I was skeptical about this knife....but I popped on it in a moment of weakness thinking that worst case scenario I would return it. I actually thought I would have serious buyers remorse but I was STUNNED to find out that I LOVE THIS KNIFE! LOOOOVE IT! And I have spidercos, kershaws, Sog and the rest as well. This bugout carries deep and you forget you're carrying it. Amazing steel...the blade is legit...sharp...stays sharp...and it's perfect for an EDC. I've carried it everyday since and I've fallen in love with it. The others are just more bulky when you carry them. Sometimes I can't even get my hands in my pocket without scraping the spydercos especially. This experience is JUST like when I spent 65 bucks on the new Olight S1R baton II. Expensive, but worth EVERY damn penny. LOVE that thing too...no regrets. Now I have my perfect EDC knife and flashlight. Can't get any better.
@@jordanfournier4366 quality control yes, but engineering no. The butterfly switches and their mac book screen ribbons were notoriously easy to break or stop working.
I got mine from trades (plus about $25) and I am definitely NOT regretting my decision. I have no issues with mine and I’m sorry Nick that yours didn’t meet their specs. It’s a fantastic cutter and a joy to carry. Me personally, I’d rather carry a Benchmade over any other knife. The little quarks everyone gripes about with Benchmade are things I’ve never experienced. Thanks for the video and please continue to keep us informed!
Got one of these in the mail yesterday. It's my first Benchmade and I LOVE it. The axis lock is so fun to use, the overall package is tiny compared to my Spydercos, and the blade is perfection. No QC issues with my example either. A+ gem in my book, and fits right in with my PM2 and Sage 2.
@@cupcakebunnyprod well spyderdo is high cause of the warranty too! Haha Kershaw has a good warranty I think. But u wont get a s30v blade no where and expect it to be cheap. I don't think. I paid 50 for a Kershaw and its steel is not that great in my opinion..
Actually the Bugout is a really tough knife. I pounded one into oblivion as a call out to Wranglerstar almost a year ago. Thing was unharmed after spine whacking, batoning, cross batoning, twisting sideways, and tip testing. I was stunned
You have THE best knife channel on UA-cam. Straight to the point (haha no pun intended), best showcase of deployment, very polite and unbiased analysis.
Love this knife! It's much sturdier than people give credit for! And, more important, the dimensions and weight make it much more probable that you're carrying it with you at all times, and as our spiritual guide Shabazz says: "the best knife is the one that you're carrying!".
I resisted buying this knife for almost 2 years. Now that I own it, I find it an exceptional design and build. This is a perfect first knife. Sure it would be nicer if it was priced under $100 but I don't find the price outrageous. If you were to own just one knife, I don't think you would regret your decision.. I think it's a classic just like the 940 and Griptillian.
This knife is being presented as a backpacking knife. Backpackers often become ounce counters because weight in long term trips can become difficult to deal with. This knife will appeal to them because of the low weight.
Just picked one of these up today. Went with a half serrated blade. Was looking for an EDC, nothing overbuilt. Went with the lightweight and this review back up my initial guy reaction. This is replacing another Benchmade knife, the Axis system is great.
Despite the name I'd say it's more of backpacker's knife than for bugging out. That bright blue color is a alternative to blaze orange for easy finding if dropped in the woods. I didn't think much of it until the store I work in got it in and handling it changed my mind, at the price I think its very fair.
Handled one the other day. Great blade. Love the axis lock and deep carry small pocket clip. Handle and short liner leaves a lot to be desired. I know to improve those features you would add weight, which is one of its big selling points, but I'd trade a little weight for durability. As usual great review. So yea, what you said.
Compared the bugout to the mini grip yesterday. For my XL glove sized hands, the mini grip only gets a full three finger grip. The bugout is slightly longer, allowing a full four finger grip and even just slightly a little more. Its perfect for edc with its light weight and slimness. I just haven't made up my mind between the full size griptilian or the bugout. I like the sturdier feel of the griptilian, like I can really abuse it and it will hold its own. If I could make a edc knife, it would be a bugout, with a sheepfoot blade. They will probably come out with that design after I make a decision and buy a regular bugout. Price should be $89-99 on the bugout imo!
Managed to pick one up with $45 off. for that price, it's a surprisingly good knife. Just... buy in person. the centering and action on the ones I handled were all over the place. I think I managed to find the single gem that dropped free, was centered, and had a decent grind
do keep in mind the axis lock springs break very often. this is my first and only high end expensive knive and that bothered me for the longest time. just a couple of weeks ago i had the courage to fix it after pretty much keeping it in the back of my drawer trying to forget i payed a shit ton for it to break the first week i got it.
If you watch this review and dislike the knife don't dislike the video. Two completely different things kids. Good stuff Nick. I am passing on the knife but good stuff as always.
It should named EDC or GripLight/thingrip (light griptilian) for its light weight super thin profile. When I think of Bugout i think heavy use and or versatility. I live this knive dont get me wrong but see it as more of edc role.
Bought a the Bugout with the green handles as my first Benchmade back in July of 2018. Carried it for a week or so at a time every other month until recently when BOTH axis lock springs broke in the same spot. Sending it in for service. Seems like a sketchy part to fail being their claim to fame locking mechanism.
My first kinda expensive knife I love how light it is I barley notice it it still feels pretty solid compared to what people say and also I love all the after market parts you can get eventually I’m gonna take mine apart and void that warranty to make a gorgeous custom bugout
AS Nick has mentioned in a few of his other videos, Benchmade has an outstanding warranty and great customer service, you would be a fool to not factor that into the cost... hard to say that about many of your knives imported from overseas!!!!
This is a awesome edc knife , not a bugout knife . Yes , when I first got it I said to myself where did the $114.00 go , because it is soo light and sometimes you associate weight with being cheap or poorly made , but after a few days carrying it , I was like this knife is Frickin Awesome. And Nick hit it on the nose , this could be 1 of the best tools you ever use ," just use the right tool for the job ". So , if your into light weight edc and excellent slicers , you will love this knife too.
I agree with you and disagree with Plutonium. I wonder what Premium Chinese knife he is referring to because I'm not aware of it. I can't understand why so many think $114 is so outrageous. While I resisted getting mine for almost 2 years. Now I have it, its one of my favorites and I highly recommend it.
Generally I'm not into benchmade knives but despite it's price this is a perfect EDC. I don't know why I care and why I feel disappointed... honestly I hoped You would appreciate it more and forget for one second it is a BM product. Thanks for the review Nick.
I bought a bugout to celebrate a new job I work in the trades but try not to abuse my knives so far after a couple months of use I've only had to lightly touch up the blade the grip feels great in the hand and the light weight is great I recognize it to everyone who asks me about knives
A high point is how friendly they are to recycle after a camping trip. I have problems at those dumpsters sometimes. Especially with tents and sleeping bags. So to have a knife that's so easy to recycle after we use it is a nice bonus.
I knew what I was getting into. The knife is great. But I did not think that the spring will fail on me within 5 months. Maybe 6 years... And they are hard to come by in Europe. :-(
The bugout is and has been my favorite pocket knife for 13-yrs..... I have every knife money can buy and this is my favorite light weight pocket knife....
I picked up the knifecenter exclusive battle washed bug out a few months ago. It came with a medium-grit edge but with and absolute perfect Apex. Bottom line is if you're looking to carry a pocket knife that you forget that you're carrying this is the one.
A funny thing I thought of when the Tagged Out and Redoubt came out, they kinda used your idea. They just kept the "out" part for the running theme instead of the "bug" part.
Nothing wrong with being lightweight and flexible. Just think there’s lots of lightweight knives that’ll get the job done for way less money. $115 is just incredibly expensive for a small piece of S30V and some plastic. Can we say Cold Steel Holdout III ? Great review Nick. Thanks
Those both cost about the same as the bugout and bugout mini currently. Some manix and natives run up to around $150-$160 depending on steel from what I’ve seen lately. Shits getting ridiculous.
If it's truly a bugout bag, this is a secondary knife. You gotta have a fixed blade, I would recommend a bark river gunny scandi. It's almost an 1/8" in width.
This knife is even more lightweight then me when I put a splash of beer in my lemonade, doll myself up and hang out at the docks. Three shandies and I'm anyones. The first commenter below knows what I mean 👇👇👇👇
if you compare this price to a GEC, Case or lion steel traditional two handed folder which are about the same price or even more this modern folder has all the bells and whistles and improvements like stainless steel, axis lock, one handed open and close and super light weight. Yes I wish this was 70 bucks too but considering those old fashion folders sell for this price or more all day long and people scramble to buy them up instantly in five minutes or less this price of 115 is not as horrible as it may seem at first glance. This may not be a fantastic price but it’s not super way out of line either for what your getting compared to traditionals. That’s my take on it anyway.
I'm in the process of getting an above 100€ knife (higher quality, seeing as I was sort of a poor-man's-EDC kind of a guy before). I got a Chinese Bugout knockoff, just to see if it was a knife for me when it comes to the design and overall stuff (seeing I am in between the Bugout and Freek), and I didn't like it. After your reviews, I'm into Freek a lot more. Thanks, Nick, you're a godsend. Keep up the good work.
Nice review as always Nick. I bought the Bugout soon after release; returned it a few days later. Really like the steel and blade shape, so any recommendations on US made knife with similar blade characteristics for under $130 USD??
Well, my first go would be the CIVIVI elementum. It’s a true gem. But it’s not USA made. If you’re saying you want a USA made knife for quality reasons, then that’s not a real reason becuase you’ll find the CIVIVI and WE have some of the best quality control out there in production knives. If you looking for USA made just to support USA companies, then the spyderco shaman and para 3 lightweight are comparable
Benchmade are not overpriced because of the quality they put in their knives . Did you ever hold a cold steel in your hand ? Those are overpriced , yes cheaper than benchmade but still very overpriced I wouldn't even get paid to carry cold steel crap ...
Great review, my 535 was centred and it also didn't have sharp scales. The flex is a compromise with the weight. As far as the price, it is certainly a consideration when deciding but once I bought it the price I paid leaves me with no regret. I do like to hike and this knife will definitely see the top of a few mountains but the light weight And thinness just makes it a dream to carry every day as a utility blade. If I have to go bush to stay for a while though I want my big fixed blade.
teatowel11 yeah ive been bringing this on hikes love it for edc also as you mention literally find myself checking to make sure its still in my pocket with the deep carry clip and light weight
I'd be interested in a mini version of this knife. I handled one earlier this week and found it a bit too large and heavy for me. I'm used to carrying a Victorinox.
@@desertrainfrog1691 You can go lighter - for example, the Al Mar Hawk Ultralight is only 28g (1.0 imperial ounce) and the Boker Plus Urban Trapper Petite is 31g. My Victorinox Alox Excelsior is 22g and my Sanrenmu 6040 is 33g. Some Spyderco and Chris Reeve knives are also lighter.
@@Anton_G_604 Have you ever used the Bugout? And I don't mean looked at it and held it for a minute. I mean USED it. That "plastic" (grivory) handle that you're talking about is way more durable than you'd expect. I really abuse the piss out of mine, and I've needed to sharpen the blade thrice and I haven't had even one slight issue with the handle. Don't believe everything you hear or see. Try things for yourself, then make a judgement call.
@@Anton_G_604 Yeah, their prices are a little outrageous. But in the case of the Bugout, I feel like the price is warranted. Perhaps still a little high, but much more affordable than damn near everything else in their catalog short of the griptilian or mini grip. Give it a shot. If you don't like it, pawn it off on some other sucker.
Well, in a BoB you try to have some redundacies, so I can see having a folder there in case your primary or secondary knife quits on you or if you want to hand out one to another member of your party that maybe is less prepared and a folder doesn't weigh a lot and also doesn't take much space. But only a folder would be fatal, I agree.
alittleolder I should have clarified, that's more what I meant. I keep a Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe, a Becker BK7, a Real Steel Buscrafter 2, and a Finn Wolf from Cold Steel. So I do have a folder, but like you said it's more of a tertiary back up 😀.
I bought the “Bugout” as my first high end knife, it came in at around $170 which in retrospect is ridiculous but I didn’t know any better, the scales felt cheap, the blade centering is still a little off. I replaced the scales with flytanium G-10 and it improved the overall feel of the knife, however that put the entire piece well above $200 which is even more ridiculous. With that said, it’s a great knife, the action is fantastic even with the blade being a bit off center and it disappears in my pocket… it’s great for clipping on to my running shorts, so lightweight. It’s a great knife, just too expensive… I don’t feel good about buying it even though I really like it and carry the “Bugout” more than any of my other knives. So a lot of mixed feelings. I now stick to spyderco and am hesitant about buying from Benchmade, mostly because of the price and what you get in return.
Nick- I can't believe the price of this knife. If there is a bugout situation, I'm reaching for my fixed blades, not some toy knife that can't be a heavy user. This is an overpriced EDC, not a bugout knife. If I need a bugout folder, I have dozens of knives I'd choose over this. Good review.
+Nick Shabazz I completely agree. Especially since the initial promotional material kept sticking it in a backpacking/ultralight setting. That said the knife has survived some rough testing by Drop Forged Survival.
If this is a knife for the bug out bag, light makes sense. But you may not want to be stocking a bug out bag with a knife that is expensive and also somewhat light-duty. A bug out bag would be where you stash a light knife for carrying and maybe a fixed blade for heavy duty work in the woods.
i never liked how thick the handles on the griptilians were so the delica and endura always was perfection to me. handles were also too thick for my tastes on the cold steel voyager series. the 530 is a cool slim design also but im really liking this 535 bugout aesthetically. my manix 2lw doesnt have liners are all, the action is way harder to close, leaf shaped blade makes it pretty big in pocket so this 535 is really catching my eye....but i think when i do buy a benchmade im just going to go with the 940.
I bought a mini griptialian and was completely underwhelmed with the “flashiness” of the design… until I went and looked at a bugout. This mini grip 556 is so well designed and durable compared to these and less money. I switched the scales out to stainless and it is the most durable, versatile knife I’ve carried. Couldn’t say the same for the bug out. Just feels way too flimsy.
"Walking" open my BM 710 with my thumb, it has the smoothest action I've felt on any knife. A properly assembled and worn-in axis lock knife is a fantastic thing. BM pricing sucks though, and keeps getting worse. With the $50 options coming out of China, BM needs to step up their quality control, and step down their pricing. I'm not paying over $100 for a knife comprised of recycled trash bags, with an off-center blade.
I have the 530 and I know some knock it compared to 531 but I love the the fact that it weighs nothing and the blade employs and closes with the tiniest flick.
Very helpful review. Great knife, but I crossed it off my list. Minimal knife I discovered and purchased this past summer is the Mercator K55K made by Otter in Germany. In production since 1867. I am curious about your thoughts on this knife. Enjoy your reviews. Thanks.
I was just looking at the k55k myself. I'm gonna pull the trigger because it's inexpensive enough to do so at any time, but it recently peaked my interest. Like any knife when I find out about it, I ran to youtube to see if Nick had a review. Alas, no.
Nick- I find it weird that none of the youtubers that have reviewed this knife have seemingly noticed or mentioned the fact that this knife comes with a pocket clip that utilizes two (2) screws, yet the knife handle comes with three (3) pilot holes on either side of the handle. Why is this?
I think the 3 holes are a standard Benchmade clip configuration. A deep carry clip can't accommodate the middle screw unless there's a hole In the clip to make that possible. Just my 2 cents worth.
Seems like a Perfect 3 inch blade EDC. Will have to check it out, would be my first bench made.120$ for a 80 $ knife, lil Sebenza 350$ for 200$ knife. I guess that's the overprice we have to pay for our personal favorite EDC blade size nowadays. Hopefully more companies get in this race ,light,thin carry great with a great 3 inch blade.
I just got mine after putting it off for 2 years and find it an exceptional knife. You have good taste and to get some knives, you have to pay the price. When I first heard about the Sedenza years ago, I thought it was incredibly too much for a knife. Years later I have one and 2 other CR knives.
as of today the bugout has maintained nearly the original price, whereas the para two has risen to about 150. the lightweight and thin blade are winners.
Just so everyone knows, Benchmade no longer honors the original blade replacement fee of $30 and is now asking for $70. Customer support would not even entertain the idea of doing it for the original price I was promised when they sold it to me. Not only is this knife overpriced to begin with, but I was lied to about the biggest selling point of the knife which was the low cost blade replacement. Biggest disappointment of any knife purchase I’ve ever made.
I don't why everybody's bent out of shape about the Bugout's price: high end steel, high end proprietary lock, great warranty, unique concept, made in the USA--how little did you expect to pay? Note that the knife's apparent "flimsiness" or insubstantiality was deliberate, and is what makes the knife unique. Now, maybe good knives in general are overpriced but that's another question. As for Benchmade's supposedly bad quality control.... I wonder how many persons chiming in about this even own a Benchmade; and of those who do own one, how many expect a product to be impossibly flawless if they spend a lot of money on it, and/or have been brainwashed by Internet commentary.
I got one and I love it. Now my question, why would I now buy 940? Should I buy it either way (not for collecting purposes) having already workhorses like PM2 or Kershaw Launch 3?
The sweetspot for this knife should have been an entry level edc, with either 420hc steel or d2 steel with a pricetag of around 40-50 bucks and definitely under some other name, rather than "bugout".
I'll keep my PM2, PM3 and Mini Grip. Picked up the bug out squeezed it, kinda neat looked at the price tag and put it back down quickly. Honestly the most I'd pay for it would be $60 - $70 bucks. Maybe they should make it out of 154CM if that will cut the costs... They'd probably sell alot more.
I just bought one, and immediately started the process to return it. Not only does the axis lock button on the knife not let me flick it open like I can on my Griptilian, the button is painful to use and it's hard to hold in the hand. That being said, I'm still in the market for a really thin knife, but the fit and finish on this one just isn't there. I was wondering why Benchmade had such a reputation for being hit or miss, and I now I find out why.
Guy was buttoning small branches with this. Not that I'd ever own one unless a grate deal came my way. Nice your disassembly review was your funniest yet imo
You have to wonder what the "execs" at Benchmade were drinking when they came up with the pricing for the Bugout's. They range from "too much $" for the STD version to "competitive" for their -3 and -4 variants. In terms of value I'd choose either the -3 or -4.... Oddly (I'm digressing) the best value Benchmades are the Griptilians and the Freeks.
I'm still interested in getting one, especially if I have to send my Griptilian back to Benchmade (because I did something stupid with it) and it fits into the price range I tend to go for when I'm looking at knives that I'm going to carry. I also have a strong tendency to take apart my knives and and can put the axis lock on my griptilian back together with minimal struggle. That being said, I think this would fit nicely into an office-carry situation (clipped into the same pocket as say a smartphone, for instance) or just regular everyday use.
I got the bladehq all blacked-out version on sale for $99. It just came today....... but I have not opened the package yet.....must finish my sandwich first to build the tension!!!
Just bought one in 2020. Is it possible they made the scales stiffer somehow? Even with my gorilla mitts, I can’t get the scales to touch each other like that. That being said, the action feels a bit “grindy”. I’ll see how it breaks in.
@@ryancrow2773 I totally got the elite... You basically just upgraded my knife since I had no idea! :P . Turners made no mention when I bought it, but I do recall thinking it rang up a bit expensive compared to the MSRP I saw online. Thanks for pointing that out!
I was skeptical about this knife....but I popped on it in a moment of weakness thinking that worst case scenario I would return it. I actually thought I would have serious buyers remorse but I was STUNNED to find out that I LOVE THIS KNIFE! LOOOOVE IT! And I have spidercos, kershaws, Sog and the rest as well. This bugout carries deep and you forget you're carrying it. Amazing steel...the blade is legit...sharp...stays sharp...and it's perfect for an EDC. I've carried it everyday since and I've fallen in love with it. The others are just more bulky when you carry them. Sometimes I can't even get my hands in my pocket without scraping the spydercos especially. This experience is JUST like when I spent 65 bucks on the new Olight S1R baton II. Expensive, but worth EVERY damn penny. LOVE that thing too...no regrets. Now I have my perfect EDC knife and flashlight. Can't get any better.
☯️
A good knife and an Altoids survival tin is all I need to die in the woods.
a gun?
Micah Knepper this speaks to me
Haha!
Lol. Well at least you're honest.
Word.
And 2 ply of mcdonalds toilet paper. Just in case
Butterfly tax is like the Apple tax...
Introducing the Bugout Air! Now with air scales,they are super light and durable and the keyswitches resist dust! We swear, fuck!
Except Apple actually has good quality control.
@@jordanfournier4366 quality control yes, but engineering no. The butterfly switches and their mac book screen ribbons were notoriously easy to break or stop working.
@@jordanfournier4366 this must be a joke ? With apple you pay the big price and you got cheap ass product ...
@@EvilNick81 don't forget the reminder you support slave labor in china....something Benchmade does not for the most part do.
If this knife was priced at $80 or even 90, Benchmade would have had way bigger of a hit on their hands.
because it's not flying off the shelf now?
it's a $62 knife at most.
@@edrader Fools and their money are soon parted. Lol
true. I bought it. carried it a couple of weeks and then sold it. what bugged me most was the blade was not centered.
Cheap skate
I got mine from trades (plus about $25) and I am definitely NOT regretting my decision. I have no issues with mine and I’m sorry Nick that yours didn’t meet their specs. It’s a fantastic cutter and a joy to carry. Me personally, I’d rather carry a Benchmade over any other knife. The little quarks everyone gripes about with Benchmade are things I’ve never experienced. Thanks for the video and please continue to keep us informed!
Screw that shit man, para 3 lw is better value and quality, in terms of steel, bd-1n is similar to the performance of s30v so
lol sounds like you have buyers remorse, also it’s pretty ignorant to say you’d carry a Benchmade over ANY other knife
Got one of these in the mail yesterday. It's my first Benchmade and I LOVE it. The axis lock is so fun to use, the overall package is tiny compared to my Spydercos, and the blade is perfection. No QC issues with my example either. A+ gem in my book, and fits right in with my PM2 and Sage 2.
The Bugout will down in history as a Classic. I love the Bugout.
Classic overpriced benchmade yeah
I don't think of the Bugout as being overpriced. It's definitely a classic up there with the Griptillian and 940.
U are paying extra for the lifetime warranty pretty good investment I think.
@@robbiestewart8179 so many places have the lifetime warranty without the price gouging. Spyderco for example is one, even they are a bit high
@@cupcakebunnyprod well spyderdo is high cause of the warranty too! Haha Kershaw has a good warranty I think. But u wont get a s30v blade no where and expect it to be cheap. I don't think. I paid 50 for a Kershaw and its steel is not that great in my opinion..
Actually the Bugout is a really tough knife. I pounded one into oblivion as a call out to Wranglerstar almost a year ago. Thing was unharmed after spine whacking, batoning, cross batoning, twisting sideways, and tip testing. I was stunned
Its almost humorous how much he hates this knife. But I get it, if a guy doesn't like the feel of a knife, it is what it is.
You have THE best knife channel on UA-cam. Straight to the point (haha no pun intended), best showcase of deployment, very polite and unbiased analysis.
The one problem they get to play with the knives for free while we don't.
@@jamesharris1493 We all make a living somehow
Love this knife! It's much sturdier than people give credit for! And, more important, the dimensions and weight make it much more probable that you're carrying it with you at all times, and as our spiritual guide Shabazz says: "the best knife is the one that you're carrying!".
I know you've reviewed the 940-1, but can u review the 940-2 next? It'd be great
I resisted buying this knife for almost 2 years. Now that I own it, I find it an exceptional design and build. This is a perfect first knife. Sure it would be nicer if it was priced under $100 but I don't find the price outrageous. If you were to own just one knife, I don't think you would regret your decision.. I think it's a classic just like the 940 and Griptillian.
Screw that shit man, para 3 lw is better value and quality, in terms of steel, bd-1n is similar to the performance of s30v so
Benchmade's pricing bugs me so i'm out .
kerryrwac
When I saw the price, my eyes bugged out!
All Benchmade knives are usually over 90 bucks and this one is 115, not a big difference.
At about $90 I'd be all over it, but with how popular it is, i doubt it
Zed Word no g10 unless you spend 170. So basically it’s 100 for a plastic handle
@Wolfpack3D A commendable effort on the spelling of warranty.
The Bugout has become my #1 go to. Light and sharp. A little pricey but worth it.
This knife is being presented as a backpacking knife. Backpackers often become ounce counters because weight in long term trips can become difficult to deal with. This knife will appeal to them because of the low weight.
Just picked one of these up today. Went with a half serrated blade. Was looking for an EDC, nothing overbuilt. Went with the lightweight and this review back up my initial guy reaction. This is replacing another Benchmade knife, the Axis system is great.
Despite the name I'd say it's more of backpacker's knife than for bugging out. That bright blue color is a alternative to blaze orange for easy finding if dropped in the woods. I didn't think much of it until the store I work in got it in and handling it changed my mind, at the price I think its very fair.
And FYI, the clip is named: Mini Deep-Carry clip. I'm almost 100% certain that is the smallest clip Benchmade has put on a knife!
I picked one up for $99.99 on sale at a local shop and I love it. Great for everyday carry. If you catch it on sale, I'd recommend it.
Great review.... I also. The Delica isn't a bad alternative if you want to save a bit of dough either. Kepp on keeping on!
Handled one the other day. Great blade. Love the axis lock and deep carry small pocket clip. Handle and short liner leaves a lot to be desired. I know to improve those features you would add weight, which is one of its big selling points, but I'd trade a little weight for durability. As usual great review. So yea, what you said.
It is now 2021 and these knives have jumped to almost $200.00 That's just crazy.
It is now 2024 and I just paid $223 Canadian dollars plus 13% tax in toronto for my CF elite full size bugout
Yes Sir. Benchmade is just overpriced. There is so much alternative at this price. But 200.00 for ultra cheap scales, no thanks@@HorsepowerHeaven
Still the best review of this knife I've seen.
I bought one after watching your review and it's still my favourite knife.
Compared the bugout to the mini grip yesterday. For my XL glove sized hands, the mini grip only gets a full three finger grip. The bugout is slightly longer, allowing a full four finger grip and even just slightly a little more. Its perfect for edc with its light weight and slimness. I just haven't made up my mind between the full size griptilian or the bugout. I like the sturdier feel of the griptilian, like I can really abuse it and it will hold its own. If I could make a edc knife, it would be a bugout, with a sheepfoot blade. They will probably come out with that design after I make a decision and buy a regular bugout. Price should be $89-99 on the bugout imo!
Managed to pick one up with $45 off. for that price, it's a surprisingly good knife. Just... buy in person. the centering and action on the ones I handled were all over the place. I think I managed to find the single gem that dropped free, was centered, and had a decent grind
do keep in mind the axis lock springs break very often. this is my first and only high end expensive knive and that bothered me for the longest time. just a couple of weeks ago i had the courage to fix it after pretty much keeping it in the back of my drawer trying to forget i payed a shit ton for it to break the first week i got it.
If you watch this review and dislike the knife don't dislike the video. Two completely different things kids. Good stuff Nick. I am passing on the knife but good stuff as always.
It should named EDC or GripLight/thingrip (light griptilian) for its light weight super thin profile. When I think of Bugout i think heavy use and or versatility. I live this knive dont get me wrong but see it as more of edc role.
They named it what they wanted to name it
This paired with flytanium’s copper scales is just about the sexiest knife I’ve ever held.
Bought a the Bugout with the green handles as my first Benchmade back in July of 2018. Carried it for a week or so at a time every other month until recently when BOTH axis lock springs broke in the same spot. Sending it in for service. Seems like a sketchy part to fail being their claim to fame locking mechanism.
My first kinda expensive knife I love how light it is I barley notice it it still feels pretty solid compared to what people say and also I love all the after market parts you can get eventually I’m gonna take mine apart and void that warranty to make a gorgeous custom bugout
If it was around $80 I would of bought one instantly.
the spyderco delica 4 is around $60. The benchmade is made in the USA and has a better steel. I say somewhere around $80 is fair.
Agreed. $60 is more than fair for this blade. If I'm spending $80 on a blade, it'll be a manix 2.
other countries dont have labor laws like the U.S. does that is why our goods cost more to similar quality products.
Hey I think the price is right, it's one of the best looking knives I've ever seen before
AS Nick has mentioned in a few of his other videos, Benchmade has an outstanding warranty and great customer service, you would be a fool to not factor that into the cost... hard to say that about many of your knives imported from overseas!!!!
This is a awesome edc knife , not a bugout knife . Yes , when I first got it I said to myself where did the $114.00 go , because it is soo light and sometimes you associate weight with being cheap or poorly made , but after a few days carrying it , I was like this knife is Frickin Awesome. And Nick hit it on the nose , this could be 1 of the best tools you ever use ," just use the right tool for the job ". So , if your into light weight edc and excellent slicers , you will love this knife too.
I agree with you and disagree with Plutonium. I wonder what Premium Chinese knife he is referring to because I'm not aware of it. I can't understand why so many think $114 is so outrageous. While I resisted getting mine for almost 2 years. Now I have it, its one of my favorites and I highly recommend it.
Generally I'm not into benchmade knives but despite it's price this is a perfect EDC. I don't know why I care and why I feel disappointed... honestly I hoped You would appreciate it more and forget for one second it is a BM product. Thanks for the review Nick.
I bought a bugout to celebrate a new job I work in the trades but try not to abuse my knives so far after a couple months of use I've only had to lightly touch up the blade the grip feels great in the hand and the light weight is great I recognize it to everyone who asks me about knives
Nothing I love more than turning on the Closed Captions for a Nick Video! Always a show lol!
A high point is how friendly they are to recycle after a camping trip. I have problems at those dumpsters sometimes. Especially with tents and sleeping bags. So to have a knife that's so easy to recycle after we use it is a nice bonus.
I knew what I was getting into. The knife is great. But I did not think that the spring will fail on me within 5 months. Maybe 6 years... And they are hard to come by in Europe. :-(
The bugout is and has been my favorite pocket knife for 13-yrs.....
I have every knife money can buy and this is my favorite light weight pocket knife....
It has not been out for 13 years?
I picked up the knifecenter exclusive battle washed bug out a few months ago. It came with a medium-grit edge but with and absolute perfect Apex. Bottom line is if you're looking to carry a pocket knife that you forget that you're carrying this is the one.
A funny thing I thought of when the Tagged Out and Redoubt came out, they kinda used your idea. They just kept the "out" part for the running theme instead of the "bug" part.
Really like your reviews. Thanks for putting all the time in.
I found one of these laying in a parking lot I thought it was a cheap knife until I Googled it never heard of benchmade till then
I just like the knife, and I don't mind the price tag, I expected 160, so 115 is fine by me, I'll be picking one up as my first benchmade
Patrick Jennings you like it?
I love this knife for mid level task edc
Nothing wrong with being lightweight and flexible. Just think there’s lots of lightweight knives that’ll get the job done for way less money. $115 is just incredibly expensive for a small piece of S30V and some plastic. Can we say Cold Steel Holdout III ? Great review Nick. Thanks
Damn.... Ya had me wanting this knife until you mentioned the price... WOW! I'll stick with my Native 5 and Manix 2...
Those both cost about the same as the bugout and bugout mini currently. Some manix and natives run up to around $150-$160 depending on steel from what I’ve seen lately. Shits getting ridiculous.
I feel like 80 or 90 would be a bit more fair
Having watched the disassembly video, I almost feel like I cheated since I know how this one will turn out.
great review. i'm know its a great knife, but i wasn't feeling it when i first held one.
I reaally like that deep ocean blue color, Not usually a fan of wackier colors but I like this.
If it's truly a bugout bag, this is a secondary knife. You gotta have a fixed blade, I would recommend a bark river gunny scandi. It's almost an 1/8" in width.
This knife is even more lightweight then me when I put a splash of beer in my lemonade, doll myself up and hang out at the docks. Three shandies and I'm anyones. The first commenter below knows what I mean 👇👇👇👇
Unrelated, but I am compelled to respond:
"Thanks very much, me ol' shivering mateys! Now, how much do you charge for a good hard shag?"
Ekybob these comments are absolutely chuckle-worthy. Good job lads
I like shandies....
if you compare this price to a GEC, Case or lion steel traditional two handed folder which are about the same price or even more this modern folder has all the bells and whistles and improvements like stainless steel, axis lock, one handed open and close and super light weight. Yes I wish this was 70 bucks too but considering those old fashion folders sell for this price or more all day long and people scramble to buy them up instantly in five minutes or less this price of 115 is not as horrible as it may seem at first glance. This may not be a fantastic price but it’s not super way out of line either for what your getting compared to traditionals. That’s my take on it anyway.
Screw that shit man, para 3 lw is better value and quality, in terms of steel, bd-1n is similar to the performance of s30v so
I just picked up a terminus XR g10 grips and a bar lock and it is a fine knife great fidget toy for $54
I bought this when it came out & then sold it to my friend when they came out with the Ranger Green/Gray!
I had the same problem with washers..the action got better when i switched the washers around
I'm going to get the bugout and replace the scales with flytanium scales. Might anodize them blue before I do so.
I'm in the process of getting an above 100€ knife (higher quality, seeing as I was sort of a poor-man's-EDC kind of a guy before). I got a Chinese Bugout knockoff, just to see if it was a knife for me when it comes to the design and overall stuff (seeing I am in between the Bugout and Freek), and I didn't like it. After your reviews, I'm into Freek a lot more. Thanks, Nick, you're a godsend. Keep up the good work.
Nice review as always Nick. I bought the Bugout soon after release; returned it a few days later. Really like the steel and blade shape, so any recommendations on US made knife with similar blade characteristics for under $130 USD??
Well, my first go would be the CIVIVI elementum. It’s a true gem. But it’s not USA made. If you’re saying you want a USA made knife for quality reasons, then that’s not a real reason becuase you’ll find the CIVIVI and WE have some of the best quality control out there in production knives. If you looking for USA made just to support USA companies, then the spyderco shaman and para 3 lightweight are comparable
I carried a bug out bag for 50 yrs before i found out thats what its called .i just called it my pack .
overpriced like all benchmades, only thing stopping me from picking one up.
It won't stop me that is a beautiful knife
Screw that shit man, para 3 lw is better value and quality, in terms of steel, bd-1n is similar to the performance of s30v so
Benchmade are not overpriced because of the quality they put in their knives . Did you ever hold a cold steel in your hand ? Those are overpriced , yes cheaper than benchmade but still very overpriced I wouldn't even get
paid to carry cold steel crap ...
@@urielmartinez2161 trust me this is not overpriced ,don't listen to those cheap ass that always want to pay less but don't care to get crap 🤣
@@EvilNick81 you, are calling cold steel trash? I love benchmade but you sir have your head up your ass. Cold steel sold s35vn for cheap
Great review, my 535 was centred and it also didn't have sharp scales. The flex is a compromise with the weight.
As far as the price, it is certainly a consideration when deciding but once I bought it the price I paid leaves me with no regret.
I do like to hike and this knife will definitely see the top of a few mountains but the light weight And thinness just makes it a dream to carry every day as a utility blade.
If I have to go bush to stay for a while though I want my big fixed blade.
teatowel11 yeah ive been bringing this on hikes love it for edc also as you mention literally find myself checking to make sure its still in my pocket with the deep carry clip and light weight
I found a pawn shop with a handful of brand new in box ones for 85$ CAD, definitely picked one up
I'd be interested in a mini version of this knife. I handled one earlier this week and found it a bit too large and heavy for me. I'm used to carrying a Victorinox.
1.8 oz is like as light as most regular knives get.
@@desertrainfrog1691 You can go lighter - for example, the Al Mar Hawk Ultralight is only 28g (1.0 imperial ounce) and the Boker Plus Urban Trapper Petite is 31g. My Victorinox Alox Excelsior is 22g and my Sanrenmu 6040 is 33g. Some Spyderco and Chris Reeve knives are also lighter.
While this is just shy of what I would call large, I don't think it's even in the scale of heavy.
The PM2 is $140.40 and the Bugout is $119 as of March 2019.
@@Anton_G_604 Have you ever used the Bugout? And I don't mean looked at it and held it for a minute. I mean USED it. That "plastic" (grivory) handle that you're talking about is way more durable than you'd expect. I really abuse the piss out of mine, and I've needed to sharpen the blade thrice and I haven't had even one slight issue with the handle. Don't believe everything you hear or see. Try things for yourself, then make a judgement call.
@@Anton_G_604 Yeah, their prices are a little outrageous. But in the case of the Bugout, I feel like the price is warranted. Perhaps still a little high, but much more affordable than damn near everything else in their catalog short of the griptilian or mini grip. Give it a shot. If you don't like it, pawn it off on some other sucker.
@@Anton_G_604 Love my PM2. Everyone DOES need a new knife. I just picked up a Benchmade Osborne. Well worth it.
$20 will get you an amazing knife. And para 3 lw is better value and quality, in terms of steel, bd-1n is similar to the performance of s30v so
@@koga8100 ya i bought the para 3 lw and i love it
I have plenty of knives to put in my bugout bag. This one really doesn't present a compelling argument to me to spend that kind of money.
alittleolder Yes, this seems like it would be better suited to the ultralight backpacking community who might even consider this heavy.
Exactly. I really don't care about 1oz more or less
alittleolder Folders don't really have a place in BOBs anyways.
Well, in a BoB you try to have some redundacies, so I can see having a folder there in case your primary or secondary knife quits on you or if you want to hand out one to another member of your party that maybe is less prepared and a folder doesn't weigh a lot and also doesn't take much space. But only a folder would be fatal, I agree.
alittleolder I should have clarified, that's more what I meant. I keep a Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe, a Becker BK7, a Real Steel Buscrafter 2, and a Finn Wolf from Cold Steel. So I do have a folder, but like you said it's more of a tertiary back up 😀.
I bought the “Bugout” as my first high end knife, it came in at around $170 which in retrospect is ridiculous but I didn’t know any better, the scales felt cheap, the blade centering is still a little off. I replaced the scales with flytanium G-10 and it improved the overall feel of the knife, however that put the entire piece well above $200 which is even more ridiculous. With that said, it’s a great knife, the action is fantastic even with the blade being a bit off center and it disappears in my pocket… it’s great for clipping on to my running shorts, so lightweight. It’s a great knife, just too expensive… I don’t feel good about buying it even though I really like it and carry the “Bugout” more than any of my other knives. So a lot of mixed feelings. I now stick to spyderco and am hesitant about buying from Benchmade, mostly because of the price and what you get in return.
Nick- I can't believe the price of this knife. If there is a bugout situation, I'm reaching for my fixed blades, not some toy knife that can't be a heavy user. This is an overpriced EDC, not a bugout knife. If I need a bugout folder, I have dozens of knives I'd choose over this. Good review.
+MrGeerbear The name absolutely fell flat. If they’d called this the “Benchmade Ultralight”, I think it’d have gotten a much nicer reception.
Nick Shabazz
I think they should have gone with the "UltraPriced"
+Nick Shabazz I completely agree. Especially since the initial promotional material kept sticking it in a backpacking/ultralight setting. That said the knife has survived some rough testing by Drop Forged Survival.
MrGeerbear it's an edc if you run marathons every day. But if you're not a fun runner it's definitely not gonna be a edc.
If this is a knife for the bug out bag, light makes sense. But you may not want to be stocking a bug out bag with a knife that is expensive and also somewhat light-duty. A bug out bag would be where you stash a light knife for carrying and maybe a fixed blade for heavy duty work in the woods.
Just found your channel. Good review. I'm guessing this knife will get cheaper, or at least will get a decent sale price, as the year winds down.
What is wierd to me is the fact that in 2022, the pm2 is 171 ish and the bugout can be had for 128
i never liked how thick the handles on the griptilians were so the delica and endura always was perfection to me. handles were also too thick for my tastes on the cold steel voyager series.
the 530 is a cool slim design also but im really liking this 535 bugout aesthetically.
my manix 2lw doesnt have liners are all, the action is way harder to close, leaf shaped blade makes it pretty big in pocket so this 535 is really catching my eye....but i think when i do buy a benchmade im just going to go with the 940.
I bought a mini griptialian and was completely underwhelmed with the “flashiness” of the design… until I went and looked at a bugout. This mini grip 556 is so well designed and durable compared to these and less money. I switched the scales out to stainless and it is the most durable, versatile knife I’ve carried. Couldn’t say the same for the bug out. Just feels way too flimsy.
"Walking" open my BM 710 with my thumb, it has the smoothest action I've felt on any knife. A properly assembled and worn-in axis lock knife is a fantastic thing. BM pricing sucks though, and keeps getting worse. With the $50 options coming out of China, BM needs to step up their quality control, and step down their pricing. I'm not paying over $100 for a knife comprised of recycled trash bags, with an off-center blade.
A good comparison would be the Benchmade 530. Both extremely thin and lightweight and similar length too.
This knife reminds me of the 531 but smaller. The 531 is insane love it..
I have the 530 and I know some knock it compared to 531 but I love the the fact that it weighs nothing and the blade employs and closes with the tiniest flick.
Haha! Love this review! As for a Bugout bag? Well I will pack when something actually happens. And the Bugout will not ever be in a bag.
Very helpful review. Great knife, but I crossed it off my list. Minimal knife I discovered and purchased this past summer is the Mercator K55K made by Otter in Germany. In production since 1867. I am curious about your thoughts on this knife. Enjoy your reviews. Thanks.
I was just looking at the k55k myself. I'm gonna pull the trigger because it's inexpensive enough to do so at any time, but it recently peaked my interest. Like any knife when I find out about it, I ran to youtube to see if Nick had a review. Alas, no.
Nick- I find it weird that none of the youtubers that have reviewed this knife have seemingly noticed or mentioned the fact that this knife comes with a pocket clip that utilizes two (2) screws, yet the knife handle comes with three (3) pilot holes on either side of the handle. Why is this?
I think the 3 holes are a standard Benchmade clip configuration. A deep carry clip can't accommodate the middle screw unless there's a hole In the clip to make that possible. Just my 2 cents worth.
Seems like a Perfect 3 inch blade EDC. Will have to check it out, would be my first bench made.120$ for a 80 $ knife, lil Sebenza 350$ for 200$ knife. I guess that's the overprice we have to pay for our personal favorite EDC blade size nowadays. Hopefully more companies get in this race ,light,thin carry great with a great 3 inch blade.
I just got mine after putting it off for 2 years and find it an exceptional knife. You have good taste and to get some knives, you have to pay the price. When I first heard about the Sedenza years ago, I thought it was incredibly too much for a knife. Years later I have one and 2 other CR knives.
as of today the bugout has maintained nearly the original price, whereas the para two has risen to about 150. the lightweight and thin blade are winners.
Just so everyone knows, Benchmade no longer honors the original blade replacement fee of $30 and is now asking for $70. Customer support would not even entertain the idea of doing it for the original price I was promised when they sold it to me. Not only is this knife overpriced to begin with, but I was lied to about the biggest selling point of the knife which was the low cost blade replacement. Biggest disappointment of any knife purchase I’ve ever made.
I actually like this knife. Remember your paying for that premium steel. CPM-S30V. Great little cutter.
If one wants even smaller and lighter quality knife, Spyderco Dragonfly 2 is awesome. It's their smallest knife with big knife feel.
I don't why everybody's bent out of shape about the Bugout's price: high end steel, high end proprietary lock, great warranty, unique concept, made in the USA--how little did you expect to pay? Note that the knife's apparent "flimsiness" or insubstantiality was deliberate, and is what makes the knife unique. Now, maybe good knives in general are overpriced but that's another question.
As for Benchmade's supposedly bad quality control.... I wonder how many persons chiming in about this even own a Benchmade; and of those who do own one, how many expect a product to be impossibly flawless if they spend a lot of money on it, and/or have been brainwashed by Internet commentary.
I got one and I love it. Now my question, why would I now buy 940? Should I buy it either way (not for collecting purposes) having already workhorses like PM2 or Kershaw Launch 3?
The sweetspot for this knife should have been an entry level edc, with either 420hc steel or d2 steel with a pricetag of around 40-50 bucks and definitely under some other name, rather than "bugout".
Ryan McCarthy and yet they cant keep it on the shelves.
@@dalrolaalorlad6521 the same can be said about Big Macs too. :)
Anodized barrel spacers, thumb studs, and axis lock plus a premium steel makes this well worth the price!
you sound like Italian Christopher Walken. Perfect review. You made my mind.
Wow I am intrigued....that weight seems great, and I love the blade shape!
So ... do you have yours yet?
Screw that shit man, para 3 lw is better value and quality, in terms of steel, bd-1n is similar to the performance of s30v so
I'll keep my PM2, PM3 and Mini Grip. Picked up the bug out squeezed it, kinda neat looked at the price tag and put it back down quickly. Honestly the most I'd pay for it would be $60 - $70 bucks. Maybe they should make it out of 154CM if that will cut the costs... They'd probably sell alot more.
$60 is the most id pay for benchmade and it’s quality
You can get the same blade on a light stronger frame on the Benchmade CLA Auto.
I just bought one, and immediately started the process to return it. Not only does the axis lock button on the knife not let me flick it open like I can on my Griptilian, the button is painful to use and it's hard to hold in the hand. That being said, I'm still in the market for a really thin knife, but the fit and finish on this one just isn't there. I was wondering why Benchmade had such a reputation for being hit or miss, and I now I find out why.
Wow. This was a greatly informative review. It put the knife in perspective for me. Great job !
Guy was buttoning small branches with this. Not that I'd ever own one unless a grate deal came my way. Nice your disassembly review was your funniest yet imo
You have to wonder what the "execs" at Benchmade were drinking when they came up with the pricing for the Bugout's. They range from "too much $" for the STD version to "competitive" for their -3 and -4 variants. In terms of value I'd choose either the -3 or -4....
Oddly (I'm digressing) the best value Benchmades are the Griptilians and the Freeks.
I'm still interested in getting one, especially if I have to send my Griptilian back to Benchmade (because I did something stupid with it) and it fits into the price range I tend to go for when I'm looking at knives that I'm going to carry. I also have a strong tendency to take apart my knives and and can put the axis lock on my griptilian back together with minimal struggle. That being said, I think this would fit nicely into an office-carry situation (clipped into the same pocket as say a smartphone, for instance) or just regular everyday use.
Screw that shit man, para 3 lw is better value and quality, in terms of steel, bd-1n is similar to the performance of s30v so
"Too many freaking knives on my table right now." hahaha...love it!
It occured to me that a digital caliper would be a nice addition for quick size comparisons.
I got the bladehq all blacked-out version on sale for $99. It just came today....... but I have not opened the package yet.....must finish my sandwich first to build the tension!!!
Just bought one in 2020. Is it possible they made the scales stiffer somehow? Even with my gorilla mitts, I can’t get the scales to touch each other like that. That being said, the action feels a bit “grindy”. I’ll see how it breaks in.
Are you sure you didn't get the cf-elite?
@@ryancrow2773 I totally got the elite... You basically just upgraded my knife since I had no idea! :P . Turners made no mention when I bought it, but I do recall thinking it rang up a bit expensive compared to the MSRP I saw online. Thanks for pointing that out!