Comparison Console
Benchmade Model 42 vs Spyderco Paysan
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 3% gap from the closest alternative. Spyderco Paysan stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 26% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Spyderco Paysan stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 26% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 36% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 3% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Paysan stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 3% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Paysan stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 12% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 14% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Paysan 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$1250Most expensive
US$920Cheapest
Weight
121.62 g (4.29 oz)Lightest
125 g (4.41 oz)Heaviest
Dimensions
Blade length
104.775 mm (4.13 in)Longest
99 mm (3.90 in)Shortest
Overall length
241.3 mm (9.50 in)Longest
222 mm (8.74 in)Shortest
Closed length
139.7 mm (5.50 in)Longest
123 mm (4.84 in)Shortest
Blade thickness
3.18 mm (0.13 in)Thinnest
4 mm (0.16 in)Thickest
Materials & mechanism
Blade steel
440C Stainless Steel
CPM S90V
Handle material
Titanium
Titanium
Finish
Anodized titanium handles with satin finished blade
Stonewashed
Lock type
Batangas-style Lock
Frame Lock
Opening method
Manual Opening by Flipping
Thumb Hole
Clip type
None
Tip-up, right side
Use case profile
Best for
Flying tricks, aerial maneuversLightweight balanced manipulationUsers wanting strong lock-up folding balisong
Everyday carryGentleman's knife
Not best for
Keeping anodized finish perfect without wearUsers preferring heavier knives
Unknown
Common praise
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
Smooth opening action with ball bearing washersPremium CPM S90V blade steelDurable titanium handle with Reeve Integral LockCompact and ergonomic designHigh-quality construction and finish
Common complaints
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
Right-hand only pocket clip orientation