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Benchmade Anthem Voted Best New High-End Knife 2017

November 18, 2017

Presented by: Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpeners

We are pleased to announce that the Benchmade 781 Anthem is the KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice for Best New High-End Knife 2017. Votes cast by dealers indicated that other great new blades in this category included the Fox Phoenix, Olamic Swish, and the Zero Tolerance 0850.

The Benchmade Anthem is the Oregon City knife company’s first foray into a one-piece, integral construction, and they made it count. Producing an integral handle brings all sorts of challenges. “Being able to create a single piece titanium billet handle in itself is no easy task and then you increase the difficulty by finding a way to bring it to production level,” Benchmade’s Derrick Lau explains.

Sometimes first attempts turn into learning experiences. But with the Anthem, Benchmade managed to nail the landing on their first try. Every angle and facet of the Anthem’s handle shows an attention to detail. Intricate milling covers each surface and is perfectly cut.

Benchmade Anthem

The thumbstuds, blade finish, and sculpted titanium pocket clip are all unique to this knife. Benchmade even went out of its way to adapt its Axis Lock. Intended for compatibility inside the integral frame, this iteration displays the same glass-smooth action fans are used to – enhanced further by a ball-bearing pivot. “The 781 Anthem, like the 87, is a knife that we feel is a testament to our dedication to manufacturing,” Lau tells us.

For those able to procure one, the Anthem proved itself a world-class tool as well as a high-end collector’s piece. The rigid frame, high-utility blade shape, inimitable Axis Lock action, and CPM-20CV super steel make sure the Anthem can walk the walk too.

Visit KnifeNews.com tomorrow to find out the winner of the KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Award for Best New Value Folder 2017 (See the nominees below).

NOMINEES FOR BEST NEW VALUE FOLDER 2017

Böker Lancer: Serge Panchenko’s unusual EDC folder makes a rare custom design widely available.

Böker Lancer

CRKT Pilar: CRKT and collaborator Jesper Voxnaes had a smash hit on their hands with this tiny tank.

CRKT Pilar

Kershaw Dividend: Slim, fast, and useful, the Dividend proved to be the EDC-friendly littler brother to the Link.

Kershaw Dividend

Spyderco Polestar: CTS-BD1 steel and an unusual denim blue coloration set this value folder apart.

Spyderco Polestar

Steel Will Cutjack: A newcomer to the value market, Steel Will used the high-performance Cutjack as a statement of intent.

Steel Will Knives Cutjack

We Knife Co. Blitz: Stylish, affordable, and benefiting from classic We Knife Co. fit and finish, the Blitz proved to be must-have EDC.

We Knife Co. Blitz

AWARDS SCHEDULE

Best New Tactical Fixed Blade 2017 
WINNER: Spartan Blades Hybris

Best New Outdoor Fixed Blade 2017
WINNER: TOPS El Chete

Best New Multitool 2017
WINNER: SOG Baton Q2

Best Knife Upgrade 2017
WINNER: Spyderco Maxamet Manix 2 Lightweight

Best New Automatic Knife 2017
WINNER: Buck Knives 110 Auto

Best New High-End Knife 2017 (MSRP of $300 or more)
WINNER: Benchmade 781 Anthem

Sunday, November 19: Best New Value Folder 2017 (MSRP of $100 or less)

Monday, November 20: Best New Manual Folder 2017

Tuesday, November 21: Most Innovative New Knife 2017

Wednesday, November 22: Best Overall New for 2017 Lineup

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