One of the early lessons you learn the hard way when using your EDC knife is to never use it as a pry tool. Sure, your blade might be slim enough to slip into tighter quarters, but accidentally breaking or chipping the tip beyond repair isn’t worth the headache. But what if there was an actual blade that could do slicing and pry jobs equally well without compromising either function? The new Benchmade Tengu Tool is a unique, double-ended friction folder that could fill a niche in your EDC toolkit. A compact design keeps it handy for small cutting tasks, while its durable premium steel keeps it prying back for more.
The Tengu Tool was developed as a partnership between Benchmade and designer Jared Oeser who brings his talents to both this and the 601 Tengu Flipper knife. The Tengu Tool carries the design language of its bigger brother, including the tanto blade profile and the stark, dual-colored G10 handles. But the blade is where the Tool sets itself apart: pulling it out of its included leather carry sleeve in its closed position, you’re greeted by a bottle opening tool tipped with a pry/scraper. Pushing on this tang like a front flipper deploys the 1.14“ tanto blade.
Since this is a friction folder there’s no detent to get in the way of opening and closing, so it’s a smooth transition to access either tool. And since this is a premium tool designed for work on either end, Crucible CPM-20CV steel was chosen for its top tier toughness and edge retention. When you’re done with work, the Tengu’s blade folds back into its textured G10 handles, ready to slip back into its sleeve until the next job.
The Benchmade 602 Tengu Tool is a unique, premium piece that isn’t for everyone. But if you’ve been on the lookout for a double- and heavy-duty tool that can get the job done in an EDC-friendly form factor, then it’s worth the price of admission. Pick one up at the link below.
