Benchmade’s new SlipRidge folder is marketed for hunters, but its 3.5-inch MagnaCut blade, Axis Lock, and customizable scales make it a compelling option for anyone who needs a larger-than-average EDC knife.
Benchmade’s EDC line is so dominant that it’s easy to forget the Oregon maker builds blades for far more specialized jobs — culinary, tactical, water, and hunting, to name a few. With fall hunting season approaching, the brand is revisiting the latter category with the SlipRidge series, and the folding variant in particular deserves attention from the non-hunting crowd.
The Blade Is the Story
Let’s start with the obvious: this is a big knife. The SlipRidge folder uses a full-bellied modified clip-point blade that measures a full 3.5 inches — about a quarter inch longer than the Bugout’s already capable cutter. The steel is CPM MagnaCut, a super steel that balances edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance better than most alloys in its class. Benchmade hones it with its SelectEdge process, so the factory edge is sharper than what most users can achieve at home.
That combination makes the SlipRidge overqualified for opening packages. It starts to make sense when your daily tasks involve rope, leather, harder materials, or anything else that would make a smaller blade complain.
Build and Carry Details
Despite its hunting DNA, the SlipRidge behaves like a precision folding knife:
Axis Lock crossbar mechanism for one-handed, ambidextrous operation
Ambidextrous thumb studs for smooth deployment
Deep-carry pocket clip
Full liner construction with user-removable scales that hide the pivot and simplify cleaning
Two launch builds: Rust Orange G10 and Dark Brown Stabilized Wood
Replacement scale options in micarta and carbon fiber for customization
The weight split is worth noting: the wood-handled version comes in at just over 3.7 ounces, while the G10 build is closer to 4.2 ounces. Neither is ultralight by modern EDC standards, but neither is offensive for a knife this capable.
The Bottom Line
The Benchmade SlipRidge folder will retail for $300 when it lands in mid-September. That’s firmly in premium territory, but it’s consistent with Benchmade’s top-tier pricing and the materials on offer. If your daily cutting demands outgrow a Bugout but you’re not ready to jump into a dedicated tactical or outdoor fixed blade, the SlipRidge occupies a useful middle ground.