Collection Knives: For Knife Collectors and Custom Knife Enthusiasts

KNIFE ACQUIRED FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously Purchased
* Condition: Like New
* Commercial Availability: No - Discontinued
* Sharpening: Original Factory Edge
* Marks on Blade: None
* Marks on Handle: None
* Box: Original, in like-new condition
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranty Documents: Benchmade certificates
* Inspected and Certified by our in-house laboratory

The Benchmade Foray 698-181 Gold Class is one of the most prestigious interpretations of the compact Foray, produced by Benchmade as a Limited Edition from the Gold Class series, the line dedicated to the most exclusive models in the American manufacturer's production.

Gold Class represents the pinnacle of the Benchmade philosophy: selected models are reinterpreted using premium materials, special machining and superior finishes, transforming a production knife into an object primarily intended for collecting.

The 698-181 combines a spectacular stainless Damasteel blade with Loki pattern with a handle made of marbled carbon fiber with mother-of-pearl inlays, creating a striking contrast between technical materials and natural details that makes each example visually distinctive.

One of the most sought-after versions of the Benchmade Foray

The Foray was conceived as a compact and elegant folder, characterized by balanced proportions and Benchmade's renowned AXIS Lock mechanism.

In the 698-181 Gold Class version, the technical foundation of the model is elevated through significantly more refined materials: Damasteel, marbled carbon fiber, mother of pearl, dark-finished components and anodized details.

The result is a knife that retains dimensions perfectly suited to EDC use, but whose materials, rarity and positioning place it primarily in the world of Benchmade collecting.

Loki Damasteel Blade

The blade measures approximately 82 mm and is made from stainless Damasteel with Loki pattern, with a declared hardness of approximately 58-60 HRC.

Damasteel is produced through the processing of different stainless steels using advanced metallurgical techniques that create the characteristic layered pattern visible across the blade surface.

The Loki pattern used on this version creates a particularly pronounced design and makes every blade slightly different from an aesthetic point of view.

The drop-point profile also preserves the functional character of the original Foray, offering a versatile and well-balanced geometry.

Marbled Carbon Fiber and Mother of Pearl

The handle uses marbled carbon fiber, a lightweight and structurally strong material characterized by an irregular, three-dimensional texture.

The handle scales incorporate mother-of-pearl inlays, producing different reflections and shades depending on the lighting and viewing angle. Historical specifications for this model identify these inlays as Black Lip Mother of Pearl.

It is precisely this combination of technical carbon fiber and natural material that gives the 698-181 a personality clearly distinct from standard Foray versions.

Gold Class Details

The 698-181 version also features a number of details specific to the Gold Class configuration:

• Loki Pattern Damasteel blade
• Marbled Carbon Fiber handle
• Black Lip Mother of Pearl inlays
• Steel liners with DLC coating
• DLC-coated hardware
• Anodized thumb stud
• Anodized barrel spacers
• Reversible tip-up deep-carry clip with DLC coating
• AXIS Lock locking system

These features belong to the 2018 Gold Class configuration of the model, now discontinued and particularly appealing to Benchmade collectors.

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer: Benchmade
Model: Foray 698-181
Series: Gold Class Limited Edition
Year: 2018
Production Status: Discontinued
Production: Industrial
Country of Manufacture: USA
Type: Folding knife
Opening: Manual via thumb stud
Lock: AXIS Lock
Blade Profile: Drop Point
Steel: Stainless Damasteel
Pattern: Loki
Hardness: approximately 58-60 HRC
Blade Length: approximately 82 mm
Blade Thickness: approximately 3.5 mm
Closed Length: approximately 105 mm
Overall Length: approximately 186 mm
Handle Thickness: approximately 14 mm
Weight: approximately 98 g
Handle: marbled carbon fiber with Black Lip Mother of Pearl inlays
Liners: steel with DLC coating
Clip: reversible deep-carry, tip-up, DLC-coated steel
Pouch: Benchmade Gold Class fabric pouch

The new Bailout® 537-09 with carbon fiber handle and M390 blade represents the perfect combination of extreme lightness and outstanding tactical performance. Designed for those who accept no compromise, this folding knife takes advantage of the proven Bailout/Bugout architecture, enhanced with premium steels, ultra-lightweight components, and carefully refined details for everyday and professional use.

Every element is engineered to deliver reliability, precision, and comfort even in the most demanding situations, allowing you to face any challenge with a high-performance tool.

Intended use: Tactical EDC, military / professional use
Production type: High-end serial production
Country of origin: United States (USA)
Blade: Bohler M390 steel, made from ultra-fine powder metallurgy
Blade finish: Stonewashed
Handle: Carbon fiber scales with blue hardware details
Blade length: 3.38″ (≈ 86 mm)
Blade thickness: 0.09″ (≈ 2.3 mm)
Closed length: 4.71″ (≈ 120 mm)
Overall length: 8.07″ (≈ 205 mm)
Closed thickness: approx. 0.39″ (≈ 10 mm) (handle + closed blade)
Weight: ~ 2.18 oz (≈ 61.8 g)
Locking system: AXIS Lock (ambidextrous crossbar mechanism)
Clip: Reversible Mini Deep Carry (tip-up, right/left), blue hardware
Packaging: Original Benchmade box (with instructions and certifications)
Notes: Tanto blade profile for increased tip strength; carbon fiber handle for minimal weight.

As the Arctic sun descends over the horizon, an enchanting purple haze spreads across the sky, creating a fleeting spectacle that inspired the creation of the Gold Class 585BK-251 Mini Barrage, an exclusive masterpiece for discerning EDC knife collectors.

This extraordinary piece combines cutting-edge functionality and unparalleled design. The handle is made with the elegant Fatcarbon in Purple Haze coloring, combined with Abyss PVD coated components for a unique and durable finish. The CPM-S90V steel blade, finished with an exclusive black DLC Battlewash finish, offers a sharp and versatile drop point design, ensuring exceptional performance and unmistakable style. Thanks to Benchmade's AXIS assist technology, the knife opens quickly and accurately, ensuring reliability in any situation.

As rare and fascinating a piece of work as the natural phenomenon that inspired it, the Gold Class 585BK-251 Mini Barrage is limited to only 3,500 units worldwide and is available exclusively for 2025. Don't miss your chance to own a jewel of Arctic brilliance!

Intended Use: Sporting/Collection

Type of production: Industrial
Country of manufacture: USA
Blade: stainless steel CPM-S90V 59/61HRC
Blade Finish: DLC Battlewash
Handle: FatCarbon Purple Haze with folders and screws with Abyss PVD finish
Blade Length: 73.9mm.
Blade thickness: 2.54mm.
Length closed: 101mm.
Total length: 175mm.
Weight: 109g.
Closure: AXIS Lock Assist, with dorsal safety lock on both opening and closing
Clip: Removable and reversible, stainless steel with Abyss PVD finish
Packaging: Cardboard box with Benchmade logos, certificates of warranty and authenticity
Notes: design by Warren Osborne - Limited and Numbered Edition on Blade, Box and Certificates produced in only 3500 pieces

A perfect combination in the EDC paradise. The Bailout® holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate tactical toughness in their everyday carry, and now we're pairing this sleek and ultralight folding knife with the ultimate super-material: titanium.

The all-new limited edition 537BK-2302 Bailout® features the much-loved CPM-M4 tanto blade, now in cobalt black Cerakote, but the star of this show is its handle made of bead-blasted 6Al-4V titanium manufactured in the USA.

Accentuated with PVD-coated blue hardware, including a Crater Blue lanyard pommel, this edition is limited to 1000 pieces.

Intended Use: Tactical / EDC

Production Type: Industrial
Country of Origin: USA
Blade: CPM-M4 steel (62-64 HRC)
Blade Finish: Cobalt Black Cerakote
Handle: 6AI-4V Titanium
Blade Length: 86mm.
Blade Thickness: 2.3mm.
Closed Length: 119mm.
Overall Length: 205mm.
Closed Thickness: 9.7mm
Weight: 103g.
Locking Mechanism: AxisLock
Clip: Removable and reversible, stainless steel
Packaging: Cardboard box with Benchmade logos
Notes: Limited edition of 1000 pieces

15085 LIMITED EDITION ARTIST SERIES
Striking the perfect balance between art and function, the Limited Edition Artist Series highlights four iconic game species and the environments in which they live. In collaboration with independent artist Casey Underwood, each Crooked River Mini has been embellished with detailed images of elk, deer, ducks, and pheasants.

ARTIST INFORMATION
Casey Underwood is an artist who loves the outdoors and resides in Bozeman, Montana. Casey began working full-time in 2015 and has since become one of the most recognizable artists in the outdoor industry. As a prolific illustrator, he has amassed a collection of work that includes more than 100 species of fish and wildlife. Commercially, his freelance drawings are often commissioned by some of the outdoor industry's leading brands. Sharp edges, layers of color, and dashed lines are some of the defining characteristics of Casey's style. When he is not in his studio creating new work, he is likely fishing, hunting, or skiing!


Intended Use: Collection / Hunting

Production Type: Industrial
Country of manufacture: USA
Blade: CPM-S30V 58/60HRC steel
Blade finish: Stonewashed, laser engraved
Handle: Wood, aluminum
Blade length: 86.4mm.
Blade thickness: 2.9mm.
Length closed: 114mm.
Total length: 200mm.
Weight: 93.3g.
Closure: AXIS Lock
Clip: Removable and reversible, stainless steel
Packaging: Cardboard box with Benchmade logos
Notes: Limited Edition "Artist Series 2022" by Casey Underwood

15085 LIMITED EDITION ARTIST SERIES
Striking the perfect balance between art and function, the Limited Edition Artist Series highlights four iconic game species and the environments in which they live. In collaboration with independent artist Casey Underwood, each Crooked River Mini has been embellished with detailed images of elk, deer, ducks, and pheasants.

ARTIST INFORMATION
Casey Underwood is an artist who loves the outdoors and resides in Bozeman, Montana. Casey began working full-time in 2015 and has since become one of the most recognizable artists in the outdoor industry. As a prolific illustrator, he has amassed a collection of work that includes more than 100 species of fish and wildlife. Commercially, his freelance drawings are often commissioned by some of the outdoor industry's leading brands. Sharp edges, layers of color, and dashed lines are some of the defining characteristics of Casey's style. When he is not in his studio creating new work, he is likely fishing, hunting, or skiing!


Intended Use: Collection / Hunting

Production Type: Industrial
Country of manufacture: USA
Blade: CPM-S30V 58/60HRC steel
Blade finish: Stonewashed, laser engraved
Handle: Wood, aluminum
Blade length: 86.4mm.
Blade thickness: 2.9mm.
Length closed: 114mm.
Total length: 200mm.
Weight: 93.3g.
Closure: AXIS Lock
Clip: Removable and reversible, stainless steel
Packaging: Cardboard box with Benchmade logos
Notes: Limited Edition "Artist Series 2022" by Casey Underwood

Intended Use: Sporting / EDC

Production type: Industrial
Country of Production: USA
Blade: Stainless steel CPM-S90V 59/61HRC
Blade finish: Satin finish
Handle: Carbon fiber with anodized aluminum spacer
Blade length: 71mm.
Blade thickness: 2.3mm.
Length closed: 94mm.
Total length: 164mm.
Thickness when closed: 10.2mm.
Weight: 46g.
Closure: AxisLock
Clip: Removable and reversible, PVD stainless steel, Deep Carry type
Packaging: Cardboard box with Benchmade logos
Notes: -

Antonini artisans from Maniago have created an exclusive and limited series of OLD BEAR knives using the famous Japanese SANMAI steel in VG10 with 67 layers. This beautiful project combines the tradition of a successful knife, patented and built in Italy, with the history and qualitative excellence of Japanese steel, made with a production process that dates back to that used for the famous Japanese swords.

The thickness of the blade goes from 2 mm of the standard models to 2.5 mm of this exclusive series, in order to make the knife more robust and performing.

To make the knife even more exclusive, for each of the three sizes offered, 60 exclusive pieces have been created, with progressive numbering engraved on the blade

Type of production: semi-artisanal
Production Lama: Italy
Blade: San Mai 67 VG10 damask stainless steel (60/61 HRC)
Handle: in plywood with satin brass ring with nickel plating
Blade length: 100mm.
Blade thickness: 2.5mm.
Closed length: 127mm.
Thick when closed: 22mm.
Total length: 225mm.
Weight: 68g.
Closure: viro block

The handles are made of Italian olive wood. Being a model without return spring, the fixing of the blade to the handle is ensured by a solid safety ring in nickel plated brass equipped with a special locking device (covered by patent n. active partner of this project) which can be activated both in the open and in the closed position.

As early as 1100, expert Japanese blacksmiths combined different materials together to give Katana swords cutting, strength and flexibility previously unknown. Inspired by this tradition, Berkel has created a series of Japanese SanMai steel knives.

The blade consists of a core layer of extremely hard VG-10 steel, which keeps it sharp for a long time, and two outer plates made of 33-layer damask stainless steel per side, for greater resistance to corrosion and torsion.

Characteristics of SanMai steel: These are different types of metals bonded together to create a composite that encloses and intensifies the strengths of the metals individually taken:

- Longer life of the cutting edge
thanks to the use of very high quality steels with high carbon content (VG10, CoS, Shiro) or sintered (SPG2), in the heart of the sheet (Core Steel), the blade, once hardened, achieves decidedly hardness and cutting performance higher than those achieved with the use of traditional steels.

- Greater resilience
built with the principle of Japanese swords, multilayer steel is difficult to break thanks to the toughness of the central steel (Core Steel) and the elasticity of the steel used for the side facing (Stainless Steel).

- Better corrosion resistance
the steel used for the external layers (Stainless Steel) guarantees the blade a high resistance to corrosion. The combination of the two or more materials used by Takefu Steel generates, at the galvanic level, a structure that improves the corrosion resistance even on the wire.

- Easy processing even after heat treatment
although steel normally becomes harder after hardening, the lateral steel used in multilayer processing does not lose its softness and allows easy processing, drilling or welding even after heat treatment. For an optimal performance of the blade, cryogenic treatment is recommended.

- Improvement of the aesthetic result
The knives made with multi-state steel or damascus pattern at the end of the processing are aesthetically elegant, refined and highly appreciated by collectors all over the world.

For more information: Collini Steel

Antonini artisans from Maniago have created an exclusive and limited series of OLD BEAR knives using the famous Japanese SANMAI steel in VG10 with 67 layers. This beautiful project combines the tradition of a successful knife, patented and built in Italy, with the history and qualitative excellence of Japanese steel, made with a production process that dates back to that used for the famous Japanese swords.

The thickness of the blade goes from 2 mm of the standard models to 2.5 mm of this exclusive series, in order to make the knife more robust and performing.

To make the knife even more exclusive, for each of the three sizes offered, 60 exclusive pieces have been created, with progressive numbering engraved on the blade

Type of production: semi artisanal
Production Lama: Italy
Blade: San Mai 67 VG10 damask stainless steel (60/61 HRC)
Handle: olive wood
Blade length: 90mm.
Blade thickness: 2.5mm.
Closed length: 120mm.
Thick when closed: 22mm.
Total length: 212mm.
Weight: 65g.
Closure: viro block

The handles are made of Italian olive wood. Being a model without return spring, the fixing of the blade to the handle is ensured by a solid brass safety ring equipped with a special locking device (covered by patent n. of this project) which can be activated both in the open position and in the closed position.

As early as 1100, expert Japanese blacksmiths combined different materials together to give Katana swords cutting, strength and flexibility previously unknown. Inspired by this tradition, Berkel has created a series of Japanese SanMai steel knives.

The blade consists of a core layer of extremely hard VG-10 steel, which keeps it sharp for a long time, and two outer plates made of 33-layer damask stainless steel per side, for greater resistance to corrosion and torsion.

Characteristics of SanMai steel: These are different types of metals bonded together to create a composite that encloses and intensifies the strengths of the metals individually taken:

- Longer life of the cutting edge
thanks to the use of very high quality steels with high carbon content (VG10, CoS, Shiro) or sintered (SPG2), in the heart of the sheet (Core Steel), the blade, once hardened, achieves decidedly hardness and cutting performance higher than those achieved with the use of traditional steels.

- Greater resilience
built with the principle of Japanese swords, multilayer steel is difficult to break thanks to the toughness of the central steel (Core Steel) and the elasticity of the steel used for the side facing (Stainless Steel).

- Better corrosion resistance
the steel used for the external layers (Stainless Steel) guarantees the blade a high resistance to corrosion. The combination of the two or more materials used by Takefu Steel generates, at the galvanic level, a structure that improves the corrosion resistance even on the wire.

- Easy processing even after heat treatment
although steel normally becomes harder after hardening, the lateral steel used in multilayer processing does not lose its softness and allows easy processing, drilling or welding even after heat treatment. For an optimal performance of the blade, cryogenic treatment is recommended.

- Improvement of the aesthetic result
The knives made with multi-state steel or with a damascus pattern at the end of the processing are aesthetically elegant, refined and highly appreciated by collectors all over the world.

For more information: Collini Steel

Antonini artisans from Maniago have created an exclusive and limited series of OLD BEAR knives using the famous Japanese SANMAI steel in VG10 with 67 layers. This beautiful project combines the tradition of a successful knife, patented and built in Italy, with the history and qualitative excellence of Japanese steel, made with a production process that dates back to that used for the famous Japanese swords.

The thickness of the blade goes from 2 mm of the standard models to 2.5 mm of this exclusive series, in order to make the knife more robust and performing.

To make the knife even more exclusive, for each of the three sizes offered, 60 exclusive pieces have been created, with progressive numbering engraved on the blade

Type of production: semi artisanal
Production Lama: Italy
Blade: San Mai 67 VG10 damask stainless steel (60/61 HRC)
Handle: in walnut wood
Blade length: 80mm.
Blade thickness: 2.5mm.
Closed length: 109mm.
Thick when closed: 22mm.
Total length: 190mm.
Weight: 46g.
Closure: viro block

The handles are made of antique and oiled walnut wood. Being a model without return spring, the fixing of the blade to the handle is ensured by a solid brass safety ring equipped with a special locking device (covered by patent n.1187282 filed again in 1985 by the Todesco company of Maniago which is an active partner of this project) which can be activated both in the open position and in the closed position.

As early as 1100, expert Japanese blacksmiths combined different materials together to give Katana swords cutting, strength and flexibility previously unknown. Inspired by this tradition, Berkel has created a series of Japanese SanMai steel knives.

The blade consists of a core layer of extremely hard VG-10 steel, which keeps it sharp for a long time, and two outer plates made of 33-layer damask stainless steel per side, for greater resistance to corrosion and torsion.

Characteristics of SanMai steel: These are different types of metals bonded together to create a composite that encloses and intensifies the strengths of the metals individually taken:

- Longer life of the cutting edge
thanks to the use of very high quality steels with high carbon content (VG10, CoS, Shiro) or sintered (SPG2), in the heart of the sheet (Core Steel), the blade, once hardened, achieves decidedly hardness and cutting performance higher than those achieved with the use of traditional steels.

- Greater resilience
built with the principle of Japanese swords, multilayer steel is difficult to break thanks to the toughness of the central steel (Core Steel) and the elasticity of the steel used for the side facing (Stainless Steel).

- Better corrosion resistance
the steel used for the external layers (Stainless Steel) guarantees the blade a high resistance to corrosion. The combination of the two or more materials used by Takefu Steel generates, at the galvanic level, a structure that improves the corrosion resistance even on the wire.

- Easy processing even after heat treatment
although steel normally becomes harder after hardening, the lateral steel used in multilayer processing does not lose its softness and allows easy processing, drilling or welding even after heat treatment. For an optimal performance of the blade, cryogenic treatment is recommended.

- Improvement of the aesthetic result
The knives made with multi-state steel or with a damascus pattern at the end of the processing are aesthetically elegant, refined and highly appreciated by collectors all over the world.

For more information: Collini Steel

Intended Use: Sporty / EDC

Production Type: Industrial
Country of Production: USA
Blade: Stainless steel CPM-S90V 59/61HRC
Blade Finish: Satin finish
Handle: Carbon fiber with anodized aluminum spacer
Blade Length: 82mm.
Blade thickness: 2.3mm.
Length closed: 107mm.
Total length: 189mm.
Thickness when closed: 10.5mm
Weight: 57g.
Closure: AxisLock
Clip: Removable and reversible, PVD stainless steel, Deep Carry type.
Package: Cardboard box with Benchmade logos
Notes: -