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Benchmade Presidio II
The Benchmade Presidio is a duty folder with a long service record. Mel Pardue designed it, the same maker behind the Griptilian, and it began as the Model 5000 Auto AXIS carried by military and police before Benchmade built the manual 520 so civilians could own the same knife. The Presidio II carries that design forward in Benchmade's Black Class tactical line, with an overbuilt frame on full steel liners and a hand-filling grip. Every Presidio II is made in the USA.
Presidio II 570 and Mini 575 in CF-Elite
In 2020, the manual Presidio II moved from aluminum to CF-Elite, a carbon fiber reinforced polymer that Benchmade rates up to 17 percent lighter and 50 percent stiffer than glass-filled handle materials. The full size 570-1 runs a 3.72 inch CPM S30V drop point with a top swedge, 8.72 inches open and 5 closed, at 4.97 ounces. The Mini 575-1 trims to a 3.2 inch blade at 3.19 ounces with the same lock and ergonomics. Both carry thumb studs on each side and a reversible tip up clip.
Benchmade 5700 Auto Presidio II
The 5700 is the Presidio's automatic roots brought forward: a machined aluminum handle with the same 3.72 inch blade firing on an AXIS automatic. Pull the bar and it opens, and the same bar closes it. The 5700SBK runs black S30V with a partially serrated edge, and the 5700SGY-1 steps up to gray coated CPM M4 on thicker .140 inch stock for hard use. See more autos in our side opening automatic knives.
How the Presidio II AXIS Lock Holds Up
A hardened steel bar rides in slots in both liners, pushed forward by two omega springs. It wedges the blade tang against a large stop pin, and the blade only closes when you pull the bar back. Because the bar sits on both sides, the lock works the same for either hand. Our comparison of every major knife steel covers the S30V and M4 options.
Presidio II vs Griptilian
Both are Mel Pardue AXIS designs, but they are built for different days. The Griptilian is the lighter everyday carry with Grivory scales. The Presidio II is the heavier duty knife, with an overbuilt frame and more handle for gloved or hard use.