Benchmade H2O Spec Breakdown & Features
Lightweight, at around 3 ounces (85 g), and easy to handle at around 8 inches (20 cm) long, the Benchmade H2O makes for a great dive knife that won’t get in your way or weigh you down. The handle is made from textured Santoprene, a version of vulcanized rubber, and it fits nicely in your hand.
The blade length of 3.5 inches (8.9 cm), which includes a straight edge, serrated edge, and a line cutter, is enough to get almost any job done. The tough N680 ultra stainless steel is durable and won’t corrode. An added benefit is that Benchmade will sharpen your blade for life.
Check out how the Benchmade H2O stacks up against the rest of the knives we tested here.
Benchmade H2O Impressions
Folks that are, or were, in the military know the old joke—you wouldn’t call something “military grade” if you knew how bad most of the gear is. Well, the Benchmade H2O was made specifically for elite military divers, and that joke couldn’t be further from the truth. I can say this not just as a diver, but also as a military veteran—this is one of the best knives, not just underwater knives, you could find.
I’ve been a big fan of Benchmade knives for a long time. To me, when it comes to outdoor, tactical, and daily use knives, it’s hard to beat a Benchmade. But I had never used any of Benchmade’s “water collection,” so I was excited to test the H2O out.
During the testing phase, the H2O performed exceptionally well. It’s easy to get in and out of the sheath, regardless of your glove thickness, whether they’re simple, thin wreck gloves, or extremely thick 7 mm mittens.
It also cuts, to borrow another common expression, like a hot knife through butter—except we didn’t use butter for testing. We cut nylon 550 paracord and thick ¼-inch braided “dock rope.” The straight edge, the serrated, and the line cutter cut through the 550 cord with ease, and the straight edge and serrated edge both cut through the braided dock rope easily.
My one nit to pick is with the sheath. While it is ambidextrous and easy to get the knife in and out, you have to make sure it goes in the sheath facing a certain way. That shouldn’t really be a problem if you pull the H2O out with one hand, keep it in that same hand, and put it away. However, if you’re switching hands, just make sure you have it in your original hand in the same manner you pull it out.
Do we recommend the Benchmade H2O dive knife?
We absolutely do recommend the Benchmade H2O dive knife. It is one of the sharpest knives on the market, and that includes all three cutting edges. The straight edge is ideal for thinner rope, and the serrated edge can cut through thick, braided rope like a buzz saw.
This says nothing about the line cutter, which may just be the sharpest you can find. It’s strong, so the blunt tip can be used to pry, or even as a flat-head screwdriver in a pinch. The price point is a little high, but with the Benchmade brand you know you are getting quality, and the H2O in particular is well worth the price.
If you’re worried about the price tag, we suggest checking out the EEZYCUT line cutter—it’s inexpensive, small, and sharp. Or, if you’re a big fan of Benchmade knives, check out or review of the Benchmade Undercurrent.
We even recommend the H2O as a gift for that special diver or boater in your life. Check out our other gift suggestions for boaters here.
Specs & Features
| Fixed or foldable | fixed |
|---|---|
| Blade length | 3.5 inches (8.9 cm.) |
| Handle length | 4.57 inches (11.61 cm.) |
| Weight | 3.2 oz. (90.72 grams) |
| Blade type | straight, serrated, line cutter |
| Blade material | N680 Ultra stainless steel |
| Handle material | black textured Santoprene |
| Blade tip | blunt |
