# Hybrid Refined EDC Knives The Benchmade 486 Saibu Features Practical and Beautiful Design Elements By Justin Lam | Published 2018-06-23 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/benchmade-486-saibu References: [everydaycarry](http://everydaycarry.com/posts/29406/benchmade-486-saibu?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) & [benchmade](http://www.benchmade.com/486.html) Modern knives rarely lack a refined appeal but the Benchmade 486 Saibu taps into [Japanese design principles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-knives) to create a knife that celebrates classic design with modern aesthetics. Designed by Benchmade in collaboration with custom knifemaker Seiichi Nakamura, the [EDC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kameta-edc-knife)-sized blade offers up a unique and attractive design that is built to serve as a peak day-to-day tool. The blade of the Benchmade 486 Saibu is comprised of premium CPM-20CV stainless steel and is styled in a drop point style that helps retain a super sharp edge and survive harsh conditions. The AXIS lock, which holds the blade closed, is held in a beautifully ergonomic handle that combines [G10](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yonder-knife) scaling and cocobolo wood. Windows are cut out into the handle and serve as weight reducers, as well as gorgeous design elements. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Japanese Design Principles:** Applying Japanese design principles to create knives with refined appeal and modern aesthetics. - **Edc-sized Blade:** Designing knives with blades that are optimized for day-to-day tasks, offering practicality and convenience. - **Premium Materials:** Utilizing premium materials such as CPM-20CV stainless steel to enhance the performance and durability of knives. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Knife Making:** Exploring innovative techniques and materials in knife making to create knives with improved functionality and aesthetic appeal. - **Outdoor Gear:** Integrating Japanese design principles in the development of outdoor gear to offer a unique and visually appealing product range. - **Everyday Carry:** Developing EDC tools with optimized design and materials to meet the needs of individuals seeking compact and functional everyday tools. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Luxury Damasteel Utility Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/benchmade.md) - [Rugged Construction EDC Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/benchmade-593bk-psk.md) - [Ultra-Thin EDC Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/benchmade-748-narrows.md) - [Elegant Everyday Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/damascus.md) - [Haute Eyewear-Inspired EDCs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chic-pocket-knife.md) - [Tri-Action Edc Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scarab-20.md) - [Functional Utilitarian Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/benchmade-290-immunity-series-knives.md) - [Carbon-Scaled Collaboration Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shinola-x-benchmade-crooked-river-knife.md) - [Luxe Limited-Edition EDC Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-james-brand-barnes-knife.md)