Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner Overview

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After I lastly acquired my arms on the Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner in S90V, I knew instantly it wasn’t simply one other looking knife. I’ve owned loads of funds blades through the years, and so they’ve at all times gotten the job completed effectively sufficient, however this one felt completely different from the second I wrapped my hand round it. Benchmade presents two variations of this knife. One model comes with a laminated wooden deal with and S30V metal, and the model I acquired comes with a Richlite deal with, an Orange G10 base layer, and S90V metal.

Despite the fact that I didn’t check the S30V model myself, I do know loads about how the 2 metal selections would evaluate. S30V is a high-end stainless-steel identified for good edge retention and straightforward sharpening. S90V, nevertheless, takes issues to a different stage. It makes use of extraordinarily excessive vanadium carbide content material, which gives higher put on resistance and edge stability. Which means it stays sharp longer, particularly by means of heavy chopping. The tradeoff is straightforward: S90V is tougher to resharpen and works greatest with diamond stones or a guided setup. With that in thoughts, I went into my testing anticipating much less upkeep however extra effort when sharpening lastly turned crucial.

First Impressions and Construct High quality

The very first thing I observed in regards to the Saddle Mountain Skinner was the general match and end. The knife feels stable within the hand, completely balanced from its tip to the tip. Out of the field, the S90V blade was very sharp, because of Benchmade’s SelectEdge geometry, and the satin stonewash end seems clear with out hiding the metal’s pure character. The drop-point form offers a deep stomach for slicing whereas nonetheless letting you make exact cuts when wanted.

The deal with is the place this knife actually stands out. The Richlite with Orange G10 base layer feels rugged and safe, supplying you with additional grip when moist. It’s snug for prolonged use, and the refined palm swell helps stop fatigue even throughout lengthy classes. The jimping (small notches) alongside the backbone provides additional management when choking up on the deal with for detailed work. General, the deal with feels nice in all conditions during which I used it.

In-Discipline Efficiency of the Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner

I used this knife to course of a deer and for on a regular basis duties round the home. From slicing by means of hides to trimming rope, the S90V Saddle Mountain Skinner by no means let me down. The blade effortlessly adopted muscle strains and cleanly sliced by means of all the pieces that I attempted chopping with it. After processing the deer I harvested in Michigan’s Higher Peninsula, I checked the knife’s edge and located it in nice situation, requiring solely a small touch-up.

When it did want sharpening, I observed the S90V requires extra effort in comparison with different kinds of metal, however the additional sturdiness is value it. After sharpening, the knife returned to its unique razor edge, prepared for the subsequent process. This metal is good for hunters who desire a blade that maintains its edge by means of powerful use, even when it calls for a bit extra consideration when sharpening.

Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner Grip and Consolation

I spent hours within the storage holding this knife whereas processing the deer, and I by no means felt discomfort or sizzling spots. The deal with’s form permits for a full four-finger grip, and you may choke up simply for detailed cuts. The knife feels pure within the hand whereas slicing, gutting, whittling small sticks, or chopping rope. Each process felt clean and easy. For me, the ergonomics hit the proper steadiness between management and luxury.

Sheath and Carry

The sheath on the Saddle Mountain Skinner isn’t only a easy pack insert. It has molded slits/holes that allow you to run a slim belt or straps by means of it, so you possibly can carry the knife comfortably in your hip or connect it to gear. In contrast to some minimalist fastened‑blade sheaths that solely allow you to use pack carry, this design offers you choices while not having additional {hardware}. The Boltaron materials feels rugged and safe, and the knife suits snugly with out rattling.

The rigidity of the sheath additionally means it protects the blade effectively in tough circumstances, and people slits make it straightforward to mount it on backpacks, belts, or MOLLE webbing with out including weight. When you favor leather-based, you would possibly nonetheless select to swap sheaths, however I appreciated that the inventory sheath supplied actual carry flexibility proper out of the field.

On a regular basis Use and Sturdiness

I additionally used the knife for basic outside chores, like slicing meals, chopping rope, and lightweight batoning. Whereas it’s not a full bushcraft instrument, the knife dealt with these duties with no points. The total tang design and total steadiness give it stability, and even small errors didn’t injury the blade. After heavy chopping, I observed tiny chips on the sting, however they polished out simply with correct sharpening. The knife feels constructed to final and clearly earned its status for toughness.

Execs and Cons

Right here’s a fast abstract of the knife’s strengths and limitations.

Execs:

• Wonderful ergonomics with a safe, snug grip.
• Razor-sharp out of the field.
• S90V metal holds an edge extraordinarily effectively.
• Drop-point blade excels for skinning and slicing.
• Sturdy, balanced, and sturdy.

Cons:

• S90V is tougher to sharpen for newbies (tradeoff you make for the tougher metal) – However lifetime sharpening service is offered.
• Not excellent for heavy prying or full-on batoning.

The Verdict on the Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner