Benchmade 470-1 Emissary – Black Aluminum S30V AXIS-Assist Folder
The Benchmade 470-1 Emissary is the black handled version of the compact Emissary, a Warren Osborne design running a 3.00" satin CPM-S30V blade on Benchmade's AXIS-Assist mechanism. On this model line the -1 suffix denotes the handle, not the blade: the Benchmade 470-1 Emissary keeps the satin blade and changes the handle to black anodized billet aluminum.
It weighs 2.20 oz and closes to 3.90", which is what made the Emissary a popular small EDC assisted opening knife. The AXIS lock includes a safety, the thumb studs are ambidextrous, and the deep carry clip is reversible for tip up carry on either side. Retailer spec sheets call the blade a clip point while some Benchmade catalog copy describes it as a modified drop point.
Specifications
- Blade steel: CPM-S30V stainless
- Blade length: 3.00"
- Blade thickness: 0.090"
- Blade finish: satin
- Edge: plain
- Hardness: 58-60 HRC
- Handle: black anodized billet aluminum
- Lock: AXIS lock with safety
- Opening: AXIS-Assist spring assisted, ambidextrous dual thumb studs
- Closed length: 3.90"
- Overall length: 6.90"
- Weight: 2.20 oz
- Clip: reversible, tip up
- Designer: Warren Osborne
- Benchmade Blue Class, made in the USA (Oregon City, Oregon)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an assisted opening knife?
An assisted opening knife has a spring that takes over after you start the blade moving by hand. The Benchmade 470-1 Emissary uses AXIS-Assist: press the thumb studs to begin the motion and the assist carries the blade the rest of the way open.
Is the Benchmade 470-1 Emissary an automatic knife?
No. An automatic fires from a button or slide with no manual movement of the blade, while the Benchmade 470-1 Emissary requires you to start the blade with the thumb studs. This is a meaningful distinction, since many places that restrict automatic knives treat assisted openers separately. Check your own state and local law.
How do you close the Benchmade 470-1 Emissary?
Draw the AXIS bar rearward to unlock and let the blade swing closed. The AXIS bar is reachable from both sides, so the Benchmade 470-1 Emissary is fully ambidextrous to close, and the safety can lock the mechanism when the knife is stowed.
What does the -1 mean in the model number?
On the Emissary line the -1 marks a handle colour change rather than a blade change. The Benchmade 470-1 Emissary is the black anodized aluminum version, and an S in a model number on this line indicates a serrated or combo edge instead.
Does the Benchmade 470-1 Emissary need special steel care?
No. CPM-S30V is stainless, so the Benchmade 470-1 Emissary does not need the maintenance a carbon steel blade requires. Wipe it down and keep the pivot lightly oiled.
Is the Benchmade 470-1 Emissary made in the USA?
Yes. It is built at Benchmade's facility in Oregon City, Oregon.
Does the 470-1 Emissary qualify for LifeSharp?
Yes. Benchmade's LifeSharp service covers sharpening, cleaning and adjustment for the life of the knife, and the Benchmade 470-1 Emissary is eligible.
Where can I buy the Benchmade 470-1 Emissary?
Going Gear is an authorized Benchmade dealer. The Benchmade 470-1 Emissary has been discontinued by Benchmade, so availability depends on remaining stock.
