Benchmade Rant Drop Point 10502S

I have to say that Benchmade’s Rant drop point ticks a lot of my boxes in terms of a general use hunter. It also follows a reasonably common recipe for this sort of blade, being a tough and no nonsense design using practical materials.

There are two versions of the Rant; the drop point 10502 and the 10501 Bowie-style. Dimensionally identical apart from the blade shape, though on test I have the 10502S, which offers a combined plain/serrated edge. Of the two I see the 502S to be the best for hunting as the blade shape certainly suits gutting deer, plus the scalloped edge at the rear will allow you to rip through sternum bones etc.

Moulded

The blade at 4 ½” long with its maximum width of 0.175” is rigid and reasonably compact. The steel is 440C stainless with a Rockwell hardness of 58-60 HRC. It’s flat ground with an approximate 60/30 split in favour of the plain edge. The tip near follows the centre line of the blade and in edge-up use, as you would when opening up a beast, it’s lifted up so less chance of accidently puncturing the guts as you cut. The drop point shape is long and well angled so allowing easy access and cutting around the anus when freeing waste pipes etc.
The handle is a black synthetic (Sanoprene) and moulded directly onto the tang. The shape shows a short, integral half guard with a slight bulge in the middle to fill the hand. At the rear is a brass-lined lanyard hole. Grip is enhanced with panels of course chequering on the sides with top and bottom straps cross slotted.

Good Fit

The shape and size fills the hand well and it offers good address in both edge up/down use. For a deer knife it’s easy to keep clean plus there’s no natural materials that can get contaminated by blood etc. At 5.9oz and 9.1” it’s not the lightest knife I have used but balance, weight and size suits me well.
The sheath is black leather with a press stud strap that secures the knife. At the rear is a medium belt loop. This is stitched in; maybe a bit too closely and I have to say that after a bit of use I can see this all-important area starting to weaken. Truth is; even the best knife is only as good as its sheath and though a nice design it’s just a little flimsy and something in ballistic nylon or synthetic would be the answer…
Superb knife design, but one I would carry in my pack rather than on my belt JIC…

For: Well made, robust and practical
Against: Needs a stronger belt loop
Verdict: The knife is great, but the sheath could be better

PRICE: £85.99