Benchmade Undercurrent Spec Breakdown and Features
One of the larger knives we tested, measuring in at 9.44 inches (23.95 cm.), the Benchmade Undercurrent is nicely balanced with even weight distribution. Weighing 5.38 ounces (152.5 grams), the Undercurrent feels nice in your hand.
The CPM MagnaCut steel drop-point sheepsfoot design leads to one of the sharpest knives on the market. The 4.32 inch (10.97 cm) blade cuts through even the thickest braided rope. And the Santoprene handle means no slipping while you’re doing the cutting.
Benchmade Undercurrent Impressions
I have been a big fan of Benchmade knives for quite some time, but every knife from Benchmade I’ve used fits in a pocket or on a belt—until now. The Undercurrent is the biggest Benchmade knife I’ve handled, and one of the larger knives on our list.
Even with its bigger size, the Undercurrent is nicely balanced and feels easy to hold. The Santoprene handle is comfortable to hold both in and out of the water, and the length doesn’t make it heavy. Just like every other Benchmade knife I’ve used, the Undercurrent is extremely sharp, absolutely strong, and really nice looking.
During our testing phase, the Undercurrent performed as I expected. It was easy to get in and out of the sheath, and the thumb-tab locking mechanism was easy to manipulate regardless of glove thickness.
The sharpness of the Undercurrent really shone through during the cutting phase of our testing. The 550-paracord was no match and even the thick, poly-braided dock rope was easy to cut through.
Though the Undercurrent was definitely one of the sharper knives we tested, there are a few others to consider. If you like a folding knife instead of a fixed knife check out our review of the Spyderco Salt 2.
As much as I love this knife, the size is a little big for me personally. Even though it’s balanced and not heavy, it is still bigger than I prefer. While I wouldn’t choose to dive with this knife, I absolutely think it belongs in a dive operation, especially on a boat.
It’s perfect for cutting any rope that is tangled on board, cutting gear in an emergency, or even bringing underwater to cut commercial fishing nets that a smaller knife couldn’t handle.
Do we recommend the Benchmade Undercurrent dive knife?
We do recommend the Benchmade Undercurrent. It is sharp and strong. It will hold up to the dirtiest, hardest work you can throw at it. It is priced a little high, but because it’s Benchmade you know it’s worth what you’ll pay for it.
If you like a larger knife that you can secure to your calf, then this is the perfect knife for you. If you want a great utility knife to keep on your boat, doing all the jobs that a smaller knife might not handle, then again, this is the perfect knife for you.
If, however, you want a smaller knife that is still high quality, we recommend the Benchmade H2O—same company, same quality.
If the price is too high for you, we recommend checking out the SEAC Tajaman. This is a highly durable, sharp knife that won’t break the bank.
Specs & Features
| Fixed or foldable | fixed |
|---|---|
| Blade length | 4.32 inches (10.97 cm.) |
| Handle length | 5.12 inches (12.98 cm.) |
| Weight | 5.38 ounces (152.5 g) |
| Blade type | straight edge with a serrated portion |
| Blade material | CPM MagnaCut stainless steel |
| Handle material | Santoprene |
| Blade tip | pointed sheepsfoot |
