The Benchmade Mini-SOCP dagger and Rescue Tool are extensions of Greg Thompson’s Special Operations Combatives Program (SOCP) design into discreet, potent tools. This review assesses their practicality and effectiveness for everyday carry by armed citizens.
Design and Specifications:
Mini-SOCP
- Blade: Double-edged, spear point.
- Blade length: 2.22″
- Blade thickness: 0.175″
- Material: 440C stainless steel (black coated)
- Overall length: 6.25″
- Weight: 3.0 oz
- Handle: Slim contoured grip with finger loop
Rescue Tool
- Features: rescue hook, carbide glass breaker, O2 wrench
- Material: 440C stainless steel
- Thickness: 0.12″
- Overall length: 6.75″
- Weight: 1.88 oz
- Handle: Slim contoured grip with finger loop
Practicality for Everyday Carry:
The mini-SOCP dagger is designed as a slim, easy-to-carry blade. As a self-defense tool for armed citizens and civilian law enforcement, knives generally fall into the category of weapons of opportunity. The mini-SOCP dagger is designed primarily for weapon retention and as a close-quarters combatives knife. The rescue tool, featuring the same basic shape without the sharpened blade, can be used the same way. Even without sharpened edges, the Rescue Tool’s hardened carbide tip can make for penetrating strikes. In non-permissive environments, the rescue tool may offer a compliant option that, in trained hands, can still give the defenders an advantage. Many government facilities have restrictions on knife blade length (typically 2.5″), which the Mini-SOCP and Rescue Tool meet.
The SOCP-style daggers are meant to be used primarily in a reverse-grip. I have seen the finger ring used for the index finger or thumb. This ring facilitates drawing the knife from deep concealment or tangled up with an adversary while maintaining positive retention. In addition, when transitioning from the knife to a primary weapon, the finger loop allows the user to rotate the knife out of the firing grip without having to drop it or sacrifice time and focus by re-sheathing it.
A Word of Caution
As an industrial safety professional who has seen my fair share of avulsions and amputations from metal jewelry snagging on ladders or equipment in work environments, I do have some concerns about the finger loop. When used with the proper technique, there is probably minimal risk, however, if not correctly trained that loop could present a liability. The SOCP dagger and rescue tool are long enough to apply a LOT of leverage to anything inside the finger loop, risking injury to the user.
Summary
It’s a Benchmade, and they certainly know how to make knives, so quality isn’t a concern with these. The SOCP series is designed around the needs and techniques of Greg Thompson’s Special Operations Combatives Program. Like with any purpose-driven tool, users will get the best results of these knives with training in the techniques these knives were specifically designed for.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own and are based on my personal experience with the product. I was not compensated for this review, but this product was provided to me for free for the purpose of evaluation. Your experience may differ from mine. Please consider your own needs and preferences when deciding whether to purchase this product.
Safety and Legal Notice: Always use knives responsibly and follow applicable safety guidelines. Ensure you are aware of and comply with local laws and regulations regarding the ownership, carry, and use of knives. This product is intended for lawful purposes only. The reviewer and the manufacturer are not liable for any misuse or illegal use of this product.