Benchmade Full Immunity 290BK-1 – Compact CPM-M4 Wharncliffe Folder
When blade length is restricted, capability doesn't have to be. The Benchmade Full Immunity 290BK-1 puts a sub-2.5" CPM-M4 wharncliffe blade into a slim, easily concealed package, finished in Cobalt Black and mounted between Flat Dark Earth anodized aluminum scales. The wharncliffe grind runs dead straight to an ultra-fine point, which makes it a precise cutter for detail work, opening packages and general utility. The included lanyard speeds retrieval out of a deep pocket, and the AXIS lock lets you open and close the knife with either hand. It is a lot of tactical folding knife in a very small footprint.
Specifications
| Blade Length |
2.49" |
| Blade Thickness |
0.09" |
| Blade Steel |
CPM-M4 (62-64 HRC) |
| Blade Style |
Wharncliffe, plain edge |
| Blade Finish |
Cobalt Black |
| Open Length |
5.94" |
| Closed Length |
3.46" |
| Handle Thickness |
0.50" |
| Handle Material |
Flat Dark Earth anodized aluminum |
| Lock |
AXIS lock |
| Pocket Clip |
Mini deep-carry, tip-up |
| Lanyard |
Included |
| Weight |
2.29 oz |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wharncliffe blade, and what is it good for?
A wharncliffe has a completely straight edge with the spine curving down to meet it at the tip. Because there is no belly, the entire edge contacts your work at once, which makes it excellent for controlled slicing on a flat surface, cutting cordage and box work. The needle-fine point on the Benchmade Full Immunity 290BK-1 also makes it a strong choice for detail tasks and piercing cuts.
Is CPM-M4 good knife steel?
CPM-M4 is a high-carbon, high-vanadium tool steel run at 62-64 HRC, and it is one of the best edge-retention steels Benchmade offers. It holds a working edge far longer than typical stainless steels and is very tough for its hardness. The tradeoff is that CPM-M4 is a tool steel, not a stainless one, so the blade on the Benchmade Full Immunity 290BK-1 needs a little care.
How do you care for the CPM-M4 blade on this knife?
CPM-M4 is not stainless and can develop surface rust or patina if it is left wet or stored damp. Wipe the blade dry after use, especially after cutting anything acidic or salty, and put a light film of oil on it before long-term storage. The Cobalt Black finish on the Benchmade Full Immunity 290BK-1 protects the flats, but the sharpened edge itself is bare steel and is the part to watch.
What is the difference between the Full Immunity and the Partial Immunity?
Both are compact AXIS-lock folders built on the same small platform. The Full Immunity, including the Benchmade Full Immunity 290BK-1, uses full aluminum handle scales and a manual thumb-stud opening, while the Partial Immunity is the automatic version of the design. The Full Immunity is the choice where automatic knives are restricted.
How does the AXIS lock work?
The AXIS lock uses a spring-loaded steel bar that rides in slots in the liners and drops behind the blade tang when the knife is open. Pulling the bar back with the thumb studs releases the blade from either side, so the Benchmade Full Immunity 290BK-1 opens and closes fully ambidextrously without putting a finger in the blade path.
Does this knife qualify for Benchmade LifeSharp?
Yes. LifeSharp is Benchmade's lifetime sharpening and factory service program, and the Benchmade Full Immunity 290BK-1 is covered. Send the knife in and Benchmade will sharpen it, clean and lubricate the mechanism, replace worn hardware and return it ready to carry.
Where is the Benchmade Full Immunity 290BK-1 made?
Benchmade designs and manufactures in Oregon City, Oregon, and the Full Immunity line is part of that USA-made production.
Where can I buy the Benchmade Full Immunity 290BK-1?
Going Gear is an authorized Benchmade dealer, so the Benchmade Full Immunity 290BK-1 you buy here is factory-fresh, fully warrantied and backed by Benchmade's LifeSharp service.
