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Knives Illustrated has learned that the premier model in the Benchmade Presidio series will have a new look. The Benchmade Auto Presidio II offers everyday carry enthusiasts a departure from the usual black tactical knives. This new model features a blade of CPM-M4 steel with a Tactical Gray Cerakote finish and burnt bronze anodization on the T6 aluminum handles. It’s a good look, yet still subdued, so you can carry an attractive knife while still being discreet.
Benchmade Presidio: Familiar Features
The Benchmade Auto Presidio II features a partially serrated blade and the company’s Auto Axis opening / lock mechanism.
What hasn’t changed is that this newest model still makes use of the Auto Axis mechanism that allows you to deploy the Presidio with a simple pull of the Axis Bar.
The blade is a partially serrated drop point that’s 3.72 inches long and 0.14 inches thick. The handle is 5.0 inches long, giving the knife an overall open length of 8.72 inches.
It’s a relatively large, high-performance design that’s still easy to carry. It weighs 6.32 ounces.
Other Presidio Models Still Available
The Presidio features a deep-carry pocket clip that’s reversible for tip-up carry.
If you want to stick with classic black, the earlier Presidio Auto is still available. It measures the same as the new model and uses CPM-S30V steel.
Also available are manual models with one-handed opening via thumb studs. There are also Mini Presidio II models that feature either a black or matte stainless finished plain-edge blade of CPM-S30V steel. Those Mini models feature blades 3.2 inches long and handles 4.34 inches long.
For more information, go to www.Benchmade.com.
The Specs
Model: Benchmade Auto Presidio II
Type: Automatic folder
Blade Steel: CPM-M4 with gray Cerakote finish
Blade Length: 3.72 inches
Blade Thickness: 0.140 inches
Blade Configuration: Partially serrated drop point
Overall Length: 8.72 inches
Closed Length: 5.00 inches
Weight: 6.32 ounces
Handle Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum with Burnt Bronze finish
Handle thickness: 0.63 inches
Other: Reversible pocket clip for tip-up carry; lanyard hole
MSRP: $300