Imagine standing in the quiet woods, the morning sun just starting to peek through the trees. You need a tool you can trust completely. A reliable knife is not just gear; it’s a partner in the wilderness. When you think about top-quality hunting knives, the name Benchmade often comes to mind. They build strong, sharp tools.
But here’s the tricky part: Benchmade makes many amazing hunting knives. Which one is right for your next trip? Choosing the perfect model can feel overwhelming. You worry about blade steel, handle comfort, and whether it will hold an edge through tough work. Getting the wrong knife means frustration when you need performance most.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes Benchmade knives stand out. You will learn about the best models for different hunting styles and what features truly matter in the field. Stop guessing about your essential gear.
Ready to find the ultimate blade for your adventures? Let’s explore the world of Benchmade Hunting Knives and equip you for success.
Table of Contents
Top Benchmade Hunting Knife Recommendations
- BUILT FOR THE HUNT: Despite its compact profile, this knife provides ample real estate throughout the handle and cutting edge, making it just as effective on big game as it is on smaller species.
- COMFORTABLE IN HAND: The thoughtful geometry and ergonomic design of the knife will make the last cut feel just as effortless as the first.
- HIGH QUALITY: A satin CPM-S30V (58-60 HRC) steel blade with stabilized wood handle.
- Factory in Oregon City, Oregon
- YOURS, FOR LIFE: Benchmade will re-sharpen your knife to a factory edge for free, for the life of the knife. Benchmade LifeSharp services includes cleaning, oiling, adjustments, and re-sharpening.
- Trailing Point: The spine curves upward to create an elevated point that's typically higher than the handle.
- CPM154 Wear Resistant Stainless Steel (58-61HRC): A premium-grade steel developed for tough industrial applications that offers a good balance of corrosion resistance, toughness, and edge quality.
- Dark Olive Santoprene: A composite of vulcanized EPDM rubber and thermoplastic, this durable, molded material provides a sure grip in all conditions.
- Opening Action: These knives do not fold and almost always come with a sheath to protect the edge.
- YOURS, FOR LIFE: Benchmade will re-sharpen your knife to a factory edge for free, for the life of the knife. Benchmade LifeSharp services includes cleaning, oiling, adjustments, and re-sharpening.
- BUILT FOR THE HUNT: the 15006-01 Steep Country is a versatile fixed-blade capable of performing throughout any season, on any species.
- HIGH QUALITY: Factory in Oregon City, Oregon with a CPM-S30V stainless steel blade and orange Santoprene handle.
- SANTOPRENE HANDLE: Rubberized for a comfortable and secure grip; Helps keep your cuts clean through a multitude of tasks.
- Drop Point: Drops off the spine to the tip. Tip height is typically below the center line on the blade.
- Fixed Blade: These knives do not fold and almost always come with a sheath to protect the edge.
- CPM-CRUWEAR SUPER STRONG TOOL STEEL (63-65HRC): An air-hardenable, non-stainless tool steel that has an exceptional balance of extreme toughness, strength, and wear resistance, making it an excellent choice for general purpose, hard-use cutting tools.
- Handle: Multiple layers of resin-laminated fiberglass make G10 incredibly durable, rigid, and resistant to the elements.
- Mechanism: Fixed Blade
- Blade Style: Droppoint featuring SelectEdge
- Handle: Orange Cerakote with Carbon Fiber
- Mechanism: Fixed Blade
- Blade Style: Droppoint featuringSelectEdge
- Handle: OD Green, G10
- BUILT FOR THE HUNT: Despite it's compact profile, this knife provides ample real estate throughout the handle and cutting edge, making it just as effective on big game as it is on smaller species.
- COMFORTABLE IN HAND: The thoughtful geometry and ergonomic design of the knife will make the last cut feel just as effortless as the first.
- HIGH QUALITY: A satin CPM-S90V (59-61 HRC) steel blade with a wood pattern Richlite and Orange G10 handle.
- Factory in Oregon City, Oregon
- YOURS, FOR LIFE: Benchmade will re-sharpen your knife to a factory edge for free, for the life of the knife. Benchmade LifeSharp services includes cleaning, oiling, adjustments, and re-sharpening.
- QUALITY: CPM-S30V stainless steel drop point blade, maple stabilized wood handle scales, and hunt-ready orange accents
Choosing Your Perfect Benchmade Hunting Knife: A Buying Guide
Benchmade makes some of the best knives for hunting. These tools help you field dress game cleanly and efficiently. Buying the right one means knowing what features matter most. This guide will help you pick the perfect hunting companion.
1. Key Features to Look For
When selecting a Benchmade hunting knife, focus on these important parts:
Blade Style and Shape
- Drop Point: This is the most common style. The spine curves down to meet a belly that curves up. It offers great control for slicing and skinning.
- Clip Point: The spine near the tip is “clipped” or cut away. This makes the tip sharper for piercing tasks.
- Blade Length: For most deer and elk hunters, a blade between 3.5 and 4.5 inches works best. Shorter blades offer more control; longer blades handle bigger game easier.
Locking Mechanism (For Folding Models)
While many hunting knives are fixed-blade (meaning the blade never folds), if you look at folders, check the lock:
- AXIS Lock: Benchmade’s signature lock. It is very strong and easy to use with one hand.
Handle Ergonomics
The handle must fit your hand well, even when it is wet or bloody. Good handles offer a secure grip.
2. Important Materials Matter
The steel and the handle material greatly affect how well your knife performs and how long it lasts.
Blade Steel
Benchmade uses premium steels. These steels hold a sharp edge longer, which means less frequent sharpening in the field.
- S30V or S35VN: These are very popular stainless steels. They resist rust well, which is important when dealing with moisture and blood. They also hold a great edge.
- CPM-CruWear: This tool steel offers great toughness. Toughness means the blade resists chipping or breaking when you twist or pry slightly.
Handle Materials
The handle needs to be durable and grippy.
- G10 or Carbon Fiber: These synthetic materials are lightweight, strong, and do not absorb water. They provide excellent grip in all weather.
- Santoprene or Rubberized Overmolds: These materials feel softer and offer superior traction when your hands are slick.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality in a hunting knife comes from how it is put together and how well the steel is treated.
What Improves Quality?
- Full Tang Construction (Fixed Blades): This means the steel of the blade runs all the way through the handle as one solid piece. This design is the strongest possible.
- Proper Heat Treatment: Benchmade uses precise heat treatment processes. This makes the steel hard enough to hold an edge but not so brittle that it breaks easily.
What Reduces Quality (Things to Avoid)?
- Thin Blade Stock: Blades that are too thin can bend during tough work like chopping or batoning (using a stick to push the knife through wood).
- Poor Fit and Finish: Look for smooth transitions between the handle and the blade. Rough spots can cause hot spots on your hand during extended use.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the knife. This dictates the best style for you.
Field Dressing Big Game (Deer, Elk)
You need a knife that excels at skinning and slicing meat. A 4-inch drop point blade with excellent edge retention (like S30V) is often chosen here. The smooth curve helps you make long, clean cuts under the hide.
Small Game and Camp Chores
For cleaning rabbits or small birds, or for general camp tasks like cutting rope or preparing food, a slightly smaller, lighter knife works well. Some hunters carry a smaller dedicated “skinner” alongside a larger utility knife.
Ease of Carry
Fixed blades usually come with a sheath. Make sure the sheath is sturdy and allows for quick, safe drawing of the knife. A good sheath keeps the knife secure while you hike or climb.
Benchmade Hunting Knife FAQs
Q: Are Benchmade hunting knives easy to sharpen?
A: Benchmade knives use very hard steels. While they hold an edge for a long time, sharpening them requires quality sharpening stones or systems. They are not as easy to sharpen as softer steels, but they stay sharp longer.
Q: Should I get a fixed blade or a folding hunting knife?
A: Most serious hunters prefer fixed blades. They are stronger because they have no moving parts. Folders are convenient for backup or light use, but fixed blades handle the hard work of field dressing better.
Q: How do I stop my blade from rusting?
A: Even stainless steels can stain if left wet. After use, always clean the blade immediately with soap and water. Then, dry it completely. A very light coat of mineral oil or specialized knife oil protects it during storage.
Q: What is the advantage of Benchmade’s premium steels?
A: The advantage is edge retention. This means you can field dress an entire animal without needing to stop and sharpen the knife. This saves valuable time in the field.
Q: Are these knives too heavy for backpacking?
A: Benchmade offers many lightweight options, especially in their newer fixed-blade lines that use synthetic handles. Always check the listed weight. A good balance between strength and weight is key for long treks.
Q: What is the warranty like on a Benchmade hunting knife?
A: Benchmade offers a strong lifetime warranty. This covers manufacturing defects. It shows they stand behind the quality of their tools.
Q: Do I need a specialized tip for gutting large game?
A: A standard drop point works well for most large game. If you often need to puncture tough hide cleanly, look for a knife with a slightly more acute (sharper) tip, though this can make the tip weaker.
Q: How important is the handle texture?
A: It is very important. When your hands are cold, wet, or covered in blood, a rough or textured handle prevents the knife from slipping. Good texture equals better safety.
Q: Can I use my hunting knife for chopping wood?
A: While some heavy-duty fixed blades can handle light chopping, hunting knives are primarily slicers and skinners. Heavy chopping can damage the fine edge or even break the tip. Use a dedicated hatchet or saw for serious wood processing.
Q: Where should the lanyard hole be located?
A: The lanyard hole allows you to attach a cord, often used to secure the knife to your wrist or hang it to dry. It should be located near the butt (end) of the handle for balance and security.