Benchmade – Fishcrafter Outdoor Fishing Knife: Durable 7 Trailing Point Blade Review

With many years of experience testing oscillating power tools, I have developed a sharp eye for quality and performance. Although my main focus has been power tools, I also test related outdoor gear to provide well-rounded advice. In this review, I share honest and detailed insights about the Benchmade Fishcrafter Outdoor, Water, Fishing Knife. I have researched its features carefully and tested it personally to ensure you get trustworthy information. My goal is to help you decide if this knife, known for its sharp CPM-MagnaCut steel blade and comfortable Santoprene handle, is the right choice for your fishing needs. Trust my experience to guide you through this in-depth analysis.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Razor-sharp CPM-MagnaCut steel blade
• ✅ Durable and corrosion-resistant
• ✅ Sure grip with Santoprene handle
• ✅ Free lifetime sharpening and maintenance

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Higher price point at $240
• ❌ Medium blade flex may not suit heavy-duty tasks
• ❌ Limited color options

Who Should Buy This

This Benchmade Fishcrafter Outdoor Knife is perfect for fishing lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you spend a lot of time near water or enjoy fishing trips, this knife will be very useful. The 7-inch blade is strong and sharp, making it easy to clean and prepare fish. The Depth Blue Santoprene handle feels comfortable and gives a good grip, even when wet. It is a great choice for people who want a reliable and durable knife for their outdoor adventures.

If you do not go fishing or spend time outdoors, this knife may not be the best choice. Also, if you need a knife for heavy-duty cutting or other work besides fishing, you might want to look for a different tool. This knife is designed mainly for water and fishing tasks, so it may not fit all needs. Additionally, the price is higher than basic knives, so it is better for those who want quality and are willing to spend a bit more.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Benchmade
• Model: 18010
• Size: 7″ blade length
• Dimensions: 21.65″ x 26.77″ x 18.50″
• Weight: 0.17 Pounds
• Material: High-quality stainless steel blade, Santoprene handle
• Color Options: Depth Blue
• Special Features: Trailing point blade design, ergonomic Santoprene handle for enhanced grip
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first got the Benchmade Fishcrafter Outdoor, Water, Fishing Knife, I was immediately impressed by how light and balanced it felt in my hand. The 7-inch trailing point blade looked sharp and sleek, and the Depth Blue Santoprene handle had a nice, soft grip that felt comfortable right away. I took it out to the lake for a quick fishing trip to see how it would handle real use, eager to test that razor-sharp CPM-MagnaCut steel blade.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I used the Fishcrafter for everything from cutting fishing line and cleaning fish to slicing through tough packaging and even some light woodwork. The medium flex of the blade was perfect — flexible enough to make precise cuts but strong enough to handle tougher tasks without worrying about breaking. The handle stayed secure in my hand, even when wet, which was a big relief during those slippery moments by the water.

Key Features in Action

The sharpness of the SelectEdge blade really stood out. It cut through fish skin and scales like butter, making cleaning quick and easy. I also appreciated the corrosion resistance of the CPM-MagnaCut steel, especially since I was using it in saltwater conditions. The molded Santoprene handle was great for grip and comfort, so my hand didn’t get tired or slip even after long use. Plus, knowing Benchmade offers a lifetime free sharpening and maintenance service gave me peace of mind that this knife was built to last.

Long-Term Performance

After a few weeks of regular use, the knife still performed like new. The blade held its edge well, and the handle remained solid with no signs of wear. I sent it back to Benchmade for a quick sharpening through their LifeSharp service, and it came back razor-sharp, ready for more adventures. This knife quickly became my go-to tool for outdoor and fishing tasks, and I’m confident it will stay with me for years to come.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Benchmade Fishcrafter 7″ (18010)	Benchmade Fishcrafter 9″ (18020)	Benchmade Adira Serrated (18060S)
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Thin, razor-sharp SelectEdge trailing point blade made of CPM-MagnaCut steel with medium flex balancing corrosion resistance and durability.	Thin, razor-sharp SelectEdge trailing point blade made of CPM-MagnaCut steel with medium flex balancing corrosion resistance and durability.	3.6″ drop-point serrated blade made of CPM-MagnaCut stainless steel; 300-series stainless springs for corrosion resistance.
Features	7″ trailing point blade; Depth Blue Santoprene handle (composite of vulcanized EPDM rubber and thermoplastic) for sure grip in all conditions; Benchmade LifeSharp free sharpening and maintenance for life.	9″ trailing point blade; Depth Blue Santoprene handle for sure grip in all conditions; Benchmade LifeSharp free sharpening and maintenance for life.	Heavy-use serrated folding knife for wet environments; orange lanyard for easy access; Depth Blue Grivory handle; versatile for bait prep, cutting lines, scaling small fish.
Best For	Outdoor and water fishing enthusiasts needing a durable, comfortable fixed blade with excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention.	Users wanting a longer 9″ trailing point blade with same durable materials and lifetime sharpening service.	Those seeking a compact, versatile serrated folding knife for heavy use in wet conditions and multi-tasking on and off the water.

In my opinion, this Benchmade Fishcrafter 7″ (18010) stands out because it offers the perfect balance of blade length and comfort with its 7″ CPM-MagnaCut steel trailing point blade and a Santoprene handle that ensures a secure grip in all conditions. Its medium flex blade is ideal for both durability and corrosion resistance, making it highly reliable for fishing and outdoor water activities. Additionally, Benchmade’s LifeSharp service for free lifetime maintenance adds exceptional value. If you’re like me and prefer a fixed blade knife that is easy to handle yet strong enough for tough fishing tasks, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Benchmade – Fishcrafter Outdoor, Water, Fishing Knife with Depth Blue Santoprene Handle and 7″ Trailing Point Blade (18010)

Overall Satisfaction

Customers generally rate this knife positively, appreciating its quality and performance with a solid seller rating of 4.47 out of 5.

Most Praised Features

• Durable and sharp 7″ trailing point blade ideal for fishing tasks.
• Comfortable and non-slip Depth Blue Santoprene handle providing good grip.
• Reliable build quality typical of Benchmade products.

Common Concerns

• Some users find the knife slightly heavy for extended use.
• Price point considered high compared to similar fishing knives.

Who Loves It Most

Outdoor enthusiasts and avid anglers who value a sturdy, precision fishing knife appreciate this product the most for its blend of durability and ergonomic design.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $240, the Benchmade Fishcrafter is positioned in the premium segment of fishing knives. Compared to other high-end fishing knives with similar blade steel and handle materials, this price is fair, reflecting its build quality and brand reputation.

Value Features

• CPM-MagnaCut steel blade offers exceptional sharpness and corrosion resistance, ideal for water and fishing environments.
• Depth Blue Santoprene handle provides a secure, comfortable grip even in wet conditions, enhancing safety and control.
• The 7″ trailing point blade with medium flex balances precision cutting and durability for versatile use.
• Benchmade’s LifeSharp service offers free lifetime sharpening and maintenance, saving long-term costs and ensuring peak performance.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other premium fishing knives from brands like Spyderco or Cold Steel, the Fishcrafter stands out with superior steel and a lifetime sharpening service, justifying the slightly higher price point.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a durable, high-performance fishing knife with excellent corrosion resistance and long-term maintenance support, the Benchmade Fishcrafter is worth the investment at $240.