Benchmade 4300-1 CLA Composite Lite Auto – Push-Button Automatic Knife
The Benchmade 4300-1 CLA is a lightweight push-button automatic knife built around a 3.40" satin 154CM drop point blade and layered green and black G10 scales. CLA stands for Composite Lite Auto, and this was Benchmade's first automatic to use G10 handle scales — a slim everyday-carry automatic that fires from a side-mounted button and locks up without the bulk of a heavier tactical folder.
At 3.47 oz with a 4.45" closed length, it carries like a normal EDC folder while giving you true one-hand automatic deployment. An integrated safety lets you lock the button while the knife is in your pocket, and the black oxide deep-carry clip carries tip-up.
Specifications
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Blade Length: 3.40" (8.64 cm)
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Blade Steel: 154CM stainless, 58-61 HRC
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Blade Style: Drop point, plain edge
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Blade Finish: Satin
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Blade Thickness: 0.114" (2.9 mm)
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Handle: Green and black textured layered G10
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Handle Thickness: 0.49" (12.45 mm)
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Action: Push-button automatic with integrated safety
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Closed Length: 4.45" (11.3 cm)
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Overall Length: 7.85" (19.94 cm)
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Weight: 3.47 oz (98.37 g)
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Pocket Clip: Black oxide deep-carry, tip-up
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Origin: Made in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an automatic knife?
An automatic knife, sometimes called a switchblade, deploys its blade under spring pressure when you press a button or slide. The Benchmade 4300-1 CLA is a side-opening push-button automatic: press the button in the handle and the 3.40" 154CM blade snaps open and locks. That is different from an assisted opener, which still needs you to start the blade moving with a thumb stud or flipper.
Are automatic knives legal to carry?
Automatic knife laws vary by state, county, and city, and some places restrict blade length or ownership rather than banning automatics outright. Federal law also limits interstate sale of automatics. Check your current local and state laws before carrying the Benchmade 4300-1 CLA, since it is a true automatic knife.
Who can buy an automatic knife?
It depends on where you live. Many states allow any adult to purchase and carry an automatic, while others limit sales to military, law enforcement, or emergency personnel. Going Gear ships the Benchmade 4300-1 CLA in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local restrictions.
What steel is the Benchmade 4300-1 CLA?
The Benchmade 4300-1 CLA uses American-made 154CM stainless steel at 58-61 HRC. It is a well-balanced EDC steel with good edge retention, easy resharpening, and solid corrosion resistance, so it does not need the oiling routine a carbon tool steel would.
What makes the Benchmade 4300-1 CLA different from the rest of the CLA line?
Handle material. The Benchmade 4300-1 CLA was the first CLA to use G10 handle scales instead of the Grivory used elsewhere in the family, in a layered green and black pattern. G10 is resin-laminated fiberglass, so it is more rigid and more textured in hand than a molded polymer handle.
What is LifeSharp and is it included?
LifeSharp is Benchmade's free lifetime sharpening and reconditioning service. Send the Benchmade 4300-1 CLA back to Benchmade and they will clean, oil, adjust, and re-sharpen it to a factory edge. It is included for the life of the knife.
Where is the Benchmade 4300-1 CLA made?
The Benchmade 4300-1 CLA is made in the USA at Benchmade's factory in Oregon City, Oregon, where the company designs, manufactures, and services its knives.
Where can I buy the Benchmade 4300-1 CLA?
You can buy the Benchmade 4300-1 CLA at Going Gear, an authorized Benchmade dealer. Buying from an authorized dealer means a genuine knife backed by Benchmade's lifetime warranty and LifeSharp service.
