Comparison Console
Benchmade Arcane vs Spyderco Southard
EDC Knives comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Benchmade Arcane stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 30% gap from the closest alternative. Benchmade Arcane stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 7% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Benchmade Arcane stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 7% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Southard stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 7% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Arcane stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 30% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Southard stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 42% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Arcane stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 1% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Southard stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 1% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Arcane stands out as the shortest option for blade length, with about a 8% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Southard stands out as the longest option for blade length, with about a 8% gap from the closest alternative.
Specification Profile
Relative dimensions at a glance
Each axis is normalized against the largest raw value among the products in this comparison. Farther outward means a larger value, not necessarily a better result. Axes with an unverified value are omitted.
Price & carry
Retail price
US$270Cheapest
US$289.95Most expensive
Weight
81.65 g (2.88 oz)Lightest
116 g (4.09 oz)Heaviest
Dimensions
Blade length
81.3 mm (3.20 in)Shortest
88 mm (3.46 in)Longest
Overall length
196.1 mm (7.72 in)Shortest
202 mm (7.95 in)Longest
Closed length
114.8 mm (4.52 in)Shortest
116 mm (4.57 in)Longest
Blade thickness
2.29 mm (0.09 in)Thinnest
3.9 mm (0.15 in)Thickest
Materials & mechanism
Blade steel
CPM S90V
CTS-204P
Handle material
7075-T6 Aluminum
G10, Titanium
Finish
Satin
Stonewashed, satin finish (depending on variant)
Lock type
AXIS Lock/Crossbar Lock
Frame lock
Opening method
Assisted-opening, flipper
Flipper, thumb hole
Clip type
Deep-Carry, reversible tip-up
Stainless steel, tip-up, right side carry
Use case profile
Best for
Everyday CarryUrban useTactical
Everyday carryEDCHigh-performance folding knife use
Not best for
Heavy use cutting tasksBeginners in sharpening
Unknown
Common praise
Durable blade for daily useEasy one-handed opening with flipperComfortable for both handsSecure AXIS lockSleek and lightweight design
Excellent ergonomicsAdvanced materials and constructionSolid locking mechanismAmbidextrous one-hand opening
Common complaints
Blade can be hard to sharpen for beginnersHandle may feel cold in winterPocket clip might be too tightBlade can chip under heavy use
Flipper opening can be stiff and cause finger discomfort without break-inLockup may feel less than ideal to some users (~60-70%)