Benchmade Triage: "Dial 915 for Help" by Nutnfancy

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Published 2011-05-18

Another TNP Hall of Fame blade, the Benchmade 915 Triage shows design elegance. It is ground breaking in its blending of the effective rescue cutting hook and 3.5" modified sheepsfoot blade. Though extremely lighweight and easy to carry, most of us cannot integrate the Benchmade Rescue cutters into our daily systems and they usually get left out. The 915 solves that miss with an unobtrusive rescue hook which lays unseen and flat within the handle until needed. This blackened rescue hook is made of out 440C steel and it breezes through all types of media to include thick fabrics, cordage, leather, vinyl, carpet, burlap, etc. It will provide excellent game dressing capabilities as well. This hook deploys easily with good detent, has jimping at its base, and does not lock. The N680 steel blade is mostly flat ground making reprofiling easier after long term use. This choice of steel took a fine edge but was not tested in heavy duty cutting and it arrived somewhat dull with an abrupt primary bevel (corrected in sharpening). The N680 steel promises excellent corrosion resistence with its integration of nitrogen and might make the Triage a good choice for frequent fresh water/occasional salt water use. Like its other stablemates the 950 Rift or 550/551 Griptilian, the blade has a strong tip, excellent belly, and a quality finish. The handle on this version features the vibrant, high traction orange G10 scales that are cut from some of the best handle material G10 I've seen. These scales are affixed to a highly and impressively skeletonized 420 SS frame and together they produce a surprisingly slim carry package, one of the 915's impressive attributes. These scales, a moderate finger groove, and some liner jimping provide good traction. Weight clocks in at a reasonable 5.2 oz which lighter than carrying an equivalent BM rescue hook and separate knife. The knife deploys quickly but needed some tweaking to get the balance of speed and lockup acceptable to me. The Axis lock as usual is a favored locking mechanism of mine: fast, ambi, long wearing, and strong. The Triage's blackened loop pocket clip is perfect, carrying deep with good strength. It thankfully carries tip up and can be swapped to left or right sides. The thumb studs provide good traction for deployment and are not occluded by the handle. The also are easily removed for sharpening systems that need flat portions to ensure consistent angles. The Triage in 2011 was offered in orange and black G10 scales with both serrated and plain edge versions. Value is good considering quality levels and capabilities (which dominate other blades like the Gerber Hinderer Rescue Knife). A street price of $140 is to be expected, maybe less if you're lucky. Such a unique blade also delivers 2nd Kind of Cool enjoyability. But its real calling is that of helping people and providing great utility to the soldier, kayaker, outdoorsman, police officer, parmedic, fireman, SWAT officer, or responsible civilian.///////////////////////////Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 9 of 10 (if razor sharp with more gradual bevel, adjusted from box then 10); Would like to see S30V steel version//////////////////////Music: : www.partnersinrhyme.com////////////// Note: Benchmade contacted me immediately upon viewing this video. They are grateful for the honest publicity and very cool about the honest observations I make on the Triage. They are addressing the sharpness issues with all due haste.

All Comments (21)

@nutnfancy 13 years ago

@taterb171 Thanks for the comment. As for the Gerber Hinderer Rescue, here's my take. It is a dedicated rescue knife. A blunt tip and jagged serrations means it can't flex into other POUs as the Triage can. The 915 is suited as water, tactical, EMT, medical, soldiers blade. All edges should be sharp w the non-cutting edge being patient side perhaps. Also the Triage rescue cutter is the best I've ever seen and used, in 440C no less. Gerber is mystery steel, probly reflected in price.
@subatomicflame 9 years ago

Why are so many people complaining about price? Benchmades aren't meant to be cheap. They would end up lowering quality in order to make it cheaper. (There are already a bunch of cheaper options out there) A full size griptillian is more than $100 and the rescue cutter would cost more, so depending on what kind of deal you can find, this is a great tool for the price. This knife is definitely on my list of blades I want to get!!! Great vid as always !
@10th3r 11 years ago

I just received my Triage 915 today, and it is perfect! Plenty sharp, no play in the lock-up, and the blade is perfectly centered. Mine is black on black with beautiful fit and finish! Great job Benchmade! If you were only going to carry one knife, you'd be hard pressed to beat this knife. Thanks Nut'n, for this and your many other insightful video gear reviews.
@jessewise4274 9 years ago

i have had my 915 for almost 2 years now. and as a wild land fire fighter this knife is just outstanding. if your on the fence or not sure if you want this knife, the answer is yes you do its is worth every penny!
@poobah187 11 years ago

Finally got this knife thanks to my girl for christmas 2012. I can't recommend this thing highly enough as an EDC for EMT/Firefighters. Yes it's pricy but it'll last for years and you count on it everyday. My holy grail of knives.
@loginaction 12 years ago

Just picked up a Triage today and I will be putting it to service. I am a firefighter and will be using it as a utility blade for auto extraction and whatever else i encounter. Thanks nutnfancy!
@StreetAvengerGS 13 years ago

My father is a professional firefighter with 33yrs on the job. He saw this blade and said "that's the perfect knife for what I do". Ill be giving one of these to him for fathers day.
@JBrunDog 9 years ago

Just picked up a 915 - perfect centering, no blade play, shaving sharp from the factory. Benchmade bringing it to the black class. Better presentation on this piece in my experience only than on blue class to date. Thanks for the review.
@a2m4m60 13 years ago

@BuzzleFonic and this is what we need more of!!! We need people like you that are prepared for what ever comes there way instead of relying on outside sources for help. Self sufficiency America!!!!
@mista1two 13 years ago

Awesome friggin' blade review, Nutn. Your vids always remind me how fun and useful good blades can be.
@BigOStyle1 13 years ago

Nice! Thanks for posting. Keep up the good work and keep sharing the knowledge!!!
@ParamedicPants 13 years ago

Deffinatly picking one of these up for my professional carry. Youv'e done it again Nutn, lol. Thank you for what you do. Keep up the strong work and stay safe.
@brandonbriggs 13 years ago

I have waited for this review ever since I saw it in the shot show video!!!!! LOVE THIS KNIFE!
@703z06 8 years ago

just picked up one of these on sale on amazon for 85$!!!! it was used but the seal on the box hadn't been opened yet. what a steal. great knife, looking forward to using it
@DavidTanisDreams 13 years ago

I remember seeing this in the booth review and saying to myself: I have to get this for my fire fighter buddy.
@vparkpume 12 years ago

Thanks Nutnfancy. Your review always helpful.
@scooter17568 13 years ago

Great review and how great that Benchmade responded so quickly. Quality company.
@manocchio 11 years ago

As always great review nutn. Just picked up one of these for my cousin who is currently deployed in the navy.
@VaperSteve1975 13 years ago

Love the new POU point. Grinds can be everything. Another awesome review brother!
@KNDoperative 13 years ago

PERFECT knife for SAR Missions! I'm in the Civil Air Patrol , and am getting training for search and rescue missions with my squadron. This knife would be awesome for that POU! thanks for the review!