Benchmade Just Tweaked One of Its Best EDC Knives in a Pretty Significant Way

The all-new Redoubt opts for a tanto blade, a shape that dates back to the age of the samurai.

Published August 27, 2024

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Updated August 27, 2024

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Fresh off the release of its (semi-controversial) EDC fixed blade, the Dacian, Benchmade is at it again. Only this time, the popular knife maker is giving one of its more rugged EDC folding blades, the Redoubt, a tactical refresh.

This blade shape dates back to 12th-century feudal Japan, when samurai carried a shorter tanto blade in addition to their longer katana; in fact, tantō translates to “short sword” or “dagger” in Japanese.

Meet Benchmade’s 431BK-1 Redoubt. It’s nearly identical to the company’s original Redoubt, with one big difference — a tanto blade shape — and the same $200 price tag.

Benchmade 431SBK-1 Redoubt

Specs

Blade Shape	Tanto
Blade Length	3.53 inches
Blade Steel	CPM-D2 Tool Steel (60-62HRC)

$200 at Benchmade
$180 at Knife Works

$200 (10% off)
$180 at Blade HQ

$200 (10% off)

900 years of heritage

The big news with this variant of the Redoubt is that it has a tanto blade instead of the original’s more traditionally shaped drop-point. Packing a legendary history, the angular blade shape makes for a broader, more durable knife point. Plus it just looks damn cool.

This blade shape dates back to 12th-century feudal Japan, when samurai carried a shorter tanto blade in addition to their longer katana; in fact, tantō translates to “short sword” or “dagger” in Japanese. This tanto blade was best for piercing and puncturing.

While you (hopefully) won’t be using it for close combat, it’s super handy in an EDC blade for slicing through packaging.

Further details

Other than the blade shape, the 431BK-1 Redoubt is practically identical to the original in every way.

The blade is made of the same CPM-D2 steel and has the same Cobalt Cerakote finish for “improved toughness and strength.” This cerakote finish also helps prevent food (or whatever you are cutting) from sticking to the blade.

The handle is the same, too. It’s made of grivory — a lightweight yet durable material — with a textured overlay so it’s easy to grip whether you’re wearing gloves or not.

Additionally, the 431BK-1 Redoubt folds similarly and features Benchmade’s proprietary AXIS locking mechanism, making it easy to open and close the blade with one hand.

Availability and pricing

Benchmade’s new Redoubt is available in two different treatments, the 431BK-1 Redoubt shown here and the 431SBK-1 Redoubt, which has a serrated tanto blade instead of a straight one.

Both varieties cost $200 — the same price as the original Redoubt. The new knives are available now for purchase directly from Benchmade. If you shop from other retailers, like Knife Works or Blade HQ, you can save $20.