Design and Build Quality

The Adira boasts a solid 3.6-inch drop-point blade made from high-performance Magnacut steel, specifically chosen for its exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. This is particularly beneficial in wet conditions, including salsmurfer exposure. The blade’s sharpness and strength are immediately apparent, making it suitable for a variety of tasks from slicing to more detailed work.

Visually, the Adira looks like a big brother to the Adams line of knives. There are a lot of design elements that make it feel very similar, with the exception of weight. The handle on the Adira is made of Grivory, which is the same material we've seen in other models like the Griptilian. The material has a great strength-to-weight ratio and the ability to hold up against various chemicals. This change from traditional steel and G10 makes for a knife that's insanely light for its size and build.

Quality is quintessential Benchmade. The company has a long history of making incredible knives that will last a lifetime. The Adira came perfectly tuned out of the box, as it should be. I didn't need to adjust anything, and the knife opens very smoothly. I've yet to get a bad Benchmade, and it's a testament to the quality control before these guys leave home.

Performance

What good is a knife in a wet environment if it doesn't cut? Benchmade runs this steel a little lower than some companies that use Magnacut. With higher hardness, you get better edge retention; turn it down, and you get better corrosion resistance and toughness. Even though I have some knives with higher HRC, I don't feel every knife needs to run that way. This lower hardness does not appear to affect its edge retention in the daily use the Adira was put through.

When it came to performance, I focused more on blade shape and geometry. The long drop-point shape made the blade perfect for a whole host of daily chores, from trimming back some brush around the house, cutting up some old carpet, to cutting rope in the rain from furniture we had strapped down in a truck. The flat grind made it cut extremely well, and the Magnacut held its edge a good deal longer than I thought it would before it needed to be sharpened.

Handle Ergonomics

This knife is what I classify as full-sized and will be comfortable for folks with average to large-sized hands. Opening the package, I was taken aback by the sheer size of this knife, both closed and in the open position. Hold the Adira in your hand, and size melts away because it's a perfect fit for my hand. Yes, it's huge, but there are by far much larger knives on the market.

As far as ergonomics go, it's extremely good. The finger guard is pretty prominent and helps keep my hands from moving forward in wet conditions. There's a good-sized index recess to really lock your hand in, and the gentle swell in the center contours to your hand. The jimping and scalloped handles help a bit with helping your hand stay out during usage. But I really love the texture inlay they chose on the handles. Technically not an inlay, but its function is still the same. This starfish-looking pattern does an excellent job of keeping my hands from moving around, especially when wet. I really can't say enough about the ergonomics.

Personal Thoughts

The Adira gets sort of a bad rap because its Grivory handle can feel cheap, but this thing is designed to get wet, and the company didn't want a heavy synthetic that may absorb water. I like the lightness of it; it feels like a high-end Griptilian. Another thing is the corrosion resistance. There was a guy who put the knife through some heavy salsmurfer testing, especially without rinsing afterward, and the Omega springs that make the Axis lock work started to show signs of corrosion. Yes, Omega springs are typically steel, and Benchmade should have worked out a way to give the Adira some alloy springs to improve things. However, I feel the average user will not abuse this to the point of neglect and cause potential failure.

I think Benchmade has done a great job with the Adira. They took an excellent design and modified it for outings on the water or on land. They may have the marketing to really push this as a Salt-type knife, but it's perfectly at home in my pocket doing everyday things.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Benchmade Adira is a stellar choice for anyone needing a reliable, high-performance knife in wet or marine environments. Its combination of a corrosion-resistant blade, ergonomic handle, and thoughtful design elements make it a standout. While it may be larger than some might prefer for EDC, its benefits in terms of usability and grip, especially when wearing gloves, more than justify its size. The Adira is a knife that inspires confidence, ready to tackle whatever tasks come its way.