The Guide Test: Benchmade Intersect

In the fast-paced world of being a fly fishing guide, having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference between a successful day on the water and one filled with frustration. As a fishing guide, “The Guide Test” sets out to test new gear and see how it holds up to the everyday use and abuse of the guide life. If it can hold up to guide use, it can hold up to just about anything.

As a fishing guide, I’ve seen and used a multitude of knives over the years, but something about the Benchmade Intersect piqued my interest. Touted as a durable, corrosion-resistant knife, I was eager to see how it would withstand consistent use in and around water. After all, guides are notorious for being harsh on their gear. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the Benchmade Intersect’s specifications, performance, and overall utility from the perspective of a fishing guide who demands both functionality and reliability in their gear.

Product Specs and Features:

Blade Material and Design

The Benchmade Intersect stems from an all-new lineup of knives called “The Water Collection.” These knives are designed for the sole purpose of being used in and around the water. All knives in this collection, including the Intersect, feature CPM-Magnacut steel, a premium stainless steel renowned for its balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. This high-performance steel ensures the knife remains sharp over extended periods, crucial for the varied tasks a fishing guide and their clients encounter. The blade measures 2.68 inches, offering a versatile size ideal for detailed work and more robust tasks, like cutting through fishing lines.

The blade itself sports a drop-point design with a slightly curved edge. This shape is advantageous for various cutting tasks commonly encountered on the water. The drop point provides a robust and versatile tip for piercing, while the curved edge facilitates smooth slicing motions, whether you’re handling a fish or trimming tag ends. The blade also features a flat grind, contributing to its keen edge and allowing for clean, precise cuts.

Handle and Ergonomics

The handle of the Intersect is coated in a unique rubberized grip, which Benchmade calls Santoprene, creating a robust yet comfortable tool. This material is particularly noteworthy for its ability to provide a secure hold even when wet—a critical feature for a knife used in fishing environments. The handle’s textured surface prevents slippage, ensuring the knife remains firmly in hand, whether you’re spreading peanut butter on a client’s sandwich or cutting leaders in a rain-soaked setting.

The handle’s design also includes a slight finger guard and a well-defined choil, which adds to its ergonomics and prevents your hand from slipping onto the blade. The overall balance of the knife feels evenly distributed, reducing hand fatigue during extended use, which is a significant advantage for a fishing guide using the knife continuously throughout the day.

Sheath and Carry Options

The Intersect comes with a well thought out sheath that complements its rugged design. Made from durable materials, the sheath is water and wear-resistant, offering protection for the blade and convenience for the user. The sheath includes a secure belt clip and a retention strap, ensuring the knife stays firmly in place during transportation. It is also an ambidextrous sheath, meaning you can slide the blade in either direction. I am cursed with being ambidextrous, so some days I like to wear the Intersect on my left, and some days I want it on my right side. This multidirectional feature minimizes time fiddling with the knife and maximizes time fishing.

On the Water Testing:

Cutting Efficiency

The Intersect is the first knife I have tested that boasts CPM-Magnacut steel, and I have to say I am now a fan. The CPM-Magnacut steel used in the Intersect excels in edge retention and sharpness. The blade performs like new after extensive use, including cutting through nylon rope, shoelaces, and various fishing lines. The edge is still factory sharp, and the knife maintains its cutting efficiency without frequent sharpening. Just ask my fellow guide, who now has a half-shaved right leg after deciding to test out its sharpness for himself. After a good laugh and cleansing of leg hair out of my boat, I realized how sharp this knife stays. This edge retention is particularly valuable in a fishing guide’s context, where having a reliable, sharp blade is essential for both efficiency and safety.

With its curved edge, the drop-point blade design performs admirably in a range of tasks. The knife’s versatility shines through whether I’m working on trimming delicate tippet or more substantial cutting. Additional jimping down the blade’s spine creates added grip for delicate tasks. By positioning my thumb along the jimping, I dramatically improve my dexterity for little things like trimming tag ends. While not intentional, the jimping doubles as a great place to hold your line before cutting. I simply place the line between one of the grooves, hold it with my thumb, and make clean cuts, knowing I have the right amount of line ready.

Corrosion Resistance

Given the aquatic environment in which a fishing guide operates, corrosion resistance is a critical factor for any knife. Too often, I forget to clean a knife and realize it has rusted the next time I’m on the river. The Magnacut blade steel offers excellent corrosion resistance–which is vital when dealing with saltwater exposure. Even though I deal mainly in freshwater, the added assurance that rain, river water, and the occasional trip to the salt won’t rust this blade is reassuring. After all, paying $200 for a knife that rusts on you is no fun.

It’s still a good idea to wash this knife off and wipe it dry with the included cloth after fishing, but the peace of mind is a significant advantage. It allows me to focus on guiding clients and fishing rather than meticulously cleaning and maintaining my gear.

Ergonomics and Comfort

The ergonomic design of the Intersect is on par with other knives that I have tested, if not a little better. Although rather small, the handle’s rubberized grip and shape ensure a secure hold, even in wet conditions. This design feature is particularly beneficial when handling fish and other slippery objects on a boat. The comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue, which is crucial during long days on the water.

Another noteworthy aspect of the knife is its balance. The weight distribution between the blade and handle feels well-proportioned, contributing to ease of use and minimizing strain on the user’s hand and wrist. This balance is essential for performing tasks efficiently without compromising precision or control.

Durability

The Benchmade Intersect is simply built to last. The combination of high-quality materials and robust construction ensures that the knife can withstand the rigors of frequent use in challenging environments. The handle’s durability and the blade’s resistance to corrosion and wear make this knife a dependable tool for a fishing guide who needs equipment they can depend on. Add to that a lifetime warranty, and this tool is an investment you’ll have for years to come.

Maintenance and Care

Benchmade recommends that the blade be cleaned and dried thoroughly after exposure to saltwater to prevent any potential corrosion and the handle can be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove dirt or grime. As mentioned earlier, I mainly guide freshwater, so I rarely clean the Intersect as recommended. Even without meticulous cleaning, the knife performs flawlessly. Periodic sharpening is also recommended to maintain the blade’s edge, although the CPM-Magnacut steel’s edge retention reduces the frequency of this task. Benchmade also offers its LifeSharp program, in which they’ll resharpen the knife to its factory edge for the life of the blade. 

The knife’s sheath is also easy to clean and maintain. Its water-resistant properties help prevent moisture buildup, and the durable material ensures that it withstands regular use. An additional drain hole at the bottom of the sheath removes excess water. Proper care of the knife and sheath will ensure that they remain in excellent working condition for years.

Drawbacks

With the overall blade length being 6.5 inches, it can tend to feel a little small in the hands. I have smaller hands, and I sometimes have trouble seating my hand correctly. It is not nearly to the point where it is dangerous, but I think an extra half inch could have gone a long way in suiting more hand sizes. The only other drawback I have noticed with this knife is the button latching system preventing the knife from sliding out. It is not that the knife slides out, but it holds the blade in so tight that it can be hard to get the snap buttons lined up. I do not see this as a big issue; over time, I got used to having to look down to make sure I did indeed button it back correctly.

Final Thoughts:

The Benchmade Intersect has proven to be an outstanding tool for my day-to-day guiding journey. Its combination of high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and robust performance makes it a valuable asset in a demanding environment. The knife’s CPM-Magnacut steel blade offers exceptional edge retention, while its ergonomic handle and well-balanced design ensure comfort and control during use.

The Benchmade Intersect is an excellent choice for any angler seeking a reliable, high-performing knife that can handle a range of tasks while standing up to the challenges of a marine environment. Its durability, cutting efficiency, and ease of maintenance make it a standout option in the field, and it has earned its place in my gear collection. Whether you’re an experienced guide or an avid angler, the Intersect Knife is a tool that delivers both functionality and performance so that you’re always prepared for whatever the day on the water may bring.

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