Benchmade - Mediator folding knife 8551BK
Benchmade - Mediator folding knife 8551BK
The Benchmade 8551BK Mediator is a tactical automatic, equipped with a blade made of excellent CPM-S90V steel, a reliable unfolding mechanism and precision-finished G-10 laminate facings.
Head
The knife has a 84 mm long blade, made of elite cPM-S90V stainless steel, which is subjected to optimal for edc knives hardened to a hardness of 59-61 HRC.
CPM-S90V is a luxury stainless steel with a very high vanadium and carbon content, which make the blade extremely long retains sharpness, is highly resistant to abrasion and corrosion.
When choosing a hard-steel knife, get a diamond sharpener, as sharpening with a standard ceramic whetstone can be very labor-intensive and inefficient.
The wide blade with tactical reverse-tanto profile is coated with black Cerakote coating. Thermosetting ceramic paint increases the external hardness of the steel, protects the blade from corrosion, wear and scratches.
Thanks to the use of sharp stab, flat grinding and a cutting edge with a gently rounded line, the knife penetrates easily and has excellent cutting properties. The thickness of the wedge at its widest point is 3 mm, which is a compromise between the durability and functionality of the knife in everyday work.
Knife operation
The most important part of an automatic knife, is fast and reliable unfolding mechanism. Unlike models with an assisted head, in an automatic knife unfolding of the blade requires only pressing a button.
Once the lock is released, the rest of the work is done by an internal spring that lifts the head upward. Folding the blade requires pushing the button again and manually retracting the blade.
The activation button is embedded in a milled cutout, but to increase the level of security, the manufacturer has used a additional protection in the form of a slide lock.
Such functionality makes the "automats" very popular among soldiers, uniformed service personnel and a rapidly growing group of edc enthusiasts.
When using an automatic knife, it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and prudence.
Handle
The knife's handle is formed by profiled facings of durable G-10 laminate. The plastic has undergone precision machining, resulting in a striking chevron-style texture. This causes the knife to fit very securely in the hand and is very comfortable to use.
In the back of the handle there is a hole for attaching a decorative paracord tail, which makes it easier and faster to slide the knife out of the pocket. Carrying the knife discreetly in your pocket is made possible by a high-set clip that can be flipped to the other side.
List of knife safety warnings based on requirements
Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety
(GPSR):
* Risk of injury: Use the knife carefully and always hold it by the handle. The blade is
very sharp and can cause serious cuts. Don't try to catch a falling
knife.
* Safe storage: the knife should be stored in a safe
place, out of reach of children and unauthorized persons. Use a blade guard if
is available.
* Use as intended: Do not use the knife for purposes for which it is not
intended, for example, for opening cans or loosening screws. This can lead to
knife damage or injury.
* Caution when cleaning: Use caution when cleaning the knife,
to avoid cuts. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents that can
damage the blade.
* Blade maintenance: Sharpen the blades regularly to keep them in good condition. Blunt
knives are more dangerous than sharp ones because they require more force, which
increases the risk of slipping.
* Transporting the knife: When transporting the knife, make sure the blade is secured,
for example, by using a vagina or sheath. This prevents accidental injuries.
* Keep your knife clean: Clean the knife regularly to remove any food debris
or other contaminants. This ensures safe and hygienic use.
* Do not modify the knife: Do not try to modify the knife or repair it yourself,
if you don't have the right skills. This can lead to damage to the knife
or injuries.
* Warning for children: knives are intended for adults only. Do not allow
children to use knives without supervision.
* Disposal: Dispose of used or damaged knives in a safe manner to
prevent accidental cuts.
This product is for adults only, who have knowledge and experience in handling sharp cutting tools. Improper use of the knife can lead to serious injury. The blade of the knife is very sharp and can quickly cut through skin and tissues; so always be very careful when slicing and do not bring your hand close to the cutting edge. To avoid slipping of the knife, it is recommended to cut on a stable and non-slip surface and avoid excessive pressure, which can cause uncontrolled movement of the blade.
Be aware that leaving a knife on the edge of a table, countertop or in easy-to-reach places, especially for children, is a danger. The knife should always be properly secured after finishing work, preferably by putting it down on a stable surface or storing it in specially designed blocks, sheaths or on magnetic strips. Never use a knife for tasks for which it is not intended, such as opening cans or using it as a lever, as this risks both damage to the tool and dangerous accidents.
Blunt blades pose an increased risk of injury because they require more force and tend to slip off the material being cut. Therefore, care should be taken to sharpen the knife regularly to maintain optimal sharpness. It is also necessary to clean and dry the tool regularly to prevent corrosion and bacterial growth. It is recommended to periodically inspect the condition of the handle and blade to detect any cracks, chipping or loosening. If damage is found, the knife should be immediately repaired or replaced with a new copy.
When using the knife, focus solely on the task at hand, avoid talking on the phone or watching TV while slicing, and make sure your work area is well-lit. You are reminded that in some countries or regions there are laws restricting the possession and carrying of knives. Before buying or using a knife, it's a good idea to make sure that using it in your location is allowed under the current law.
Adherence to the above rules will enable safe and efficient use of the knife, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring the long life of the tool.