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Discontinued

Benchmade Discontinued Knives — Retired Claymore, Adamas & Redoubt Models at Knifeworks

A retired Benchmade automatic or fixed blade doesn't come back once it's gone — Benchmade moves on to new steels and new production runs, and the old spec disappears from the catalog for good. At Knifeworks, you're buying from an authorized Benchmade dealer: every discontinued Claymore, Adamas, and Redoubt here carries the full Benchmade LifeSharp warranty — free lifetime sharpening, blade replacement, and mechanical repair — exactly as it would on a current model. Every AXIS Lock folder in this catalog still locks up factory-tight. Automatic and OTF models are sold in compliance with applicable law — see our legal notice below. Call 888-225-9775 — we carry these knives daily.

American-Made, Steel to SpineEvery discontinued Benchmade here is made in the USA, running steels from D2 and 440C up through CPM-CruWear and CPM-S90V.
Retired Automatics & Tactical Fixed BladesClaymore, Adamas, and SOCP models retired from current production — once these sell, Benchmade won't run them again.
Authorized Dealer — LifeSharp WarrantyBenchmade LifeSharp warranty: free lifetime sharpening, blade replacement, and mechanical repair. Every knife sourced through authorized dealer channels.
Same or Next Business Day ShippingShips from Columbia, Louisiana. Questions on stock? Call 888-225-9775 — we carry these knives daily.

The Discontinued Benchmade Buyer's Guide (2026)

What to check before buying a retired Benchmade, how the automatics and fixed blades in this catalog compare, and legal considerations for automatic knife ownership.

What Makes a Discontinued Benchmade Worth Buying — The 4 Things to Check

Before buying a retired Benchmade, check the blade steel (CPM-CruWear and CPM-S90V models hold more long-term value than 440C runs), the mechanism type (AXIS Lock folder vs. OTF automatic vs. fixed blade), the coating or finish (Cerakote colorways were often limited), and whether the specific model is an automatic — which carries its own legal considerations covered below.

AXIS Lock Folders vs. OTF Automatics vs. Fixed Blades Compared

This catalog spans three distinct mechanism types. AXIS Lock folders (Redoubt, Mini Bushcrafter) use Benchmade's spring-loaded bar lock for fast, ambidextrous one-hand operation. OTF automatics (Claymore, Mini Claymore, Shootout OTF) deploy the blade out the front of the handle at the push of a button. Fixed blades (SOCP, Raghorn) have no moving mechanism at all — full-tang construction for maximum durability.

TypeDeploymentLegal Considerations
AXIS Lock FolderManual, one-handGenerally unrestricted
OTF AutomaticPush-button, out-the-frontRestricted in some states — verify local law
Fixed BladeNone — sheathed carryBlade length limits vary by state
Blade Steel Guide — From 440C and D2 to CPM-CruWear and CPM-S90V

440C and D2 are the entry-tier steels in this catalog — D2 in particular holds a hard, wear-resistant edge but is more prone to corrosion without a coating. CPM-3V trades outright edge retention for exceptional toughness, making it the choice for the heavy-use SOCP fixed blades. CPM-CruWear and CPM-M4 sit in premium territory, balancing edge holding and toughness. CPM-S90V, used on the Mini Osborne and Mini Freek models here, is among the highest edge-retention steels Benchmade has ever run.

SteelEdge RetentionToughnessNotes
440CModerateGoodEasy to sharpen, budget tier
D2GoodModerateSemi-stainless, needs maintenance
CPM-3VGoodOutstandingBuilt for hard-use fixed blades
CPM-CruWearExcellentGoodPremium balance, most common in this catalog
CPM-M4ExcellentGoodHigh-performance tool steel
CPM-S90VOutstandingModerateTop-tier edge holding
Finishes & Materials — Cerakote, CF-Elite & Colorway Variants

Several retired colorways in this catalog carry Cerakote-finished blades — like the Mini Auto Adamas in Tungsten Grey — for added corrosion resistance and a non-reflective finish. The Shootout OTF's Black CF-Elite build uses a carbon-fiber composite handle for a lighter, stiffer grip than standard G10.

Pro TipRetired Cerakote colorways (FDE, OD Green, Tungsten Grey) don't get reissued once a run sells out — Benchmade rotates finish options between product cycles.
Top Discontinued Benchmade Lines — Claymore, Adamas & Redoubt Compared

The Claymore is Benchmade's OTF automatic tactical line, run here in D2 and CPM-CruWear. The Adamas family spans folding AXIS Lock, fixed blade, and OTF automatic versions — one of the widest configuration ranges in this catalog. The Redoubt is a fixed-blade tanto and drop-point line built for hard field use in D2 steel.

Choosing by Use Case — Tactical Carry, Fixed-Blade Duty & Collecting

For discreet tactical carry where legal, the Claymore and Shootout OTF automatics offer fast one-hand deployment. For hard-use fixed-blade duty, the CPM-3V SOCP models and Raghorn are built for abuse. For collectors, retired Cerakote colorways and CPM-S90V models like the Mini Osborne represent the models least likely to reappear.

Discontinued Benchmade Quick Reference — Find Your Knife in 30 Seconds
I need a knife for…Best ChoiceBudget PickKey Feature
Everyday AXIS Lock carryMini Bushcrafter CruWear~$279Manual AXIS Lock, no legal restriction
Tactical fixed blade, hard useSOCP Fixed Blade CPM-3V~$269Full-tang dagger, tough steel
OTF automatic (where legal)Claymore OTF D2~$264Push-button deployment
Premium edge-retention folderMini Osborne CPM-S90V~$229Top-tier steel in this catalog
Compact backup fixed bladeStrap Cutter 440C~$30Purpose-built hook blade
Retired Cerakote colorwayMini Auto Adamas Tungsten Grey~$249Limited finish, won't be reissued
Toughest steel availableFixed Adamas CPM-3V~$184Built for abuse, high toughness

Discontinued Benchmade Knives: Frequently Asked Questions

Answers from our team on buying retired Benchmade models — sourced through our authorized dealer channel.

What is the best discontinued Benchmade knife to buy?

It depends on use case. For manual EDC carry, the CPM-CruWear Mini Bushcrafter is a strong AXIS Lock option. For hard-use fixed-blade duty, the CPM-3V SOCP models are built for abuse. For collectors, retired Cerakote colorways and CPM-S90V models like the Mini Osborne are unlikely to be reissued.

Are Benchmade automatic knives legal to own?

Automatic and OTF knife laws vary by state and municipality and are subject to change. Knifeworks cannot provide legal advice — verify current federal, state, and local law, including guidance at akti.org, before purchasing an automatic model.

Why was this Benchmade model discontinued?

Benchmade regularly retires models to update steels, finishes, or mechanisms, or to make room for redesigns. A discontinued listing doesn't indicate a defect — it means Benchmade is no longer manufacturing that exact specification.

Will discontinued Benchmade knives be restocked?

No. Once a discontinued model sells through our in-stock inventory, it will not be reordered from Benchmade. What's listed is what's available.

What's the difference between AXIS Lock, OTF, and fixed blade Benchmades in this catalog?

AXIS Lock folders open and lock manually with one hand. OTF automatics deploy the blade out the front of the handle at the push of a button, and carry additional legal restrictions in some states. Fixed blades have no moving mechanism and are carried sheathed.

What's the toughest steel in the discontinued Benchmade lineup?

CPM-3V, used on the SOCP and Fixed Adamas models, prioritizes toughness over outright edge retention, making it the preferred steel for hard-use fixed blades in this catalog.

What's the best budget discontinued Benchmade knife?

The Strap Cutter in 440C is the lowest-cost entry point in this catalog, purpose-built as a compact rescue and cutting tool.

Does Knifeworks offer a warranty on discontinued Benchmade knives?

Yes. As an authorized Benchmade dealer, every knife we sell, including discontinued models, is covered by the Benchmade LifeSharp warranty: free lifetime sharpening, blade replacement, and mechanical repair.

D2 to CPM-S90V · AXIS Lock & OTF Automatics · Authorized Dealer · Fast Shipping

Once These Sell, They're Gone for Good

Our discontinued Benchmade inventory moves fast and won't be restocked. Call 888-225-9775 — we carry these knives daily and can confirm exactly what's still available.

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