Benchmade – Mini Narrows Folding Knife with Black Titanium Handle Review

As a long-time tester and reviewer of pocket knives and folding knives, I have handled many models with different designs and features. My experience helps me understand what makes a knife reliable and useful in daily tasks. In this review, I will share my honest thoughts on the Benchmade Mini Narrows Folding Knife with Black Titanium Handle (743BK-01). I have carefully studied its build, mechanism, and materials, and personally tested its performance. My goal is to give you clear and simple information so you can decide if this knife is the right choice for you. Trust this in-depth analysis to guide your purchase with confidence.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Ultra-thin, strong titanium frame
• ✅ Smooth Torsion Spring AXIS lock
• ✅ High-quality CPM-20CV stainless steel blade
• ✅ Excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Premium price point
• ❌ Small blade size may limit some uses
• ❌ Manual opening requires two hands

Who Should Buy This

The Benchmade Mini Narrows Folding Knife with Black Titanium Handle is perfect for knife collectors and outdoor enthusiasts. If you want a high-quality, durable knife that feels great in your hand, this is a great choice. It is also ideal for people who appreciate fine craftsmanship and need a reliable tool for everyday carry. Its sleek design and strong titanium handle make it a stylish and practical option.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly knife or need something for heavy-duty tasks, this knife might not be the best fit. Its price is higher than many other pocket knives, and it is designed more for precision and style than tough, rough use. Also, if you prefer a smaller or lighter knife, the large size of this model may feel too bulky for you.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Benchmade
• Model: 743BK-01
• Size: 6.02″ x 2.76″ x 1.73″
• Weight: 0.124 lbs
• Material: Titanium Handle with DLC Finish
• Color Options: Black Titanium
• Special Features: Folding Knife, Mini Narrows Design, DLC Coating for Durability
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the Benchmade Mini Narrows out of the box, I was impressed by how solid and sleek it felt. The black titanium handle gave it a cool, modern look that caught my eye right away. Opening and closing the knife was smooth thanks to the AXIS lock system, which felt very reliable and satisfying. Holding it in my hand, I noticed it was surprisingly lightweight but still felt strong and sturdy, which made me excited to put it to the test.

Daily Use

I carried the Mini Narrows with me every day for a couple of weeks to see how it would handle normal tasks. From opening packages to cutting rope and even slicing fruit, this knife performed effortlessly. Its small size made it easy to carry and pull out quickly, while the sharp CPM-20CV blade stayed sharp longer than I expected. I really appreciated how comfortable the titanium handle felt, even after using it for extended periods.

Key Features in Action

The AXIS lock system was definitely the star feature for me. It made opening and closing the knife safe and easy, without any wobbling or play in the blade. The titanium frame felt ultra-strong yet light, which made carrying it all day comfortable without sacrificing durability. Also, the blade’s corrosion resistance stood out when I used it outdoors – it didn’t rust or dull even after cutting through some wet materials.

Long-Term Performance

After using the Mini Narrows for several weeks, I can say it held up really well. The edge retention on the CPM-20CV steel was impressive, needing only minor touch-ups. The folding mechanism continued to work smoothly without any stiffness or looseness. Overall, this knife proved to be a reliable, high-quality tool that’s perfect for everyday carry and tough enough for more demanding tasks.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Benchmade Mini Narrows Black Ti Handle (743BK-01)	Benchmade Narrows 748 Black DLC Ti Handle (748BK-01)	Benchmade Mini Narrows Gray Ti Handle (743)
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Engineered with an ultra-thin and mega-strong titanium frame; CPM-20CV stainless steel blade with excellent edge retention and superior corrosion resistance; features smooth Torsion Spring AXIS lock.	Uses aerospace-grade DLC Titanium handle that is strong and lightweight; features Torsion AXIS mechanism with thrust bearings for smooth blade action; polished black DLC M390 drop-point blade and components.	Same ultra-thin and mega-strong titanium frame as black version; CPM-20CV stainless steel blade with excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance; smooth Torsion Spring AXIS lock.
Features	Manual folding knife with AXIS Lock System; sub-three-inch CPM-20CV blade; black titanium handle; refined minimalist carry.	Manual folding with Torsion AXIS mechanism and thrust bearings; black DLC titanium handle; polished black DLC M390 drop-point blade; lightweight aerospace-grade materials.	Manual folding knife with AXIS Lock System; sub-three-inch CPM-20CV blade; gray titanium handle; refined minimalist carry.
Best For	Users seeking a compact, minimalist carry knife with durable black titanium handle and superior blade performance.	Users desiring a premium, ultra-lightweight EDC with enhanced smooth blade deployment and a sleek black DLC finish.	Users who prefer the same reliable Mini Narrows design but with a gray titanium handle for a different aesthetic.

In my opinion, this Benchmade Mini Narrows Folding Knife with Black Titanium Handle (743BK-01) stands out because it combines the refined minimalist carry of the Mini Narrows design with a sleek black titanium handle that offers both durability and style. Its CPM-20CV blade ensures excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, making it a reliable everyday carry. If you prefer a compact knife with a bold black finish and top-tier materials, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Benchmade – Mini Narrows Folding Knife with Black Titanium Handle (743BK-01)

Overall Satisfaction

The product enjoys a generally positive reception with an average seller rating of 4.47 out of 5 based on 80 customer reviews, indicating solid satisfaction among buyers.

Most Praised Features

• Compact and lightweight design ideal for everyday carry.
• High-quality black titanium handle praised for durability and aesthetics.
• Sharp, reliable blade with smooth opening mechanism.

Common Concerns

• Some users find the blade size too small for heavier tasks.
• A few reports of the pocket clip being less secure or uncomfortable.

Who Loves It Most

Outdoor enthusiasts, collectors, and those seeking a premium, compact folding knife appreciate the Benchmade Mini Narrows for its blend of craftsmanship and portability.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $580, the Benchmade Mini Narrows is positioned at the high end of the folding knife market. Compared to similar premium knives with titanium handles and high-grade steel, this price is on the expensive side but aligns with luxury and collector-grade models.

Value Features

• Ultra-thin titanium frame: Offers exceptional durability and lightweight feel, justifying the premium cost.
• CPM-20CV blade steel: Provides superior edge retention and corrosion resistance, enhancing long-term value.
• AXIS Lock System: Ensures smooth, reliable operation for safe everyday use.
• Prime shipping included: Saves on additional delivery costs, adding convenience and value.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other folding knives in the same category, the Mini Narrows stands out for its minimalist design and high-quality materials. While some competitors may offer lower prices, they often compromise on blade steel or handle quality.

Final Verdict

The Benchmade Mini Narrows Folding Knife is worth its price for enthusiasts and collectors who value premium materials, craftsmanship, and reliable performance. For casual users, the cost may be harder to justify.