The Benchmade Knife Company's model 915 Triage utility knife has been named the 2011 Knife of the Year by the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence, the company has announced.

The awards were presented during the Shooting Industry Masters event on July 22 in Bowling Green, Ky.

"The Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Knife of the Year award is extremely meaningful to Benchmade," says Les de Asis, Benchmade's chief executive and founder. "We are very honored to receive this award because it not only recognizes our high-quality American-made products, but also the dedication and hard work of our employees."

The 915 Triage is an excellent utility tool, featuring a folding knife, a safety hook and a carbide-tip glass breaker. Built with Benchmade's patented AXIS locking mechanism, this knife uses N680 corrosion-resistant blade steel and has textured G10 handle scales available in orange or black.

The utility knife is Benchmade's first multi-functional tool.

Benchmade has won Knife of the Year for three consecutive years and 11 times since 1998 when the category was introduced. Previous Benchmade Knife of the Year winners include 741 Onslaught (2010), 585 Mini-Barrage (2009), 610 Rukus (2006), 425 Gravitator (2005), 921 Switchback (2003), 556 Mini-Griptilian (2002), 690 Elishewitz (2001), 720 Mel Pardue (2000), 710 McHenry & Williams (1999), and the 910 Stryker (1998).

Related:

SHOT Show 2011: Benchmade Brings 915 Triage Utility Knife