Benchmade is one of the biggest and most well-known companies in the United States. The brand produces budget-friendly and premium knives of all shapes and sizes.
Most customers are happy with their purchases and use them for a long time. However, are Benchmade knives good for survival? Here are seven things to know.
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Are Benchmade Knives Good for Survival?
Yes, Benchmade knives are excellent for survival. Benchmade makes some of the highest quality knives on the market.
They are durable and do not corrode. If you are looking for a knife to help you face the wilderness, a Benchmade knife should be part of your kit.
A prime example of this is the Benchmade Bushcrafter. This knife can cut through wood and brush and quickly skin hunted animals.
Furthermore, many outdoor enthusiasts and even NAVY Seals recommend using it. The fixed blade is sturdy enough for most, if not all, of your outdoor needs.
Other fantastic survival knives in the Benchmade lineup include:
- Griptilian
- Adamas
- 200 Puukko
- Bugout
Seven Things That Make a Benchmade Knife Good for Survival
Besides the current popularity of Benchmade knives among campers and hunters, you need to understand what makes a good survival knife in the first place.
For starters, a folding knife is not a suitable survival knife. The blade can easily fold onto your fingers.
Furthermore, the joint of this knife could easily break when you apply too much force. Lastly, due to the shape of the handles, you may frequently get blisters when you carve.
So, here are seven factors that make a Benchmade knife an excellent tool for survival.
1. The Material of the Blade
Most survival knives are made with either stainless steel or carbon steel. However, one isn’t better than the other. It is up to the user to decide what they want and also consider their budget.
Stainless steel is quite robust and can withstand the elements without rusting. Nevertheless, stainless steel blades are known for losing their edge faster.
On the other hand, the edge of carbon steel lasts longer, but the material is not as resistant to rust. Benchmade knives are made using Bohler N680 steel. Thus, they’re chip and rust-resistant.
2. Tang
Benchmade offers an array of full-tang knives that are perfect for survival. Tang refers to the part of the blade that stretches into the knife’s handle.
In a full-tang knife, the tang and the blade belong to a single piece of steel. So, optimal survival knives have their tang (or full tang) extend into the handle.
The full-tang route increases the overall sturdiness of the knife. However, there are many other types of tang you’ll find helpful. Yet, they vary in terms of hardness and durability.
3. Construction of the Handle
Several types of handles are used to balance knives. Benchmade offers knives with all kinds of handles.
For example, the company sells knives with a hole in the handle. Such a model allows you to attach a lanyard and tie it to your wrist.
As such, you won’t lose sight of the blade and will have complete control while cutting.
4. The Blade Design
Survival knives come in several types: clip point, drop point, straight blade, serrated, or tanto.
Benchmade offers knives of all kinds, allowing you to choose one that best suits your survival needs.
Drop point and clip point blades offer unmatched control. Straight blades work best for wood and are easy to sharpen.
Serrated blades work like straight blades but need a special sharpener. Lastly, tanto point blades are fancy and compact but efficient.
5. Optimal Blade Thickness
The best thickness for a survival knife is between 0.16 and 0.25 inches. Coincidentally, Benchmade manufactures knives that fall within this range.
These knives are incredibly robust and can handle splitting up wood, prying, and batoning.
6. Perfect Blade Length
Most survival knives will stretch between 6 and 12 inches. As a rule of thumb, these ranges won’t get in your way when performing the usual camping activities.
Benchmade sells knives within this range, making them perfect for camping.
7. Quality Sheathes
The sheath is essential for your protection and keeping the blade in tip-top condition. Also, it’s best to be able to attach the knife to the side of your belt.
Benchmade sells high-quality, durable, protective sheaths that pair perfectly with your Benchmade knives.
Top 3 Benchmade knives for Survival You Can Consider
1. Benchmade – Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Outdoor Survival Knife
The Benchmade – Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Outdoor Survival Knife is a top-of-the-line knife that is perfect for any outdoorsman or woman.
The blade is made of American-made CPM-S30V steel, which is known for its edge retention and corrosion resistance.
The handle is made of ultra-durable G10, which is impervious to moisture and stable across fast-changing climates.
The fixed blade construction provides enhanced stability when in use, and the leather sheath with belt loop and D-ring allows for easy access.
The Bushcrafter 162 is a true workhorse of a knife that can handle any task you throw at it.
Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or just spending time in the great outdoors, this knife can be a good option.
2. Benchmade – Barrage 580, Drop Point Blade, Plain Edge, Satin Finish
The Barrage 580 from Benchmade is a top quality knife perfect for a variety of uses.
The CPM-S30V stainless steel blade is extremely well balanced and offers superb edge qualities and rust resistance, while the G10 handle is durable and impervious to moisture.
The 580-2 can be opened and closed quickly with either hand thanks to the AXIS Assist feature, and the reversible pocket clip makes it easy to access.
With its drop point utility blade style and all-around functionality, the Barrage 580-2 is ideal for everyday use or outdoor activities.
3. Benchmade Saddle MTN Skinner R/L
The Benchmade Saddle MTN Skinner R/L is a great survival knife for those looking for a high quality, fixed-blade knife.
The CPM-S90V super premium stainless steel drop point blade is extremely sharp and can handle any big game.
The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable and secure grip while the low-profile sheath gives you the option to store it in your pack. Overall, this is an excellent survival knife that will not disappoint.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Benchmade knives are good for survival. The company aims to provide the tools for any type of outdoor adventure.
Moreover, you can find plenty of helpful information on their website.
