Unleashing Unrivaled Strength: The Benchmade 808 Loco Folding Knife

For those who demand uncompromising performance and unparalleled durability from their everyday carry or tactical gear, the Benchmade 808 Loco folding knife stands as a true testament to overbuilt excellence. Crafted for the most demanding environments and refined with the precision of custom hardware, the 808 Loco is more than just a knife; it's a dependable partner engineered to meet the challenges of modern life.

Are you searching for a folding knife that can withstand extreme conditions while offering superior ergonomics and cutting power? Do you need a reliable tool for tactical applications, outdoor adventures, or simply robust daily utility? The Benchmade 808 Loco is precisely engineered to answer these questions, providing a blend of brute strength and sophisticated design that few knives can match. It's the ideal choice for military personnel, law enforcement officers, avid outdoorsmen, and discerning collectors who prioritize resilience and high-performance materials.

The Philosophy of "Loco": Why Overbuilt Matters

Benchmade, a name synonymous with American-made quality and innovation, famously dubbed the 808 the "Loco" – a nod to its extraordinarily robust construction. This isn't just marketing jargon; it's a design philosophy. Every aspect of this knife, from its substantial blade thickness to its solid G10 handle, is engineered for maximum resilience and longevity. In a world where tools often compromise between strength and portability, the Loco strikes a perfect balance, delivering a knife that feels substantial and reliable in hand without being overly cumbersome for practical carry.

This commitment to being "overbuilt" translates directly into tangible benefits for the user. It means less worry about failure in critical situations, increased confidence during strenuous tasks, and a knife that will serve faithfully for years to come. Whether you're prying, cutting, or performing detailed work, the Benchmade 808 Loco offers a level of stability and control that inspires confidence, proving its worth in countless scenarios where reliability is paramount.

Precision Engineering and Advanced Materials: The Core of the Loco's Performance

At the heart of the Benchmade 808 Loco's exceptional performance lies a meticulous selection of premium materials and cutting-edge mechanisms. Each component is chosen and crafted to contribute to the knife's overall strength, functionality, and user experience.

The Unyielding Strength of CPM-S30V Blade Steel

The blade of the 808 Loco is forged from CPM-S30V stainless steel, a premium powder metallurgy steel renowned for its outstanding balance of properties. With a hardness rating of 58-60 HRC (Rockwell Hardness Scale), CPM-S30V offers:

• Exceptional Edge Retention: This steel holds a sharp edge for extended periods, reducing the frequency of sharpening and ensuring your knife is always ready for demanding tasks.
• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Its high chromium content makes it highly resistant to rust and staining, crucial for use in diverse environments, from humid forests to saltwater conditions.
• Impressive Toughness: While offering excellent hardness, CPM-S30V also maintains a good level of toughness, resisting chipping and breaking under stress, which is vital for a hard-use tactical knife.
• Ease of Sharpening (Relative to Performance): While a premium steel, CPM-S30V can be sharpened effectively with the right tools and techniques, allowing users to maintain its razor-sharp edge.

The blade's generous thickness of 0.160" (4.06mm) further enhances its structural integrity, making it incredibly resistant to bending and breaking. This substantial spine provides leverage and strength for a wide range of cutting, piercing, and even light prying tasks, distinguishing it from thinner, less robust blades.

The Distinctive Reverse Tanto Blade Style

The 808 Loco features a reverse tanto blade style, a design that blends aesthetic appeal with remarkable utility. This unique shape offers several functional advantages:

• Reinforced Tip: The geometry of the reverse tanto provides an exceptionally strong tip, making it highly resistant to breakage during piercing tasks or when encountering unexpected resistance. This is a critical feature for a tactical or utility knife.
• Excellent Slicing Capabilities: Despite its robust tip, the straight edge leading up to the point offers superb slicing performance for everyday cutting needs.
• Controlled Point: The gradual taper of the spine to the tip allows for precise control during detailed work, while still offering the strength needed for more aggressive applications.

The Revolutionary AXIS® Mechanism

Benchmade's proprietary AXIS® lock mechanism is widely regarded as one of the strongest, safest, and most ambidextrous locking systems available on a folding knife. Its innovative design offers:

• Unrivaled Strength: The AXIS lock engages a hardened steel bar that travels in a slot in both liners and the blade tang, creating an extremely solid and secure lock-up that can withstand immense pressure.
• Smooth, Fluid Action: The mechanism allows for incredibly smooth, one-handed opening and closing, making the knife quick and easy to deploy or retract, even with gloves on.
• Fully Ambidextrous Operation: The AXIS bar can be actuated from either side of the handle, making the 808 Loco equally user-friendly for both left- and right-handed individuals.
• Enhanced Safety: The secure lock minimizes the risk of accidental blade closure during use, a critical safety feature for any hard-working knife.

Ergonomic G10 Handle Material

The handle of the Benchmade 808 Loco is constructed from G10, a durable fiberglass laminate. G10 is favored in high-performance knives for its:

• Exceptional Durability: Resistant to moisture, temperature changes, and impact, G10 ensures the handle maintains its integrity in harsh conditions.
• Secure Grip: The textured surface of the G10 provides an outstanding grip, even when wet or cold, preventing slippage during demanding tasks and enhancing user safety.
• Lightweight Strength: Despite its robustness, G10 helps keep the overall weight manageable for a knife of its size, contributing to comfortable carry.
• Maintenance-Free Performance: Unlike natural handle materials, G10 requires virtually no maintenance to retain its appearance and structural integrity.

With a handle thickness of 0.67" (17.02mm), the Loco fills the hand comfortably, providing a secure and confident grip for extended use.

Thoughtful Design for Everyday Carry and Tactical Use

Beyond its core materials, the Benchmade 808 Loco incorporates several design elements that enhance its utility and carry experience:

• Deep-Carry Pocket Clip: The knife features a deep-carry clip, allowing it to sit low in the pocket for discreet carry. Its reversible tip-up position ensures ambidextrous carrying options, catering to individual preferences.
• Lanyard Hole: A strategically placed lanyard hole provides an attachment point for a lanyard, adding an extra layer of retention and ease of retrieval from the pocket or gear.
• Balanced Dimensions: With an open length of 8.62" (21.89cm) and a closed length of 4.94" (12.55cm), the Loco strikes an ideal balance between a full-sized blade for utility and a compact form factor for everyday portability. Its weight of 6.56oz. (185.97g) feels substantial without being burdensome.

Who Will Benefit Most from the Benchmade 808 Loco?

The Benchmade 808 Loco is a versatile tool designed to excel in a variety of roles. Its robust construction and high-performance features make it particularly appealing to:

• Tactical Professionals: Military personnel, law enforcement officers, and first responders will appreciate its reliability, strong lock, and durable blade for critical situations.
• Outdoor Enthusiasts & Survivalists: Campers, hikers, hunters, and survivalists will find its overbuilt nature perfect for bushcraft, processing game, or emergency preparedness. Its ability to withstand harsh conditions makes it an invaluable companion in the wilderness.
• Everyday Carry (EDC) Aficionados: Those who demand a substantial, high-quality folding knife for their daily tasks will find the Loco's blend of strength, ergonomics, and premium materials highly satisfying. It handles everything from opening packages to more demanding utility work with ease.
• Knife Collectors: The Benchmade 808 Loco, with its unique "overbuilt" reputation, premium materials, and Benchmade's legacy, is a valuable addition to any serious knife collection.

Maintaining Your Benchmade 808 Loco

To ensure your Benchmade 808 Loco continues to perform at its peak for years to come, a few simple maintenance steps are recommended:

• Regular Cleaning: After use, especially in dirty or corrosive environments, clean the blade and pivot area with warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly.
• Lubrication: Apply a small amount of high-quality knife lubricant to the pivot point periodically to maintain the smooth action of the AXIS lock.
• Sharpening: While CPM-S30V holds an edge well, eventual sharpening will be necessary. Use appropriate sharpening stones or systems to maintain the blade's plain edge. Benchmade also offers its renowned LifeSharp service, where they will re-sharpen, re-align, and generally restore your knife to factory specifications for free (excluding shipping costs).
• Storage: Store your knife in a dry environment to prevent any potential corrosion, even with its rust-resistant blade.

Why Choose DEGuns for Your Benchmade 808 Loco?

When investing in a premium tool like the Benchmade 808 Loco, selecting a reputable and reliable seller is crucial. DEGuns is committed to providing authentic, high-quality products and an exceptional purchasing experience. As a trusted retailer, DEGuns ensures you receive a genuine Benchmade product backed by their commitment to customer satisfaction. Explore the full range of Benchmade knives and accessories, including the legendary 808 Loco, at deguns.com, where expertise meets selection.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Benchmade 808 Loco

Q: What makes the Benchmade 808 Loco a "tactical" knife?
A: The Benchmade 808 Loco earns its tactical designation through its robust "overbuilt" construction, strong AXIS® lock mechanism, durable CPM-S30V blade steel with a reinforced reverse tanto tip, and aggressive G10 handle. These features provide the reliability, strength, and secure grip essential for demanding tactical applications where performance cannot be compromised.

Q: Is the AXIS® lock truly ambidextrous?
A: Yes, the Benchmade AXIS® lock is fully ambidextrous. The dual thumb studs allow for one-handed opening from either side, and the AXIS bar can be operated from both sides of the handle, making it equally comfortable and efficient for left- and right-handed users.

Q: How does CPM-S30V steel compare to other common knife steels?
A: CPM-S30V is a premium stainless steel, significantly superior to more common knife steels like 440C or AUS-8 in terms of edge retention and corrosion resistance. While steels like S90V or M390 may offer marginally better edge retention, S30V provides an excellent balance of properties including toughness, making it a very well-rounded choice for a hard-use knife like the Loco.

Q: Can the deep-carry pocket clip be moved to the left side?
A: Yes, the deep-carry pocket clip on the Benchmade 808 Loco is reversible, allowing it to be positioned for tip-up carry on either the right or left side, accommodating different carry preferences.

Q: Is this knife suitable for everyday carry (EDC)?
A: Absolutely. While undeniably robust, the Benchmade 808 Loco is designed to be a highly capable EDC knife. Its closed length of 4.94" and deep-carry clip allow for comfortable and discreet pocket carry, while its overbuilt nature ensures it can handle any daily cutting or utility task with ease and confidence.

Q: Where is the Benchmade 808 Loco manufactured?
A: Like all Benchmade knives, the 808 Loco is proudly Made in USA, specifically in Oregon City, Oregon. This ensures adherence to high manufacturing standards and supports local craftsmanship.

Benchmade 808 Loco Product Specifications

Feature	Detail	UPC
Model Name	Benchmade 808 Loco	610953150550
Designer	Benchmade
Mechanism	AXIS®
Action	Manual-opening
Blade Steel	CPM-S30V (58-60 HRC)
Blade Edge	Plain
Blade Finish	Coated
Blade Style	Reverse Tanto
Blade Length	3.68" (9.35cm)
Blade Thickness	0.160" (4.06mm)
Open Length	8.62" (21.89cm)
Closed Length	4.94" (12.55cm)
Handle Material	G10
Handle Thickness	0.67" (17.02mm)
Weight	6.56oz. (185.97g)
Clip Type	Deep-Carry
Clip Position	Reversible Tip-Up
Lanyard Hole	Yes
MOLLE Compatible	No
Sheath Type	No Sheath (Folding Knife)
Intended Use	Every Day, Tactical