Benchmade’s blacked-out Mini Bushcrafter drops to $279.99, $145 off the carbon fiber CruWear build
by https://www.facebook.com/vincentnguyen · The GadgeteerIf you buy something from a link in this article, we may earn a commission. Learn more
Knifeworks has the Benchmade Mini Bushcrafter 165BK at $279.99, $145 off its $425 list price. This is the premium build of Benchmade’s small bushcraft fixed blade: a CPM-CruWear blade under black Cerakote, carbon fiber scales, and a modular molded sheath.
It’s the cheapest route into the CruWear build.
The base Mini Bushcrafter 165-1 lists at $300 with an S30V blade and G10 scales. The 165BK at $279.99 undercuts that list price while upgrading the steel, the scales, and the sheath.
Benchmade Mini Bushcrafter 165BK
CPM-CruWear blade (63-65 HRC) · Carbon fiber scales · Modular molded sheath
Price: $279.99 $425 (save $145, 34% off)
Where to buy: Buy at Knifeworks
CruWear is the upgrade that counts
CruWear is an air-hardened powder metallurgy tool steel, and Benchmade runs it hard here, 63 to 65 HRC. It holds an edge through batoning, carving, and feather sticks, and it takes knocks that chip harder, more brittle steels. For edge retention under hard use, it sits a class above the S30V in the base model.
A 3.38-inch drop point with a flat grind, black Cerakote over everything. Carbon fiber replaces the G10, and the package drops to 6.08 ounces against the G10 model’s 6.45. CruWear isn’t stainless. The Cerakote carries the corrosion protection, and the edge still wants a wipe of oil after wet work. That’s the trade for the toughness.
Built on the Sibert bushcraft platform
Shane Sibert designed the Bushcrafter line around field work: feather sticking, batoning, shelter building, food prep. The Mini runs 7.58 inches overall with a 4.20-inch handle, the full-size Bushcrafter’s brief scaled down to a knife that carries without announcing itself. The tang runs the full length of the handle, which is what you want under a baton.
A notch at the back of the edge takes a ferro rod, so the blade strikes its own fire steel.
The sheath is part of the deal
The base model ships in leather. The 165BK ships in a modular molded sheath with push-button retention, set up for vertical and scout carry.
Push-button retention means the knife stays seated until you thumb it loose. No strap to work with cold hands, no rattle against the plate. It draws one-handed, thumb on the button, and seats back with a click you can feel through gloves.
Why the Mini, not the full-size
The full-size Bushcrafter 163 runs a 4.38-inch blade at 9.17 inches overall. The Mini cuts that to a 3.38-inch blade and 7.58 inches overall, and in this build it weighs 6.08 ounces. On a belt, you feel that difference all day.
Nothing in the brief changes. The Mini still batons, still carves, still strikes a fire steel. It just rides smaller.
165BK against the base model
| Mini Bushcrafter 165BK | Mini Bushcrafter 165-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Blade steel | CPM-CruWear (63-65 HRC) | CPM-S30V (58-60 HRC) |
| Scales | Carbon fiber | OD Green G10, red G10 base layer |
| Sheath | Modular molded, push-button retention | Leather belt sheath, ferro rod sleeve |
| Weight | 6.08 oz | 6.45 oz |
| Price | $279.99 at Knifeworks, $425 list | $300 list |
Amazon carries the same knife at $340, $85 off the same $425 list, if you’d rather buy there. Same 165BK, same steel, same sheath, same Benchmade warranty behind it.
Benchmade Mini Bushcrafter 165BK
CPM-CruWear blade (63-65 HRC) · Carbon fiber scales · Modular molded sheath
Price: $340 $425 (save $85, 20% off)
Where to buy: Buy on Amazon
At $279.99 the premium Mini Bushcrafter costs less than the base model’s list price and brings the tougher steel and the better sheath with it.
Knifeworks is an authorized Benchmade dealer. Benchmade backs the knife with its limited lifetime warranty and free LifeSharp sharpening.
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