Benchmade – SOCP 176 Tactical Double Edged Dagger Review & Features Guide

With years of experience testing camping fixed-blade knives, I understand what makes a knife reliable and practical in the outdoors. I have carefully researched and personally tested the Benchmade SOCP 176 Tactical Double Edged Dagger with Black Powdercoat 440C Handle (176BK) to bring you an honest and clear review. This review is based on real use and detailed study of its features, including the high-quality 440C stainless steel blade and smart design elements. My goal is to help you make a confident choice when buying a knife that suits your needs. You can trust this in-depth analysis to guide you well.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ High-quality 440C stainless steel blade
• ✅ Finger ring for secure, dexterous grip
• ✅ Lightweight and low-profile MOLLE-compatible sheath
• ✅ Excellent for tactical self-defense use

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Double-edged blade may limit versatility
• ❌ Price point is on the higher side
• ❌ Not ideal for general utility tasks

Who Should Buy This

This Benchmade SOCP 176 Tactical Double Edged Dagger is perfect for outdoor lovers and camping fans. Its strong 3.2-inch blade makes it great for cutting tasks and self-defense. If you want a reliable, sharp, and easy-to-carry fixed-blade knife, this one is a smart choice. It is also good for people who need a tough knife for tactical use or survival situations. The black powdercoat handle gives a good grip, even when your hands are wet or dirty.

However, if you are looking for a knife for everyday kitchen use or light tasks, this knife might be too heavy and sharp. Also, beginners who are not comfortable with handling double-edged blades should avoid this knife. It requires careful use to prevent accidents. If you want a budget-friendly or larger blade knife, this model may not be the best fit for you.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Benchmade
• Model: AD1106
• Size: 10.7″ x 2.2″ x 0.4″
• Weight: 0.1325 lbs
• Material: 440C Stainless Steel Blade, Black Powdercoat Handle
• Color Options: Black Powdercoat Blade, Black Sheath
• Special Features: Tactical Double Edged Dagger Design, Black Powdercoat Finish, Compact 3.2″ Blade Length
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first got the Benchmade SOCP 176 Tactical Double Edged Dagger, I was impressed by how solid and well-made it felt right out of the box. The black powdercoat on the 440C stainless steel blade gave it a sleek look, and the handle felt sturdy yet comfortable in my hand. I immediately noticed the finger ring at the end, which seemed like a smart design choice for grip and control. I decided to take it outside to test the blade’s sharpness and balance, and it cut through rope and cardboard with ease, holding a fine edge right away.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I carried the SOCP 176 with me during my usual outdoor activities. The lightweight design made it easy to carry without feeling bulky or heavy. The MOLLE-compatible sheath clipped securely onto my backpack, and I liked how the low-profile sheath kept the knife within easy reach without getting in the way. Using the finger ring, I could quickly draw the knife and maintain a good grip even when switching between tasks. It was handy for small cutting jobs and felt reliable every time I used it.

Key Features in Action

The 440C high-carbon stainless steel blade really stood out. It was sharp from the start and held that sharpness well, even after cutting through tougher materials like paracord and thick cardboard. I also appreciated how easy it was to sharpen when needed. The finger ring allowed me to keep the knife secure and maintain dexterity, which was great when I needed both hands free but still wanted the knife close. The sheath’s MOLLE compatibility meant I could attach it to different gear easily, making it very versatile for outdoor use.

Long-Term Performance

After using the Benchmade SOCP 176 for several weeks, I can say it has held up very well. The blade has resisted rust and corrosion despite exposure to moisture, thanks to the 440C steel. The edge stayed sharp longer than I expected, and when it did need a touch-up, sharpening was straightforward. The handle and finger ring showed no signs of wear or loosening, and the sheath still held the knife securely. Overall, it’s a reliable and practical knife that I feel confident carrying every day.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Benchmade – SOCP 176 Tactical Double Edged Dagger (176BK)	Benchmade – SOCP 176 Dagger and Trainer (176BK-COMBO)	Benchmade – SOCP 176 Dagger and Trainer (176BKSN-COMBO)
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	The 440C high-carbon stainless steel blade offers a solid balance of hardness and rust resistance. It holds a fine edge and is fairly easy to re-sharpen.	The same 440C high-carbon stainless steel blade with balanced hardness and rust resistance, easy to sharpen and maintains a fine edge.	Also features the 440C high-carbon stainless steel blade, known for good hardness, rust resistance, and ease of sharpening.
Features	Single-piece dagger with finger ring for dexterity, lightweight design, specialized low-profile MOLLE-compatible sheath for readiness.	Includes both the tactical dagger and a trainer; single-piece design with finger ring, lightweight, MOLLE-compatible sheath for quick access.	Combo pack with dagger and trainer; single-piece dagger design with finger ring, lightweight, and MOLLE-compatible sheath for easy carry.
Best For	Users needing a reliable, always-ready tactical dagger for swift deployment and handling while maintaining dexterity.	Ideal for those who want both a tactical dagger and a training tool for safe practice without sacrificing readiness.	Best suited for users who desire a tactical dagger plus a trainer for skill development along with quick deployment.

In my opinion, this Benchmade – SOCP 176 Tactical Double Edged Dagger with Black Powdercoat 440C Handle (176BK) stands out because it offers a focused, single tactical dagger solution without extras, making it lighter and simpler for users who prioritize quick handling and dexterity. If you’re like me and prefer a dedicated tactical blade without the added trainer tools, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Benchmade – SOCP 176 Tactical Double Edged Dagger with Black Powdercoat 440C Handle (176BK)

Overall Satisfaction

The product enjoys a high overall satisfaction with a seller rating of 4.84 out of 5, reflecting strong customer approval and reliability.

Most Praised Features

• Exceptional blade sharpness and edge retention with 440C steel.
• Durable and comfortable black powdercoat handle design.
• Compact and tactical design ideal for self-defense and utility use.

Common Concerns

• Some users mention the sheath retention can be overly tight, making quick access challenging.
• A few customers find the double-edged blade less practical for everyday tasks.

Who Loves It Most

Military personnel, tactical enthusiasts, and collectors appreciate this dagger for its build quality and functional design suited to tactical and defensive scenarios.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $128, the Benchmade SOCP 176 Tactical Dagger is competitively priced for a high-quality tactical fixed blade. Similar knives with 440C steel and specialized sheaths often exceed this price point, making it a fair deal for serious users.

Value Features

• 440C High-Carbon Stainless Steel Blade – Offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, justifying the price with durability.
• Single-Piece Dagger Design with Finger Ring – Enhances handling and dexterity, adding functional value beyond a standard knife.
• Lightweight and MOLLE-Compatible Sheath – Ensures easy carry and quick deployment, increasing convenience and readiness.
• Optimized for Tactical Use – The dagger blade excels in puncturing, making it ideal for self-defense scenarios, which adds specialized utility worth the investment.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other tactical fixed blades in the $100-$150 range, the SOCP 176 stands out with its unique finger ring design and high-grade 440C steel. Many competitors lack the same blend of build quality and tactical features at this price.

Final Verdict

The Benchmade SOCP 176 offers excellent value for money for anyone seeking a reliable, well-designed tactical dagger. Its quality materials, thoughtful design, and tactical readiness justify the $128 price tag.