The 743 uses 20CV, Carpenter Technology's powder metallurgy stainless steel. 20CV is effectively equivalent in performance to Böhler M390 — both are high-carbon, high-chromium, high-vanadium PM steels manufactured to essentially the same specification from different producers. In practical carry use, 20CV and M390 of the same geometry and heat treatment are indistinguishable in edge retention, corrosion resistance, and edge-taking ability. The Mini Narrows delivers M390-class steel performance in the compact format without any meaningful performance compromise versus the full-size M390 Narrows variants.

20CV (Carpenter Technology) and M390 (Böhler) are effectively the same steel from different manufacturers — both are high-carbon, high-chromium, high-vanadium powder metallurgy stainless steels with virtually identical alloy compositions and performance characteristics. Both deliver exceptional edge retention, outstanding corrosion resistance, and the ability to take and hold a fine, polished edge that most production steels cannot achieve at comparable hardness. Benchmade uses both interchangeably across the Narrows lineup depending on production run and material availability; buyers choosing between a 20CV and M390 Narrows are choosing between two practically identical steels.

Both use top-tier PM steel and Grade 5 titanium with the AXIS lock on the Narrows platform. The Mini Narrows 743 has a 2.98-inch 20CV stonewash blade at 2.80 oz closed at 4.00 inches for $500 — compact front pocket format, stonewash blade finish. The full-size Narrows 748 has a 3.44-inch M390 DLC Black blade at 3.50 oz closed at 4.60 inches for $525 — full-size carry format with DLC coating and more blade reach. Choose the 743 for compact carry at a slightly lower price; choose the 748 for more blade length, DLC coating, and the full-size carry profile.

The 743 uses Benchmade’s AXIS lock — a hardened steel bar that rides in a channel milled through both handle scales and cams over the blade tang when the knife opens. Releasing it requires simultaneously pressing both sides of the lock bar inward, making it extremely resistant to accidental closure under lateral or spine pressure. The AXIS lock is fully ambidextrous and operable one-handed from either side.

The 743 has a 2.98-inch blade with an overall open length of 6.96 inches and a closed length of 4.00 inches. Blade thickness is 0.108 inches with a hollow grind. It weighs 2.80 oz — meaningfully lighter and more compact than the full-size Narrows at 3.50 oz and 4.60 inches closed. The tip-up right-hand clip positions the knife high in the pocket for fast one-hand access.

Yes. The 743 is manufactured by Benchmade in Oregon City, Oregon. Knifeworks is an authorized Benchmade dealer — every knife is sourced through official channels and eligible for the full Benchmade LifeSharp Warranty.

The 743 is covered by the Benchmade LifeSharp Warranty: free lifetime sharpening, blade replacement, and mechanical repair. Warranty service is handled directly by Benchmade. Contact Benchmade at benchmade.com for warranty claims or service. Knifeworks is an authorized Benchmade dealer — every knife is sourced through official channels and eligible for full LifeSharp coverage.