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Benchmade Bugout Knife - EDC Buyers Guide

Benchmade Bugout Knife - EDC Buyers Guide

The Benchmade Bugout Knife is a game changer in the world of everyday carry knives. It has taken the knife community by storm, offering a perfect combination of function, design, and affordability.

Benchmade Bugout Knife

Lightweight and compact, the Bugout is designed for on-the-go use and is a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and everyday carry enthusiasts alike. With its premium materials, reliable construction, and versatile blade, the Benchmade Bugout is a must-have for anyone looking for a dependable, go-to knife.

In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at the features and benefits of the Benchmade Bugout Knife and why it is a must-have addition to any collection.

History of Benchmade Knives

Benchmade Bugout History

Benchmade is a company that was originally founded in California in 1979 as Bali-Song. In the early 1980s, they changed their name to Pacific Cutlery Corporation, and then finally to "Benchmade" in 1988. The company started primarily as a manufacturer of butterfly knives, or balisongs, and they continue to be manufactured under the registered trademark name "Bali-Song".

In 1990, Benchmade moved to Clackamas, Oregon, and then to a 144,000 square-foot facility in Oregon City, Oregon in 1996. The Benchmade factory headquarters and many other knife companies are located in Oregon because of its more relaxed laws towards the ownership and selling of knives, including switchblades or butterfly knives.

Benchmade Knife Collection

Benchmade has three different knife classes: the Blue Class, or Recreation class for everyday use; the Black Class, or Professional class for military, law enforcement, and public safety workers; and the Gold Class, or Collector class for collectors and limited edition knives. The company uses blade steels such as 154CM, D2, CPM S30V, and others, and is known for its patented locking mechanism used in most of their switchblades and its exclusive license on the McHenry/Williams "AXIS Lock".

Throughout its history, Benchmade has collaborated with noted custom cutlery makers, including Jody Samson, Ernest Emerson, and others, to incorporate their knife designs into production models. Some of Benchmade's most popular knife models include the Griptilian, Infidel, Bugout, Osborne, and others.

Benchmade Bugout Overview

Benchmade Bugout Knife

The Benchmade Bugout is a compact, lightweight folding knife that is popular among outdoors enthusiasts and everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts. It was designed for a variety of uses, including camping, hunting, and general outdoor activities.

The Bugout features a 3.24-inch blade made of high-quality stainless steel, which provides excellent corrosion resistance and edge retention. The blade can be easily opened and locked with Benchmade's patented AXIS lock mechanism, which is both durable and easy to use.

Benchmade Bugout Knife Overview

In terms of handle materials, the Bugout offers a range of options, including Griv-Ex, CF-Elite, and Valox, each of which offers a unique set of characteristics in terms of durability, weight, and feel. The handle design is also optimized for comfort and grip, even in wet or slippery conditions.

In terms of weight, the Bugout is one of the lightest folding knives on the market, making it a great choice for those who prioritize minimalism and portability in their EDC kit. Despite its light weight, the Bugout is built to last, with durable materials and a strong, reliable design.

Overall, the Benchmade Bugout is a versatile, high-quality folding knife that is well suited for a wide range of outdoor and everyday carry needs.

Benchmade Bugout Design

Benchmade Bugout Knife Design

Materials

The handle of the Bugout is made from lightweight materials such as Griv-Ex, a thermoplastic elastomer, or glass-filled nylon. The handle material is molded to provide a comfortable grip with a textured surface for added traction.

The blade of the Bugout is made from high-quality stainless steel, typically S30V. These steels offer excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. The blade is typically finished with a satin or black oxide finish for added durability and reduced glare.

The hardware of the Bugout is made from high-quality metals, including steel and titanium, to provide durability and corrosion resistance. The knife is held together by a sturdy back lock mechanism and a reversible pocket clip for convenient carry.

Benchmade Bugout Knife Design

Construction 

The Benchmade Bugout has a skeletonized handle that reduces its weight and increases grip, and its blade is made from high-quality steel, such as S30V or S35VN, that is corrosion resistant and holds a sharp edge well.

The knife uses Benchmade's patented Axis lock mechanism, which provides a secure and smooth opening and closing of the blade. Additionally, the Bugout has a reversible pocket clip for ambidextrous carry. 

Benchmade Bugout Knife Design

Size & Shape

The Benchmade Bugout is a folding knife that features a compact and lightweight design. Its blade measures around 3.24 inches long and its handle measures around 4.22 inches, making it easy to carry in a pocket or on a keychain.

The handle is ergonomically shaped to provide a comfortable grip, and the blade is made from high-quality steel for durability and sharpness.

Overall, the size and shape of the Benchmade Bugout make it an excellent choice for everyday carry and light-duty tasks.

Benchmade Bugout Knife Design

Design Options

The Benchmade Bugout is a popular folding knife that comes in several different design options, including handle material, blade shape, blade steel, and blade finish.

Some of the handle material options include Griv-Ex, Versaflex, and Valox. The blade shape options include drop point, wharncliffe, and straight-back. The blade steel options include CPM-S30V, CPM-S90V, and 20CV. The blade finishes available include satin, black, and stonewashed.

The knife is also available in several different colors, including black, green, blue, orange, and white. There is also the option to choose between a plain edge or a partially serrated edge. Additionally, there is a choice between a standard or mini version of the Bugout.

Benchmade Bugout Models

Benchmade Bugout - 535 (Original Bugout)

Benchmade Bugout - 535 (Original Bugout)

The Benchmade Bugout 535 is a lightweight folding knife that was designed to be a reliable and easy-to-carry option for outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and everyday carry (EDC) enthusiasts.

It features a 3.24-inch blade made from high-quality stainless steel with a drop-point shape and a satin finish. The handle is made from a durable and lightweight polymer material, which is available in several different colors.

Benchmade Bugout - 535 (Original Bugout)

The knife also features Benchmade's patented Axis lock mechanism, which allows for easy one-handed opening and closing of the blade. The blade is held in place by a sturdy back lock mechanism.

The overall weight of the knife is only 2.7 ounces, making it an ideal choice for those who are looking for a lightweight and portable cutting tool.

Benchmade Bugout - 533 (Mini Bugout)

Benchmade Bugout - 533 (Mini Bugout)

The Benchmade 533 Mini Bugout knife is a smaller version of the popular original 535 Benchmade Bugout knife. It maintains the same high-quality materials as the larger version, including a blade made of high-performance steel and lightweight handle made of durable materials.

Benchmade Bugout - 533 (Mini Bugout)

The closed length of the Mini Bugout is 3.7 inches, making it small enough to fit in a mint tin, but still large enough for outdoor use. This knife is available in three different colorways, so you can choose the one that best fits your style.

Despite its smaller size, the Mini Bugout is designed for rugged outdoor use and is built to last.

Benchmade Bugout - 535-BK2 (CF-Elite Blackout)

Benchmade Bugout 535-BK2 (CF-Elite Blackout)

The Benchmade Bugout - 535-BK2 is a folding knife that is part of the Benchmade Bugout line of knives. It features a 3.24-inch blade made from Benchmade's proprietary CF-Elite composite material, which is a combination of carbon fiber and fiberglass.

Benchmade Bugout 535-BK2 (CF-Elite Blackout)

The blade has a drop point shape and is equipped with Benchmade's Axis® lock mechanism, which provides a secure and easy-to-use lockup. The handle is made from black Griv-Ex™ material and is designed to be lightweight and durable. The knife weighs only 1.85 ounces, making it a popular choice for everyday carry and outdoor activities.

Additionally, the knife features a reversible pocket clip that can be mounted for either tip-up or tip-down carry, and a lanyard hole for added versatility.

Benchmade Bugout - 535-3 (Carbon Fiber)

Benchmade Bugout - 535-3 (Carbon Fiber)

The Benchmade Bugout 535-3 is a folding knife that features a carbon fiber handle and a 3.24-inch blade made of high-quality steel. The handle is made of carbon fiber, which is a lightweight and strong material that is commonly used in high-end knives and other outdoor gear.

Benchmade Bugout - 535-3 (Carbon Fiber)

The blade is made of high-quality steel that is known for its durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. The blade is also designed to hold a sharp edge for a long time. The knife is equipped with Benchmade's patented Axis® locking mechanism, which provides a secure and easy-to-use lock for the blade.

The knife also has a pocket clip for easy carry and a lanyard hole for attaching a lanyard or fob. 

Benchmade Bugout - 535BK-4 M390 (Aluminum)

Benchmade Bugout - 535-BK4 M390

The Benchmade Bugout 535BK-4 M390 is a premium iteration of the popular Bugout line of pocket knives. This knife features a 3.24-inch DLC-coated M390 steel blade with a versatile drop point shape and dual maroon thumb studs.

Benchmade Bugout - 535-BK4 M390

The blade is locked in place using Benchmade's iconic AXIS lock, making the knife ambidextrous and easy to use. The 6061-T6 aluminum handles feature a full metal construction and a starburst pattern for grip and style, while still keeping the knife lightweight at 2.5 ounces. The 535BK-4 M390 also features a reversible pocket clip for easy EDC.

Overall, this model offers a premium, all-metal construction with a high-end blade steel, making it a great addition to any collection.

Final Thoughts 

Benchmade Bugout Knife

The Benchmade Bugout knife is a prime example of exceptional design, craftsmanship and performance. With its lightweight yet sturdy construction, versatile blade shape, and innovative AXIS lock mechanism, the Bugout is a top choice for EDC enthusiasts and outdoorsmen alike. From its original 535 model to its newest 535BK-4 M390 iteration, the Bugout continues to offer a range of options for all types of users.

Whether you're looking for a reliable everyday carry knife or a premium collector's item, the Benchmade Bugout is a top choice that won't disappoint. With its commitment to quality and performance, the Benchmade Bugout is a knife that truly lives up to its reputation as one of the best in the industry.

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