighter in weight and as tough as steel, the 6061 T-6 aluminum carries a respected reputation in the world of metallurgy. The sides are milled with grooves to provide a sure grip under slippery conditions. One must always consider that if you are forced to use a knife as a backup weapon, it will become slippery. A lanyard hole is provided at the rear of the handle, for those that wish to attach one.
Speaking of quality metals, Benchmade spared no efforts in using the finest of blade steel for this tactical wonder. Many knife experts hold the chosen CM154 steel in very high regards as a superior choice for tactical folding knives. It’s very strong, extremely corrosion resistant, and it has the ability to take and maintain a razor sharp edge. Even though 154CM steel has a solid history for corrosion resistance, Benchmade went the extra mile and made the 9101SBK Auto Stryker with a matte black, BK1 blade coating. Industry known for outstanding corrosion protection, BK1 is also recognized for high levels of scratch resistance, which can protect the blade for years to come. The 9101SBK Auto Stryker, like the Army’s light armored vehicle Stryker, is built for heavy use and built to last.
Available with either a plain edge or partially serrated blade, the following advice applies to either version. On the end of the box there is a prominent warning in all caps: HANDLE WITH CARE, BENCHMADE KNIVES ARE PACKAGED EXTREMELY SHARP. It would be wise to note and heed this warning. It’s an absolute fact.
Reputed to have been originally designed by ancient Japanese warriors to penetrate the body armor of the day, The Tanto style blade performs as would be expected. When used in a stabbing fashion, the Tanto point of the 9101SBK Auto Stryker has an extraordinary ability for penetration. The 9101SBK Auto Stryker’s opening mechanism is a right handed, milled stainless steel push button that is backed up with an optional use, thumb slide operated safety on the knife’s back strap. This safety is not only designed to prevent the knife from unintentionally opening, but once the blade is open; it can lock the push button from depressing, thus locking it open. The transition of your thumb from button to button is smooth, natural, and can be mastered with a little practice. Like all of Benchmade’s Auto Openers that I’ve seen, the 9101SBK Auto Stryker uses heavy-duty springs that open reliably and with authority. I have no doubt that the blade will lock open whenever the button is operated correctly.
The 9101SBK Auto Stryker also features a black anodized, movable steel clip that allows the knife to be carried tip up or tip down, right pocket or left. With the built in thumb grip serrations on the back of the blade, combined with the milled index finger groove; this knife feels very natural in a saber grip. One other noteworthy feature on the clip is the name “Benchmade, U.S.A.” It gives me a little surge of patriotic pride to know that fellow Americans are building such quality products.
If you’re in the market for a solid duty knife or emergency backup weapon, Benchmade’s 9101SBK Auto Stryker may just fit your needs. If it’s not exactly what you’re looking for, visit their website at www.benchmade.com. With the wide variety of high quality, American made knives that they produce. The extraordinary selection and wide variety of Benchmade knives, practically guarantee that one of their products will fit your needs.