Benchmade Altitude, DR PT Knife - 15200DLC

Benchmade Altitude™: The Ultimate Lightweight Fixed Blade Knife for Backcountry Hunters and Elite Outdoor Enthusiasts

Are you a serious backcountry hunter, an ultralight backpacker, or an outdoor professional who meticulously weighs every piece of gear? Do you demand unparalleled performance, razor-sharp edge retention, and uncompromising durability from your essential tools? If your adventures lead you into demanding wilderness environments where every ounce matters and reliability is non-negotiable, the Benchmade Altitude™ fixed blade knife is engineered precisely for you. This exceptional American-made hunting knife, available at DEGuns, embodies the pinnacle of lightweight design combined with elite-level materials and craftsmanship, setting a new standard for performance in the field.

The Benchmade Altitude™ (UPC 699294101490) is more than just a knife; it's a meticulously crafted instrument designed to elevate your capabilities in the most challenging conditions. When you're miles deep in the wilderness, far from civilization, the tools you carry must perform flawlessly. This knife answers the critical need for a high-performance, ultralight fixed blade that can handle everything from intricate field dressing to essential survival tasks, all while keeping your pack weight to an absolute minimum.

Engineered for the Extremes: Why the Benchmade Altitude™ Stands Apart

What makes the Benchmade Altitude™ the go-to choice for discerning outdoorsmen? It's a harmonious blend of cutting-edge materials, thoughtful design, and Benchmade's unwavering commitment to quality.

Unrivaled Edge Performance: The Power of CPM-S90V Blade Steel

At the heart of the Altitude™ lies its remarkable blade, forged from CPM-S90V super premium stainless steel. This isn't just any steel; it's a crucible powder metallurgy (CPM) steel renowned for its extraordinary properties, specifically engineered for maximum wear resistance and edge retention.

• Exceptional Wear Resistance: CPM-S90V contains a high volume of vanadium carbides, which are much harder than chromium carbides found in conventional stainless steels. This composition provides superior resistance to abrasion, meaning the blade can withstand countless cutting cycles against tough materials like hide, muscle, and sinew without dulling. For a hunter, this translates directly to fewer sharpening breaks during critical tasks, ensuring efficient and clean work.
• Superior Edge Retention: Thanks to its unique carbide structure, CPM-S90V holds an edge for an incredibly long time. Imagine performing multiple field dressing operations or extended camp tasks without needing to resharpen. This is a crucial advantage when resources are limited and time is precious in the backcountry.
• High Hardness: The blade is heat-treated to a formidable 59-61HRC (Rockwell Hardness Scale), striking an optimal balance between hardness for edge retention and sufficient toughness to prevent chipping during rigorous use. This precise hardness ensures the blade can endure the demands of real-world hunting and outdoor challenges.
• Corrosion Resistance: While wear resistance is CPM-S90V's primary advantage, it still offers commendable corrosion resistance for a high-carbon steel, thanks to its chromium content. The Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coating further enhances this, providing an additional layer of protection against moisture and environmental elements encountered in the field.

For those asking, "What is the best steel for a hunting knife that holds an edge forever?", CPM-S90V is consistently among the top recommendations, and its application in the Benchmade Altitude™ showcases its full potential.

The Ultralight Revolution: Weighing Just 1.67 Ounces

The phrase "every ounce counts" is the mantra of the backcountry. At an astonishingly low weight of just 1.67 ounces (47.34 grams), the Altitude™ virtually disappears on your gear list, yet it delivers the robust performance of knives many times its weight.

• Reduced Fatigue: Carrying heavy gear over miles of rugged terrain takes a toll. The minimal weight of the Altitude™ lessens your burden, contributing to reduced fatigue and allowing you to focus on the hunt or the journey, not your equipment.
• Optimized Pack Space: Its compact size and featherlight design mean it can be effortlessly integrated into any ultralight pack setup, making it an ideal companion for multi-day excursions where efficiency is key.
• Nimble Handling: The lack of bulk translates to a knife that feels like an extension of your hand. This agility is vital for precise tasks like intricate cuts during field dressing, where control and maneuverability are paramount.

Masterful Control: Carbon Fiber and G10 Micro-Scales

Traditional skeletonized knives, while lightweight, often sacrifice grip and control. The Benchmade Altitude™ uniquely addresses this challenge with its innovative handle design featuring carbon fiber and G10 micro-scales.

• Enhanced Dexterity and Control: These tiny, yet highly effective, scales provide critical tactile feedback and a secure purchase that is rarely found in truly skeletonized knives. Even with wet hands or gloves, the textured surface offers a reliable grip, minimizing the risk of slippage during critical, messy tasks like field dressing.
• Superior Material Properties: Carbon fiber is celebrated for its incredible strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness, while G10 is a durable fiberglass laminate known for its exceptional grip in various conditions, impact resistance, and imperviousness to moisture and temperature fluctuations. The combination offers a handle that is both incredibly light and supremely robust.
• Ergonomic Design: Despite its minimalist profile, the handle is shaped to provide a comfortable and secure grip for a range of hand sizes, ensuring confidence in every cut. The strategically placed micro-scales fill the hand just enough to offer control without adding unnecessary bulk.

Fixed Blade Reliability: Simplicity Meets Strength

For serious outdoor and hunting applications, fixed blade knives often outperform their folding counterparts in terms of sheer reliability and ease of maintenance.

• Uncompromising Strength: With no moving parts, the Altitude™ offers maximum structural integrity. There's no lock to fail, no pivot to loosen, just a solid piece of high-performance steel ready for the toughest tasks. This is essential when applying force for cutting through bone or gristle.
• Ease of Cleaning: Fixed blades are significantly easier to clean and sterilize, a critical factor for hunting knives that frequently encounter blood and tissue. A quick rinse and wipe are usually sufficient, preventing the buildup of debris and bacteria that can occur in the crevices of a folding mechanism.
• Instant Deployment: Always ready for action, a fixed blade provides immediate access to its cutting edge without the need for deployment mechanisms.

Thoughtful Design for Precision and Utility

Beyond its core materials, every aspect of the Benchmade Altitude™ (UPC 699294101490) reflects a deep understanding of hunter and outdoor enthusiast needs.

• Drop-Point Blade Style: The plain edge, drop-point blade is universally recognized as the optimal profile for a hunting knife.
  • Versatility: The gradual curve of the belly leading to a strong, controllable point makes it ideal for skinning, field dressing, and general utility tasks. It allows for both sweeping cuts and fine, precise work.
  • Strength: The dropped point maintains more steel in the spine, enhancing tip strength and reducing the likelihood of breakage during prying or piercing.
• DLC Coated Finish: The Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coating is a high-performance finish that provides several benefits:
  • Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: Adds a protective layer against rust and acidic environments.
  • Reduced Friction: Allows for smoother cutting action, making the knife glide more easily through materials.
  • Non-Reflective: Prevents glinting, which can be crucial for stealth in hunting scenarios.
  • Durability: Highly resistant to scratches and wear, maintaining the blade's aesthetic and protective qualities over time.
• Boltaron Sheath: The included Boltaron sheath is custom-molded for secure retention and easy access. Boltaron is a thermoplastic material similar to Kydex, known for its:
  • Excellent Impact Resistance: Protects the blade and wearer from accidental damage.
  • Dimensional Stability: Maintains its shape even in extreme temperatures, ensuring consistent retention.
  • Chemical Resistance: Impervious to most solvents, acids, and bases, making it easy to clean and maintain.
  • Secure Carry: Designed for versatile carry options, keeping the knife securely in place yet readily available when needed.
• Lanyard Hole: A practical lanyard hole allows for the attachment of a lanyard for added security during use or to prevent loss in challenging environments.

The Benchmade Promise: Made in USA Quality

Benchmade is a renowned American manufacturer synonymous with precision engineering, premium materials, and unwavering quality. Each Altitude™ knife is proudly "Made in USA," reflecting a commitment to superior craftsmanship and rigorous quality control. When you choose a Benchmade knife, you're investing in a tool built to last a lifetime, supported by a company with a strong legacy of innovation and customer satisfaction. This dedication to American manufacturing ensures a product that meets the highest standards of performance and reliability, earning the trust of professionals worldwide.

Is the Benchmade Altitude™ Right for You?

Consider the Benchmade Altitude™ (UPC 699294101490) if you are:

• A serious backcountry hunter seeking the absolute lightest yet highest-performing field dressing and utility knife.
• An ultralight backpacker or hiker who needs a reliable, robust fixed blade for general camp tasks and emergency situations without adding significant weight.
• An outdoor professional or guide who requires a dependable, easy-to-clean, and incredibly sharp tool for their demanding work.
• Someone who values premium materials like CPM-S90V steel and carbon fiber for their superior performance characteristics.
• Looking for a "Made in USA" product with a reputation for exceptional quality and durability.

In summary, the Benchmade Altitude™ (UPC 699294101490) isn't just a hunting knife; it's a testament to minimalist design maximizing capability. It solves the critical challenge of needing a high-performance cutting tool that is both incredibly lightweight and supremely robust, making it an indispensable asset for those who venture into the wild where every gram and every cut counts. Equip yourself with the Benchmade Altitude™ from DEGuns and experience hunting performance taken to new heights.

Benchmade Altitude™ Specifications