Comparison Console
Benchmade Model 42 vs Spyderco Southard
EDC Knives comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Spyderco Southard stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative. Spyderco Southard stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 77% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Spyderco Southard stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 77% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 331% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Southard stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Southard stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 17% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 20% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Southard stands out as the shortest option for blade length, with about a 16% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the longest option for blade length, with about a 19% 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$289.95Cheapest
Weight
121.62 g (4.29 oz)Heaviest
116 g (4.09 oz)Lightest
Dimensions
Blade length
104.775 mm (4.13 in)Longest
88 mm (3.46 in)Shortest
Overall length
241.3 mm (9.50 in)Longest
202 mm (7.95 in)Shortest
Closed length
139.7 mm (5.50 in)Longest
116 mm (4.57 in)Shortest
Blade thickness
3.18 mm (0.13 in)Thinnest
3.9 mm (0.15 in)Thickest
Materials & mechanism
Blade steel
440C Stainless Steel
CTS-204P
Handle material
Titanium
G10, Titanium
Finish
Anodized titanium handles with satin finished blade
Stonewashed, satin finish (depending on variant)
Lock type
Batangas-style Lock
Frame lock
Opening method
Manual Opening by Flipping
Flipper, thumb hole
Clip type
None
Stainless steel, tip-up, right side carry
Use case profile
Best for
Flying tricks, aerial maneuversLightweight balanced manipulationUsers wanting strong lock-up folding balisong
Everyday carryEDCHigh-performance folding knife use
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
Excellent ergonomicsAdvanced materials and constructionSolid locking mechanismAmbidextrous one-hand opening
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
Flipper opening can be stiff and cause finger discomfort without break-inLockup may feel less than ideal to some users (~60-70%)