Benchmade 9101SBK Stryker Auto Folding Knife 3.6″ Black Combo Tanto Blade, Aluminum Handles

The Benchmade 9101SBK Stryker Auto is the next generation of a knife that earned its reputation the hard way, and this version brings a 3.6 inch black combo tanto blade and 6061-T6 aluminum handles to the table. It is a push button automatic, which means the blade deploys under spring power the instant your thumb finds the button. For anyone who wants a serious hard use folder with one hand deployment, this is the benchmark.

What the Benchmade 9101SBK Stryker Auto Is and Who It Is For

The 9101 next generation Auto Stryker was reworked with a larger, stronger locking button, an open backspacer design, and increased spring force. Those three changes address exactly what heavy users ask for: a button that is easier to find and harder to defeat, a knife that clears debris instead of trapping it, and a deployment that snaps rather than lazily swings open.

The Benchmade 9101SBK Stryker Auto is aimed at people who use a knife as a tool rather than an ornament. First responders, professional tradespeople, outdoorsmen, and anyone who works with gloves on will appreciate the button size and the positive action. The tanto grind and partially serrated edge point squarely at rope, webbing, and tough fibrous material rather than delicate kitchen work.

Key Features of This Automatic Folder

• Push button automatic deployment with increased spring force for a fast, decisive opening every single time.
• Larger, stronger locking button that is easier to operate under stress and with gloved hands.
• Open backspacer design that makes maintenance genuinely easy, letting grit and lint flush out instead of packing into the handle.
• 3.6 inch tanto blade with a combo edge, blending a strong reinforced point with a serrated section for aggressive cutting.
• 6061-T6 aluminum handles, offering a rigid, lightweight chassis with the durability aluminum is known for.
• Black finished blade for a subdued look that also reduces glare in the field.

Specifications in Context

Blade length on the Benchmade 9101SBK Stryker Auto is 3.6 inches, which is the sweet spot for a working folder. It is long enough to handle real cutting tasks and short enough to remain manageable in a pocket and legal across a wide range of jurisdictions. The tanto profile puts a great deal of material behind the tip, which is why tanto blades hold up to piercing and prying abuse better than a fine drop point.

The combo edge splits the blade between a plain section for controlled slicing and a serrated section for sawing through rope, seat belts, and heavy cordage. Handles are 6061-T6 aluminum, a heat treated alloy chosen for stiffness and strength at low weight. Aluminum scales do not flex the way thin polymer can, which keeps the lock geometry consistent.

Practical Use, Care, and Compatibility

Automatic knives are simple to run but deserve respect. Keep your fingers clear of the blade path, deploy with the knife pointed away from your body, and close it deliberately rather than casually. Check the lock button engagement periodically, especially after heavy use or a drop.

Maintenance is where the open backspacer earns its place. Rinse the pivot area, blow it out with compressed air, and apply a drop of light oil to the pivot. That is usually the entire service interval. Keep the detent and lock faces clean and free of grit so the action stays crisp and the spring works against a clean surface.

Sharpen the plain edge with a standard stone or guided system and use a tapered rod for the serrations so you follow the existing geometry. Do not grind the serrations flat with a bench stone. Dry the knife fully after wet work to protect the pivot hardware. Automatic knives are regulated differently in different states, so confirm your local rules before ordering, and browse the rest of our knives and tools in the apparel and gear category.

A good automatic is a tool you carry for years and only appreciate more with time. Ships direct to your door, no FFL required.