If you’re going to invest in a premium hunting knife, you should consider its overall utility. If you can carry it to work and to the backcountry, you’ll stomach that initial sticker shock a bit better than you might a highly specialized knife.

This is especially true for hunters who need a rugged hunting knife but can’t justify spending a few hundred bucks for something they might use a couple of times per year. Sure, fixed-blade hunting knives have their place, but they’re not exactly practical for EDC.

However, Benchmade’s Taggedout offers hunters a true EDC knife that’s rugged enough for the field. I’ve been carrying this knife all spring, and it’s quickly become my favorite option for EDC. Even as a mid-sized hunting knife, it disappears in my pocket. Hunters looking for their next EDC should consider the Taggedout.

In short: The Benchmade Taggedout G10 makes a great option for hunters who want a durable EDC knife that breaks down everything from hindquarters to cardboard boxes.

Shopping for a new knife? Check out our EDC and hunting knife guides.

Benchmade Taggedout G10 Review

Benchmade Taggedout Upgrades

I tested both the G10 and Grivory versions of this knife to help buyers consider which price point makes sense for them. That being said, I focus on the upgrades in the G10 for this review.

Orange Anodized Thumbstud

My favorite upgrade for the Taggedout happens to be the smallest — the anodized thumbstuds. Though largely subjective, the thumbstuds give the clip-point blade a cleaner look and make opening the knife more intuitive than the thumb hole (which felt too narrow to begin with). The thumbstuds also don’t protrude past the handle width, so you don’t have to worry about them snagging on a pocket or pouch.

G10 Handles

Similarly, the G10 handles add both style and function to the Taggedout. The OD green finish and orange accents say, but don’t scream, “hunting knife.” The handles also add a tad more weight, which gives the Taggedout a more balanced, robust feel in the hand, as opposed to the ultralight Grivory.

While the G10 handles offer lightweight durability, they’re a bit slick. This wasn’t really an issue for EDC matters, but butchering wild game can get messy.

CPM S45VN Blade

The S45VN clip-point also gives the Taggedout a durability upgrade. Having used and tested both the Grivory and G10 Taggedouts, the G10 definitely holds an edge longer, while the Grivory is easier to maintain. Regardless, both steels are excellent.

Testing the Benchmade Taggedout G10

I spent this spring toting both the Benchmade Taggedout Grivory and G10 variations in the turkey woods and for EDC purposes. I’ve done everything from boning out a turkey to slicing zip ties and cardboard and even cutting steaks with these knives.

If the Taggedout reminds you of a knife, it’s probably the Bugout. That’s because they essentially share the same footprint, but the Taggedout has a clip-point style blade instead of the drop-point.

During my state’s turkey season, I cleaned multiple birds without having to touch up the Taggedout. It made the simple process of breaking down a turkey even more efficient. Even while cleaning the turkeys and hitting bones, the blades never chipped or dulled.

The full-sized handle also makes it easy to grip and maneuver the knife (like when you’re carving around bones). However, I’d like to see the jimping extended. I have medium-sized hands, and my index finger often went beyond the jimping with my natural grip. Those with larger hands might experience a similar issue.

What the Benchmade Taggedout G10 Does Best

Benchmade’s Taggedout balances both EDC and hunting tasks well. While some might prefer a smaller overall length, the lightweight G10 handles (even more so with the Grivory) make this knife seemingly nonexistent in your pocket. You’ll forget you’re carrying it.

Yet, you can still maintain a full grip on the knife for precise work. You get a mid-sized knife at a superlight EDC weight. I can’t think of a better combination.

Where the Benchmade Taggedout G10 Can Improve

The G10 Scales were an upgrade from the Grivory Handles on the original Taggedout. However, they feel a bit slick for a knife that’s intended for processing game in the field.

It’s hard to knock the Taggedout for its overall length, especially when you consider that Benchmade offers a Taggedout Mini, and the full-length handle makes it ideal for in-the-field work.

Final Thoughts

I know most folks will pause at the $300 price tag. Don’t get me wrong — that’s a lot for a hunting knife. However, I’ve owned several Benchmade knives over the years. They’ve all been extremely durable, easy to maintain, and I’ve never had a QC issue with them.

When you consider Benchmade’s LifeSharp Services and the premium features of this knife, the price makes more sense, especially for something that might outlive you. For EDC and hunting purposes, the Taggedout should give you years of reliable service.