Benchmade Taggedout Review

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I recently brought the Benchmade Taggedout with me on a 1,500-mile camper trip from Muskegon, Michigan to Ouray, Colorado. Along the way, it quickly became one of the most dependable tools in my kit. Whether I was securing gear in high winds, cutting rope, or prepping food at camp, the Taggedout held up to constant use and proved just how sharp it was. I ended up with three bald spots on my forearm after checking the edge multiple times. Let’s walk through what makes this knife stand out.

Benchmade Taggedout Packaging & First Impressions

Right out of the box, the Taggedout made a strong impression. Benchmade packaged it securely in a foam-lined case, giving it the kind of presentation you’d expect from a high-end tool. Lifting it out, I immediately noticed the build quality and finish.

This version features an olive drab G10 handle with a bright orange thumb stud and backspacer. The satin-finish CPM-S45VN clip-point blade gives it a clean, classic look. It strikes a nice balance of purpose-built and functional without trying too hard to get your attention.

Benchmade calls the Taggedout a hybrid between a field knife and an everyday carry blade, and that description makes sense once you hold it.

Specs That Matter

Here’s the rundown on what you’re getting with the Taggedout:

• Blade: 3.50″ CPM-S45VN steel, satin finish, clip point, 0.09″ thick, 60–62 HRC
• Handle: 4.63″ OD green G10 with orange accents, 0.49″ thick
• Locking Mechanism: AXIS lock, ambidextrous
• Pocket Clip: Reversible, deep-carry, tip-up
• Weight: 2.9 oz
• Overall Length: 8.13″ open, 4.63″ closed
• Made in the USA
• Eligible for Benchmade’s LifeSharp sharpening service

Field Performance & Sharpness of the Benchmade Taggedout

Throughout our trip, the Taggedout proved itself on everything from small camp chores to tougher utility tasks. I used it to trim paracord, prep kindling, slice meat, and even dig out a few tough knots. The CPM-S45VN blade held its edge exceptionally well through all of it. The steel combines toughness, corrosion resistance, and excellent edge retention. All important features for handling unpredictable weather.

After a few days of use, I tested the edge on my forearm. It shaved cleanly with one smooth pass. I repeated the test two more times just to be sure. Same result each time. This blade comes sharp, and it stays that way.

Handling & Ergonomics

The G10 handle offers a good grip without adding bulk. It’s slim enough to disappear in the pocket, but still provides enough surface area to feel secure during extended use. The handle texture helps in wet conditions, though it’s not as grippy as some rubberized handle scales.

One-handed operation is simple thanks to Benchmade’s AXIS lock and the ambidextrous thumb stud. I could easily open and close the knife even while wearing gloves. The deep-carry clip keeps it low-profile and secure, and the bright orange backspacer is a smart touch. If you drop it in the brush, you’ve got a fighting chance of spotting it.

Hunting & Outdoor Ready

I’m planning to use the Taggedout during deer season this fall. Based on its blade profile, size, and edge geometry, it should handle skinning, gutting, and field dressing without a problem. The blade is narrow and maneuverable, and the overall profile is slim enough to carry comfortably during long hunts.

The 3.5-inch blade is a practical middle ground, long enough for game work, short enough for everyday use. And at under 3 ounces, it won’t weigh down your gear. That’s important when you’re moving through the woods for hours at a time.

Price & Where to Buy

The Taggedout currently lists for $300 on Benchmade’s website and Amazon. That puts it in the premium category, but the price reflects what you’re getting: American-made craftsmanship, premium steel, lifetime sharpening, and a design that truly spans EDC and outdoor needs.

For those who are willing to invest in long-lasting gear and want one knife that can handle both everyday and serious field tasks, it’s a reasonable price for the performance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Razor-sharp out of the box with excellent edge retention
• Lightweight, compact, and field-ready
• Premium CPM-S45VN steel offers great toughness and corrosion resistance
• Ambidextrous AXIS lock is smooth and secure
• Deep-carry clip and bright backspacer add smart usability touches
• Covered by Benchmade’s lifetime warranty and sharpening program
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Pricey compared to entry-level folders
• G10 handle could be grippier in very wet conditions
• Clip-point tips can be more prone to breaking than drop-points if misused

Final Verdict on the Benchmade Taggedout

After a full month of traveling, camping, and hands-on use, I can confidently say the Benchmade Taggedout has earned a permanent spot in my rotation. It handled every camp task without issue and still held a hair-shaving edge at the end of the trip.

Whether you’re planning a backcountry hunt, a long road trip, or just want a tough, lightweight everyday knife, the Taggedout covers all the bases. I’ll be taking it with me into the woods this fall and I expect it to perform just as well there as it did on the road. For more info or to pick one up for yourself, visit benchmade.com or amazon.com.