The Benchmade 8551BK Mediator Auto is Benchmade’s latest push-button automatic. The Mediator is slim and light, but still rock solid in construction, employing some of the world’s finest knife materials. The handle has G-10 handle scales with a milled chevron pattern and the (Plain Edge-No Serrations) reverse tanto blade is CPM-S90V steel with a black Cerakote finish. A safety lock on the handle prevents unintentional blade collapse and deployment. The Mediator incorporates a reversible tip-up deep carry pocket clip, and a lanyard hole.
CPM-S90V Steel: CPM-S90V steel is well known for its wear-resistance. According to Crucible, S90V is used in plastic feedscrews, valve components, nozzles, slitters, cutters, gear pumps, pelletizing equipment, bearings, and other hard use parts. In the knifemaking world, S90V is legendary for its near perfect edge-retention. It is close to impossible to dull a blade made of CPM S90V. That being said, you need the patience of a saint to sharpen it, however infrequent that may be. S90V is in the upper echelon of knifemaking “super steels”, as is evident by the hefty price tag that accompanies the knives to which it adorns.
Benchmade 8551BK Mediator Auto Specifications:
Overall Length: 7.75″
Blade Length: 3.30″
Cutting Edge: 3.125
Blade Width: 0.75″
Blade Thickness: 0.115″
Blade Material: CPM-S90V
Hardness: 59-61 HRC
Blade Style: Reverse Tanto
Blade Grind: Flat
Edge: Plain – No Serrations
Handle Material: G-10 (Milled Chevron Pattern)
Handle Color: Black
Safety: Yes
Weight: 2.8 oz
