One of Benchmade’s Most Unique and Gorgeous Knives Returns in a More EDC-Friendly Package

Perhaps the only thing wilder than the Mini Bedlam’s shape is its predecessor’s back story.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published March 18, 2025

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Updated March 18, 2025

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“Scimitar-shaped” and “EDC” are two terms you don’t often hear in the same sentence.

However, with its latest release, Benchmade aims to bend that reality.

benchmade mini bedlam heroic trio — From top to bottom, the three new Mini Bedlams: 865-02, 865BK-01 and 865BK.

Based on the success of the original Bedlam, something of a cult sensation among knife nerds and Benchmade super fans, the brand has rolled out three snake-skinned spinoffs that are a bit more, shall we say, pocket friendly.

A knife with an overall length of 10 inches is not exactly practical as an everyday tool. Bust one out around your mother and watch her run screaming from the room. That’s what makes the new Mini Bedlams so attractive. They aren’t exactly inconspicuous, but they are compact enough to tote around in your pocket.

These new Mini Bedlams look pretty similar to each other but differ a bit when it comes to handle materials and blade treatments.

Blue-blooded blade

As eye-popping as the Mini Bedlam silhouette is, it’s worth noting that this style of folding knife is hardly unheard of.

Heck, just last year, CRKT’s Richard Rodgers-designed, LionSteel-produced Persian Frame Lock captured Best Factory Imported knife honors at Salt Lake City’s vaunted Blade Show West.

benchmade mini bedlam 865bk blade — Everything else aside, the Mini Bedlam’s upswept scimitar-shaped blade is sure to start some conversations.

And as intriguing as the shape remains, the Bedlam’s back story is at least as memorable, if not more so.

Rumor has it the knife came to be when either the Prince or King of Jordan requested 20 blades for his security detail.

benchmade mini bedlam 865bk-01 handle — Made of textured G10, the 865BK-01’s multi-colored handle is perhaps the most snakeskin-like of all.

This tale is not unfeasible, as this style of blade, also called a Jambiya, is common in Middle Eastern countries — and used as an official combat knife in Jordan.

Released in early 2010, the Bedlam 8600 boasted a blade length of 4 inches and a weight of 7.2 ounces.

benchmade mini bedlam 865-02 off side folded — With its carbon fiber 3k twill handle and dark copper PVD hardware, the 865-02 is a certifiable stunner.

It was also an automatic, which severely limited its legality for the vast majority of knife customers.

Nine years later, according to Blade Reviews, Benchmade launched the more practical Bedlam 860, a very similar knife with a slightly shorter blade (3.95 inches), lower weight (7.1 ounces) and, most significantly, non-automatic deployment.

Present-day practicality

Even so, a knife with an overall length of nearly 10 inches is not exactly practical as an everyday tool for most people. Bust one out around your mother and watch her run screaming from the room.

That’s what makes the new Mini Bedlams so attractive. With a blade length of 3.45 inches, open length of 8.63 inches, closed length of 5.2 inches and weight under five ounces, they aren’t exactly inconspicuous, but they are compact enough to tote around in your pocket.

benchmade mini bedlam trio deployed — Amongst some differences, the three Mini Bedlams are united by their general design and S90V super steel blades.

Still, these knives retain a number of qualities that make them both functional and instant conversation pieces.

Made from CPM-S90V super steel, the upswept scimitar shaped-blade is quite handy for hooking and slicing.

benchmade mini bedlam 865bk — The serrations in the 865BK’s blade not only look cool but also make it handy for cutting through textured materials.

It is deployed from an ergonomic, textured handle via Benchmade’s much more widely legal, patented and ultra-smooth AXIS lock mechanism.

A reversible split-arrow pocket clip rounds out the features uniting the three new variants.

benchmade mini bedlam 865bk-01 off side folded — Closed, the Mini Bedlams measure 5.2 inches — not exactly small, but small enough to slot in a pocket.

As for differences?

The mostly black-and-tan 865BK-01 ($350) has a G10 handle and a graphite Cerakote-finished blade.

benchmade mini bedlam trio axis locks — Ambidextrous thumb studs ensure quick deployment, while Benchmade’s AXIS lock holds these blades tight.

The blacked-out 865BK ($350) has a G10 handle and a graphite Cerakote-finished blade that is partially serrated.

This feature not only adds visual pop but is handy for cutting through textured materials.

benchmade mini bedlam 865-02 — As if the 865BK weren’t eye-popping enough, the 3.45-inch satin-finished blade really drops the hammer.

Finally, the largely silver and black 865-02 ($450) has a handle made of high-end carbon fiber 3k twill.

Regardless of which you choose, you’ll have quite a formidable folder on your hands — one that will come in handy whether you’re defending the life of a royal or, you know, slicing up a ripe red apple.