Benchmade Meatcrafter

The Benchmade Meatcrafter represents a collaboration between Benchmade and MeatEater's Steven Rinella that took 18 months of design and testing to perfect. Launched in 2020, this hybrid fixed blade targets the specific demands of processing wild game, from field dressing to final butchery and kitchen prep. Rinella wanted a knife that could flex around a femur, delicately trim silver skin and slice cleanly through large cuts of meat. All while maintaining edge retention that would last through multiple animals without constant sharpening.

What sets the Meatcrafter apart is Benchmade's proprietary SelectEdge technology, which sharpens the blade to a 14-degree angle rather than the typical steeper angles found on hunting knives. This produces an exceptionally fine edge optimised for push cut performance rather than sawing. The 15.2cm trailing point blade uses CPM S45VN steel in premium versions or CPM 154 in the Essential model, both offering excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. At just 2.3mm thick, the blade provides carefully engineered flex that allows it to work around bones without being fragile.

Available configurations include the original Signature Edition with mixed G10 scales, carbon fibre versions with blaze orange Cerakote finish, OD green G10 options and the more affordable Essential model with Santoprene handles. There's also a 10.2cm Meatcrafter 4 (Mini Meatcrafter) for those wanting more compact dimensions. All versions feature full tang construction, ergonomic contouring and lanyard holes. The Boltaron sheath provides secure retention. At 28cm overall and around 127.6g, the knife balances precision work with substantial cutting capability.

Looking at other game processing knives? The Benchmade Taggedout offers a folding alternative for backcountry hunters. Our Top 10 Benchmade knives guide covers the brand's most popular models.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Benchmade Meatcrafter suitable for both field and kitchen use?

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The Benchmade Meatcrafter is specifically designed as a hybrid knife that excels in both field dressing and kitchen butchery. The 15.2cm trailing point blade with SelectEdge technology delivers the precision needed for removing silver skin or filleting fish, but maintains enough backbone for breaking down large game quarters. The carefully engineered blade flex allows it to work around bones during field dressing, then transition seamlessly to slicing steaks or trimming cuts at home.

What makes the SelectEdge technology special on the Meatcrafter?

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The SelectEdge technology used on the Benchmade Meatcrafter represents a proprietary sharpening process that produces a 14-degree edge angle, significantly finer than typical hunting knives. This edge is optimised for push cut performance rather than sawing through tissue, resulting in cleaner cuts with less effort. Benchmade developed this process specifically for the Meatcrafter because automated sharpening methods couldn't achieve the granular level of refinement required. Each blade receives hand sharpening to ensure the edge meets exacting standards.

Are there different blade steel options available for the Meatcrafter?

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The Benchmade Meatcrafter range is available in two primary blade steel options, depending on the model. The Essential Meatcrafter (model 15500) features CPM 154 stainless steel, offering excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance at a more accessible price point. Premium versions, including the Signature Edition, use CPM S45VN steel, an advanced alloy developed by Crucible with improved corrosion and wear resistance over S35VN. The rebalanced chemistry in S45VN provides an exceptional combination of edge retention, toughness and corrosion resistance. Both steels work beautifully for game processing, with the S45VN offering slightly better performance for those wanting ultimate capability.

Why is the Meatcrafter designed by Steven Rinella significant?

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Steven Rinella's involvement in designing the Benchmade Meatcrafter brought decades of hunting and cooking experience to the collaboration. As host of the Netflix show MeatEater and author of bestselling game cookbooks, Rinella understands exactly what hunters need when processing wild game from field to table. He spent 18 months working with Benchmade to create a knife that addresses specific pain points: the perfect blade flex for working around bones, edge geometry optimised for clean cuts through tissue, and durability to process multiple animals without constant sharpening. This wasn't a celebrity endorsement but a genuine design partnership that resulted in what many consider the finest American-made boning knife available.

Benchmade Meatcrafter