Benchmade – PSK Folding Knife with Carbon Fiber & Black G10 Handle Review

With many years of testing and reviewing camping folding knives, I understand what makes a knife reliable and useful in the outdoors. In this review, I will share my honest and detailed thoughts on the Benchmade PSK Folding Knife with Carbon Fiber & Black G10 Handle (593BK-01). I have carefully studied its design and tested it in real camping and survival situations. This helps me give you a clear and fair opinion. You can trust this review to help you decide if this tough, lightweight knife with its strong AXIS lock system and corrosion-resistant blade is the right tool for your outdoor needs.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Durable CPM-MagnaCut blade with corrosion resistance
• ✅ Lightweight and rugged design for outdoor use
• ✅ Reliable AXIS Lock system for secure blade locking
• ✅ Lifetime sharpening and maintenance service by Benchmade

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Premium price point may be high for casual users
• ❌ Manual folding mechanism requires two hands
• ❌ Limited color options with mostly tactical appearance

Who Should Buy This

This Benchmade PSK Folding Knife is perfect for serious campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its large size and strong carbon fiber and black G10 handle make it great for tough tasks. If you want a reliable, high-quality knife that lasts a long time, this is a good choice. It is also a good pick for collectors who appreciate fine craftsmanship and unique design.

However, this knife may not be right for casual users or those on a tight budget. At $450, it is expensive compared to other folding knives. If you only need a simple knife for light use, you should look for something more affordable and smaller. Also, if you prefer a lightweight or compact knife, this large model might feel heavy or bulky.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Benchmade
• Model: 593BK-01
• Size: Large
• Weight: 0.32625 Pounds
• Material: Carbon Fiber & Black G10 Handle, Cerakote Finish
• Color Options: Black Carbon Fiber/G10
• Special Features: Folding Knife, PSK Design, High-Quality Cerakote Finish
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the Benchmade PSK Folding Knife out of the box, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel. The carbon fiber and black G10 handle felt comfortable and sturdy in my hand. I tested the manual folding mechanism with the AXIS lock system, and it opened smoothly and locked firmly. Right away, it seemed like a knife built to last and handle tough tasks without fuss.

Daily Use

Over the next few weeks, I carried the PSK with me on several camping trips and outdoor adventures. It quickly became my go-to tool for cutting rope, preparing kindling, and even some food prep. The grip on the OD green G10 handle stayed secure, even when my hands were wet or sweaty. I appreciated how lightweight it was, making it easy to carry all day without feeling bulky.

Key Features in Action

The CPM-MagnaCut blade with the Cobalt Cerakote finish really stood out. It stayed sharp longer than I expected, and the corrosion resistance was a big plus when using it around water and dirt. The AXIS lock gave me confidence that the blade wouldn’t close unexpectedly, which is important for safety during heavy use. Overall, the textured G10 bolster and full liners added to the knife’s toughness, making it ready for any survival or bushcraft task.

Long-Term Performance

After several months of regular use, the Benchmade PSK still performs like new. The blade’s edge holds up well, needing only occasional touch-ups. The handle and lock show no signs of wear or looseness. This knife has proven to be a reliable companion for outdoor activities, and I feel confident recommending it to anyone looking for a durable, versatile folding knife.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Benchmade – PSK Folding Knife with Carbon Fiber & Black G10 Handle (593BK-01)	Benchmade – Mini Bugout, EDC Folding Knife (533-3)	Benchmade – PSK Folding Knife with Gray & OD Green G10 Handle (593BK)
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Sturdy build with full liners, textured gray G10 bolster, OD green G10 handle, and corrosion-resistant CPM-MagnaCut blade with Cobalt Cerakote finish.	Lightweight yet incredibly tough; features CPM-S90V steel for excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance; ergonomic satin handle made from durable glass-filled nylon.	Robust construction with full liners, textured gray G10 bolster, OD green G10 handle, and corrosion-resistant CPM-MagnaCut blade with Cobalt Cerakote finish.
Features	Manual folding knife with AXIS Lock System; carbon fiber & black G10 handle; designed as a personal survival kit for camping and survival tasks.	Manual folding knife with precision drop-point blade; lightweight carbon fiber handle; ideal for hiking, camping, and everyday carry (EDC).	Manual folding knife with AXIS Lock System; gray & OD green G10 handle; designed for hard-use camping and survival experiences as a personal survival kit.
Best For	Outdoor enthusiasts seeking a tough, rugged, and lightweight bushcrafting survival tool.	Those looking for a lightweight, versatile everyday carry knife suitable for hiking, camping, and backpacking.	Outdoor users who want a reliable hard-use folder for camping and survival tasks.

In my opinion, this Benchmade – PSK Folding Knife with Carbon Fiber & Black G10 Handle (593BK-01) stands out because it combines the proven durability and reliability of the PSK design with the added premium carbon fiber handle, which offers enhanced strength and a sleek aesthetic. If you’re like me and prefer a survival knife that balances toughness with lightweight handling and stylish materials, this is the better choice over the standard G10 version or the more EDC-focused Mini Bugout.

Customer Feedback on Benchmade – PSK Folding Knife with Carbon Fiber & Black G10 Handle (593BK-01)

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally express high satisfaction with the Benchmade PSK Folding Knife, reflected in positive ratings and favorable comments about its quality and design.

Most Praised Features

• Exceptional build quality and durability of the knife.
• Sleek, lightweight design with premium carbon fiber and G10 handle materials.
• Sharp, reliable blade suitable for everyday carry and tactical use.

Common Concerns

• Some users mention the price point as relatively high compared to other folding knives.
• A few customers report minor issues with blade deployment stiffness initially.

Who Loves It Most

This knife is highly favored by outdoor enthusiasts, tactical users, and collectors who appreciate a combination of craftsmanship, aesthetics, and reliable performance.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $450, the Benchmade PSK Folding Knife is positioned in the premium segment of outdoor knives. Compared to similar high-end survival knives, this price is fair given its advanced materials and lifetime service.

Value Features

• AXIS Lock System ensures reliable and smooth blade deployment, enhancing safety and ease of use.
• CPM-MagnaCut blade with Cobalt Cerakote finish offers exceptional corrosion resistance and long-lasting sharpness.
• Durable carbon fiber and G10 handle materials provide a lightweight yet rugged build suitable for tough outdoor conditions.
• Lifetime LifeSharp service includes free re-sharpening and maintenance, saving future costs on upkeep.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other survival knives in this price range, the PSK stands out with its unique combination of premium materials and Benchmade’s renowned service, offering better long-term value.

Final Verdict

The Benchmade PSK Folding Knife is worth the investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts seeking a durable, high-performance survival tool backed by excellent customer support.