View Full Version : Benchmade SOCP Dagger Review
LeipersForkFirearms
04-11-12, 23:26
Just did a new Review on My Blog leipersforkfirearms.blogspot.com on the Benchmade SOCP Dagger. Thought it may be of some interest, enjoy! (the images dont line up as well as they do on the blog)
Benchmade SOCP Dagger Review
The Benchmade SOCP Dagger arrived in the mail today and I couldn't wait to tear into the review. Lets start off with some background.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RGI1BicmG5Q/T4Y0YXvLuBI/AAAAAAAAAP8/FHUdyp6dwwQ/s320/DSC00097.JPG
SOCP or Special Operations Combatives Program was designed by Greg Thompson and is the official Combatives program for the U.S. Special forces. Greg Thompson in coordination with our operators overseas realized the need for a low profile defensive knife for the unique situations of modern combat operations. Currently in Afghanistan the military's roll has put soldiers inside homes and confined spaces of the battlefield often weighted down by heavy load-outs. Soldiers in confined spaces encumbered by their gear inevitably leads to restricted mobility and the bad guys have reacted accordingly, often resulting to "wrestling matches" or attacking soldiers from behind in order to use their limited movement against them. These and other actual incidents were studied by Greg Thompson and the Benchmade SOCP Dagger is the resulting problem solver.
This Dagger (and yes it is a Dagger) was designed as a Close Combat Weapon that would be low profile, lightweight, effective, and allow the operator to swiftly transition to a firearm (they have succeeded in all categories) http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tzl3CXnfbfw/T4Y0Z2ZFbhI/AAAAAAAAAQE/be0oUsTIJt8/s320/DSC00098.JPG
The first thing you notice on the knife is the skeleton design making this dagger lightweight and fast. Adding the SOCP dagger to a MOLLE vest is a barely noticed addition. This is a HUGE deal when you can be dragging 100+ pounds of gear around, the last thing you need is a 2lb survival knife that is too bulky to do any good.
The Next unique addition to this blade is the key ring style finger loop on the end of the handle. Not only does this loop allow for an extremely quick draw (with either hand) but it also allows for an ergonomic feel to wielding the knife with a "Hammer Grip" ( the index finger goes through the loop.)
This is the Hammer Grip except picture the pointer finger through the loop and the point angled down slightly, This picture was to show the relative size of the knife in hand.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gxpmJMDR4nY/T4Y0eyCMLSI/AAAAAAAAAQk/ilZFIeeRPu4/s320/DSC00102.JPG
The finger loop in combination with the way the dagger sits in the sheath (very low profile) provides a low visibility profile and also makes this weapon extremely hard for an assailant to grab or use against the owner. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uOmZyeMmRk/T4Y0bpQOReI/AAAAAAAAAQM/jlUXagsyXX0/s320/DSC00099.JPG
With an overall length of 7.25" the blade itself takes up 3.22". The handle in addition the the well fitting handle makes this small slim dagger fit your hand extremely well. If you still have concerns of you hand slipping down the blade (as is a valid concern with some dagger designs) you don't have to worry with this design. The end of the dagger (1.37" by my measure) is the only sharpened surface. This knife is purpose designed, its meant for stabbing, penetrating, and overall being a nasty little knife (not for opening boxes or doing your holiday wrapping). The Extreme point is also needle sharphttp://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lqNX18Wsa5E/T4Y0f4DZYXI/AAAAAAAAAQs/6xoZm-MTJjg/s320/DSC00103.JPG
The Sheath that goes with the knife is as slim and purposed as the blade. Designed to slip easily into MOLLE webbing (and it does) or fit discretely inside of a waistband. Many people who carry this knife use it as a neck or boot knife but, as slim as the blade is, I find the 7.25" length to be a hair much for those categories and more useful on a vest or inside a waistband. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8GVofJyZKI/T4Y0d6_VrJI/AAAAAAAAAQc/mvgNqO47lmY/s320/DSC00101.JPG
As always, Benchmade has produced a high quality product. This Dagger is from Benchmade's BLACK Class which is designed specifically for military and law enforcement use and stands up to those qualities. If your line of work places you in a possible close combat situation (Swat, LE, active duty, Civilian Sheep dog) I highly suggest looking into the Benchmade SOCP Dagger as a last resort weapon.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9DDcO-lOwvg/T4ZO29IxpeI/AAAAAAAAARA/xlhGqB4lC9E/s320/socp+gun.jpg
Excellent review. Just a question for you, why on your last picture is the ring of the dagger on your trigger finger vs support hand?
I think it's worth mentioning Spartan Blades with this knife. The Benchmade is a lower cost version of the CQB tool from Spartan, who designed the knife with Mr. Thompson. They manufactured them for the SOCP program for years before Benchmade, and are still available from if that version appeals to you. All the Spartan knives are handmade outside of Fort Bragg by retired Special Forces veterans to boot, not made offshore.
Not saying the Benchmade isn't nice...it is...and the sheath is awesome. Just throwing it out there if you want to support some good people .
Pretty wicked looking little blade. Nice review!
SeriousStudent
04-12-12, 00:04
I think it's worth mentioning Spartan Blades with this knife. The Benchmade is a lower cost version of the CQB tool from Spartan, who designed the knife with Mr. Thompson. They manufactured them for the SOCP program for years before Benchmade, and are still available from if that version appeals to you. All the Spartan knives are handmade outside of Fort Bragg by retired Special Forces veterans to boot, not made offshore.
Not saying the Benchmade isn't nice...it is...and the sheath is awesome. Just throwing it out there if you want to support some good people .
And they (Spartan Blades) also have a trainer available for a very reasonable $45. That's really worth buying, even if you decide on the Benchmade. It would compliment the live blade very nicely.
My apologies to the OP for any threadjack. I'm a very big fan of drones to go with my sharpened steel. Good review, and thanks for posting it.
I think it's worth mentioning Spartan Blades with this knife. The Benchmade is a lower cost version of the CQB tool from Spartan, who designed the knife with Mr. Thompson. They manufactured them for the SOCP program for years before Benchmade, and are still available from if that version appeals to you. All the Spartan knives are handmade outside of Fort Bragg by retired Special Forces veterans to boot, not made offshore.
Not saying the Benchmade isn't nice...it is...and the sheath is awesome. Just throwing it out there if you want to support some good people .
FYI: I spoke to Mr. Thompson about this a few months ago when I was down there and he specifically recommended that I pick up the Benchmade version rather than the Spartan.
Just did a new Review on My Blog leipersforkfirearms.blogspot.com on the Benchmade SOCP Dagger. Thought it may be of some interest, enjoy! (the images dont line up as well as they do on the blog)
Benchmade SOCP Dagger Review
The Benchmade SOCP Dagger arrived in the mail today and I couldn't wait to tear into the review.
A few questions-
Where did you purchase this from?
How much did you pay?
Did you actually mount it to a vest or chest rig to do your draw or did you just pull it out of the sheath? Any pics?
One of the selling points of the "package" is that you can get a trainer that works inside the same sheath, why is there no mention of that feature?
SOCP or Special Operations Combatives Program was designed by Greg Thompson and is the official Combatives program for the U.S. Special forces.
Do you have a source for this? Because US Special Forces covers a lot more people than the folks Mr. Thompson normally trains.
As with all finger-loop knives, I would be worried about breaking my finger.
If you fell, and used that hand to catch yourself, it seems like the loop trying to lay flat against the ground would easily break your finger. Body weight + leverage of the knife...
Really digging this knife... looks like a good Clinch Pick/BOB alternative.
FYI: I spoke to Mr. Thompson about this a few months ago when I was down there and he specifically recommended that I pick up the Benchmade version rather than the Spartan.
Yep, I bet he did. That doesn't mean it's a better or worse knife, just that he makes money off of it. FWIW, the Benchmade sheath is more useful, and could be considered a better value considering the limited utility of a knife this specialized. I just don't want the Benchmade to get any credit for design as I had one of these on my chest 2 years before Benchmade churned out the first one.
US Special Forces covers just that, Special Forces. SOCP is the official program currently being taught to Special Forces soldiers, but is alsp used in other Special Operations units in the Army and other branches.
Thanks for the review I have been thinking about one of these for awhile. Do you have any pictures of it mounted on a molle vest?
Voodoo_Man
04-12-12, 08:25
Nice review thanks for posting.
I have considered this blade just never pulled the trigger. Knives that require digit insertion have always put me off.
I think it's worth mentioning Spartan Blades with this knife. The Benchmade is a lower cost version of the CQB tool from Spartan, who designed the knife with Mr. Thompson. They manufactured them for the SOCP program for years before Benchmade, and are still available from if that version appeals to you. All the Spartan knives are handmade outside of Fort Bragg by retired Special Forces veterans to boot, not made offshore.
Not saying the Benchmade isn't nice...it is...and the sheath is awesome. Just throwing it out there if you want to support some good people .
Thank you for the education.
C4
I bought the kit that has the knife, trainer, and two sheaths. I tried for days to find a way to carry it and couldn't come up with one. I understand that I'm not the target market, but had hoped it would work out for me. I don't fault the knife, or design, in any way but simply offer this in case there are any others looking to use it as a concealed carry knife. That's what I wanted and couldn't find a way to carry it. I tried appendix on both sides, pointing both directions, and couldn't get anything to work.
If anyone else is carrying it concealed I'd like to hear how. I like the design of the knife, but as we all know the best knife is the one you have on you and I couldn't figure out an acceptable way to have this on me.
Thanks for any help.
ETA:
In fact, now that I look at the OP more closely, is this basically just an "unboxing" post? I'd like to see more like how you carry it how it works out in a training situation, etc.
LeipersForkFirearms
04-12-12, 14:06
Glad everyone enjoyed the Review!
I wanted to clarify a few questions that have been asked.
Yes I was sent this knife by benchmade for the purpose of reviewing and I stand by my review, this is a very nice set-up. I will try and remember to add some pictures of this knife in my belt and vest, it fits perfectly.
here is a random picture I pulled off another site to give an idea.
http://thinblueflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_3043.jpg
I am also currently carrying the SOCP dagger inside my waistband and it is a great for CC this way.
Congratulations on getting a free knife from Benchmade in exchange for posting a few pictures and short write up :rolleyes:
I think you'll find your experiences will match those of Rob_S, blade was designed for overt carry on plate carriers with minimal footprint.
For concealed carry the blade is too long and the sheath will dig in to you in just about every position but standing.
As others have noted, the pull ring works well if trying to clear from a plate carrier but the leverage that it exerts can potentially injure the finger that's through the ring.
The thin handle and overall blade design also makes it difficult to have anything other than a reverse grip.
For anyone considering this blade, it requires a bit more training to use than a regular fixed blade so not having the trainer version is an invitation to cutting yourself if you attempt to practice with the live blade instead.
FYI- I have the Spartan Blades CQB Tool that preceded the Benchmade version which I needed to familiarize myself with due to a contract I was on.
Glad everyone enjoyed the Review!
I wanted to clarify a few questions that have been asked.
Yes I was sent this knife by benchmade for the purpose of reviewing and I stand by my review, this is a very nice set-up. I will try and remember to add some pictures of this knife in my belt and vest, it fits perfectly.
here is a random picture I pulled off another site to give an idea.
http://thinblueflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/IMG_3043.jpg
I am also currently carrying the SOCP dagger inside my waistband and it is a great for CC this way.
Where are you carrying this IWB? Looks like it would be a bitch to find a sweet spot due to so much of the blade being below the waist line...
Yep, I bet he did. That doesn't mean it's a better or worse knife, just that he makes money off of it. FWIW, the Benchmade sheath is more useful, and could be considered a better value considering the limited utility of a knife this specialized. I just don't want the Benchmade to get any credit for design as I had one of these on my chest 2 years before Benchmade churned out the first one.
US Special Forces covers just that, Special Forces. SOCP is the official program currently being taught to Special Forces soldiers, but is alsp used in other Special Operations units in the Army and other branches.
Why wouldn't he make money off of it? I'd be embarrassed for Benchmade if they took credit for this design.
My only point about the "SF" marketing attachment is that it is so overused that whenever I hear someone saying "SF/SEAL uses this!" it's enough reason for me to walk away from it.
I spent a couple of days with Mr. Thompson and some of his instructors last year, they're good martial artists and have got skills when it comes to grappling/MMA but I'm sure they'd be the first to tell you that edged weapons is not their strong suit.
I remember when the LINE system guys had some of the contracts for combatives in Fayetteville; their knifework wasn't very impressive either...
nobody knows
04-16-12, 00:37
A little off topic but I didn't see it mentioned anywhere yet, benchmade socp OAL-7.25" BL-3.22" Spartan blades socp OAL-6 3/8" BL-2 1/2". So there is a slight size difference. So for those wanting this blade as a deep cover type of concealed carry fixed blade the Spartan blades version may be the answer. I prefer the look of the benchmade sheath, it looks slimer and more minimalist(maybe a bit to fancy). Although the Spartan blade model uses a better steel then benchmade(154cm for SB v.s 440 for BM) I dont see why benchmade did this as they use quit a lot of the higher quality steel such as 154cm and s30v just to name a few. The benchmade is $90 MSRP,the trainer is $60,and the combo(knife&trainer) is $130. The Spartan blades version is $160, and the trainer is $45(6061 aluminum) but it doesn't come with a sheath. I didn't see a listing for a knife and trainer combo on the website,but that doesn't mean they don't offer one. But the knife and trainer can use the same sheath. I couldn't find any info on weather or not the benchmade trainer could use the same sheath or not,but I would assume they could. Also I didn't see anything about the materials used for the trainer but again I would assume It's some kind of aluminum(likely 6061)
In the interest of full disclosure I have not used of even handled ether of these knives, this is just some genetic information I got frome the websites to help those considering ether version. Also I'm not affiliated with ether company.
I do plan on purchasing both in the near feature and will do a review after I have had some time with them.
RioGrandeGreen
04-16-12, 01:23
LeipersForkFirearms thanks for the review. I need to get me one of those to wear on my vest. I understand it is a get off me type weapon, nothing else.
rob s, I will take it of your hands if you don't like it, Pm for a trade or $.
RGGreen
LeipersForkFirearms
04-18-12, 13:29
Hey everyone, Thanks for all the feedback. If you like the knife I am giving it away as a prize for a new writing contest on my blog. Here is the information and a link
leipersforkfirearms.blogspot.com
Due to the Blogs Growing Popularity, I have decided to Officially launch the First Ever Writing Contest for the Blog
Heres the rules:
The Writer of the Best article submitted to the site starting today until June 1st will receive (for this round) The Benchmade SOCP knife I reviewed. This knife retails for $90!
The Article must be a review or other write-up of information relevant to the material we cover on this blog. Both positive and negative reviews are welcome!
Your submission must be a minimum of 1500 words. Pictures are allowed and suggested!
I have the right to edit your submissions if I see fit (profanity or off topic information will be removed)
No Plagiarism!!
Comments and facebook likes greatly help your cause!
E-mail your submissions to leipersforkfirearms@yahoo.com
If your company would like to provide products for future reviews and/or as prizes for future contests please contact me leipersforkfirearms@yahoo.com We will be glad to advertise your product!
I bought the kit that has the knife, trainer, and two sheaths. I tried for days to find a way to carry it and couldn't come up with one.
If anyone else is carrying it concealed I'd like to hear how. I like the design of the knife, but as we all know the best knife is the one you have on you and I couldn't figure out an acceptable way to have this on me.
Rob, horizontal along the belt, behind a belt loop/inner tube piece seems to be the sweet spot.
Both myself and some of my buddies that work for Northern Red have run them there... seems to be one of the best solutions that's comfortable, concealable, and accessible.
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww204/synergy303/IMAG0610.jpg
That's it on top of a Beltman no-buckle belt.
I have some ideas for a sheath that might work better for that location, but I'm not sure they'd still fit through MOLLE. My only real criticism of the sheath is the Benchmade pocket clip is semi-slick, and doesn't catch securely on a belt loop. You need to anchor the sheath with some inner tube, or tie the cord loops down to a rearward belt loop.
You could probably glue something textured or with a ledge to the back of the clip to give it more bite, too.
Iraq Ninja
04-20-12, 23:49
What is the point of holding the knife in your primary hand, other than making reloads difficult?
Personally, I prefer cutting to poking holes in people. Cuts do not have to be as specific in regards to target location, when compared to a stab. one cut has more potential of being a game ender vs. one stab.
I saw this knife at TTPOA today, but must respectively not consider it, even though its pedigree seems impressive.
Cutting (especially though clothes and such) down to vital targets isn't terribly easy.
I do like blades that can cut as well as thrust, but I'm primarily into thrusting. Ratcheting the blade once it's in can help maximize hitting vital targets, but slashing down to interior targets isn't easy.
I'm tempted to sharpen the SOCP all the way down to the hilt, but it will still cut through meat along the full length of the edge if you asked it to. Nylon and leather would probably stop it, but flesh shouldn't be an issue.
Iraq Ninja
04-21-12, 09:09
Cutting with a knife designed to cut is actually not too difficult. Blade profile, curvature, polish, and skill all play a part. The problem is getting it all in a size that allows one to carry it.
Here in Texas we have a town called Cut and Shoot, and some of us actually do both together...
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/Iraqninja/534743_10151415861060431_545930430_23087564_1316153741_n.jpg
The profile of this dagger IMHO is simply too thin to be a good killer. Think of the Roman Gladius- one of best known stickers in history. If you are up against one opponent, it may be adequate, but not if you have multiple attackers you have to fight through. So, I feel it is a good backup knife, but maybe not the best choice as a primary blade.
Still waiting to know about those mag changes :).
I don't know why people keep harping on this mag-change thing. If your gig is to slash them off of you with the knife and then drop the blade to go to the pistol then fine. This knife is designed to at least allow you to retrieve your pistol, or bring your rifle to bear, without dropping it.
There ain't no free lunch. Chopping vs. stabbing vs. slicing, retain vs. ditch, strong vs. weak... it's all tradeoffs and it's up to the end user to choose a method that they like best and train to deal with the shortcomings of their chosen method. It doesn't mean one is wrong or one is right. and sniping at another method doesn't make another method more right.
QuietShootr
04-21-12, 09:34
Rob, horizontal along the belt, behind a belt loop/inner tube piece seems to be the sweet spot.
Both myself and some of my buddies that work for Northern Red have run them there... seems to be one of the best solutions that's comfortable, concealable, and accessible.
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww204/synergy303/IMAG0610.jpg
That's it on top of a Beltman no-buckle belt.
I have some ideas for a sheath that might work better for that location, but I'm not sure they'd still fit through MOLLE. My only real criticism of the sheath is the Benchmade pocket clip is semi-slick, and doesn't catch securely on a belt loop. You need to anchor the sheath with some inner tube, or tie the cord loops down to a rearward belt loop.
You could probably glue something textured or with a ledge to the back of the clip to give it more bite, too.
That's how I carry my HAK. I Shoe-Goo glued a sheath to a Wilderness belt and it rides exactly there. (Remember when HAKs were teh super coolness?) I have it positioned loop to the right, on the left of the buckle, with the edge toward the ground, so if I'm wrapped up with some MMA asswipe I can gut him with either hand. Using the drone, I've found that it is VERY difficult, even for someone who really knows what they're doing, to keep me from getting to that blade no matter how they've got me grabbed.
Iraq Ninja
04-21-12, 09:53
I am just expressing my opinion on a style and technique, just like we would on a pistol or caliber. Is there a difference now because it is a knife and not a firearm?
It is my opinion that holding a knife like this with a pistol is not the best way to do it. We know that pistols don't always go bang when you want them too. Though the technique is not without merit, I feel it is a poor visual choice to showcase one's product, such as the publicity pics put out for Soldier Systems and other blogs.
I would have rather seen it used with an M4, a much more reasonable use.
A knife is similar in shape to a flashlight, and we know there are techniques to hold both. Some instructors such as Brian Hoffner have been doing it for years.
Nobody is saying it's the best way to do it. Not even Benchmade. The pictures that everyone references for this are simply intended to demonstrate that it CAN be done and are largely being extrapolated from and taken out of context.
I agree that it was an unfortunate choice for the marketing based on the fact that people get fixated on it when it's almost totally irrelevant. If you otherwise like the knife but don't like that technique, don't do it.
I'm not defending the knife, it doesn't work for me, I'm just getting kind of tired of these "discussions" where people seem to think they need to tear down one thing to build up their own choice while ignoring that their own choices come with downsides as well.
Rob, horizontal along the belt, behind a belt loop/inner tube piece seems to be the sweet spot.
Both myself and some of my buddies that work for Northern Red have run them there... seems to be one of the best solutions that's comfortable, concealable, and accessible.
http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww204/synergy303/IMAG0610.jpg
That's it on top of a Beltman no-buckle belt.
I have some ideas for a sheath that might work better for that location, but I'm not sure they'd still fit through MOLLE. My only real criticism of the sheath is the Benchmade pocket clip is semi-slick, and doesn't catch securely on a belt loop. You need to anchor the sheath with some inner tube, or tie the cord loops down to a rearward belt loop.
You could probably glue something textured or with a ledge to the back of the clip to give it more bite, too.
Tried it. Doesn't work for me. Either I have to tie the tip down so tight that the ring sticks out or vice versa.
Tried it. Doesn't work for me. Either I have to tie the tip down so tight that the ring sticks out or vice versa.
Gotcha. I found that I have to play with it a little bit to find the sweet spot, but it does a good job at staying concealed. Both ends are slightly lifted on me, but it's not hard for me to pull off.
Tried it. Doesn't work for me. Either I have to tie the tip down so tight that the ring sticks out or vice versa.
Gotcha. I found that I have to play with it a little bit to find the sweet spot, but it does a good job at staying concealed. Both ends are slightly lifted on me, but it's not hard for me to pull off.
I think much of that has to do with simple body shape.
I used to carry my Spatan inside the left appendix crease angled outboard . On the Spartan sheath (which is huge) it had spots to attache soft loops and I just raised it up so it was on the second spot down with one loop so it sat at that angle and moved in the crease. It was very comfortable , but slow and hard to get to and deploy upward with cover garments / pinned elbows / ect.
Probably a moot point since most here are LE, but I believe this blade is illegal for us Texas civilians.
anyone else have pictures of the soc-c or cqb tool mounted to a carrier or any other molle platform? preferably hidden behind pouches or other similarly sneaky methods.
superr.stu
03-01-14, 10:49
anyone else have pictures of the soc-c or cqb tool mounted to a carrier or any other molle platform? preferably hidden behind pouches or other similarly sneaky methods.
Here's how I have it on my PC
24079
nice review.. might have to pick one of these up
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