8551BK Mediator Images
Benchmade Mediator Features
- Streamlined, lightweight design
- Rock-solid construction
- CPM-S90V reverse tanto blade
- Black Cerakote blade finish
- Push-button opener for one-handed automatic action
- Secure and reliable button lock
- Milled chevron-pattern G10 handles
- Reversible deep-carry tip-up pocket clip
- Lanyard hole
- Backed by Benchmade Warranty and LifeSharp Services
Want to purchase this EDC knife right away? Get the Benchmade tactical knife from these trusted retailers below:
Benchmade 8551BK Mediator Specifications
Manufacturer | Benchmade |
Model/Series | Mediator |
Model Number | 8551BK |
Knife Type | Folding Knife |
Knife Mechanism | Push Button Auto |
Blade Shape/Style | Reverse Tanto |
Blade Material | CPM-S90V Stainless Steel |
Blade Color | Black |
Blade Finish | Cerakote® |
Blade Length | 3.3 in. | 8.38 cm |
Blade Width | 0.75 in. | 19.05 mm |
Blade Thickness | 0.12 in. | 2.92 mm |
Blade Hardness | 59-61 HRC |
Blade Grind | Flat |
Edge Type | Plain/Straight |
Lock Type | Button Lock |
Handle Material | G10 |
Handle Color | Black |
Handle Length | 4.45 in. | 11.3 cm |
Handle Width | 1.0 in. | 2.54 cm |
Handle Thickness | 0.52 in. | 13.21 mm |
Overall Length | 7.75 in. | 19.69 cm |
Weight | 2.89 oz. | 0.18 lb. |
Lanyard Hole | Yes |
Pocket Clip | Yes (Mini Deep Carry) |
Clip Position | Tip-Up |
Clip Finish | Black Oxide |
Application(s) | Tactical, Everyday Carry (for Self-Defense, Household Tasks, Hiking, Camping, etc.) |
Country of Origin | United States |
Benchmade Mediator Description
Designed with purpose and built to last, the 8551BK Mediator takes the best from some of Benchmade’s favorite legacy designs, and sets a high bar for performance and durability so far unattained by other EDC knives in its class.
This new Benchmade folding knife which, for many, is the best EDC knife, essentially blends the features of a tactical knife and the functionality of an everyday carry blade, resulting to a simple yet effective knife design.
Made of CPM-S90V super-steel, the blade boasts an upside-down tanto profile which is similar to Japanese short swords; this styling adds weight forward of the blade, and strengthens the tapered tip, making the Benchmade Mediator fit for piercing tough materials.
![Benchmade Mediator Blade](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bm-blade.png)
Long enough for various applications at 3.13 inches, the actual cutting edge of the blade is impressively sharp, and can be used for fine slicing tasks given that it’s just 2.92 millimeters thick.
A push-button automatic with a lightning-fast action, this EDC folding knife deploys its blade when the recessed thumb stud on its right side is pushed. All “autos” like the 8551BK Mediator have a button or other actuation switch that mechanically fires the blade open without the user directly manipulating said blade, and this automatic opening action which the Benchmade tactical knife employs is popular with many users.
![Benchmade 8551BK Mediator Push Button Action](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bm-lock.png)
To ensure that the blade stays securely locked while open or closed, a button lock mechanism has been installed, and this is activated by the use of a stepped slider located directly below the thumb stud opener, as seen above.
A pair of black and lightweight G10 grips or handle scales are matched to the Benchmade Mediator blade, and these feature a milled chevron pattern that helps to ensure a secure purchase on the EDC pocket knife, even if the user’s hands are wet or gloved.
![Benchmade Mediator Handle](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bm-handle2.png)
4.45 inches long and 0.52 inches thick, the handle is large or sturdy enough to also offer a full grasp; and, should the user need to wield it, the jimping present on the top spine above the thumb stud provides a firm anchor for thumb leverage.
A tip-up, mini deep carry pocket clip is attached to the left side of the Benchmade 8551BK Mediator handle for secure carry, and this clip can be reversed to the opposite side depending on pocket or hand preferences.
Rounding out the package is a hole drilled into the top of the handle, and users who may sometimes have the need to carry the EDC knife with a lanyard will find this quite convenient.
Be sure to read the “…Additional Information” section further below for even more insight into the features, components, and other aspects of the Benchmade Mediator.
8551BK Mediator for Sale
This capable, durable and easy-to-use EDC pocket knife which is unarguably one of the best EDC knives on the market currently is also relatively affordable, costing between $288 to $320 at time of writing.
Purchase the Mediator Benchmade offers today from the following authorized dealers:
Remember that if it is currently not in stock on your preferred dealer website, you can either choose to backorder the Benchmade tactical knife, or opt in to be notified when it is back in stock.
Also check out the last section further below for similar Benchmade folding knives to consider.
Mediator Benchmade Additional Information
How it’s Made
Blade: Every Benchmade blade is laser-cut from sheets of high-grade steel, and then ground, beveled, and finished with a level of precision that can only be described as uncompromising.
Handle: The Benchmade Mediator handle, and indeed other handles created by the manufacturer, are milled and machined in-house to the most exacting specifications.
Benchmade knives as a whole are hand-assembled and sharpened in the company’s state-of-the-art factory in Oregon City, Oregon by highly trained technicians who bring to bear over thirty years of manufacturing excellence.
Components
Pictured below are all the component parts of the Benchmade folding knife:
![8551BK Mediator Component Parts](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bm-parts.jpg)
Blade Material
CPM-S90V steel which the 8551BK Mediator blade is made of is called a super steel because it is ranked at the very top in terms of edge retention and wear or abrasion resistance. It is also excellent when it comes to resisting corrosion.
One of the more expensive blade options available, S90V stainless steel actually offers substantial improvements in corrosion resistance over 440C, and wear resistance beyond that of any other steel in the manufacturer’s lineup.
Blade Finish
The Benchmade Mediator blade coating, Cerakote®, is a ceramic composite finish that is surprisingly thin, yet exceptionally tough; it is able to shield the material underneath it against pretty much anything, from scratches to corrosion.
In addition to enhancing durability, this ceramic coating also gives a nice look to any steel material it is used on.
Handle Material
G10, the material that the handle scales of this Benchmade folding knife are made out of, is an extremely durable and rigid material that consists of multiple layers of highly compressed, baked, and resin-laminated fiberglass.
G10 is also very resistant to the elements; in other words, it is virtually impervious to moisture or liquid, and physically stable whether in hot or cold temperatures.
Use & Care
Here are some tips from the manufacturer for keeping your Benchmade Mediator EDC knife in peak condition:
- Keep it dry and lubricated, as all steel can eventually rust regardless of grade and price; apply a semi-chrome metal polish in case of spotting or rust
- Hand-wash your Benchmade tactical knife under warm water with dish soap only, as dishwashers can cause serious damage not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty
- Only use this EDC pocket knife as a cutting tool, and never as a pry-bar, screwdriver, chisel, or punch
- Avoid grinding wheels and other high-powered machinery if you choose to sharpen the blade yourself
- The handle, pivot, and pocket clip screws of the Mediator Benchmade folder may require occasional adjustment using T6 & T10 Torx drivers; to make this task easier, applying a small dab of releasable thread-locker is recommended
Warranty
Through world-class craftsmanship, constant innovation, and unsurpassed materials, Benchmade is committed to building the highest-quality knives like the 8551BK Mediator. They stand by their products and provide an extensive warranty.
LifeSharp Services
Benchmade’s LifeSharp service guarantees that the company will re-sharpen your knife to a factory edge for free, and for the life of the knife. This service covers not just re-sharpening, but also cleaning, oiling and adjustments of/on your EDC folding knife.
Benchmade Mediator Reviews
For some users, it is the best EDC knife they’ve ever had. Check out some reviews of this Benchmade tactical knife available on the internet:
![](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bm-rev.png)
“I’ve carried the Mediator almost every day for three weeks. It carries very well in jeans, tactical pants, and slacks. The pocket clip works good once it’s broken in. Deployment is snappy, and lockup is perfect. No blade play or lock slop. The handle feels great and is fairly grippy. I’ve not put it to hard use yet, but there are no hot spots that I’ve noticed. The S90V blade steel is excellent and surprisingly easy to get scary sharp with a Spyderco Triangle Sharpmaker. The blade shape is sturdy with a strong tip. It cuts cardboard with ease and glides through envelopes. It’s not the best at slicing, but it’s definitely adequate. I stabbed and sliced through some cloth almost too easily. I’d call this a light tactical knife, but I think it works well as a medium-hard use EDC. Lastly, the Mediator is just a beautiful knife and fun to deploy. I’m a fan.”
![](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bm-rev2.png)
“I have owned many knives from many different manufacturers and I have to say hands down benchmade is the best, you get what you pay for! Despite the knives being a little on the expensive side they are worth it from the quality to the warranty to their customer service you can truly purchase 1 benchmade and carry it for the rest of your life! With that being said I personally own 6 benchmade folding knives and the Mediator is my favorite to date! I carry it every day and whenever I decide to take a different knife for the day I switch back to my Mediator. It is a perfect all around knife for EDC!!! I went with the partially serrated blade out of personal preference.”
More Benchmade Mediator EDC knife reviews from another source:
![](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bm-rev3.png)
“I Purchased this mediator in 2020 and have had it for a little over a year. this to me is hands down the best everyday carry ever. I’m a veteran of 10 years and a firefighter and have only sent this knife in one time to be sharpened by Benchmade. This thing holds its sharpness and is extremely durable. This knife has been through 12 structure fires in my pocket in my bunker gear on top of dropping it a million times. i put my knives through the ringer and this one is still as good as it was on day one! Highly recommend this knife to anyone on the fence.”
![](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bm-rev4.png)
“This thing is amazing right out of the box. It’s super super sharp, I cut so many things with such ease and the action is so smooth. Everything is just amazing with it. If you’re going to get a knife to have all day every day this is the one to get. It’s light and strong. The pocket clip works perfect to help you hold the knife while hitting the fire button. It make it secure in your hand and you won’t have to worry about dropping it with that clip. So amazing. Just pull the trigger and buy it”
![](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bm-rev5.png)
“Been using benchmade knives for working on the farm. Really like this one. Don’t want to even get it dirty, but will tell you that I was just tapping on bales of hay and never had a knife cut by one tap. Awesome”
![](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bm-rev6.png)
“This knife checks all the boxes. S90V steel, light weight, great blade profile and really snappy auto action. I’ve been carrying this knife now for several months and it has proven to be a great EDC. The one hand deployment and great blade has made all of my friends want one.”
![](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bm-rev7.png)
“Ive never really been drawn to anything in the black class but this knife does a great job of bridging the gap between edc and tactical folder. Feels great in the hand and is super snappy. Don’t hesitate to pull the rigger on this one!”
Remember that the Benchmade 8551BK Mediator EDC pocket knife can be bought from these trusted sellers:
Benchmade Mediator Variants
The 8551BK Mediator with a plain edge has one variant (8551SBK) with a partially serrated blade edge, but this – pictured below – has been discontinued, and can now mostly only be bought used from private sellers.
![](https://armsintel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/8551SBK-300x176.jpeg)
Similar Benchmade Folding Knives
The following are some of Benchmade’s most popular EDC knives that are also foldable with a push button automatic action like the Mediator:
A click on any of the above links will take you to a page where you can select the particular variant of the EDC knife you prefer most.