The Benchmade Blackwood Skirmish combines rugged toughness with an attractive design to make a pocket knife you’ll be glad to have by your side. I was lucky enough to have my own Blackwood Skirmish recently and here are my thoughts:

What I like about the knife:

1. At 4.30 inches long, the modified drop point style blade is made from S30V steel. S30v is a great steel that gives you high carbon-like edge retention with the rust and corrosion resistance of stainless steel.

2. The Benchmade Monolock is one of the strongest locks on the knife market today. No wonder they used this lock on one of their best binders. When in the locked position, my Skirmish has no side-to-side or up-and-down movement.

3. Super strong titanium handle not only looks great but also feels comfortable in the hand. Benchmade has built-in grooves that protect your finger from slipping onto the blade and help with overall feel.

4. Thumb grooves on the spine of the blade help you make razor-thin slices or tear something quickly.

5. One-handed opening shouldn’t be a problem with Blackwood Skirmish. Simply flick the ambidextrous thumb hole and watch your blade fly into the locked position.

That I did not like:

I wish the Blackwood Skirmish was available with an ambidextrous pocket clip.

General:

I recommend the Benchmade Blackwood Skirmish for anyone who needs a really tough work or utility knife. Combine great steel, a strong lock, a sturdy handle, and impeccable attention to detail and you have the Blackwood Skirmish.