Comparison Console
Benchmade Freek vs Benchmade Model 42
EDC Knives comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the lightest option for weight. Benchmade Freek stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 72% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Benchmade Freek stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 72% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 257% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the lightest option for weight.
Benchmade Freek stands out as the heaviest option for weight.
Benchmade Freek stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 11% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 13% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Freek stands out as the shortest option for blade length, with about a 13% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the longest option for blade length, with about a 15% 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$350Cheapest
US$1250Most expensive
Weight
122 g (4.30 oz)Heaviest
121.62 g (4.29 oz)Lightest
Dimensions
Blade length
91.4 mm (3.60 in)Shortest
104.775 mm (4.13 in)Longest
Overall length
215 mm (8.46 in)Shortest
241.3 mm (9.50 in)Longest
Closed length
124 mm (4.88 in)Shortest
139.7 mm (5.50 in)Longest
Blade thickness
2.9 mm (0.11 in)Thinnest
3.18 mm (0.13 in)Thickest
Materials & mechanism
Blade steel
CPM S90V or CPM M4 Tool Steel
440C Stainless Steel
Handle material
Carbon Fiber/G-10
Titanium
Finish
Satin or Cerakote
Anodized titanium handles with satin finished blade
Lock type
AXIS Lock/Crossbar Lock
Batangas-style Lock
Opening method
Thumb Stud
Manual Opening by Flipping
Clip type
Split Arrow
None
Use case profile
Best for
Everyday carryOutdoor adventuresCampingHikingEDC
Flying tricks, aerial maneuversLightweight balanced manipulationUsers wanting strong lock-up folding balisong
Not best for
Beginners (due to hard sharpening steel)
Keeping anodized finish perfect without wearUsers preferring heavier knives
Common praise
Durable and strong buildExcellent edge retentionSmooth and secure axis lockAdvanced ergonomics with comfortable handleAmbidextrous use
Very light compared to older stainless steel models (approx. 4.25 oz / 121.6 g)Smooth, wobble-free jointsStrong and stable Batangas-style latch lock openAnodized titanium handles give attractive, iridescent colorsExcellent balance for flipping and aerial tricks
Common complaints
Clip may feel undersized or loosen over timeCan be heavy compared to smaller knivesSharpening CPM S90V steel is difficult
Anodized finish can wear off with handling and needs periodic re-anodizingLatch can strike opposite handle causing scratches (not the blade)Sheath is slightly short for full insertion