Benchmade 380 Aller – CPM-S30V Wharncliffe Friction Folder
The Benchmade 380 Aller is a non-locking friction folder built as a pocket multi-tool as much as a knife. Designed with Patrick Famin and Eric Demongivert, it packs a 1.60" CPM-S30V wharncliffe blade, a bottle opener, a screwdriver and pry tip, a micro bit slot and a money clip into 1.80 oz.
The handle layers black G10 over a blue G10 base, so the edges of the scales show a blue line where the layers meet. It is a small, flat, quietly useful thing to carry, well suited to opening packages, breaking down boxes and the assorted small jobs that come up in a day.
Key Features
- 1.60" CPM-S30V wharncliffe blade, 58-60 HRC, satin finish, plain edge
- Non-locking friction folder design
- Integrated bottle opener, screwdriver and pry tip, micro bit slot
- Black G10 handle over a blue G10 base layer
- Removable and reversible money clip, tip-up carry
- 1.80 oz, made in Oregon City, Oregon, USA
Specifications
- Model: Benchmade 380 Aller
- Blade steel: CPM-S30V stainless, 58-60 HRC
- Blade length: 1.60"
- Blade thickness: 0.090"
- Blade shape: Wharncliffe, plain edge, satin finish
- Handle: Black G10 with blue G10 base layer
- Mechanism: Friction folder, non-locking
- Closed length: 3.30"
- Overall length: 4.48"
- Weight: 1.80 oz
- Origin: Made in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a friction folder?
A friction folder has no lock and no spring. The blade is held open by friction against the pivot and by pressure from your grip, often assisted by an extended tang that your thumb or finger rests on. The Benchmade 380 Aller uses this design, which keeps it simple, slim and light, and in many jurisdictions places it in a less restricted category than a locking folder.
Does the Benchmade 380 Aller lock open?
No. The Benchmade 380 Aller is deliberately non-locking. Because there is no lock to stop the blade closing on your fingers, keep a proper grip on the handle, cut away from yourself and avoid tasks that push the spine of the blade back toward the closed position.
What is a wharncliffe blade good for?
A wharncliffe has a straight cutting edge with the spine curving down to meet it at the tip, so the whole edge stays in contact with what you are cutting. That makes the Benchmade 380 Aller good at controlled slicing on a flat surface, opening packaging and detail cuts where a fine point helps.
What is LifeSharp?
LifeSharp is Benchmade's lifetime factory service. Send your Benchmade 380 Aller to Benchmade and they will sharpen the blade, replace worn hardware where possible and return it to working condition, free of charge for the life of the knife.
Where is the Benchmade 380 Aller made?
The Benchmade 380 Aller is designed and manufactured at Benchmade's facility in Oregon City, Oregon, USA.
Is Going Gear an authorized Benchmade dealer?
Yes. Going Gear is an authorized Benchmade dealer, so the Benchmade 380 Aller ships as a genuine factory product with full manufacturer warranty and LifeSharp coverage.
