Benchmade knife is made for military, law enforcement, and public safety workers. The last class is the Gold class, also known as the Collector class. This class of Benchmade knife is made for collectors and are limited edition. Benchmade has a patent on the locking mechanism used in most of the switchblades they produce. Benchmade additionally holds an exclusive license on use of the McHenry / Williams "AXIS Lock", a spring operated locking mechanism used in both automatic and manual action models. The AXIS lock is extolled by many knife enthusiasts for its one-handed operation, strength, and ambidexterity, qualities some say are not shared by other knife locks such as the linerlock, framelock, or lockback. This type of lock also has a smaller chance of accidentally being pressed during use. Benchmade has a long tradition of incorporating knife design from noted custom cutlery makers into their production models. These include Jody Samson, Ernest Emerson, Allen Elishewitz, Mel Pardue, Bill McHenry, Mike Snody, Jason Williams, Warren Osborne, Ken Steigerwalt, and Bob Lum. Several production Benchmade models based on the work of these designers have become influential within the industry. Some of the Benchmade knife models include: Benchmade Griptilian Benchmade Freek Benchmade Crooked River Benchmade Bushcrafter Benchmade Infidel Benchmade SOCP Benchmade 556 Mini Griptilian Benchmade Contego (Discontinued) Benchmade 940 Osborne Benchmade BKC Bedlam Axis Benchmade Serum (Discontinued) Benchmade Mini Barrage Benchmade Model 42 Benchmade Model 535 Bugout Benchmade Model 537 Bailout Benchmade Model 51 Morpho Awards and honors Benchmade has won several awards and recognition for product innovation and design. The Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Knife of the Year Winner, Benchmade 915 Triage (2011) Field & Stream Best Fixed Blade Knife Winner, Benchmade 162 Bushcrafter (2013) Kokatat American Made Outdoor Gear 'Sassy' Award Winner, Benchmade (2014) 50 Campfires Gear of the Year Award Winner, Benchmade 551 Griptilian (2014) Knife News Dealer's Choice Best Overall Award Winner, Benchmade (2016) Oregon Manufacturing Awards, Product Innovation Category Winner, Benchmade (2017) Gallery References External links Knife manufacturing companies Oregon City, Oregon Manufacturing companies established in 1979 Manufacturing companies based in Oregon Privately held companies based in Oregon Companies based in Clackamas County, Oregon