Benchmade 470 Emissary – 3.00" S30V AXIS-Assist Folder
The Benchmade 470 Emissary is the compact original in the Emissary line, a Warren Osborne design built around a 3.00" satin CPM-S30V blade and an AXIS-Assist mechanism. At 2.20 oz with a 3.90" closed length, it sits in the pocket like a small gentleman's folder but opens with the speed of a spring assisted knife.
The handle is CNC machined from billet high strength aluminum with a reversible tip up clip, and the AXIS lock carries a safety, which is unusual on a knife this size. Ambidextrous thumb studs start the blade and the assist takes it the rest of the way. Retailer spec sheets describe the blade as a clip point, while some Benchmade catalog copy for the Emissary line calls it a modified drop point; the profile sits between the two.
Specifications
- Blade steel: CPM-S30V stainless
- Blade length: 3.00"
- Blade thickness: 0.090"
- Blade finish: satin
- Edge: plain
- Hardness: 58-60 HRC
- Handle: CNC machined billet high strength aluminum
- Handle thickness: 0.450"
- 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 uses a spring or bar that takes over once you start the blade moving yourself, usually with a thumb stud or flipper. The Benchmade 470 Emissary uses Benchmade's AXIS-Assist, so pressure on the thumb studs begins the motion and the assist completes the opening.
Is the Benchmade 470 Emissary an automatic knife?
No, and the distinction matters legally. An automatic fires from a button or slide with the blade fully at rest, while the Benchmade 470 Emissary is an assisted opener that requires you to physically start the blade with the thumb studs first. Many jurisdictions that restrict automatics treat assisted openers differently, but you should confirm your own state and local rules.
How do you close the Benchmade 470 Emissary?
Pull the AXIS bar back to release the lock and let the blade swing shut. Because the AXIS bar is accessible from both sides, the Benchmade 470 Emissary closes just as easily left or right handed. The knife also has a safety that can hold the mechanism when it is not in use.
What is the difference between the 470 Emissary and the 477 Emissary 3.5?
Size. The Benchmade 470 Emissary is the smaller original with a 3.00" blade at 2.20 oz, while the 477 Emissary 3.5 is the larger follow up with a 3.45" blade at 3.95 oz. Both are Warren Osborne AXIS-Assist designs in CPM-S30V.
Does the Benchmade 470 Emissary need special steel care?
No. CPM-S30V is a stainless steel, so the Benchmade 470 Emissary does not need the oiling routine a carbon steel blade would require. A wipe down and an occasional drop of oil at the pivot is enough.
Is the Benchmade 470 Emissary made in the USA?
Yes. It is built at Benchmade's facility in Oregon City, Oregon.
Does the 470 Emissary qualify for LifeSharp?
Yes. Benchmade's LifeSharp service covers sharpening, cleaning and adjustment for the life of the knife, and the Benchmade 470 Emissary is eligible.
Where can I buy the Benchmade 470 Emissary?
Going Gear is an authorized Benchmade dealer. The Benchmade 470 Emissary has been discontinued by Benchmade, so availability depends on remaining stock.
