You need a new hunting knife. You want a great blade. Two big names stand out. These names are Benchmade and Montana Knife Company. Both companies make high-quality tools in America. Which brand is best for you?
Benchmade has made knives for decades. They are famous for folding knives. Montana Knife Company is much newer. They focus on fixed blades for hunters. This guide will help you choose the right tool for your next trip.
The Benchmade and Montana Knife Company Lawsuit
Many people ask about the legal fight between these brands. Why did Benchmade sue Montana Knife Company? In early 2024, Benchmade filed a lawsuit. They claimed MKC took their trade secrets. They also claimed MKC poached their workers.
Benchmade wanted to protect its private design data. This legal fight made a lot of noise online. Fans took sides quickly. Josh Smith said his team was ready to fight. This shows how tough the knife business is.
Who Owns Montana Knife Company and Where Are They Made?
Who owns Montana Knife Company? Master Bladesmith Josh Smith started the brand in 2020. He owns it with Brandon Horoho. They wanted to make excellent tools for hunters. The company has grown very fast since that early start.
Are Montana Knife Company knives made in the USA? Yes, they are. The team makes every knife in Frenchtown, Montana. They use American steel and local labor. They take great pride in making American made hunting knives now.
Steel and Performance: MagnaCut vs S90V and 52100
Blade steel is very important for outdoor use. Both brands use some of the best steels in the world. Montana Knife Company MagnaCut is a top choice. This steel resists rust and holds a sharp edge for a long time.
Benchmade also uses premium steels like CPM-S90V and CPM-S30V. S90V holds an edge even longer than MagnaCut. However, S90V is much harder to sharpen in the field. MKC also uses tough 52100 ball-bearing carbon steel for heavy work now.
| Steel Type | Edge Life | Rust Defense | Sharpening Ease |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPM-MagnaCut | Very High | Excellent | Medium |
| CPM-S90V | Extreme | Great | Hard |
| 52100 Carbon | Good | Low (Needs Oil) | Very Easy |
MKC Speedgoat vs Benchmade Altitude
Let us compare two popular ultralight hunting knives. The MKC Speedgoat vs Benchmade Altitude is a common debate. Both knives weigh very little. They are perfect for hunters who walk long miles in the deep woods now.
The MKC Speedgoat uses a paracord-wrapped handle. It feels good in the hand but can get bloody during use. It is made of tough MagnaCut steel. It sliced through meat very easily during our real field tests now.
The Benchmade Altitude uses ultra-hard CPM-S90V steel. It has tiny carbon fiber scales on a thin handle. It stays sharp forever but is hard to grip. Many hunters on Reddit debate which handle style is best now.
Both knives are great for light carry. If you want to buy the Benchmade knife, check out this link: BUY AMAZON. It is a very solid tool that you can use on any backcountry hunt this year.
Montana Knife Company Blackfoot 2.0 vs Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner
Let us look at full-size hunting knives. The Montana Knife Company Blackfoot 2.0 is a famous workhorse. It competes with the Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner. Both are made for skinning big game like elk in the woods now.
The Blackfoot 2.0 has a 3.5-inch blade. It uses 52100 carbon steel or MagnaCut stainless steel. The G10 handle feels very good in the hand here. It is small, light, and very strong for heavy camp tasks now.
The Saddle Mountain Skinner has a larger 4.2-inch blade. It uses CPM-S30V steel. The handle is made of Richlite or wood. It has a great belly shape that makes skinning large animals very easy for you here now.
Benchmade Bugout vs MKC Folding Knives
Benchmade is world-famous for its folding knives. The Benchmade Bugout is a top choice for daily carry. It is very light and easy to pocket. It uses a strong lock to keep the blade safe during use now.
Montana Knife Company recently made its own folding knife. It is called The Montana. It is a simple G10 liner lock knife. It uses MagnaCut steel but costs more money than a standard Benchmade Bugout knife here now.
If you want a light folding knife, the Benchmade Bugout is very hard to beat. You can find this great folder here: BUY AMAZON. It is a truly excellent tool for your everyday tasks at home now.
Pros and Cons of Benchmade and Montana Knife Company
Benchmade has many pros. They make great folding knives. They have a lifetime warranty. They will sharpen your knife for free forever. However, their prices are very high. Some fans think they cost too much here now.
Montana Knife Company has great pros too. They make amazing hunting blades. Their handles feel very good. They also offer free sharpening forever. But their knives sell out in minutes during online drops. This makes them hard to buy.
Are Montana Knife Company Knives Worth the Money?
Are Montana Knife Company knives worth the money? Yes, they are. They cost a lot of money, but you get a hand-made tool. Master Bladesmith Josh Smith designs every knife. They use the best American steel here today.
These knives hold their value very well. Many hunters say they are the best tools they own. If you want a knife that will last for your whole life, MKC is a great choice for your gear collection now.
Benchmade is still a giant in the knife world. If you want a folding knife, buy a Benchmade. But if you want a premium hunting fixed blade made in America, Montana Knife Company is the clear winner now.
You can find many great Benchmade knives online today. Check out this link to buy your next blade: BUY AMAZON. It is a very easy way to get a great tool for your next hunt this year now.
How We Tested These Hunting Knives
We test these knives in real outdoor conditions. We take them on hunts in the high mountains. We use them to skin deer and cut wood. This helps us see how the blades perform in real life now.
We also test how easy they are to clean. Blood and hair can ruin a knife if it is hard to wash. Simple fixed blades are always easier to clean than complex folding knives after a hard hunt.
The Sheath Systems: MKC vs Benchmade
A good sheath is vital for any fixed blade knife. It keeps your blade safe on your belt. It also protects you from getting cut. Both brands offer very different sheaths for their hunting knives here today now.
Montana Knife Company uses a modular Kydex sheath. You can change how it carries very easily. Benchmade uses great leather or Kydex sheaths. Many hunters prefer the classic feel of Benchmade leather sheaths in the field here now.
Warranty and Lifelong Care Services
Both brands offer amazing lifelong care for your tools. This is a huge selling point for buyers. They want to know their investment is safe. You will get great service from both of these American brands today now.
Benchmade has their famous LifeSharp service. They will clean and sharpen your knife for free. MKC offers their own Generations Service. They will also clean, sharpen, and repair your knife for free forever here right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Montana Knife Company knives made in the USA?
Yes. Montana Knife Company makes all of its knives in Frenchtown, Montana. They use American steel and local workers.
Why did Benchmade sue Montana Knife Company?
Benchmade sued Montana Knife Company in 2024. They claimed MKC took private trade secrets and hired their workers illegally.
Who owns Montana Knife Company?
Master Bladesmith Josh Smith and Brandon Horoho own the company. They started the brand together in 2020.
Which steel is better, MagnaCut or S90V?
MagnaCut is better for rust defense and is easier to sharpen. S90V holds an edge longer but is much harder to sharpen.
Are Montana Knife Company knives worth the money?
Yes. They are hand-made in America by expert makers. They hold their value very well and last a lifetime.
