CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
The build of the Proxy is standard fare: titanium frame and stainless hardware. It is very well made thanks to the single solid G10 handle scale and backspacer and the added thrust washers to aid in keeping the blade closed as well as to help it fly open and lock securely in place. Additionally, the choice in using CPM-20CV for the blade steel pushes the Proxy out front to make it a highly sought after knife.

EASE OF USE
Out of the box, the flipper mechanism on the Proxy is going to give you a hard time—but once you get over that hump—you realize that the resistance you feel is what allows the blade to stay closed in transport, as well as flip open and hold open as if it was a fixed-blade knife. The inclusion of a fire notch towards the back of the blade adds to the Proxy’s general function making it a welcomed asset to your pocket.

STEEL QUALITY/EDGE RETENTION
The Benchmade Proxy was built for the serious knife user, and the choice of CPM-20CV, which has yet to spread like wildfire in the knife world (but will) proves that point. CPM-20CV holds a considerable edge, and is highly wear and corrosion resistant, and is generally in the top five for knife steels used in tactical and technical folding knives. 

DURABILITY
For a knife that will serve you well in day-to-day use as well as when you’re getting down and dirty, the Proxy has mastered durability. Benchmade has baked a lot into this knife like thrust bearing washers and ball bearing detents. They even go as far as adding a nut to increase the bite of its framelock mechanism called Monolock.