Benchmade Shootout: The Mini Freek Gets a MagnaCut Refresh
Benchmade enthusiasts have a new reason to celebrate: the Mini Freek has received a MagnaCut blade steel refresh, bringing one of the most hyped supersteels of the decade to one of the brand's most versatile EDC platforms.
The Mini Freek (model 565) has always been a fan favorite, offering a thinner, more pocket-friendly alternative to the full-size Freek while retaining the comfortable contoured handle. The new iteration swaps out the previous S30V blade for CPM MagnaCut — Crucible's nitrogen-infused powder metallurgy steel that offers an exceptional balance of toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.
The 3.0-inch drop-point blade maintains the same full-flat grind that made the original such a capable slicer. The handle remains a combination of textured G-10 over a stainless steel liner with the AXIS lock mechanism that Benchmade is famous for. At 2.5 ounces, the Mini Freek MagneCut is a lightweight powerhouse for everyday carry.
In the expanding field of MagnaCut EDC knives, the Mini Freek competes with the Hogue Deka and the Quiet Carry Waypoint. Where the Freek distinguishes itself is the ergonomic handle contouring — the sculpted G-10 fits the hand better than the Deka's flat scales and offers more grip texture than the Waypoint's smooth titanium.
Benchmade's AXIS lock remains one of the most trusted mechanism in the industry, and pairing it with MagnaCut steel creates a truly premium EDC package. MagnaCut's unique nitrogen-infused metallurgy provides corrosion resistance that rivals LC200N while offering wear resistance comparable to S30V. For EDC users who live in humid environments or near salt water, this combination is particularly compelling. The Mini Freek's contoured G-10 handle has been subtly reshaped to provide a more positive grip, with deeper texturing at the contact points.
The Verdict: The Benchmade Mini Freek in MagnaCut is a worthy upgrade to an already excellent design. If you've been waiting for a production MagnaCut knife from a major brand with proven warranty support, this is it.