The Ultimate Lightweight Hunting Companion: Benchmade Altitude Fixed Blade Knife

For the dedicated hunter and outdoor adventurer where every ounce in their pack counts, the Benchmade Altitude fixed blade knife (model 15200ORG, UPC 610953198031) stands out as an exceptional choice. Engineered for the rigors of the backcountry, this ultimate lightweight hunting knife redefines performance by combining incredible edge retention with superior handling, even in a skeletonized design. Made with pride in the USA, the Altitude continues Benchmade's legacy of taking outdoor performance to new heights.

Why Choose a Benchmade Altitude for Your Backcountry Adventures?

When preparing for a demanding hunt or an extended wilderness excursion, the gear you carry makes all the difference. The Benchmade Altitude is specifically designed to meet the stringent demands of weight-conscious enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on strength or cutting ability. This knife isn't just a tool; it's a critical piece of equipment that provides reliability and precision when you need it most.

What problems does the Benchmade Altitude solve for hunters?

• Excessive Pack Weight: Traditional hunting knives can be heavy, adding unnecessary bulk to an already loaded pack. The Altitude's remarkably low weight of just 1.67 ounces significantly reduces this burden.
• Compromised Edge Performance: Many lightweight knives sacrifice blade material quality, leading to frequent sharpening and dull edges in the field. The Altitude's CPM-S90V super premium stainless steel offers unparalleled edge retention.
• Lack of Control with Skeletonized Handles: While skeletonized designs are great for weight reduction, they often lead to poor grip and discomfort. The Altitude's unique carbon fiber and G10 micro-scales provide surprising dexterity and control, countering this common issue.
• Durability Concerns: Backcountry conditions are harsh. Hunters need a knife that can withstand impacts, moisture, and repeated use without failing. As a fixed blade made in the USA, the Altitude is built for extreme resilience.
• Inefficient Game Processing: A sharp, reliable knife is essential for efficient and humane field dressing. The Altitude's plain edge, drop-point blade, and superior steel make quick work of game processing tasks.

Unpacking the Benchmade Altitude's Superior Features

The Benchmade Altitude is a testament to thoughtful engineering, where every detail contributes to its overall excellence.

Elite Blade Performance: CPM-S90V Super Premium Stainless Steel

At the heart of the Altitude's exceptional performance is its CPM-S90V blade steel, heat-treated to an optimal 59-61 HRC (Rockwell Hardness). This is not just any stainless steel; it's a super premium, high-vanadium alloy renowned for its extraordinary wear resistance and ability to hold a razor-sharp edge for extended periods.

What makes CPM-S90V steel ideal for a hunting knife?

• Unrivaled Edge Retention: For a backcountry hunter, a blade that stays sharp through multiple tasks without needing constant re-sharpening is invaluable. CPM-S90V excels here, meaning less downtime and more efficient work in the field.
• Exceptional Wear Resistance: The high volume of vanadium carbides in CPM-S90V makes it incredibly resistant to abrasion, ensuring the blade maintains its integrity even after cutting through tough hides, cartilage, or fibrous materials.
• Good Corrosion Resistance: As a stainless steel, CPM-S90V offers strong resistance to rust and corrosion, a crucial factor for knives used in wet, humid, or blood-rich environments typical of hunting and outdoor adventures. This minimizes maintenance and prolongs the knife's lifespan.
• Strength and Toughness: While known for its hardness and wear resistance, CPM-S90V also offers a good balance of strength and toughness, making it reliable for demanding cutting tasks without fear of chipping or breaking.

The 3.08-inch (7.82cm) drop-point blade shape is a classic and highly effective profile for hunting. Its strong, controllable point makes piercing easy, while the belly of the blade provides ample cutting surface for slicing, skinning, and general utility tasks. The plain edge ensures clean cuts and is generally preferred for detailed work and ease of sharpening. The vibrant orange blade finish is not just aesthetic; it enhances visibility, making the knife easier to locate if dropped in foliage or low light conditions.

Innovative Handle Design: Carbon Fiber and G10 Micro-Scales

One of the most innovative aspects of the Benchmade Altitude is its handle. While the knife is primarily skeletonized to achieve its ultralight weight, Benchmade has ingeniously integrated carbon fiber and G10 micro-scales. This design choice directly addresses a common critique of minimalist, skeletonized knives: the lack of a secure and comfortable grip.

How do the carbon fiber and G10 micro-scales enhance control?

• Enhanced Grip and Dexterity: Unlike fully skeletonized knives that can feel uncomfortable or slippery, the strategically placed micro-scales provide tactile points of contact. This ensures a remarkably secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands, allowing for precise and confident manipulation of the blade.
• Reduced Hand Fatigue: The added texture and slight increase in handle thickness (0.35 inches / 8.890mm) over a bare skeletonized tang offer improved ergonomics, reducing fatigue during prolonged use, such as field dressing large game.
• Optimal Weight Distribution: The choice of carbon fiber and G10, both extremely lightweight yet durable materials, maintains the knife's overall minimal weight while adding crucial functionality to the handle.

The inclusion of a lanyard hole is another practical feature, allowing users to attach a cord for added security or ease of retrieval, especially important when working in challenging terrain or over water.

Ultralight and Compact: Designed for Minimalist Carry

Weighing in at an astonishing 1.67 ounces (47.34 grams) and with an overall length of 7.38 inches (18.75cm), the Benchmade Altitude truly lives up to its "lightweight hunting knife" designation. This is a knife that can disappear into your pack or hang unnoticed from your belt, making it an ideal choice for multi-day treks, fast-and-light hunting expeditions, or emergency kits where every gram is scrutinized.

Why is the Benchmade Altitude's low weight so significant for backcountry use?

• Reduced Fatigue: Carrying less weight means less strain on your body, allowing you to cover more ground and maintain higher energy levels during long days in the wilderness.
• Increased Capacity: A lighter knife frees up weight for other essential gear, extra food, or water, enhancing your overall preparedness and comfort.
• Unobtrusive Carry: Whether clipped to a pack strap, tucked into a pocket, or worn on a belt, its minimal weight ensures it won't interfere with your movements or add unnecessary bulk.

The Kydex sheath included with the Altitude is the perfect complement to its lightweight design. Kydex is a durable, low-profile, and waterproof thermoplastic that securely holds the knife, protects the blade, and allows for versatile carrying options. Its quick-draw capability ensures that your knife is always readily accessible when you need it most.

Benchmade: A Legacy of American Craftsmanship and Quality

Benchmade is a name synonymous with precision, performance, and American manufacturing excellence. Each Benchmade knife is meticulously crafted in Oregon City, USA, adhering to stringent quality control standards. This commitment to domestic production ensures superior materials, expert craftsmanship, and a reliable product that hunters and outdoor professionals can trust.

Choosing a Benchmade Altitude isn't just about acquiring a knife; it's an investment in a tool backed by a reputable company known for its dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction. The "Made in USA" stamp is a strong indicator of a product built to last and perform under the most demanding conditions.

Real-World Applications and Benefits

The Benchmade Altitude is more than just its specifications; it's a tool that empowers its user in the wild.

How does the Benchmade Altitude excel in real-world hunting scenarios?

• Efficient Field Dressing: The CPM-S90V blade's exceptional edge retention means it can process multiple animals without losing its keen edge. The drop-point shape and plain edge provide precise control for skinning and butchering.
• Backcountry Preparedness: Its lightweight and durable fixed-blade design makes it a reliable companion for general camp tasks, cutting cordage, preparing kindling, or even light batoning (though generally not recommended for such thin blades, its strength is surprising for its weight).
• Emergency Situations: In a survival scenario, a dependable, sharp knife is paramount. The Altitude's robust construction and premium steel ensure it won't let you down when faced with unexpected challenges.
• Minimalist Hunting: For hunters who aim to carry only the bare essentials, the Altitude offers maximum utility with minimum weight, optimizing their agility and endurance in the field.
• All-Weather Performance: The corrosion-resistant CPM-S90V blade and the moisture-impervious carbon fiber/G10 handle scales, combined with a Kydex sheath, make this knife highly effective and durable in wet or harsh weather conditions.

Maintaining Your Benchmade Altitude

While CPM-S90V is incredibly wear-resistant and holds an edge for a long time, it is also a harder steel, which means sharpening requires appropriate tools and technique. Diamond stones or ceramic sharpeners are highly recommended to effectively re-sharpen this super steel. Regular cleaning and drying after use, especially after processing game, will ensure the longevity of both the blade and the handle. Store it dry in its Kydex sheath.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Benchmade Altitude

Is the Benchmade Altitude a good knife for general outdoor use beyond hunting?
Absolutely. While optimized for hunting, its lightweight design, superior steel, and durable fixed blade construction make it excellent for backpacking, camping, bushcraft, and general utility tasks where a compact, high-performance knife is needed.

How does the skeletonized handle with micro-scales compare to a full handle?
The Benchmade Altitude's unique carbon fiber and G10 micro-scales bridge the gap between a bare skeletonized tang (which can be uncomfortable and offer poor grip) and a full-sized handle. It provides significant grip and control improvements over a bare tang while still maintaining an extremely low weight profile that a full handle could not achieve.

What is the benefit of a fixed blade knife over a folding knife for hunting?
Fixed blade knives offer superior strength and reliability as there are no moving parts to fail. They are also easier to clean thoroughly, which is crucial for hygiene after processing game. Their robust construction makes them more suitable for heavier tasks that might stress a folder's lock mechanism.

Is the orange blade finish durable?
Yes, Benchmade uses high-quality blade coatings that are designed to be durable and resistant to wear, even with regular use. The orange finish on the Benchmade Altitude is not merely paint; it's a robust coating designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor environments.

The Benchmade Altitude fixed blade knife (model 15200ORG) is more than just a cutting tool; it's a carefully engineered instrument designed to meet the rigorous demands of the modern backcountry hunter. Its fusion of advanced materials like CPM-S90V steel and innovative design elements like the carbon fiber micro-scales sets a new benchmark for lightweight hunting performance. For anyone who prioritizes minimal weight without sacrificing cutting power, durability, or control, the Altitude stands as an unmatched choice, ready to elevate your outdoor experience.

Benchmade Altitude Product Specifications (Model 15200ORG)

Feature	Detail
Designer	Benchmade
Mechanism	Fixed Blade
Action	Fixed Blade
Blade Steel	CPM-S90V (59-61HRC)
Blade Length	3.08" (7.82cm)
Blade Thickness	0.090" (2.286mm)
Overall Length	7.38" (18.75cm)
Handle Thickness	0.35" (8.890mm)
Weight	1.67oz. (47.34g)
Blade Edge	Plain
Blade Finish/Color	Orange
Blade Style/Shape	Drop-point
Handle Material	Carbon fiber and G10 micro-scales
Lanyard Hole	Yes
Sheath Type	Kydex
Use	Hunting
UPC	610953198031