Benchmade 15500oR-2 MeatCrafter Knife Review

When it comes to top-tier outdoor precision knives for carving up game meat and fish during hunting and fishing trips, Benchmade's Meatcrafter 155000OR-2 knife is right up there with the best of them.

There are several reasons why this knife is such a great precision tool. While made primarily for outdoor use, it's still a knife you can use for several indoor applications.

Benchmade is well-known for coming up with fantastic outdoor knives, and the Meatcrafter is no exception. Many of the things that went into constructing this knife were meant to make it a convenient and easy-to-use precision outdoor tool.

Hikers and campers love this specific knife because it allows them to bring precision cuts to the plate during their outdoor adventures. Another huge reason it's such a popular product is it is stylish but functional.

In this detailed review, you'll find some of the features that help make this a fantastic precision cutting tool. You'll also find some of the things Benchmade could've done better.

Overall, though, this buying guide can be all you need to help you make a calculated decision to get a quality outdoor precision knife.

However, we will first highlight some of the things you need to look out for when purchasing an outdoor precision knife.

Also Available at: Benchmade, KnifeCenter, Bladehq

Characteristics of a Quality Precision Knife

Everyone agrees that a good fixed-blade precision knife is a powerful tool for preppers, outdoors people, and bushcrafters. The keywords of a quality survival knife are practicality and versatility. Below are things you need to look for when shopping for a product of this kind.

Blade Construction

Good fixed-blade precision knives typically have full-tang constructions, but more on that later. The knife's tang (the part that fits into its handle) should be strong. Some manufacturers cut away the tang to cheapen production and reduce the knife's weight. This, in turn, ruins its quality.

A full-tang construction means that the handle and blade tang are made using the same piece of steel. A quality fixed-blade survival knife will have a tang that extends to the handle's bottom part. It won't have the rat-tail design that tapers into the handle.

Some survival precision knives have bolted, hollow handles or handles that have been welded or bolted to the blade. Unfortunately, welded options have fusion points that make the knife prone to breaking or cracking when the handle meets the blade.

Blade Materials

When looking for precision survival knives, consider going for the ones with blades made of either stainless or carbon steel. The metal used to build the blade affects flexibility, hardness, and strength.

The heat treatment used in construction is also an important factor. With that said, you should always keep in mind that some knife metals will rust if not maintained properly, steel. So, if you can maintain the blade, rust shouldn't be a huge part of your consideration process. What you need to focus on are toughness and durability.

High carbon steel is universally known to be the best material for a survival knife blade. 1095 and D2 carbon steel materials are often ideal for constructing an outdoor knife blade. They usually maintain their edges well and are easy to sharpen.

On the other hand, stainless steel is equally popular because it's easy to keep corrosion and rust at bay with such knives. This is a great feature for knives that will see a lot of outdoor challenges and elements.

Also Available at: Benchmade, KnifeCenter, Bladehq

Blade Length

Survival knives, especially precision knives such as the Meatcrafter 155000OR, don't require extra-long blades. The best length is typically around 4 to 6 inches long.

The longer the knife, the more cumbersome it is to carry and the higher the chance of getting into an accident when using it during tense situations.

Some experts believe that a bushcrafting or survival knife should have a blade that's no shorter than five inches. However, a blade that's five inches and longer can be incredibly versatile and ideal for processing, carving meats, scaling fish, constructing traps, and improvising weapons.

With that said, try not to go over six inches. Precision knife blades that are six inches and longer will be cumbersome and impractical to use when skinning and building traps.

Blade Thickness

A good precision survival knife should have a blade thickness of about ¼ of an inch to 3/16 of an inch. This will provide a durable and solid knife blade that will last longer with proper maintenance. The blade thickness is important if you plan to use the knife for survival. It makes all the difference.

Handle

A knife's handle has two distinct uses, to ensure a comfortable and firm grip and prevent the hand from sliding down onto the knife's blade. Most survival knife handles are carbon fiber, high-density rubber, and high-impact plastic.

You need a handle that can withstand demanding use under tough conditions and high temperatures. It should also be unbreakable–stronger than what you'll find on general-purpose knives.

Go for the material that will give you a comfortable and firm grip no matter the weather outside, especially if the knife is primarily for outdoor use.

Carbon fiber is adored by many because it has waterproof capabilities. Plus, it offers a non-slip grip even when wet. Titanium material is also encouraged because it's incredibly durable and has great corrosion resistance. However, the grip may be an issue, as it is for most metal handles.

Also Available at: Benchmade, KnifeCenter, Bladehq

Benchmade MeatCrafter 155000OR Features

If you want to bring precision to your actions during outdoor adventures, the best choice is the Meatcrafter 155000OR. It's even in the name!

This knife makes preparation extremely easy in a modern and functional form. It has a blade length of about 6-inches and a thickness of around 2.20mm.

The Meatcrafter has a plain blade edge, ideal for carving up small game and building traps. It presents with an orange color scheme that's eye-catching and attractive.

The blade is made of CPM-S45VN steel. It also has a trailing point shape with a carbon fiber handle at the bottom. There's a lanyard hole, and the orange sheath is Boltaron.

Blade:

Trailing point knives are lightweight knives with a cool design where the back edges curve upwards. The Meatcrafter is no exception. These specific knives offer large curved cutting areas and are ideal for skinning and slicing.

They provide the sharpest point for delicate, fine, and small carving and crafting work, like caping and skinning game or fish. The blade curves toward the user of the knife in a sweeping motion. This knife's huge "belly" is its main feature.

Fishermen and hunters adore this specific knife because they're made exclusively for skinning and slicing.

The blade is made of high-alloy stainless steel known as CPM-S45VN. It's tough with high corrosion resistance and outstanding edge retention. It's a great material for high-end precision cutting tools.

CPM-S45VN contains high amounts of niobium and vanadium for great edge retention. In addition, it has a high chromium content for enhanced corrosion resistance.

Handle

Carbon fiber knife handles are ideal for survival precision knives due to several reasons. For starters, even though this material is incredibly lightweight, it's also extremely durable.

Carbon fiber is one of the toughest, hardest, and strongest artificial substances around, making it a rigid material perfect for making high-end survival knife handles.

Carbon fiber knife handles can withstand a lot of pressure without flexing or breaking. And because it's so lightweight, you'll get a high blade-to-weight ratio during carrying.

In addition, many anglers and hikers love knife handles made with this material because of their artistic qualities. The orange color really pops. The carbon fiber reflects light, giving the knife a decorative and distinct look. This element comes in handy when you drop it in the water or mud.

Also Available at: Benchmade, KnifeCenter, Bladehq

Sheath

The Meatcrafter comes with a sheath made of boltaron, a unique and rarely mentioned material that holds its own in toughness and durability.

Boltaron is a strong artificial material that exceptionally resists extreme temperatures. It is a great feature because the outdoors presents variations in weather extremes. Furthermore, it ensures that the bends of the sheath don't get brittle.

Closing Thoughts

One of the best features of the Meatcrafter 155000OR precision knife is its trailing point blade. This design makes it perfect for skinning and carving small game meat and fish. The interesting name was intentional, and the knife has earned its name. Besides getting precision cuts, the knife is good for improvising weapons and building small traps.

Another good feature that many may brush over is the loud and stylish orange color scheme. Owning bright-colored knives comes in handy because they are easy to identify for quick action in emergencies. Plus, it reflects light, so you won't lose it in a stream or muddy puddle that easily. 

So, is this survival precision tool something you should strongly consider taking on your outdoor adventures? Well, if you plan on skinning and carving up small game meat while in the wild, then get the Meatcrafter 155000OR knife.

It is light, functional, and will be a reliable primary tool for your hunting adventures.

Also Available at: Benchmade, KnifeCenter, Bladehq