The traditional SOCP dagger (Special Operations Combatives Program) from Benchmade should be fairly well known by this time. In 2017 we did a Photo Of The Day with it. In short, it’s a basic skeletonized dagger with a ring on the top of the handle, with the intention to allow the use with either hand and also when you’re using a firearm at the same time. There is now also a smaller version called the 173 Mini SOCP Dagger, and TFB has taken some time to evaluate it for this review.

The design is very similar to the original model, with a Plain Double-Edge Dagger protected by a rugged sheath that is made from Injection Molded Plastic.

Below: Benchmade Mini SOCP (left) and original SOCP. with partial serration (right).

The most significant change is that the blade is shorter, making the dagger easier and more comfortable to carry and conceal. The question is do you really need the longer blade? I think in most cases, for the main purpose of this knife, the answer is no.

Furthermore, the sheath clip is now what it should have been from the start. Of all the things with the original SOCP dagger, I found the poor functioning of the clip the most irritating. It never really locked the sheath in its position as you drew the dagger, so I had to tie my sheath with Paracord for it to stay in place.

Below: Note the new clip, which will grab hold in a much better way than the old one, and retain the sheath where you want it.

With the new clip, the sheath stays in place (for instance from inside your waistband, or your Molle rig) when you draw the knife.

The new clip for the Mini seems compatible with the sheath of the normally-sized SOCP, at least it has the same footprint and screw holes. I haven’t tried to retrofit it, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work

If you carry the Mini SOCP inside the waistband, you’re going to appreciate the leather patch which makes it much more comfortable to carry. The leather patch comes with the package, but it’s up to you if you want to screw it on or not. Again, this feature should be able to fit the normal SOCP.

If you’re carrying the dagger in your Molle vest, I would recommend that you carry it in the middle of your chest so you can reach it with both hands.

Below: The backside of the leather patch, which should be the side towards your body. The flashlight is a Surefire Defender, unfortunately they stopped making this great model.

You can see the original SOCP dagger in use in some of these pictures (see link), attached to a Molle carrier. Needless to say, the Mini can be used in the same way. It will just take a little bit less space (length), but space is usually not a problem in this placement.

If you carry your SOCP inside the waistband or similar places, you are going to appreciate the Mini version. The Mini is shorter by one inch (~2.5 cm), a small but noticeable difference. You should find that the Mini is easier to adjust to your body, so you can wear it close to your skin.

Below: With an overall length of only 6.25″ (15.9 cm) the Mini daggers is compact and thin. Here seen on top some old (but good) Zeiss binoculars. The overall length for the original model is 7.25″ (18.42cm), so not a huge difference.

Below: Even fat fingers with gloves on should be able to reach and grab the ring, and deploy the dagger.

Carrying the Mini SOCP

As part of my evaluation I have carried the Mini SOCP, with the holster placed inside the waistband, for long times sitting down.

This is probably the most uncomfortable position for any concealed carry. The biggest problem is probably the extra weight I carry around my stomach, and I wish I could blame Benchmade or anyone else for it.

When sitting down I can usually feel the sheath, but most of the time I can adjust it so that it’s comfortable.

And, remember, sometimes wearing something concealed should be comforting, not comfortable. But the more comfortable it is, the higher the chances are that you will carry what you needed when you need it.

Here is how Benchmade describes the Mini SOCP:

Taking the best features of it’s full-sized counterpart, we have teamed up with Greg Thompson to optimize some of the most popular elements of the SOCP® platform for concealed carry with the 173BK Mini SOCP.

Based off feedback from Special Operations personnel, we have updated the design of the sheath clip, to allow for better retention on MOLLE webbing, pocket seams, and waistbands.

The overall length of the knife allows for easier concealment while maintaining it’s effectiveness in a self-defense situation.

Below: A collection of Benchmade Daggers, including the Fixed Infidel in the middle. The Infidel is a great looking knife, and something I bought just because of its great looks and design for my collection.

Below: The Mini SOCP tucked into a Molle.

Below: Snigel Design admin pouch with Molle and the Mini SOCP.

Below: The leather patch can be removed if you prefer it without.

I have a love for serrated blades, but at the moment there is no such option for the Mini. I also doubt that it will become available, due to the short length of the blade.

Below: Here you can compare the size between different models. The blade is just shorter, not really any less in width. In fact, it looks wider.

Below: Benchmade Bugout (blue), Mini SOCP and Bailout on-top of a Snigel Design medium admin pouch.

Below: Here you can see the Spartan CQB Tool (far left in tan), Mini SOCP, Hardcore Hardware Australia ASOT-01 and a Benchmade 417 Fact tactical folder. As you may notice, the Spartan CQB Tool ($160.00) is very similar, but Greg Thompson was one of the designers here as well.

Below: Hardcore Hardware Australia ASOT-01 to the left. A similar concept, but can also be used more as a regular knife with an edge.

Here is a video with the SOCP dagger. The Mini version should have the same instructions and usage.

Greg Thompson, designer of the SOCP dagger in collaboration with Benchmade, demonstrates the effectiveness of the tool and its uses in a self-defense situation for civilians.

And the technical details:

MOLLE compatible. Made in USA. Designed by Greg Thompson.

Mechanism: Fixed
Action: Fixed Blade
Blade Steel: 440C

With dimensions and weight:

Blade Length: 2.22″ (5.64cm)
Blade Thickness: 0.175″ (4.45mm)
Overall Length: 6.25″ (15.88cm)
Handle Length: 4.03″ (10.24cm)
Handle Thickness: 0.175″ (4.45mm)
Weight: 3.00oz. (85.05g)

Below: A side-view with the leather patch mounted. As you can see it protects the metal of the dagger to touch your skin if you carry it on you.

The price for the Mini SOCP is $110.

If interested, you can find the 173 Mini SOCP Dagger on Benchmade’s homepage here. At the moment there is only one color (black) and configuration available, but there is custom laser marking available via Benchmade. I couldn’t find a Mini trainer version available, but the normal SOCP trainers should work.

The larger SOCP Dagger Family can be found here, including trainer daggers.

The Mini for this review was bought at list price by the author, at the Equipt (EU) web store. For the record, Benchmade has not been aware of this review until it goes online.

To summarize this review of the Benchmade Mini SOCP:

Pros

• Most, if not all, issues with the original Benchmade SOCP Dagger have been fixed.
• Smaller package, while keeping most of the performance of the bigger brother.
• Very easy to conceal.
• With the new clip, the sheath now stays in place when you remove the knife.
• Comfortable enough to carry inside waistband. Even with a seat belt on.
• The user can configure the sheath according to how it’s going to be worn (leather patch).
• The friction to holster and remove the knife from the sheath is just right, and it shouldn’t fall out accidentally.
• The knife, sheath and accessories feel like they’re of high quality. I had no issues.
• Less is more. There is very little that can break, which makes it dependable.
• Probably the best dagger of this kind on the market.

Cons

• It’s just a dagger, some may need a real knife more.
• Some may need a larger dagger (but they probably don’t).
• Some may argue that $110 is a lot for a knife, let alone a dagger.
• I think there is potential for Benchmade to make a sheath (and dagger) with an even thinner outline, for even greater comfort. If they can make a Mini Bugout, can they make a slim-SOCP?

(You may not like Benchmade as a brand, and I’m sure you will tell us in the comments below.)

 

This is TFB, The Firearm Blog, but sometimes firearms go hand-in-hand with other interests like knives.

If you fancy more sharp objects, please have a look at The Best Premium Blades: EDC Knives For Gun Owners.

We look forward to your comments. What does your favourite dream dagger look like?