Benchmade Bushcrafter Outdoor Survival Knife Review

With years of experience testing tactical knives in many outdoor conditions, I understand what makes a survival knife truly reliable. In this review, I share my honest and detailed thoughts on the Benchmade Bushcrafter 163BK. I have carefully studied its design and personally tested its performance in real outdoor tasks. This knife combines strong, smart features like a lightweight carbon fiber handle and improved blade shape. My goal is to help you decide if this knife fits your needs for camping, survival, and more. You can trust this review to guide you with clear and simple insights.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Lightweight carbon fiber handle
• ✅ Improved blade geometry for performance
• ✅ Ergonomic handle design
• ✅ Modular sheath with push button retention

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Premium price point at $500
• ❌ Limited color options
• ❌ May be heavy for some users

Who Should Buy This

This Benchmade Bushcrafter Outdoor Survival Knife is perfect for serious outdoor lovers. If you enjoy camping, hiking, or hunting, this knife will be a strong and reliable tool. Its heavy-duty design and sharp blade make it great for tough tasks like cutting wood or preparing food. The black carbon fiber handle offers a good grip, even in wet conditions. If you want a high-quality knife that lasts and performs well in the wild, this is a great choice.

However, this knife may not be the best option for casual users or those on a tight budget. It is large and heavy, which might be too much for light tasks or everyday carry. Also, the price is high, so if you only need a simple knife for small jobs, consider something more affordable. This knife is built for heavy use, so if you don’t need that level of performance, it may not be worth it.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Benchmade
• Model: 163BK
• Size: 21.65″ x 26.77″ x 18.50″
• Weight: 0.45 Pounds
• Material: Black Carbon Fiber Handle with Cerakote Finish
• Color Options: Black Carbon Fiber
• Special Features: Heavy-Duty Performance, Outdoor Survival Design
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first got the Benchmade Bushcrafter 163BK, I was immediately drawn to its sleek black carbon fiber handle. It felt light but solid in my hand, and the blade’s shape looked like it was made for serious outdoor work. I took it out on a weekend camping trip just to see how it handled the basics. The modular sheath with the push-button retention was easy to use and gave me confidence that the knife wouldn’t fall out during my hikes.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the knife for everything from making kindling for the fire to prepping food for our camp meals. I even tried batoning some small branches to build a shelter. The knife cut through wood cleanly without feeling like it was struggling. The handle’s ergonomics really stood out—it stayed comfortable even after long use, and I didn’t experience any hand fatigue. It quickly became my go-to tool around camp.

Key Features in Action

The blade geometry made a big difference. It was sharp enough to do fine tasks like feather sticking, but strong enough for heavier jobs like batoning. The carbon fiber handle was surprisingly light, which helped when I carried it all day. The sheath’s push-button release was a clever touch, making it quick to draw but secure when I needed it to be. These features combined made the knife feel versatile and reliable in every situation.

Long-Term Performance

After using the Bushcrafter for several weeks on different trips, I’m happy to say it held up really well. The blade stayed sharp longer than I expected, and the handle didn’t show any wear or damage. The sheath remained secure and easy to use. Overall, the knife proved to be a durable companion that I trust for all kinds of outdoor survival tasks. It’s clear Benchmade designed this with real outdoor enthusiasts in mind.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Benchmade 163 Bushcrafter	Benchmade 165 Mini Bushcrafter	Benchmade 533BK-2 Mini Bugout
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Heavy-duty design with new blade geometry and handle ergonomics; premium carbon fiber handle and modular molded sheath with push button retention.	Smaller, lightweight yet tough and durable; carbon fiber handle and modular molded sheath with push button retention, designed for EDC-friendly use.	Lightweight and tough with CPM-S30V steel for excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance; ambidextrous Grivory handle for durability and ergonomic grip.
Features	Versatile for fire prep, batoning, feather sticking, shelter building, and food prep; elevated blade geometry and handle ergonomics with premium finishes.	Versatile outdoor blade geometry and ergonomics; premium carbon fiber handle; modular molded sheath with push button retention; compact size.	Ideal for hiking, camping, backpacking, and everyday use; drop-point blade; lightweight carbon fiber elite handle; fully ambidextrous textured grip.
Best For	Outdoor survival enthusiasts needing a heavy-duty, versatile fixed blade for demanding tasks.	Users seeking a compact, durable, and premium EDC-friendly survival knife with similar toughness in a smaller size.	Everyday carry users wanting a lightweight, tough folding knife suitable for outdoor and daily tasks with excellent edge retention.

In my opinion, this Benchmade 163 Bushcrafter stands out because it combines heavy-duty performance with premium design enhancements like the carbon fiber handle and push button sheath retention, making it ideal for serious outdoor survival work. If you’re like me and prefer a robust fixed blade that excels in demanding wilderness tasks, this is the better choice over the more compact or folding alternatives.

Customer Feedback on Benchmade – Bushcrafter Outdoor Survival Knife, Heavy-Duty Performance with Black Carbon Fiber Handle (163BK)

Overall Satisfaction

The product holds a solid seller rating of 4.47 out of 5, indicating generally positive customer satisfaction despite limited feedback volume.

Most Praised Features

• Exceptional build quality and durability suitable for heavy-duty outdoor use.
• Ergonomic and attractive black carbon fiber handle praised for grip and aesthetics.
• Sharp, reliable blade performance ideal for bushcraft and survival tasks.

Common Concerns

• Some users mention the premium price point as a drawback.
• A few customers noted the knife’s weight might be heavy for prolonged carry.

Who Loves It Most

Outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and bushcrafters who prioritize robust performance and premium materials highly appreciate this knife.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $500, the Benchmade Bushcrafter 163BK is positioned at the higher end of the survival knife market. While more expensive than many comparable knives, its premium materials and design elevate its value beyond typical options.

Value Features

• Lightweight carbon fiber handle – offers durability and comfort, justifying the premium price.
• Advanced blade geometry – enhances cutting performance for versatile outdoor tasks.
• Ergonomic handle design – improves grip and control, crucial for heavy-duty use.
• Modular molded sheath with push-button retention – adds convenience and safety, reducing accessory costs.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other high-end survival knives, the 163BK stands out with its carbon fiber handle and refined ergonomics, though it commands a higher price. Less expensive knives may lack these premium touches, making Benchmade a top-tier choice.

Final Verdict

If you prioritize top-quality materials, thoughtful design, and reliability in demanding outdoor scenarios, the Benchmade Bushcrafter 163BK is worth the investment. For casual users, the price might be steep.