← ComparisonsLength and spine thickness drawn to true scale from published specs. Outline is the shape family's, not a trace of this model.
Head to head
Benchmade Freek 560BK-1 vs Emerson A-100
Benchmade Freek 560BK-1 runs a 3.6″ drop point blade in CPM-M4; Emerson A-100 runs 3.6″ of drop point in 154CM. The Benchmade Freek 560BK-1 is the lighter of the two by 0.20 oz.
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- Benchmade Freek 560BK-1 · Drop Point3.6″ blade · 0.114″ spine · 4.3 oz · ~0.87″ tall (derived)
- Emerson A-100 · Drop Point3.6″ blade · 0.125″ spine · 4.5 oz · ~0.87″ tall (derived)
Spine thickness, same scale
0.114″
0.125″
| Spec | BenchmadeBenchmade Freek 560BK-1Check price | EmersonEmerson A-100Check price |
|---|---|---|
| Blade length | 3.6″ | 3.6″ |
| Spine thickness | 0.114″ | 0.125″ |
| Overall length | 8.46″ | 8.4″ |
| Closed length | 4.86″ | — |
| Weight | 4.3 oz | 4.5 oz |
| Blade shape | Drop Point | Drop Point |
| Steel | CPM-M4 | 154CM |
| Lock | AXIS | Liner |
| Handle material | G-10 | Micarta |
| Country of origin | USA | USA |
| Price band | Premium | Premium |
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.
154CM
The classic American stainless before the powder era. Still good; simply outclassed by its own powder version.