Imagine this: you’re deep in the woods, the air is crisp, and you’ve finally made that perfect shot. Now comes the crucial part – the field dressing. What if your knife isn’t up to the task? It’s a frustrating thought that can ruin an otherwise incredible experience. Choosing the right hunting knife is more than just picking a tool; it’s selecting a reliable partner for one of the most important jobs in the outdoors.
Benchmade makes some amazing hunting knives, but with so many models, how do you know which one is best for *you*? You want a knife that’s sharp, tough, and comfortable to hold, but wading through all the specs and features can feel overwhelming. You might worry about spending your hard-earned money on a knife that doesn’t quite fit your needs, leaving you disappointed when it matters most.
This post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a Benchmade hunting knife great and guide you through the important things to consider. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a knife that will serve you well season after season, letting you focus on the hunt, not on your gear.
Our Top 5 Benchmade Hunting Knife Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Benchmade Hunting Knife Detailed Reviews
1. Benchmade – Saddle Mountain 15002 Hunting Knife with Wood Handle (15002)
Rating: 9.1/10
The Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner 15002 hunting knife is built tough for serious big game hunters. It’s a reliable fixed-blade knife ready for any challenge you meet in the field.
What We Like:
- This knife is made for hunting big game.
- It has a strong CPM-S30V stainless steel drop point blade.
- The stabilized wood handle feels good in your hand.
- The handle is shaped for a comfortable and secure grip.
- It comes with a sturdy leather sheath.
- The sheath has a belt loop and a strap to keep the knife safe.
- Benchmade offers a free lifetime sharpening service called LifeSharp.
- They will clean, oil, adjust, and re-sharpen your knife for free.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price might be a bit high for some hunters.
- The wood handle, while beautiful, might require a bit more care than synthetic materials.
This Benchmade knife is a fantastic investment for any hunter. Its quality and the lifetime service make it a tool you can count on for years to come.
2. Benchmade – Meatcrafter 15500 4″ Hunting and Cutlery Knife with Dark Olive Santoprene Handle (15505)
Rating: 9.3/10
The Benchmade – Meatcrafter 15500 4″ Hunting and Cutlery Knife with Dark Olive Santoprene Handle (15505) is a serious tool for anyone who needs a reliable blade. This knife is built tough for the outdoors. Its design makes it great for hunting and general cutting tasks. You can count on this knife to perform when you need it most.
What We Like:
- The trailing point blade is shaped to give you a nice, elevated tip. This makes precise cutting easier.
- It’s made with CPM154 stainless steel. This steel is strong and won’t rust easily. It also keeps a sharp edge for a long time.
- The dark olive Santoprene handle feels great in your hand. It gives you a super secure grip, even if your hands are wet or sweaty.
- This knife doesn’t fold, so it’s always ready to go. It comes with a sheath to keep the blade safe and protected.
- Benchmade offers a “LifeSharp” service. They will sharpen your knife for free, forever. They also clean and oil it. This means your knife will always be in top shape.
What Could Be Improved:
- Since it’s a fixed blade, it’s not as compact as a folding knife for everyday pocket carry.
- The premium steel and Benchmade’s reputation mean this knife comes with a higher price tag.
The Benchmade Meatcrafter 15505 is a fantastic knife for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Its durable construction and excellent steel make it a lifelong companion for your adventures.
3. Benchmade – Hidden Canyon Hunter 15017-1 Fixed Blade Hunting Knife with Orange G10 Handle (15017-1)
Rating: 8.5/10
The Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter 15017-1 is a tough and reliable hunting knife. It’s made for the outdoors and designed to help you with any hunting task. This knife is made in Oregon City, Oregon, by skilled craftspeople.
What We Like:
- This knife is built for the hunt. It works well on both big and small game.
- It feels comfortable in your hand. The design makes every cut feel easy.
- The blade is made of high-quality CPM-S90V steel. It’s strong and keeps a sharp edge.
- The handle is made of Richlite and bright orange G10. This makes it easy to see and grip.
- Benchmade offers a free LifeSharp service for life. They will sharpen and maintain your knife.
What Could Be Improved:
- The compact size might feel a little small for very large hands during extended use.
- The bright orange handle, while good for visibility, may not appeal to those who prefer a more subdued look.
The Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter 15017-1 is a fantastic knife for any hunter. Its quality and thoughtful design make it a tool you can trust in the field.
4. Benchmade – Saddle Mountain 15002 Hunting Knife with Orange G10 Handle (15002-1)
Rating: 9.4/10
The Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner 15002-1 is a serious tool for serious hunters. This knife is built tough for tackling big game. Its bright orange handle makes it easy to spot if you set it down in the field. You can trust Benchmade to make a high-quality knife.
What We Like:
- It is specifically designed for big game hunters.
- The CPM-S90V steel blade is super strong and holds an edge well.
- The stabilized wood handle feels good and gives a secure grip.
- The new sheath is slim and keeps the knife safe.
- Benchmade offers free sharpening for life with their LifeSharp service.
What Could Be Improved:
- The stabilized wood handle, while beautiful, might require a bit more care than synthetic materials in extreme conditions.
- The premium steel, while excellent, can be more challenging to sharpen for beginners compared to softer steels.
This knife is a fantastic investment for any hunter. It combines excellent performance with a lifetime of support from a trusted brand.
5. Benchmade – Flyway 15700 Hunting Knife with Orange G10 Handle (15700)
Rating: 8.6/10
The Benchmade Flyway 15700 is a hunting knife designed for serious outdoorsmen. It’s built to last and perform in tough conditions. This knife focuses on keeping you in the game, no matter the season.
What We Like:
- The CPM-S90V steel gives it amazing edge retention, meaning it stays sharp for a long time.
- The Orange G10 handle is easy to see, even in low light.
- Orange accent rings add extra visibility.
- The orange Boltaron sheath securely holds the knife and is easy to attach to gear or pack.
- Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the orange color aids visibility, some users might prefer more subdued color options for certain hunting situations.
- The focus on specific edge retention might mean it’s not the best choice for tasks requiring extreme toughness over sharpness.
This knife is a top-notch tool for hunters who value performance and reliability. Its bright accents and durable construction make it a standout choice for the field.
Choosing Your Perfect Benchmade Hunting Knife: A Hunter’s Best Friend
When you’re out in the wild, a reliable hunting knife is more than just a tool; it’s a crucial partner. Benchmade knives are known for their top-notch quality and are a favorite among hunters. This guide will help you pick the best Benchmade hunting knife for your adventures.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a Benchmade hunting knife, keep these important features in mind:
- Blade Shape: Different shapes work best for different tasks.
- Drop-Point: This is a very common and versatile shape. The spine of the blade curves down to meet the tip. It’s great for skinning and general-purpose cutting.
- Clip-Point: This blade has a concave curve on the spine near the tip. This makes the tip sharper and good for piercing.
- Skinning Blade: These blades often have a more pronounced belly (the curved part of the blade). This helps you make long, smooth cuts when skinning game.
- Blade Size: A blade that’s too big can be hard to control. A blade that’s too small might not be strong enough for tough jobs. Most hunters find a blade length between 3 and 4 inches works well.
- Handle Material: The handle needs to be comfortable and provide a good grip, even when wet.
- Locking Mechanism (for folding knives): A strong lock keeps the blade securely in place when it’s open. Benchmade uses excellent locking systems.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a Benchmade knife greatly affect its performance and how long it lasts.
- Blade Steel: This is super important!
- CPM-S30V: This is a popular stainless steel. It’s known for holding its edge for a long time and resisting rust. It’s a great choice for hunting knives.
- 154CM: Another good stainless steel. It offers a good balance of toughness and edge retention.
- D2 Tool Steel: This is a semi-stainless steel. It’s very tough and can hold a sharp edge. However, it can rust if not cared for properly.
- Handle Materials:
- G10: This is a strong and durable composite material. It feels good in your hand and won’t slip, even when wet.
- Micarta: Similar to G10, Micarta is also tough and offers a great grip. It’s made from layers of fabric or paper soaked in resin.
- Wood: Some Benchmade knives feature beautiful wood handles. They look nice but might require more care to prevent damage.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Benchmade is known for high quality, but a few things can make a knife even better or less ideal.
- Improving Quality:
- Precision Engineering: Benchmade’s manufacturing is top-notch. Their knives are built with great care.
- Heat Treatment: How the steel is heated and cooled is critical. Good heat treatment makes the blade strong and able to hold an edge. Benchmade does this very well.
- Sharpness Out of the Box: A knife should be sharp when you buy it. Benchmade knives are usually very sharp from the start.
- Reducing Quality (Less Common with Benchmade):
- Poor Edge Retention: If a blade dulls too quickly, it’s not ideal for hunting.
- Weak Locking Mechanism: A knife that doesn’t lock securely can be dangerous.
- Uncomfortable Handle: If the handle slips or causes hot spots, it makes the knife difficult to use.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
A Benchmade hunting knife is designed to make your hunting tasks easier and more efficient.
- Field Dressing: The sharp, durable blade makes quick work of skinning and quartering game. A good grip means you can control the knife safely.
- Camp Chores: From cutting rope to preparing firewood, your Benchmade can handle many camp tasks.
- Everyday Carry: Some hunters like to keep a smaller Benchmade knife with them even when not hunting for general use.
- Survival Situations: In an unexpected situation, a strong and reliable knife is essential for survival.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benchmade Hunting Knives
Q: What makes Benchmade knives good for hunting?
A: Benchmade knives use high-quality steel that stays sharp. They also have strong handles that give you a good grip, even when things are wet.
Q: What is the best blade shape for hunting?
A: A drop-point blade is very versatile and works well for most hunting tasks, like skinning and general cutting.
Q: How big should a hunting knife blade be?
A: A blade between 3 and 4 inches is usually a good size. It’s not too big to handle but strong enough for most jobs.
Q: What is CPM-S30V steel?
A: CPM-S30V is a type of steel that stays sharp for a very long time. It also does not rust easily, which is great for hunting.
Q: Are Benchmade folding knives safe for hunting?
A: Yes, Benchmade uses very strong locking mechanisms on their folding knives. This keeps the blade from closing unexpectedly.
Q: Do I need to sharpen a new Benchmade hunting knife?
A: Benchmade knives usually come very sharp. You might need to touch up the edge after some use, but they are good to go right out of the box.
Q: What is G10 for knife handles?
A: G10 is a tough material used for knife handles. It provides a secure grip and is resistant to water and wear.
Q: Can I use a Benchmade hunting knife for other tasks?
A: Absolutely! A good hunting knife can also be used for camping chores, everyday tasks, and even in survival situations.
Q: How do I take care of my Benchmade hunting knife?
A: Clean your knife after use, especially if it has been exposed to moisture or blood. Dry it thoroughly and consider applying a light oil to the blade to prevent rust.
Q: Are Benchmade hunting knives worth the cost?
A: Yes, Benchmade hunting knives are an investment. Their high-quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, and durability mean they will last for many years and perform reliably.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.