Benchmade 4600-1 Phaeton – Satin S30V Double Action OTF Automatic
The Benchmade 4600-1 Phaeton is the dark earth handled version of Benchmade's 4600 out the front automatic. A 3.45" satin CPM-S30V drop point rides in a machined 6061-T6 billet aluminum handle, and a spine mounted thumb slide both fires and retracts the blade. On this model line the -1 suffix denotes the handle colour, not the blade: the 4600-1 keeps the satin blade of the base 4600 and changes the handle to dark earth.
At 3.01 oz with a deep carry reversible clip, the Benchmade 4600-1 Phaeton is one of the lighter full size OTF automatic knives, which is much of why it earned a following as an EDC OTF rather than purely a desk piece.
Specifications
- Blade steel: CPM-S30V stainless
- Blade length: 3.45"
- Blade thickness: 0.112"
- Blade shape: drop point, satin finish
- Hardness: 58-60 HRC
- Edge: plain, single edge
- Handle: dark earth anodized 6061-T6 billet aluminum
- Handle thickness: 0.47"
- Action: double action OTF automatic, thumb slide fire and retract
- Closed length: 4.63"
- Overall length: 8.08"
- Weight: 3.01 oz
- Clip: deep carry, reversible, tip down
- Benchmade Black Class, made in the USA (Oregon City, Oregon)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does OTF mean in knives?
OTF stands for out the front. The blade travels straight out of the front of the handle rather than pivoting on a pin. The Benchmade 4600-1 Phaeton is an OTF automatic knife driven by a thumb slide on the handle spine.
How does the OTF mechanism on the Benchmade 4600-1 Phaeton work?
It is a double action OTF. Pushing the thumb slide forward fires the blade out and locks it in place, and pulling the same slide back retracts it. A single action OTF only fires in one direction and has to be recocked by hand, so a double action like the 4600-1 Phaeton is the more convenient of the two for everyday opening and closing.
In what states are OTF knives illegal?
Automatic and OTF knife rules are set at state and often city level and they change over time. Some places restrict ownership, others only carry, and some set a blade length limit. Check the current law where you live and where you plan to carry before buying the Benchmade 4600-1 Phaeton.
What does the -1 in the model number mean?
On the Phaeton line the -1 indicates the handle colour. The Benchmade 4600-1 Phaeton has a dark earth handle with a satin blade, while a DLC suffix on this line would indicate a black DLC coated blade instead.
Does the Benchmade 4600-1 Phaeton need special steel care?
No. CPM-S30V is a stainless steel, so the Benchmade 4600-1 Phaeton does not need the oiling routine a carbon or tool steel blade requires. Keeping pocket lint and grit out of the OTF track is the maintenance that actually matters on an out the front.
Is the Benchmade 4600-1 Phaeton made in the USA?
Yes. It is built at Benchmade's facility in Oregon City, Oregon.
Does the 4600-1 Phaeton qualify for LifeSharp?
Yes. Benchmade's LifeSharp service covers sharpening, cleaning and adjustment for the life of the knife, and the Benchmade 4600-1 Phaeton is eligible.
Where can I buy the Benchmade 4600-1 Phaeton?
Going Gear is an authorized Benchmade dealer. The Benchmade 4600-1 Phaeton has been discontinued by Benchmade, so availability depends on remaining stock.
