Benchmade 491 Lowden folding knife

Benchmade 491 Lowden Folding Knife – Modern Design in a Compact Form

The Benchmade 491 Lowden blends elegance, speed, and precision into a refined everyday carry knife. Inspired by the symmetrical lines of classic daggers, it features a rounded handle base and a modern flipper opening system. Its compact dimensions and excellent ergonomics make it an ideal companion for daily tasks, combining sophisticated styling with reliable functionality.

Key Features

• M390 stainless steel blade for exceptional edge retention and wear resistance

• Spear Point blade profile with a refined satin finish

• AXIS® Lock paired with a flipper for fast, smooth deployment

• Lightweight 6061-T6 anodized aluminum handle in Crater Blue

• FDE Deep Carry pocket clip with durable PVD coating

• Designed for versatile everyday carry use

Premium M390 Blade Steel

The Lowden is equipped with a Spear Point blade made from M390 stainless steel, widely regarded as one of the finest steels used in production knives. Hardened to 58–61 HRC, M390 offers outstanding sharpness retention, excellent abrasion resistance, and strong corrosion protection thanks to its high vanadium and carbon content.

The satin blade finish enhances its refined appearance while supporting precise cutting performance in various conditions. For maintenance, diamond sharpeners are recommended due to the hardness of the steel.

AXIS® Lock and Flipper Deployment

This model incorporates Benchmade’s patented AXIS® Lock system combined with a flipper mechanism. The result is quick, smooth, and reliable blade deployment with a high level of safety. The mechanism is fully ambidextrous and known for its durability and resistance to dirt and wear. Bronze washers further enhance the smooth opening action.

Lightweight and Durable Handle

The handle is constructed from anodized aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum in an eye-catching Crater Blue finish. Precision milling and ergonomic shaping provide a secure and comfortable grip while keeping the weight to approximately 85 grams.

A Deep Carry pocket clip in FDE with PVD coating allows discreet pocket carry while maintaining quick and easy access.

Compact Size with Maximum Practicality

With an overall length of 173 mm when open and approximately 103 mm when closed, the Lowden offers excellent portability. The 70.9 mm blade length and slim profile make it suitable for detailed work as well as general everyday tasks. It is a knife that merges modern design with practical performance.

Technical Specifications

• Blade Lock: AXIS® Lock

• Blade Shape: Spear Point

• Edge Type: Plain

• Knife Type: Folding

• Opening Mechanism: Flipper

• Blade Finish: Satin

• Blade Steel: M390 stainless steel

• Hardness: 58–61 HRC

• Blade Length: 70.9 mm

• Blade Thickness: 2.29 mm

• Closed Length: 102.9 mm

• Overall Length: 173 mm

• Handle Thickness: 12.75 mm

• Handle Material: 6061-T6 anodized aluminum

• Handle Color: Blue (Crater Blue)

• Clip: Deep Carry, FDE color, PVD coated

• Opening Support: Bronze washers

• Intended Use: Everyday carry (EDC)

• Corrosion Resistance: High

• Weight: 84.77 g

• Warranty: Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

• Model Number: 491