Benchmade 153 BK- Jungle Bolo and 154 BK Jungle Clip knives. Designed by Warren Osborne.
The Blade: The Bolo Jungle and Jungle Clip are made from thick carbon steel with a black textured coating to prevent rust. The extra mass at the tip carries considerable weight for effective chopping.
The handle: Orange Santoprene handle has a texture for additional grip and a comfortable rubbery feel that absorbs shock. An integrated guard keeps the hand out of harm’s way and increases safety. Lanyard tube at the end of the handle is ready to accept a retaining cord.
The Sheath: Stitched brown leather sheath has a split down one side and a leather retaining strap with snap. Sewn on belt loop allows the sheath to hang low for easy carry.
The Jungle Bolo's Blade Length is: 9.00″, the Jungle Clip Blade Length is 9.69". Both are made of 1095 Spring Steel with a Rockwell Hardness 57-59 HRC.
Benchmade discontinued them for some reason, maybe the orange Orange Textured Santoprene handle did not look traditional Benchmade and turned off some buyers and Benchmade needing greater sales volume dropped the line. I think they retailed for a little over $100 apiece which was a reasonable price for Benchmade, in 2017 they carried a $130 MSRP.
They came with a nice leather sheath; the Jungle Bolo had a keeper strap, the Jungle Clip was a friction fit. Sewn on belt loop allows the sheath to hang low for easy carry. I found the Orange Textured Santoprene handle comfortable with a sure grip and while both knives were weight forward, they did not strain the wrist.
Benchmade described the blade: "The black coated 1095 spring steel blade is thick enough for clearing heavier brush but will still work for vines & grasses." Knives have a blade thickness of .0195 and a blade hardness of 57-59HRC. That level of hardness should give you a blade that can take some abuse, not chip and be maintained in the field with a sharpening stone as well.
An integrated guard keeps the hand out of harms way and increases safety. Lanyard tube at the end of the handle is ready to accept a retaining cord.
The Jungle Bolo is designed to chop well, sharing some of the characteristic of a Khukuri. The Jungle Clip is a more all around design with a cutting blade and piercing point. Best part, they were designed by Warren Osborne, a gifted designer and made in the USA by Benchmade.
Recently acquired a rare 2015 Jungle Clip Prototype.
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