High-end hunting - benchmade alternatives?

[Camillus]

I own a number of good fixed blades and am generally very happy with them. I don’t normally look for high end steels, as over time I’ve lost interest in their purported benefits. Here are some photos of some of my collection, just to show I have some understanding of the topic:

However, someone I was speaking to recently wants a hunting knife that he regards as ‘high end’ and he likes the Benchmade Saddle Mountain, as that’s one of the better knives that local retail stores stock.

I’m not convinced by the design or the price of that knife, as I think the hunting knives pictured above are generally better. But I value the design and the lore of the knife more than the blade steel, and I also appreciate traditional construction, handle materials and hafting. So my priorities are different.

So, given those differences in values, I am hoping for some pointers from the community that I could pass on to him on a knife at a comparable or higher price point than the Benchmade, that uses modern steel, but has a more traditional hunting design such as the knives pictured. Including custom options. I had thought maybe a Loveless design. Thoughts?

 

[hornetguy]

Since I already have the hunting knives I need, I haven't really kept up with what's "out there".... I have been impressed with what I've seen (pictures) that Bark River makes... they are even taking pre orders for a Loveless design knife now... don't know what the price will be...
Our own Horsewright makes some nice knives, as well.....

 

[black mamba]

LionSTEEL has a number of models in M390 steel that are pretty classic drop points. CollectorKnives carries some of them.

Lion Steel Fixed Blades | CollectorKnives

Lion Steel fixed blade knives are a combination of flawless design and exceptional steels. Made to do the tasks perfectly for a lifetime.

www.collectorknives.net

 

[bikerector]

I like the knives from Bob Dozier, if the guy is interested in the BM Saddlemountain. I think the Dozier's will have a veey similar aesthetic and his knives seem like they would be great for hunting between the handle and hollow ground blades.

I also think the white river knives hunter or sendaro would be good as they use s35vn steel. The sendaro has a very classic hunting knife appeal.

Lastly, the viper knives from Italy are a decent value from collector knives. Ths sheaths aren't great but I was impressed with the overall package consider the price of the ones I tried.

One model of mine, the Michigan Utility Knife, may be worthy of considerarion if AEB-L is high-end enough.

 

[CVamberbonehead]

If the guy wants a Saddle Mountain, then he wants a Saddle Mountain. Different strokes for different folks and all that, so of course you think knives that suit your taste are better. Besides, Benchmade makes great knives and they are a big hit with hunters. You are asking for advice on a knife that is like the Benchmade in most ways, it kind of sounds like the Benchmade itself is the right option even if it doesn't have a traditional look.
I am sorry I can't think of any traditional knives with really high end steels off of the top of my head to answer your question though. Maybe a Winkler? That is pretty expensive though. Maybe a Black Jack/Bark River?

 

[Tyson A Wright]

If the guy wants a Saddle Mountain, then he wants a Saddle Mountain. Different strokes for different folks and all that, so of course you think knives that suit your taste are better. Besides, Benchmade makes great knives and they are a big hit with hunters. You are asking for advice on a knife that is like the Benchmade in most ways, it kind of sounds like the Benchmade itself is the right option even if it doesn't have a traditional look.
I am sorry I can't think of any traditional knives with really high end steels off of the top of my head to answer your question though. Maybe a Winkler? That is pretty expensive though. Maybe a Black Jack/Bark River?

This.

I think the first generation Saddle Mountain is one of the best looking fixed blade knives I've seen. (The new ones with the orange liners don't do anything for me at all.) Benchmade knows how to make a quality knife - it may not be the right knife for the original poster, but it will do a great job for his friend.

 

[AZGabe]

How about a Buck 119 from the custom shop? You can select S30V steel.

 

[Bigfattyt]

Benchmade prices, just direct them to the custom for sale subforums here.

Amazing customs can be had for less than what nice benchmade knives are going for.

 

[pjsjr]

However, someone I was speaking to recently wants a hunting knife that he regards as ‘high end’ and he likes the Benchmade Saddle Mountain, as that’s one of the better knives that local retail stores stock.

There's no way to understand why some people like something while others do not.

It makes for good discussion and stories.
I bought a Buck 118 in late '69-70 and used it through many years of hunting. starting in the '90s I bought knives thinking I needed something 'better' and spent a lot of money on different knives. Some custom some not. For whatever reason none replaced that 118, until last year. I replaced it with another 118

Your acquaintance will find his knife/way.
The original...

The replacement...

 

[Camillus]

Thanks for the replies. I should clarify what he asked me- I’m not setting to try to change his mind. He knows I am a knife guy so he sought my opinion on the Benchmade before purchasing it. I ummed and ahhed and didn’t really offer a view. It’s not a knife that gets my heart beating - but I assumed it would be easy to find something that did that I could suggest as an alternative. I’ve found it surprisingly difficult, as most of the ‘sweet spot’ hunting fixed blades are significantly cheaper - the likes of ESEE, GEC H73, Buck, Hess etc.

I own a few customs from these forums and generally they offer great value and character. However most are priced around the $150 mark and don’t tend to include a modern steel. Maybe that’s a good thing for those of us that don’t see any reason to pay more.

 

[Sidehill Gouger]

I was surprised no one mentioned there is NO hunting on Saddle Mountain. Its an Oregon State Park. Made that climb a number of times and if you have a clear day the view is incredible. You will also find plant life totally unique to that one area.

 

[Horsewright]

I own a number of good fixed blades and am generally very happy with them. I don’t normally look for high end steels, as over time I’ve lost interest in their purported benefits. Here are some photos of some of my collection, just to show I have some understanding of the topic:

However, someone I was speaking to recently wants a hunting knife that he regards as ‘high end’ and he likes the Benchmade Saddle Mountain, as that’s one of the better knives that local retail stores stock.

I’m not convinced by the design or the price of that knife, as I think the hunting knives pictured above are generally better. But I value the design and the lore of the knife more than the blade steel, and I also appreciate traditional construction, handle materials and hafting. So my priorities are different.

So, given those differences in values, I am hoping for some pointers from the community that I could pass on to him on a knife at a comparable or higher price point than the Benchmade, that uses modern steel, but has a more traditional hunting design such as the knives pictured. Including custom options. I had thought maybe a Loveless design. Thoughts?

Thats a nice Paisano ya have there! Thats what I edc myself

 

[Camillus]

Thanks Dave. Your knives are top of the list!

 

[Horsewright]

Thanks Dave. Your knives are top of the list!

Thank you.

 

[brownshoe]

White River Jerry Fisk designed Sendero Classic. S35'steel, designed by a National Living Treasure, proven in the field, made in USA.