Benchmade has recast its compact Lowden flipper with longer-wearing CPM-S90V steel, milled G10, and a lower $300 price. The new Benchmade Lowden 491BK-02 is more than a blacked-out variation, dropping nearly half an ounce while giving the handle a more tactile surface.

Its 2.79-inch spear-point blade trades the original model’s M390 steel for CPM-S90V hardened to 59–61 HRC. The new steel prioritizes wear resistance and prolonged edge retention, although it can require more effort to sharpen. Benchmade’s complimentary LifeSharp service helps offset that compromise with factory resharpening for the life of the knife.

A black Cerakote finish adds surface protection without obscuring the Lowden’s slim, symmetrical blade profile. Blade stock remains a lean 0.09 inches, preserving geometry suited to controlled everyday cutting. Deployment comes through a manual flipper running on a ball-bearing pivot, while Benchmade’s ambidextrous AXIS mechanism locks the blade in place.

Milled black G10 replaces the aluminum scales used by the original Lowden, reducing weight from 2.99 to 2.55 ounces. Burnt-copper hardware breaks up the otherwise dark finish, while an ambidextrous, tip-down clip handles pocket carry. The knife measures 4.05 inches closed and 6.81 inches open.

Made in the United States, the Lowden 491BK-02 is priced at $300—$50 less than the aluminum-and-M390 model. Benchmade currently lists availability as coming soon.