Benchmade 491 Lowden AXIS Lock Flipper Knife — M390 Satin, Crater Blue Aluminum Handle

Benchmade has built its reputation on the AXIS Lock — and the 491 Lowden marks the mechanism's return to the flipper format. Inspired by the symmetry and circular pommel of traditional daggers, the Lowden takes that classic silhouette and runs it through a thoroughly modern design process, arriving as a compact, fidget-friendly EDC flipper that's as fast to open as it is satisfying to carry.

The 2.79" spear point blade is M390 stainless steel, hardened to 58–61 HRC with a satin finish. M390's combination of outstanding edge retention and corrosion resistance makes it a natural choice for a knife intended for daily carry — it stays sharp through frequent use and holds up in any environment without demanding constant maintenance. The spear point geometry offers a symmetrical profile with excellent tip control and a versatile edge that excels at the kind of precise, everyday cutting tasks a folder sees most often. A blade spine swedge reduces visual mass without compromising edge geometry.

The AXIS Lock flipper mechanism is the heart of the carry experience. A finger lever on the blade tang gives you a fast, snappy deployment with a smooth, reliable lockup — and the ambidextrous AXIS bar means left-handers get the same effortless one-handed close as right-handers. The handle scales are milled from Crater Blue anodized 6061-T6 aluminum — lightweight, durable, and finished with a textured surface that provides genuine grip without being aggressive in the pocket. At 0.502" thick, this handle fills the palm without adding bulk, and the FDE-finished deep-carry reversible tip-up pocket clip keeps the knife low-profile and accessible from either side. At 2.99 oz it carries with authority without weighing you down. Proudly made in the USA and backed by Benchmade's LifeSharp service.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model: 491
• Blade Length: 2.79" (7.09 cm)
• Blade Thickness: 0.09" (2.29 mm)
• Handle Length (Closed): 4.05" (10.29 cm)
• Handle Thickness: 0.502" (12.75 mm)
• Overall Length (Open): 6.81" (17.30 cm)
• Blade Steel: M390 Stainless Steel (58–61 HRC)
• Blade Style: Spear Point
• Blade Grind: Flat
• Blade Finish: Satin
• Blade Edge: Plain
• Lock Type: AXIS Lock
• Opening: Flipper (Finger Lever)
• Handle Material: Crater Blue Anodized 6061-T6 Aluminum
• Pocket Clip: FDE-Finished Stainless Steel, Reversible Tip-Up, Deep Carry
• Weight: 2.99 oz (84.77 g)
• UPC: 610953213510
• Made in the USA

STORE INFO

In Stock & Ready to Ship from ClassicBlades. As an authorized Benchmade dealer since 2003, every knife we sell is 100% authentic and covered by Benchmade's LifeSharp service. Available for pickup at our Fort Oglethorpe, GA store — usually ready within 24 hours. Or order online for fast shipping. Questions? Call us at 1-800-548-9412 — we're happy to help.