Comparison Console
Benchmade Infidel 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, with about a 15% gap from the closest alternative. Benchmade Infidel stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 56% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Benchmade Infidel stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 56% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 127% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 15% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Infidel stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 18% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Infidel stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 13% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 15% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Infidel stands out as the shortest option for blade length, with about a 6% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the longest option for blade length, with about a 6% 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$550Cheapest
US$1250Most expensive
Weight
143 g (5.04 oz)Heaviest
121.62 g (4.29 oz)Lightest
Dimensions
Blade length
99 mm (3.90 in)Shortest
104.775 mm (4.13 in)Longest
Overall length
230 mm (9.06 in)Shortest
241.3 mm (9.50 in)Longest
Closed length
122 mm (4.80 in)Shortest
139.7 mm (5.50 in)Longest
Blade thickness
2.8 mm (0.11 in)Thinnest
3.18 mm (0.13 in)Thickest
Materials & mechanism
Blade steel
D2 Tool Steel
440C Stainless Steel
Handle material
Anodized Aluminum
Titanium
Finish
BK1 black coating
Anodized titanium handles with satin finished blade
Lock type
Auto Lock
Batangas-style Lock
Opening method
Out-The-Front (OTF)
Manual Opening by Flipping
Clip type
Deep Carry
None
Use case profile
Best for
MilitaryLaw enforcementEmergency respondersTactical usePersonal defense
Flying tricks, aerial maneuversLightweight balanced manipulationUsers wanting strong lock-up folding balisong
Not best for
General casual EDCNovelty collectors who prefer lower prices
Keeping anodized finish perfect without wearUsers preferring heavier knives
Common praise
Solid build and smooth deploymentAmbidextrous operationHigh hardness and edge retention of D2 steelComfortable and ergonomic anodized aluminum handleDistinctive front-facing deployment button for ease of use with gloves
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
D2 steel is difficult to sharpen and prone to patina without coatingBlade steel considered outdated for the priceHeavy and large size not suitable for all users
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