I like it when knife companies get a little creative with naming their designs. Bedlam is a term that doesn’t get enough use, as far as I’m concerned. And it’s actually a pretty apt name for this knife, as when you use it, it’s sure to get attention.
This is a tactical-style knife that’s small enough for EDC. With its unique scimitar-shaped trailing point blade, it is an excellent slicer as well as eye-catching.
The Benchmade Mini Bedlam
Mini Bedlam Specs
This is an incredible-looking knife. It has an overall length of 8.63 inches, with a blade that’s 3.45 inches long. There is a small thumb ramp with jimping on the spine just behind the thumb stud. Benchmade went with CPM S90V steel for the blade. This is a super steel that’s known for corrosion resistance. The blade has a graphite Cerakote finish.
The handle material is G10. It’s contoured in such a way that it resembles snakeskin. The Mini Bedlam is also available in black G10 as well as carbon fiber. The black G10 model has a partially serrated blade.
There is a deep carry pocket clip with a lanyard attachment point just behind it. The pocket clip is reversible, so you can switch it for left-side carry.
It’s equipped with Benchmade’s manual AXIS lock, providing a high level of security as you use the knife. While no lock is infallible, the AXIS design comes damn close. Once the lock is released, the blade can fall closed easily.
The Mini Bedlam weighs a modest 5.44 ounces. There’s enough weight to let you know it’s there, but not so much that you’ll find yourself with a list to starboard (or port) as you walk.
Mini Bedlam Performance
The Mini Bedlam is impressive. With its curved shape and textured G10 material, the handle locks into your grip amazingly well. Even in challenging conditions, this knife would be difficult to dislodge or slip away.
The blade swings open via the thumb stud. Interestingly, this can take a little practice with this particular knife. The curved handle makes reaching the stud and moving the blade a little awkward. But it only took a few minutes of repetition to get the hang of it.
The handle texturing is decidedly aggressive, but not uncomfortably so. I don’t wear gloves nearly as often as I probably should when I’m working with knives, but the Mini Bedlam gave me no trouble. There were no hot spots or other issues.
The Mini Bedlam arrived exceptionally sharp, and it retained that edge through several days of regular use. It worked great opening packages and breaking down boxes, as well as slicing sausage and cheese for a snack. The blade is thin, just 0.114-inch. Between that and the overall blade geometry, it’s a great tool for use in the camp kitchen as well as around the house.
While I’d probably avoid using it as a pry bar, it’ll handle just about anything else you want to throw at it. The Benchmade Mini Bedlam, as shown, retails for $350. Carbon fiber handle scales add another $100.
Find it at Benchmade or DLT Trading.
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