Benchmade Mini Bedlam | Black | Scimitar Knife Review: A Tactical Powerhouse in a Compact Frame

By: Mark J. Bartlett

Introduction

The Benchmade 865SBK Mini Bedlam is a compact yet powerful tactical folding knife, designed to deliver the aggressive functionality of its full-sized counterpart in a more practical EDC (everyday carry) size. Featuring premium CPM-S90V blade steel with a graphite Cerakote® finish, the upswept scimitar blade excels in slicing and hooking, while the partially serrated edge ensures versatility when cutting through tough materials. The black G10 handle provides a secure, textured grip, enhanced by detailed milling, serrations, and a chamfered backspacer. Secured with Benchmade’s manual AXIS® lock, this knife is built for rapid deployment and firm lock-up, making it a reliable choice for tactical use and everyday tasks.

Design & Materials

The Benchmade Mini Bedlam stands out with its aggressive scimitar blade design, a hallmark of the Bedlam series. The high-end CPM-S90V stainless steel provides excellent edge retention and wear resistance, making it ideal for demanding cutting tasks. The graphite Cerakote® finish enhances corrosion resistance while adding a sleek, tactical aesthetic.

*The Benchmade Mini Bedlam’s scimitar-style blade and textured G10 handle make it a standout tactical folder.*

The G10 handle offers superior grip with its aggressive texturing and ergonomic contouring, ensuring a comfortable hold even in wet or gloved conditions. The chamfered backspacer further enhances grip security, while the manual AXIS® lock ensures a firm and reliable lock-up during heavy use.

Ergonomics & Handling

Despite its compact size, the Mini Bedlam feels robust in hand. The ergonomic curvature of the G10 handle molds naturally to the palm, allowing for a strong grip with minimal fatigue. The texturing and serrations provide additional traction, preventing slippage during hard-use scenarios. At 5.44 oz (154 g), the knife strikes a balance between durability and ease of carry.

*Designed for secure handling, the Mini Bedlam’s ergonomic G10 handle ensures a confident grip in all conditions.*

Cutting Performance: 8 Tests

To evaluate the Mini Bedlam’s real-world performance, we conducted a series of cutting tests.

Hair Shave Test

Sharpness Test: The Mini Bedlam’s CPM-S90V edge glided effortlessly over the skin, cleanly shaving arm hair with minimal pressure. This test confirmed the knife’s razor-sharp factory edge.

*Easily passes the hair shave test, proving its exceptional out-of-the-box sharpness.*

Denim Cut Test

Material Resistance: The scimitar-style blade sliced through thick denim fabric in a single stroke, proving the effectiveness of its upswept edge and partially serrated section for tough materials.

*Thick denim poses no challenge for the Mini Bedlam’s razor-sharp blade.*

Hardened Plastic Cutting Test

Precision & Force: When cutting through rigid plastic (polycarbonate sheet), the Mini Bedlam maintained control, requiring moderate pressure but showing no signs of chipping or edge damage.

*The Mini Bedlam tackles hardened plastic with precision and durability.*

Wood Shaving Test

Survival Use: The blade easily feathered wood shavings, demonstrating strong slicing ability and excellent edge retention—ideal for outdoor applications such as fire-starting or bushcraft.

*Feathering wood with ease, the Mini Bedlam proves its utility in outdoor and survival situations.*

Cardboard Cut Test

Edge Retention: After 50 consecutive cuts through thick cardboard, the Mini Bedlam maintained sharpness, showing minimal edge degradation.

*Even after multiple cuts through cardboard, the Mini Bedlam retains a keen edge.*

Nylon/Rope Cut Test

Tough Material Handling: The partially serrated edge sliced through ½-inch nylon rope in a single pull, proving effective in cutting fibrous materials quickly and efficiently.

*The serrated edge makes quick work of thick nylon rope with minimal effort.*

Paper Cut Test

Fine Edge Sharpness: The Mini Bedlam sliced through paper effortlessly, demonstrating precision and a well-honed factory edge.

*Fine paper slicing shows off the Mini Bedlam’s precision cutting ability.*

Can Test

Durability Test: Using the tip to puncture and cut through an aluminum can, the Mini Bedlam showed no edge rolling or chipping, confirming its durability under stress.

*The Mini Bedlam withstands extreme cutting tests without compromising its edge.*

Final Verdict

The Benchmade 865SBK Mini Bedlam is a formidable tactical folder that balances aggressive styling with practical functionality. Its CPM-S90V blade offers outstanding edge retention, and the graphite Cerakote® finish adds durability and corrosion resistance. The G10 handle ensures a strong, ergonomic grip, while the manual AXIS® lock provides rock-solid security during use.

*With its superior materials, sharpness, and durability, the Mini Bedlam earns its place as a top-tier tactical folder.*

Pros:

✔ Ultra-sharp CPM-S90V blade with outstanding edge retention
✔ Durable graphite Cerakote® finish for corrosion resistance
✔ Secure and ergonomic G10 handle with aggressive texturing
✔ Partially serrated edge for versatile cutting
✔ Reliable AXIS® lock mechanism
✔ Compact yet highly capable for EDC and tactical use

Cons:

❌ Premium price point (but justified by high-quality materials)
❌ Might be too aggressive in appearance for some EDC users

The Mini Bedlam is an exceptional tactical EDC knife that blends power, precision, and durability. It is perfect for tactical operators, outdoor enthusiasts, and serious knife collectors who demand high performance from their blades.

For more details or to purchase, visit Benchmade’s official website.