The Ultimate Review of the Smith & Wesson Benji 2.5in Folding Keychain Knife

Introduction

Finding the perfect everyday carry (EDC) knife can be a challenge. You need something that's compact enough to be convenient, but durable and functional enough to handle a variety of tasks. The Smith & Wesson Benji 2.5in Folding Keychain Knife aims to strike this balance. With a 1.75-inch modified Tanto blade and a G10 handle, it promises to be a reliable companion for outdoor, tactical, survival, and everyday use. But does this miniature knife live up to the Smith & Wesson name? In this comprehensive review, we'll dive into its features, performance, and overall value, using only the provided research data to give you the most accurate assessment. Whether you're a seasoned knife enthusiast or a first-time buyer looking for a dependable tool, this review will help you decide if the Benji is the right knife for you. Let's get started. Check Price on Amazon

Product Scorecard

• Build Quality: 9/10

The knife feels solid and durable, with a good weight for its size and reliable 8Cr13MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel blade.

• Value for Money: 8/10

It offers a combination of a beefy blade, durable materials, and extra features like a bottle opener and clip, making it a good choice for its price point.

• Ease of Use: 8/10

The Ultra-Glide technology and finger flipper make for quick and easy deployment, though some users may find the thick blade difficult for certain tasks.

• Performance: 7/10

While it excels at general tasks like scraping and cutting, its thickness can make it less effective for breaking down boxes.

Key Features and Specifications

The Smith & Wesson Benji is designed to be a compact yet robust tool. According to the official product details, the knife has a 2.5-inch overall length with a 1.75-inch blade. The blade itself is a modified Tanto shape, made from 8Cr13MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel, a material known for its reliability and durability. The handle is made from G-10, providing a secure grip. Check Price on Amazon

One of the standout features is the Ultra-Glide technology and finger flipper, which allow for quick and easy access to the blade. The knife also includes a dual-function money clip/pocket clip for convenient carry, making it ideal for everyday use. For security, it features a frame lock to ensure the blade won't slip during use. A nice added touch is the built-in bottle opener, making it a versatile tool beyond just cutting.

The overall weight of the knife is 2.72 ounces, which, while fairly heavy for its small size, contributes to its solid and durable feel. Smith & Wesson stands by its product with a Limited Lifetime Warranty. This knife is not just a scaled-down version of a larger knife; it's a "well thought out design for a small footprint knife" that is a must-have addition to your gear collection.

Pros and Cons

Based on customer reviews, here are the key advantages and disadvantages of the Smith & Wesson Benji.

Pros

• Quality Feel: Customers consistently praise the knife's solid construction and a "quality in hand" feel. The weight, though a con for some, contributes to its "beefy" and "solid" feel, making it feel more substantial than other small knives.
• Versatile Blade: The Tanto blade shape is noted for its versatility, being useful for both cutting and scraping tasks. The obtuse point is particularly effective for opening packages, a common EDC task.
• Robust Clip: The dual-function money clip/pocket clip is described as "very strong" and "nice wide," ensuring it stays securely in place.
• Extra Features: The inclusion of a bottle opener and a lanyard hole (which is also a money clip/pocket clip) adds to its utility, making it a "multi-purpose" tool.
• Durability: The knife is durable, with one reviewer noting they hadn't had to sharpen it yet after considerable use.
• Smooth Deployment: The "Ultra-Glide technology" and "finger flipper" provide a good "positive feel when deployed and locked." While one user noted it may need a little oil and wearing in, the mechanism is generally smooth and reliable.

Cons

• Thick Blade: The blade's thickness is a major drawback for some users. It can make cutting through certain materials, like cardboard boxes, a challenge.
• Weight and Bulk: At 2.72 ounces, it is "fairly heavy for its small-sized blade" and "bulges in the change-pocket." This makes it less than ideal for those seeking an ultralight, discreet carry option.
• Stiff Clip: While the clip's strength is a pro for security, one reviewer found it to be "VERY strong," making it hard to clip into certain pockets, such as a jeans change-pocket.
• Inconsistent Quality: One reviewer noted a slight difference in the smoothness of the bearing between two knives, suggesting some minor inconsistency in manufacturing.
• Not for All Tasks: Due to its blade thickness, it is not the best choice for all cutting tasks, particularly those that require a fine cut, like breaking down boxes. One customer suggested it would be a "better mini camping knife" than a box cutter.

Comparison with Other EDC Knives

The Smith & Wesson Benji stands out in the crowded market of small EDC knives by prioritizing durability and a solid feel over a lightweight, ultra-thin profile. Many miniature knives, like a small Swiss Army Knife, might be lighter, but according to one reviewer, their blades can be "mostly-disappointing" for tasks like cutting small ropes. The Benji's beefy blade and Tanto shape offer a more robust and versatile cutting experience.

Compared to other popular keychain knives, the Benji's 2.72-ounce weight is on the heavier side. This weight is a deliberate design choice that gives it a high-quality feel but might be a dealbreaker for someone who wants to forget they're carrying a knife. The Ultra-Glide technology and frame lock are premium features that are not always found on knives in this price range, making the Benji a great value. Check Price on Amazon

While the thick blade might hinder its performance as a box cutter, it makes it a "solid" choice for other applications where a more durable edge is needed, such as in a camping or survival scenario. The inclusion of a bottle opener and a strong pocket clip also sets it apart from many competitors that offer a more stripped-down design. The Limited Lifetime Warranty from a reputable brand like Smith & Wesson provides a level of confidence that is often missing from smaller, lesser-known brands.

In short, the Benji is not trying to be the thinnest or lightest knife; it's designed to be a reliable workhorse in a small package. For anyone who needs a solid, dependable tool for a variety of tasks, the Benji is an excellent choice. Check Price on Amazon

Final Verdict

The Smith & Wesson Benji 2.5in High Carbon S.S. Folding Keychain Knife is a well-designed, sturdy, and reliable tool that lives up to its promise of being "tiny but mighty." Its compact size makes it an ideal keychain or pocket companion, and the Tanto blade and durable 8Cr13MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel construction ensure it can handle a wide range of cutting and scraping tasks. Check Price on Amazon

While the knife's thickness and weight might not be for everyone, particularly those who need a tool specifically for breaking down cardboard boxes, its beefy build and solid feel are significant advantages. The Ultra-Glide technology, frame lock, and dual-function clip all add to the knife's functionality and security.

Ultimately, the Benji offers an "unbeatable price-to-performance ratio" and is a great option for anyone looking for a small, dependable knife that is built to last. It’s a "pretty good choice for a small knife with a beefy little blade." If you're in the market for a new EDC knife that is as functional as it is cool-looking, the Smith & Wesson Benji is a product you should seriously consider. Check Price on Amazon