Click on each picture to see a larger, more detailed image.

Here it is as it comes from the factory. Notice the new box style, the new insert, the new sheath... oh, and that's the new Bali-Song there too.

These photographs really don't do justice to the almost iridescent coloration of the handles. Depending on how the light strikes them, they seem to be different colors with shades of green and blue and purple coming in and out.

Notice how far back the swedge is cut. Notice, also, the special Prototype marking on this special Bali-Song.

Here's a side-by-side comparison with a Benchmade Model 45. Notice that the 42 is just slightly larger. But, thanks to the Ti handles, it weights a lot less.

The old meets the new in this photo contrasting the new BM42's Weehawk blade with the old BM45's Weehawk. Notice that the 42's Swedge is cut farther back and its median ridge is more central. Notice that the 42's tang stamp is laser-etched while the 45 had an actual stamp. I'm pleased, though, that Benchmade is using the old "Bali-Song" logo on the 42 and not the new "Benchmade" logo. Finally, you can really see the difference in those pins.

The real story in the 42 is the new latch gate design that keeps the latch from hitting the blade. Here, you can see it in action. Notice that the blade closed into the latch handle, but that it did not hit the latch which is held back by the gate. This is a great innovation.