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Head to head

Benchmade Freek 560BK-1 vs Benchmade Steep Country 15006-01

Benchmade Freek 560BK-1 runs a 3.6″ drop point blade in CPM-M4; Benchmade Steep Country 15006-01 runs 3.54″ of drop point in CPM-S30V. The Benchmade Steep Country 15006-01 is the lighter of the two by 1.35 oz.

01234567 in
  • Benchmade Freek 560BK-1 · Drop Point
    3.6″ blade · 0.114″ spine · 4.3 oz · ~0.87″ tall (derived)
  • Benchmade Steep Country 15006-01 · Drop Point
    3.54″ blade · 0.121″ spine · 2.95 oz · ~0.96″ tall (derived)
Spine thickness, same scale
0.114″
0.121″
Length and spine thickness drawn to true scale from published specs. Outline is the shape family's, not a trace of this model.
SpecBenchmadeBenchmade Freek 560BK-1Check priceBenchmadeBenchmade Steep Country 15006-01Check price
Blade length3.6″3.54″
Spine thickness0.114″0.121″
Overall length8.46″—
Closed length4.86″—
Weight4.3 oz2.95 oz
Blade shapeDrop PointDrop Point
SteelCPM-M4CPM-S30V
LockAXISFixed
Handle materialG-10Santoprene
Country of originUSAUSA
Price bandPremiumPremium

Tinted rows are where these two differ.

The steel difference

CPM-M4

A high-speed tool steel run very hard. Edge retention is near the top of anything used in knives and it is tougher than most steels that cut as long, but the low chromium means it WILL rust if you put it away wet. Benchmade uses it on the Bailout where cutting performance matters more than corrosion.

CPM-S30V

The long-time American benchmark. Holds an edge far longer than 420HC and still sharpens on ordinary stones. Chippy if you pry with it.