I don't care how much my tool costs I treat it well. As for the clones. I bought a gray ceracote D2 blade bugout clone for $12 with. Replaced everything except the liners and lock bar. (crossfade micarta scales, backspacer, new omega springs, oversized washers, all screws). Overall a $50 job. ANd trust me I is better than the original minus the blade steel but then again it is D2 which is a great steel.
I gotta say in regards to the steel, it’s not crappy. I have this same clone and used it daily for 6 months and it was still usably sharp. It was razor sharp for a long time and still could get by without sharpening but I did touch it up finally. It’s prob not s90v but I think it’s better than D2
You think it’s better than D2? This is one of my best clones … by far one of the best Bugout clones …most times when I say crappy steel … it is for the steel nerds who are against anything than what is originally made for that knife … but I agree with you this clone is good
Bravo! I was looking at Flytanium scales the other day online and thought the same thing … or finding a really good blade and putting it on this. If someone made a Damascus steel replacement blade for Bugout …. I would be done … however to be honest this knife is the nicest out of all the clones I’ve purchased …
It is all about the edge retention of that steel because the high quality of construction and finish is there. I have the basic blue "S30V" version clone, I guess it must be 440C, AUS8 or maybe 8Cr13Mov. If it was D2 I would feel very lucky.
I may be wrong - and I think the higher end bugouts are D2 from what I hear - the edge retention on that one just feels like better steel quality with edge retention , sharpening, and edge durability- I agree it’s all about the edge retention regardless of blade steel but that just determines how fast it gets dull and you have to sharpen it - thanks for watching and for the comment -
7:58 44 bucks still are money - just because the original is so expensive won't make this knife less worth the money you spend. In the opposite, you, should think about how much of those 3 to 400 bucks on the original are spend to much just for the name on it. Steel in number and names isn't the most important thing, most people wouldn't use this to a point where it matters - especially if they would really buy the expensive original!
I agree that’s why these are Tester or rental knife … if they work well and you like the size then just consider buying the real thing or just beat it and not worry either way it’s a decent knife and doesn’t break the bank
Exactly! It’s a knife. Any one of them works for %90+ of anything anyone would need a little folder for.I’m getting one. Probably a Ti or original aluminum 940 or 945 but planning on requesting a short bugout clip. If I MUST, I’ll buy a genuine BM clip,but that’s it. & doubt I’ll have to.
And if ya wanted to send it to me I would love to do a comparison review - I’ll put a piece a tape or sticker on it to identify , throw the video up and mail it back to ya :)
Just got the black in black CF and it’s tested D2 Heat treat 60-61 Also for the 940 jade and CF I have a extensive collection from CR all the way to a Borka stitch . And honestly the fit and finish is just as good except for 2 things The black coated blades are a little rough when new . I polished the pivot and washers , not it’s like oil on glass , and the spring tension is a bit on the hard side , but the lock up is rock solid , gonna see if it breaks in . The fun factor is you will actually use these knives and not worry , I can’t take my Borka out really use it so it’s kind of a waste lol
For most people, D2 is going to give excellent service. I have a genuine Bugout aluminum but I have a clone Bailout on order, and may order the clone carbon versions of both the Bugout and the Bailout. I am more than happy with D2. The vast majority of my EDC use is opening Amazon boxes and I have never lost a battle when using a slicey D2 blade.
@@shenmisheshou7002 I have the carbon fiber D2 of the bug out and 940 They are fine And your right let’s be realistic of our use lol, I have zdp189 and sv30/35 also xhp and with the amount of knives I have I would not need to sharpen a knife for a year if I just rotated
Just got a jufule clone ordered for $30 shipped on the 11.11 sale! They seem to make higher quality clones and advertise them as D2 which is a plus. It's getting harder and harder to want to buy a U.S made knife. Carbon fiber scales, D2,axis lock, and a great design all for $30?!
Weird, I ordered this yesterday and you posted this yesterday. Great minds think alike? Lol Glad to hear it’s not a complete piece of garbage. Thanks for posting this video!
Thanks for watching! I was waiting for this one as a knock off. I purchased a variety of colors of the normal buyouts and they are alright but this one was a total guessing game as if it was a $44 piece of junk… Also when I ordered it was so new there weren’t any reviews on DHgate. Subscribe and like this video :) My next review will be a Microtech Troodon mini …
If anyone is owned a clone/ knock off for more than a year, I'd love to get an update on the long-term durability. How are these things aging as compared to the real deal?
Here is what I’ve found - and on a side note I should do a follow up videos on durability on these clones good idea! - the Benchmade bugouts are great they perform just fine - the carbon fiber one is the best out of the collection - only thing is you have to tighten the screws - Microtech clones perform a little worse - their internal mechanism has to be oiled and cleaned to make sure they operate and seem to be a little finicky… and don’t use them to pry anything … or the spring rails internally will bend … hope that helps thanks for watching
@@ArizonaLifestyles1I'd love to see a video where you do a blind test between an authentic knife and a clone. Allow someone to thoroughly test each knife, but don't tell them which one is authentic. I'm curious whether the quality difference will become apparent to a user who doesn't know which is which.
@@bmc5180 that’s a good one - I just picked up a real Microtech Ultratech - so I would need to pickup a clone that’s the same model! Give ‘em to one of my family or friends to tell me which one is the real one …
Cool video I bought the real bugout but I think ill get a fake bailout and see if I like that tanto blade b4 shelling out 220 unless Leatherman hurry up and releases the Arc anytime soon
Some people just buy the carbon fiber clone just for the scales - I’ve received both titanium clones … people say they are real titanium… let me know what you think when you get yours … thanks for watching
The steel is usually D2, 8cr13mov, or even sv35n in some cases. Which isn’t bad for that price level. It will be difficult to tell the difference without testing.
I bought the same one from DH, but with the black blade. I swapped the blade and internals to have 2 knives and not have blue scales just sitting around. It took some tinkering, but it came out awesome. Let me know if you want to know the process and differences.
Thanks for sharing and watching . I’ve used this knife for about a year now and it is one of my go to EDC knives … it’s fun playing with these clones and I can appreciate others that do the same … how does it look with the black blade ?
@@ctay1071 I just sharpened it in my last video I just bought one of those cheap multi grit sharpening systems … did good … overall this has been one of my sharpest clones … it is one of my main go to knives for EDC - thanks for watching
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 I just recently started the upgrade on my clone. New omega springs, Thumb hook, titanium screws and new scales. It costed me $45 for the upgrades and $8 for the knife.
Just picked up the real deal 535-3.. haven’t used it much yet but looking forward to it.. clone is pretty impressive though. Frick!! Other than the shiny blue on the lanyard loop and weird lettering and butterfly logo it looks real
It's no different from buying an authentic budget knife for $44 with crappy steel! I want a real one though. The issue becomes when the pirates try to pass it off as real for $300
Yup this real one is on my list to get .you have to be real careful where you guy this as an authentic because the clone is really good- thanks for watching
@@John-mf6ky yup and the boxes have Tells on them - they probably won’t have the actual model number on them for these specialty bugouts - they will just have the 535 number only on it -- want to have a nice one with good steel - buy a base line real Bugout and buy this fake and swap the scales … thanks for watching
It's worth buying just for the carbon fiber scales. A set of CF scales for the bugout runs over $50 so there's that, though they still might not work depending on how accurate of a clone it is regarding the milling for the liners and holes lining up for the hardware.
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 I appreciate the information. I've ordered a few China knock offs, and I'm currently debating on pulling the trigger on a Large Sebenza 21 with titanium scales and m390 for $105. Supposedly it's real m390 as well according to the description.
@@jerradbyers interesting I’ve had those knives on my wish list on DHgate but never pulled the trigger to buy it - you’ll need to let me know how it is if it is good or not … Thanks ! Jason
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 I will let you know I'll probably be buying it tonight or tomorrow especially if I missed out on the kizer that is supposed to go on sale tonight at 8pm est, but is supposedly already sold out.
@@nonammmmme as far as I can tell it’s real CF and aluminum back spacer - it’s held up well … decent knock off … many people have said they’d buy it just for the CF scales
I got a "clone" mini bugout from the local gun show. Looks exactly as your bugout. Exactly only smaller. Had a couple people at the show who sold BENCHMADE knives. Said its a fake, but a well made one. As we all know the steel is shit. Everything you showed in the box was the same as mine. I wasn't too hip on Benchmade knives.....i am now. Can also say, if i had a million dollars in the bank, i still would NOT pay $288.00 for a real Carbon Fiber mini bugout. To me that is way, way too much for a little knife. I will continue to carry my Recon-1 everyday for the Rest of my Days. Thanks for the video.
Damn, think I'm going to have to pick this up! I've been looking at some different Chinese clones. I prefer the real deal but idk if I can say now for the price haha...
I think I have this exact clone, edge retention is really decent but I’ve never owned a “super steel” i strop it here and there and holds a pretty scary edge.
I can’t agree more - they are rental knives … if you don’t want to pull the trigger on the full priced knife they are fun to experience the real knife without the full retail cost … but yes they are fake no doubt about it
I don't dislike my fakes. I've gotten quite a few only to get the real deal including this, the regular bugout and the Osborne 940 in cf. The steel is soft and they're not as smooth, but if I don't use them hard it doesn't matter much. In some circumstances I rather use the fakes and if I lose it or mess it up it's just a cheap knockoff. I would never have gotten a lot of expensive knives if I couldn't have tried the fakes. They're literally ads for the real thing. As long as you don't advertise them as real they're win-win-win.
@@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsILK That is clearly not true. I own quite a few genuine/replica pairs and while the replicas may be nice, working knives, the steel is always interior and at least on Benchmades the action and tolerances are always way better on the genuine ones. If it's really worth it? I think most people would be happy with an opinel...
I have legitimate Kershaw and Spyderco models that are made in China as well as several knockoffs of other brands. The knockoffs are far better quality than the Kershaws and Spydercos. I have this CF bugout clone and the only issue is that if I slip it into my pocket a while before I go out i will forget it is there and end up carrying two knives. As far as the blade steel goes I will attest through experience that those blades will cut and stab you just as bad as a higher quality steel.
Thanks for the comment from all of my videos I would say that this CF Bugout is my favorite … it stays sharper than most knock offs and the carbon fiber is done very well … I agree this knife is so light that you forget you have it on you … and it isn’t high on the tactical factor so you don’t offend anyone by pulling this out in comparison to a Microtech OTF knife … thanks for your comments
This is absolute ignorance. To say a knockoff is better quality is just willfully being ignorant. Not only are you biased but I don’t think you’d know a nice knife if it stabbed you in the face
@@Southernknife_addict thanks for your opinion - hopefully I don’t get stabbed in the face with a good knife, knock off knife or even a dull spoon - and to say ignorant…that is just lacking knowledge so if there is knowledge I need to learn to increase my knife snobbery please share the knowledge
@@Southernknife_addict also check the facts - I have never said they are better than the originals … they are cheaper … I compare cheap knock offs to cheap knock offs - if you want to send me some of the good knives to review I’ll gladly receive them …
@@Southernknife_addictI'll write it so you can read it again. I have a honest to God Kershaw Emerson CQC-7K made in China and a ZT 0562 knockoff sitting beside me. The machining, fit and action of the 0562 is much better than the made in china kershaw.
S30v steel, made in china because its only a powdered metal formula, costs 1600 per ton in usd…imagine how many 1.8oz knives in a metric ton… Just saying everyone has bought into the premium steel costs as much as gold lie. How they do the hardening is more important.
Did you ever get an authentic one to compare? Now I’m a little nervous. I bought one on eBay today for about $50-$60 less than MSRP, but after seeing this video now …. :-o
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 I hear you. They’re such fine knives. I had the 940-1 carbon fiber for years and misplaced it. Favorite knife! but I think the bug out has some redeeming features as well.
Just do your DD and check out the seller's reputation. Some common red flags are: •Negative reviews or lack of reviews altogether, • Seller has multiple past and current "Buy it now" listings of high-end Knives @ 10%+ lower than the lowest "Buy it Now" price for that knife. • Seller's inventory doesn't match their reason for sale. IE: "It's my late Father's knife collection" but they have multiple quantities of the exact same 2020 knife for sale • Seller uses stock photos or blurry close-up photos in ALL their listings • seller has other listings of "clone" or "fantasy" knives • Sellers who avoid showing the inside of the box(most fakes only have a flat layer of foam while Authentic boxes have foam on bottom & sides with an oval cutout for the knife) • Knives delivered in bubble wrap, showing excessive lubricant, or smelling "oily" are almost certainly fake. Also avoid seller's who have MULTIPLE knife listings labeled "New without Box"(1or2 is OK) • Sellers asking to receive payment via a 3rd party(this includes PayPal, unless used thru eBay)
@@insidetheunicorn I ended up canceling the eBay order for the Bugout and ordered it from a store but returned it as well. I like the Osborne 940-1 more.
Lets be serious making a expensive knife isn't rocket science ive been making fender style guitars for years and they are superior but i use quality materials ..they must have a agreement with bm not to ever use good steel because we know they could its where the steel comes from China baby 😮😅😊
I have a real Bugout couldn’t see spending an extra 150 bucks on carbon fiber scales though. Rather go to flytanium and get scales. I also have the super freak which is my favorite and the paramilitary 2. All real ones. It’s definitely an expensive hobby. But cheaper then guns and guitars which I also collect.
I can understand - you could this CF one and swap out scales just for fun - they are decent scales … all those knives are nice … flytanium are cool… I have the guns too but you won’t see em on my channel :) thanks for watching
if it can open packages and envelopes then it's as good as the original because no person in his right mind would make a 300$ knife a beater knife haha
With sudden rise of premium end pocket knives -- we see the Rise of The Clones. Like a Stars War sequel we have two opposing forces; engaged. One ; are the knife designers dedicated to honing their blade craft and quality assurance. On the other hand : we have the massive Chinese economy and manufacturing sector that can EASILY make things much cheaper. So delimma - a cheaper yet affordable knock off as a EDC or pay for the real deal to be made in USA ? The answer to that Q is what is future of knives . ... Will these higher end cutlery companies continue to innovate and bring out say a new Delica 4 or a new BUGOUT or reinvent the Buck 110 ? Why even bother when they will just copy it and run you out of business, eventually. Innovative great designs demand respect ~ and so do knives designers. Unfortunately extra expense is involved in high end design. I see both sides.🤔🤔 " May the force be strong with you🔪 Luke ."
Great comment and I have addressed this a couple of times . My opinion only is that these cheap knock offs are rental knives … you can get the feel of size textures etc for a fraction of a cost of a new one and if you like it enough you can choose to buy the real thing if you can afford to … on the other hand some of the premium knife makers should think about using potentially a cheaper material or make one entry level knife such as the Bugout or if Microtech used a cheaper composit material for their scales etc etc … I see both sides the light and dark side of the force :) thanks for watching!!!!
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 Yes your review is quite impartial. We also have to acknowledge a VASTLY changing market place now too . For example ; 20 years ago a Chris Reeves Serbenza 31 may have had a unique enough value to sell for 460US but today -- with a flooded market of hundreds of very similar liner lock titanium folders almost equally as good ? The value seems VERY inflated now when $35 to $50 gets a solid Chinese blade is fairly good quality. The sudden rise of a brand like TWO SUN ( from literally nowhere ) to the big time is a witness to a changed market. Let me allow prophecies and claim that the innovation period is largely over now . The classic Pumas, the Bugout, the Delica and the sleek Serbenza will be endlessly copied and homaged to end of time. I am happy (as a consumer and knife collector ) they are such great designers out there and sadly for knife designers they will certainly struggle if they produce custom blades of considerable expense -- when FAR cheaper versions do exactly the same job !
I have 11 real Benchmade Bugouts and my nephew had a clone 535 that lost a screw so he gave it to me to fix. I ordered a new screw set for it but noticed that the scales were just a little off, So I ordered some new scales in G10. Then while taking it apart found that it had plastic washers, so I purchased some Phosphorous Bronze Washers. And then I noticed the rust on the blade, springs and liner, it was inside the scales and you couldn’t see it until the knife was apart. I also purchased a tool to help with reassembly. So I ordered a new set of springs too, the rest of the rust I just cleaned as best I could. On reassembling I found out that the scales were not exactly the same so some modification (drilling and cutting and a bit of dremal work) was needed, also the new screw set didn’t all fit, so I had to use a combination of new and old screws. Once together it looks good, function is okay, but not on the same level as any Benchmade. The steel, once sharpened, was pretty good. Overall, I took a POS knife and made a nicer POS knife, and ended up spending more than a new real Benchmade Bugout, so I kept the project knife an bought him a brand new Benchmade Bugout, and he’s really happy with it.
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 The blade material is completely different, the S90v steel is polished, and supposedly much stronger than this one. The carbon scales looks absolutely the same, impressive. The blue anodized spacer can't be worse, mine wear off after two days in my key chain ring.
Benchmade is mostly paying for the name. I've owned several real ones and reps and honestly the quality is still there in the reps. The only real bm I would choose over the rep is the 32 Morpho butterfly knife but they've got a rep on dhgate I'd like to try for comparison
You're not paying for the name. You're paying for a lifetime warranty built into the price so no matter what you do, you send the knife back and it gets fixed. While the clones are decent build quality overall, There is a HUGE difference in steel quality. The China BMs are softer then baby poo when you try to sharpen them.
@@evictioncarpentry2628 I have a bug out s90v with CF handle clone. I've sharpened it to cut paper very easily. interestingly the bugout clone blade I had tested by a local knife Smith and he said it was defiantly s90v however he did mention that while performing the hardness test he noticed slight variations (1-3%) along the blade. he concluded that it was a lower end s90v and / or a B-stock s90v. I have both a real bugout s30v and this clone s90v and I can say that they are so similar and the clone blade is just as sharp and holds and edge just as long as my s30v. best 50$ I ever spend on that clone!
Clones like this are horrible and I’ll never support companies that steal designs selling garbage off the backs of the company that built their brands reputation. It is sickening that people support business that do this. Spend that $50 on a SOG XR.
And America is great because you can voice your opinion - my main goal is to educate people on these knives to see what you get for a 1/3 of the cost of the real thing and a month of shipping time. These are more like rental knives to see if you like the size and shape of the knife… if you really like it then you should go and buy the real thing . Thanks for watching
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 the only problem is they are stealing Benchmade’s design. There other Chinese companies that use the axis lock design and the patent is expired so that’s fine. At least they aren’t using the exact same design. That’s my main issue. I can’t see justifying supporting stealing a exact replica. Also this isn’t directed at you or your choice to review, it’s directed at companies that steal a direct product design without having to invest in the R&D to create it. It is wrong.
I agree and most of these knock off knives you get what you pay for … some of them are scary close to the real thing … which means if you bought a knife off a private party how would you know that they are fake or real unless you knew what a fake one looks like… the carbon fiber bugout clone is really close … the original blue Bugout clone the scales give it away every time … yes they are fake yes they have stolen designs, but it has turned me on to these knives where I can get the feel of the knife at the fraction of the cost and know which specialty knife to save up for and which one to pass on … good convo!
Also if you look at DHGate or wish they aren’t companies … they are just like Amazon sellers who frequently close and change names … I have problems with people who try to sell the fake ones as real …
I don't care how much my tool costs I treat it well. As for the clones. I bought a gray ceracote D2 blade bugout clone for $12 with. Replaced everything except the liners and lock bar. (crossfade micarta scales, backspacer, new omega springs, oversized washers, all screws). Overall a $50 job. ANd trust me I is better than the original minus the blade steel but then again it is D2 which is a great steel.
I beat my clones as tools … them seem fine except some of the Out the fronts are crap
I gotta say in regards to the steel, it’s not crappy. I have this same clone and used it daily for 6 months and it was still usably sharp. It was razor sharp for a long time and still could get by without sharpening but I did touch it up finally. It’s prob not s90v but I think it’s better than D2
You think it’s better than D2? This is one of my best clones … by far one of the best Bugout clones …most times when I say crappy steel … it is for the steel nerds who are against anything than what is originally made for that knife … but I agree with you this clone is good
@ArizonaLifestyles1 I pressed one of the sellers who initially claimed it was 90v but they then admitted it was d2, who knows
I’d like to buy this just to put the scales and backspacer on my actual bugout
Bravo! I was looking at Flytanium scales the other day online and thought the same thing … or finding a really good blade and putting it on this. If someone made a Damascus steel replacement blade for Bugout …. I would be done … however to be honest this knife is the nicest out of all the clones I’ve purchased …
Scale screws may not line up exactly. A different bugout clone scales didnt match up with real bugout scales for me.
@@sethrich89 I've read people have the same problem trying to put Flytanium scales on clone Spydercos.
OK, you can't get it repaired if it breaks so you just buy another and you are still way money ahead.
Nice review of the clone. I have two of the original Benchmade carbon fiber bugout. The clone is scary close to the original.
These clones are scary close … except blade quality - they are not usually the steel that they stamp cheaply on the blade :) thanks for watching
any difference at all when you open it up?
Are they the same weight ?
It is all about the edge retention of that steel because the high quality of construction and finish is there. I have the basic blue "S30V" version clone, I guess it must be 440C, AUS8 or maybe 8Cr13Mov. If it was D2 I would feel very lucky.
I may be wrong - and I think the higher end bugouts are D2 from what I hear - the edge retention on that one just feels like better steel quality with edge retention , sharpening, and edge durability- I agree it’s all about the edge retention regardless of blade steel but that just determines how fast it gets dull and you have to sharpen it - thanks for watching and for the comment -
7:58 44 bucks still are money - just because the original is so expensive won't make this knife less worth the money you spend. In the opposite, you, should think about how much of those 3 to 400 bucks on the original are spend to much just for the name on it. Steel in number and names isn't the most important thing, most people wouldn't use this to a point where it matters - especially if they would really buy the expensive original!
I agree that’s why these are Tester or rental knife … if they work well and you like the size then just consider buying the real thing or just beat it and not worry either way it’s a decent knife and doesn’t break the bank
Exactly! It’s a knife. Any one of them works for %90+ of anything anyone would need a little folder for.I’m getting one. Probably a Ti or original aluminum 940 or 945 but planning on requesting a short bugout clip. If I MUST, I’ll buy a genuine BM clip,but that’s it. & doubt I’ll have to.
Crazy how the steel looks the same as well as everything else
I own the real one and was going to send it in for comparison until you said “hopefully the real one doesn’t get mixed up with the fake one”. Lol
That is really funny:)
And if ya wanted to send it to me I would love to do a comparison review - I’ll put a piece a tape or sticker on it to identify , throw the video up and mail it back to ya :)
I bought the real one first and then the clone I wish like hell I could still return the real one to Smkw
Hate to say this fake is really good … even after about a year of use
Just got the black in black CF and it’s tested D2
Heat treat 60-61
Also for the 940 jade and CF
I have a extensive collection from CR all the way to a Borka stitch . And honestly the fit and finish is just as good except for 2 things
The black coated blades are a little rough when new . I polished the pivot and washers , not it’s like oil on glass , and the spring tension is a bit on the hard side , but the lock up is rock solid , gonna see if it breaks in .
The fun factor is you will actually use these knives and not worry , I can’t take my Borka out really use it so it’s kind of a waste lol
I agree thanks for your comments . I really enjoy using these knives and not worrying about them if they break or I lose them
For most people, D2 is going to give excellent service. I have a genuine Bugout aluminum but I have a clone Bailout on order, and may order the clone carbon versions of both the Bugout and the Bailout. I am more than happy with D2. The vast majority of my EDC use is opening Amazon boxes and I have never lost a battle when using a slicey D2 blade.
@@shenmisheshou7002 yes my Amazon boxes don’t stand a chance with most blades - and D2 will do just fine :) thanks for watching and for commenting
@@shenmisheshou7002 I have the carbon fiber D2 of the bug out and 940
They are fine
And your right let’s be realistic of our use lol, I have zdp189 and sv30/35 also xhp and with the amount of knives I have
I would not need to sharpen a knife for a year if I just rotated
Are you saying you tested the blade HRC and found it to be 60-61?
Just got a jufule clone ordered for $30 shipped on the 11.11 sale! They seem to make higher quality clones and advertise them as D2 which is a plus. It's getting harder and harder to want to buy a U.S made knife. Carbon fiber scales, D2,axis lock, and a great design all for $30?!
Mine is still kicking
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 Yep mine is great as well! Not d2 the seller said it is aus8 or aus10. Still a great knife.
Is there any flex in the handle when you squeeze it together like the regular 535 bugout, or does it feel firm?
Nope it’s solid
Weird, I ordered this yesterday and you posted this yesterday. Great minds think alike? Lol
Glad to hear it’s not a complete piece of garbage. Thanks for posting this video!
Thanks for watching! I was waiting for this one as a knock off. I purchased a variety of colors of the normal buyouts and they are alright but this one was a total guessing game as if it was a $44 piece of junk… Also when I ordered it was so new there weren’t any reviews on DHgate. Subscribe and like this video :) My next review will be a Microtech Troodon mini …
If anyone is owned a clone/ knock off for more than a year, I'd love to get an update on the long-term durability. How are these things aging as compared to the real deal?
Here is what I’ve found - and on a side note I should do a follow up videos on durability on these clones good idea! - the Benchmade bugouts are great they perform just fine - the carbon fiber one is the best out of the collection - only thing is you have to tighten the screws - Microtech clones perform a little worse - their internal mechanism has to be oiled and cleaned to make sure they operate and seem to be a little finicky… and don’t use them to pry anything … or the spring rails internally will bend … hope that helps thanks for watching
@@ArizonaLifestyles1I'd love to see a video where you do a blind test between an authentic knife and a clone. Allow someone to thoroughly test each knife, but don't tell them which one is authentic. I'm curious whether the quality difference will become apparent to a user who doesn't know which is which.
@@bmc5180 that’s a good one - I just picked up a real Microtech Ultratech - so I would need to pickup a clone that’s the same model! Give ‘em to one of my family or friends to tell me which one is the real one …
Cool video I bought the real bugout but I think ill get a fake bailout and see if I like that tanto blade b4 shelling out 220 unless Leatherman hurry up and releases the Arc anytime soon
I got a good deal on the authentic but, still may order the clone. Already have the "titanium" clone version sitting on some boat somewhere…
Some people just buy the carbon fiber clone just for the scales - I’ve received both titanium clones … people say they are real titanium… let me know what you think when you get yours … thanks for watching
The steel is usually D2, 8cr13mov, or even sv35n in some cases. Which isn’t bad for that price level. It will be difficult to tell the difference without testing.
That is correct! D2 for that price range is good enough for me - thanks for watching
Both of my clone mini freek and bugout carbon fibers are really nice! Except for blade steel not being 100%, they are quality clones!
My thoughts exactly …. Blade steel isn’t perfect but great beater knives or at least cheap enough to figure out if you want to buy the real thing
Pretty sure the steel on most of these clones is 8cr13mov
Good to know thanks
I bought the same one from DH, but with the black blade. I swapped the blade and internals to have 2 knives and not have blue scales just sitting around. It took some tinkering, but it came out awesome. Let me know if you want to know the process and differences.
Thanks for sharing and watching . I’ve used this knife for about a year now and it is one of my go to EDC knives … it’s fun playing with these clones and I can appreciate others that do the same … how does it look with the black blade ?
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 have you sharpened it yet? If so what did it sharpen like. Also how’s the edge retention?
@@ctay1071 I just sharpened it in my last video I just bought one of those cheap multi grit sharpening systems … did good … overall this has been one of my sharpest clones … it is one of my main go to knives for EDC - thanks for watching
Would it work changing the scale with a better quality with them being compatible.
I’ve had subscribers tell me they’ve done it ! Because other stand alone scales are more expensive that this knife -
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 I just recently started the upgrade on my clone. New omega springs, Thumb hook, titanium screws and new scales. It costed me $45 for the upgrades and $8 for the knife.
@@chefboyrobbie7119 sounds like a good project!
Just picked up the real deal 535-3.. haven’t used it much yet but looking forward to it.. clone is pretty impressive though. Frick!! Other than the shiny blue on the lanyard loop and weird lettering and butterfly logo it looks real
The fake one is so good it makes me want to buy the real thing …. How much you get your for?
Design is the same. handle is real carbon fiber. if it has D2 steel blade its a great buy.
It’s been one of the best clones - the steel is much better than the $14 Bugout clones
It's no different from buying an authentic budget knife for $44 with crappy steel! I want a real one though. The issue becomes when the pirates try to pass it off as real for $300
Yup this real one is on my list to get .you have to be real careful where you guy this as an authentic because the clone is really good- thanks for watching
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 especially if someone took a fake and put it in a legit box (while keeping the real one)
@@John-mf6ky yup and the boxes have Tells on them - they probably won’t have the actual model number on them for these specialty bugouts - they will just have the 535 number only on it -- want to have a nice one with good steel - buy a base line real Bugout and buy this fake and swap the scales … thanks for watching
It's worth buying just for the carbon fiber scales. A set of CF scales for the bugout runs over $50 so there's that, though they still might not work depending on how accurate of a clone it is regarding the milling for the liners and holes lining up for the hardware.
That is not the first time I’ve heard that … and I think these have come down on price too around 35 bucks now - thanks for watching
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 I appreciate the information. I've ordered a few China knock offs, and I'm currently debating on pulling the trigger on a Large Sebenza 21 with titanium scales and m390 for $105. Supposedly it's real m390 as well according to the description.
@@jerradbyers interesting I’ve had those knives on my wish list on DHgate but never pulled the trigger to buy it - you’ll need to let me know how it is if it is good or not … Thanks ! Jason
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 I will let you know I'll probably be buying it tonight or tomorrow especially if I missed out on the kizer that is supposed to go on sale tonight at 8pm est, but is supposedly already sold out.
@@jerradbyers you bought it ?
Do the carbon fiber scales flex when pinched together? The real and clone 535 do flex and feel cheap. Thanks
Nope they are solid - that’s why I like this one :)
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 Thanks for the quick response.
I have one of these Benchmade clones. I used it a few times and then I t shit itself. Just rubbish, I bought it out of curiosity.
Mine is still kicking some clones are bad some are good
Is there any way you could give the size of the torx screws for the pivot and scales? Like T10 and T6?
I’ll take a look and see … they are small
What I do know is they are the same screw set sizing on my disassemble video on the standard Bugout clone…
Pivot screw T-8 and other screws T-6
Great review! Can you dissemble it? want to see if the inside look the same.
Great idea ! Thanks for watching
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 Is the handle the real CF? Aluminum back spacer?
@@nonammmmme as far as I can tell it’s real CF and aluminum back spacer - it’s held up well … decent knock off … many people have said they’d buy it just for the CF scales
I got a "clone" mini bugout from the local gun show. Looks exactly as your bugout. Exactly only smaller. Had a couple people at the show who sold BENCHMADE knives. Said its a fake, but a well made one. As we all know the steel is shit. Everything you showed in the box was the same as mine. I wasn't too hip on Benchmade knives.....i am now. Can also say, if i had a million dollars in the bank, i still would NOT pay $288.00 for a real Carbon Fiber mini bugout. To me that is way, way too much for a little knife. I will continue to carry my Recon-1 everyday for the Rest of my Days. Thanks for the video.
Damn, think I'm going to have to pick this up! I've been looking at some different Chinese clones. I prefer the real deal but idk if I can say now for the price haha...
It’s decent - a lot more sturdy than the original Bugout clone - thanks for watching
I think for what I need this is perfect
Perfectly acceptable…
Can you please test edge retention on that CF Bugout? They say it is D2 steel but who knows what it is
Thanks for watching - what king of test do you want to test the edge ?
Kind
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 you can test rope or cardboard cutting, and compare it to standard grivory bugout clone
I think I have this exact clone, edge retention is really decent but I’ve never owned a “super steel” i strop it here and there and holds a pretty scary edge.
Clones are fun for about a day , then when you pick it up and admire it, you start to dislike it more each time as you know it's a fake.
I can’t agree more - they are rental knives … if you don’t want to pull the trigger on the full priced knife they are fun to experience the real knife without the full retail cost … but yes they are fake no doubt about it
I don't dislike my fakes. I've gotten quite a few only to get the real deal including this, the regular bugout and the Osborne 940 in cf. The steel is soft and they're not as smooth, but if I don't use them hard it doesn't matter much. In some circumstances I rather use the fakes and if I lose it or mess it up it's just a cheap knockoff. I would never have gotten a lot of expensive knives if I couldn't have tried the fakes. They're literally ads for the real thing. As long as you don't advertise them as real they're win-win-win.
Only if 'class' is important. Or bragging rights. Many say the fakes are better quality.
@@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsILK That is clearly not true. I own quite a few genuine/replica pairs and while the replicas may be nice, working knives, the steel is always interior and at least on Benchmades the action and tolerances are always way better on the genuine ones. If it's really worth it? I think most people would be happy with an opinel...
As somebody who owns the real one, it’s scary how good that looks. The box is the obvious giveaway
I have legitimate Kershaw and Spyderco models that are made in China as well as several knockoffs of other brands. The knockoffs are far better quality than the Kershaws and Spydercos. I have this CF bugout clone and the only issue is that if I slip it into my pocket a while before I go out i will forget it is there and end up carrying two knives. As far as the blade steel goes I will attest through experience that those blades will cut and stab you just as bad as a higher quality steel.
Thanks for the comment from all of my videos I would say that this CF Bugout is my favorite … it stays sharper than most knock offs and the carbon fiber is done very well … I agree this knife is so light that you forget you have it on you … and it isn’t high on the tactical factor so you don’t offend anyone by pulling this out in comparison to a Microtech OTF knife … thanks for your comments
This is absolute ignorance. To say a knockoff is better quality is just willfully being ignorant. Not only are you biased but I don’t think you’d know a nice knife if it stabbed you in the face
@@Southernknife_addict thanks for your opinion - hopefully I don’t get stabbed in the face with a good knife, knock off knife or even a dull spoon - and to say ignorant…that is just lacking knowledge so if there is knowledge I need to learn to increase my knife snobbery please share the knowledge
@@Southernknife_addict also check the facts - I have never said they are better than the originals … they are cheaper … I compare cheap knock offs to cheap knock offs - if you want to send me some of the good knives to review I’ll gladly receive them …
@@Southernknife_addictI'll write it so you can read it again. I have a honest to God Kershaw Emerson CQC-7K made in China and a ZT 0562 knockoff sitting beside me. The machining, fit and action of the 0562 is much better than the made in china kershaw.
by the way the clone 535-3 has ball bearing pivot ! does the so called real one ?
Looks like to me it’s a brass bushing
S30v steel, made in china because its only a powdered metal formula, costs 1600 per ton in usd…imagine how many 1.8oz knives in a metric ton…
Just saying everyone has bought into the premium steel costs as much as gold lie.
How they do the hardening is more important.
Makes sense thanks for sharing and watching - it cuts every time I use it … seems to work regardless of what it is :)
Did you ever get an authentic one to compare? Now I’m a little nervous. I bought one on eBay today for about $50-$60 less than MSRP, but after seeing this video now …. :-o
Nope didn’t want to spend $300+
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 I hear you. They’re such fine knives. I had the 940-1 carbon fiber for years and misplaced it. Favorite knife! but I think the bug out has some redeeming features as well.
Just do your DD and check out the seller's reputation. Some common red flags are:
•Negative reviews or lack of reviews altogether,
• Seller has multiple past and current "Buy it now" listings of high-end Knives @ 10%+ lower than the lowest "Buy it Now" price for that knife.
• Seller's inventory doesn't match their reason for sale. IE: "It's my late Father's knife collection" but they have multiple quantities of the exact same 2020 knife for sale
• Seller uses stock photos or blurry close-up photos in ALL their listings
• seller has other listings of "clone" or "fantasy" knives
• Sellers who avoid showing the inside of the box(most fakes only have a flat layer of foam while Authentic boxes have foam on bottom & sides with an oval cutout for the knife)
• Knives delivered in bubble wrap, showing excessive lubricant, or smelling "oily" are almost certainly fake. Also avoid seller's who have MULTIPLE knife listings labeled "New without Box"(1or2 is OK)
• Sellers asking to receive payment via a 3rd party(this includes PayPal, unless used thru eBay)
@@insidetheunicorn I ended up canceling the eBay order for the Bugout and ordered it from a store but returned it as well. I like the Osborne 940-1 more.
I bought one Cabila to add on my collection and looking at screw above clip i feel its fake . Will return it . Wont take chance
is the carbon stif , or have it flex like the g10
Stiff
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 ty
I bet its better in every way
Except for it isn’t real :) - and I bet the real blade steel is even better … but these scales are spot on …
Juice vs squeeze. Take it all day long for 40.
It has the-3 now😂
Ya really!
I buy one and they put d2 60 61 hrc steel for this price
I think most of these higher end clones have the D2 steel on it - not the steel marked on the blade :) thanks for watching
how do u know the steel is crap?? how the fu did u test it??
Lets be serious making a expensive knife isn't rocket science ive been making fender style guitars for years and they are superior but i use quality materials ..they must have a agreement with bm not to ever use good steel because we know they could its where the steel comes from China baby 😮😅😊
Sounds about right
It's the same built somewhere else and better and way cheaper sorry
I carried this yesterday :) still works
300 for a real one? .....nutz!
Ya isn’t it … but I am a nut for carbon fiber
I have a real Bugout couldn’t see spending an extra 150 bucks on carbon fiber scales though. Rather go to flytanium and get scales. I also have the super freak which is my favorite and the paramilitary 2. All real ones. It’s definitely an expensive hobby. But cheaper then guns and guitars which I also collect.
I can understand - you could this CF one and swap out scales just for fun - they are decent scales … all those knives are nice … flytanium are cool… I have the guns too but you won’t see em on my channel :) thanks for watching
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 lol I just ordered some today. So yeah we was obviously on the same page there.
@@jonathanrowan4802 you’ll have to let me know how it is when it comes in in about 3 weeks
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 I got the g10 flytanium scales and a matching thumb stud with a titanium back spacer.
if it can open packages and envelopes then it's as good as the original because no person in his right mind would make a 300$ knife a beater knife haha
True !
What’s sad is sellers are trying to pass them off as real on eBay
That is one reason why I do these videos … so you can see what the packaging looks like etc … and what you get for the money thanks for watching
With sudden rise of premium end pocket knives -- we see the Rise of The Clones.
Like a Stars War sequel we have two opposing forces; engaged.
One ; are the knife designers dedicated to honing their blade craft and quality assurance. On the other hand : we have the massive Chinese economy and manufacturing sector that can EASILY make things much cheaper.
So delimma - a cheaper yet affordable knock off as a EDC or pay for the real deal to be made in USA ?
The answer to
that Q is what is future of knives . ...
Will these higher end cutlery companies continue to innovate and bring out say a new Delica 4 or a new BUGOUT or reinvent the Buck 110 ?
Why even bother when they will just copy it and run you out of business, eventually.
Innovative great designs demand respect ~ and so do knives designers. Unfortunately extra expense is involved in high end design.
I see both sides.🤔🤔
" May the force be strong with you🔪 Luke ."
Great comment and I have addressed this a couple of times . My opinion only is that these cheap knock offs are rental knives … you can get the feel of size textures etc for a fraction of a cost of a new one and if you like it enough you can choose to buy the real thing if you can afford to … on the other hand some of the premium knife makers should think about using potentially a cheaper material or make one entry level knife such as the Bugout or if Microtech used a cheaper composit material for their scales etc etc … I see both sides the light and dark side of the force :) thanks for watching!!!!
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 Yes your review is quite impartial.
We also have to acknowledge a VASTLY changing market place now too .
For example ; 20 years ago a Chris Reeves Serbenza 31 may have had a unique enough value to sell for 460US but today -- with a flooded market of hundreds of very similar liner lock titanium folders almost equally as good ? The value seems VERY inflated now when $35 to $50 gets a solid Chinese blade is fairly good quality. The sudden rise of a brand like TWO SUN ( from literally nowhere ) to the big time is a witness to a changed market. Let me allow prophecies and claim that the innovation period is largely over now .
The classic Pumas, the Bugout, the Delica and the sleek Serbenza will be endlessly copied and homaged to end of time.
I am happy (as a consumer and knife collector ) they are such great designers out there and sadly for knife designers they will certainly struggle if they produce custom blades of considerable expense -- when FAR cheaper versions do exactly the same job !
Got the original… it destroys the homage
I’d like to see the differences to tell a fake other than the knife steel
I have 11 real Benchmade Bugouts and my nephew had a clone 535 that lost a screw so he gave it to me to fix.
I ordered a new screw set for it but noticed that the scales were just a little off, So I ordered some new scales in G10. Then while taking it apart found that it had plastic washers, so I purchased some Phosphorous Bronze Washers. And then I noticed the rust on the blade, springs and liner, it was inside the scales and you couldn’t see it until the knife was apart. I also purchased a tool to help with reassembly. So I ordered a new set of springs too, the rest of the rust I just cleaned as best I could.
On reassembling I found out that the scales were not exactly the same so some modification (drilling and cutting and a bit of dremal work) was needed, also the new screw set didn’t all fit, so I had to use a combination of new and old screws.
Once together it looks good, function is okay, but not on the same level as any Benchmade. The steel, once sharpened, was pretty good.
Overall, I took a POS knife and made a nicer POS knife, and ended up spending more than a new real Benchmade Bugout, so I kept the project knife an bought him a brand new Benchmade Bugout, and he’s really happy with it.
I would order it and swap the scales and hw on an original bugout (not the carbon fiber one). I own the original 535-3 and it's way overpriced.
How does your authentic Carbon fiber 535-3 look compared to this one?
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 The blade material is completely different, the S90v steel is polished, and supposedly much stronger than this one. The carbon scales looks absolutely the same, impressive. The blue anodized spacer can't be worse, mine wear off after two days in my key chain ring.
Thanks for letting me know ! I though the scales were right on from what I heard thanks for confirming
My China clone of m390 knives are real m390
I got a clone in a real box... either that or they have been improving the box.
They always seem to knock off the real box
Please reveiw the buck 110 auto. Ive had 1 for 2 years and ive found it to be really good
Thanks for the suggestion I’ll put it on my list :)
Benchmade is mostly paying for the name. I've owned several real ones and reps and honestly the quality is still there in the reps. The only real bm I would choose over the rep is the 32 Morpho butterfly knife but they've got a rep on dhgate I'd like to try for comparison
You're not paying for the name.
You're paying for a lifetime warranty built into the price so no matter what you do, you send the knife back and it gets fixed.
While the clones are decent build quality overall, There is a HUGE difference in steel quality. The China BMs are softer then baby poo when you try to sharpen them.
@@evictioncarpentry2628 I have a bug out s90v with CF handle clone. I've sharpened it to cut paper very easily. interestingly the bugout clone blade I had tested by a local knife Smith and he said it was defiantly s90v however he did mention that while performing the hardness test he noticed slight variations (1-3%) along the blade. he concluded that it was a lower end s90v and / or a B-stock s90v.
I have both a real bugout s30v and this clone s90v and I can say that they are so similar and the clone blade is just as sharp and holds and edge just as long as my s30v. best 50$ I ever spend on that clone!
Might buy one from the seller guoknife. Had very great experience with their titanium version. I might get the carbon fiber one to try a light knife.
And I am going to buy the opposite (titanium )
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 just bought the carbon fiber version. Waiting for it now. Can't wait.
@@DBHHellhound that’s it … my next buy is the titanium version
Clones like this are horrible and I’ll never support companies that steal designs selling garbage off the backs of the company that built their brands reputation. It is sickening that people support business that do this. Spend that $50 on a SOG XR.
And America is great because you can voice your opinion - my main goal is to educate people on these knives to see what you get for a 1/3 of the cost of the real thing and a month of shipping time. These are more like rental knives to see if you like the size and shape of the knife… if you really like it then you should go and buy the real thing . Thanks for watching
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 the only problem is they are stealing Benchmade’s design. There other Chinese companies that use the axis lock design and the patent is expired so that’s fine. At least they aren’t using the exact same design. That’s my main issue. I can’t see justifying supporting stealing a exact replica. Also this isn’t directed at you or your choice to review, it’s directed at companies that steal a direct product design without having to invest in the R&D to create it. It is wrong.
I agree and most of these knock off knives you get what you pay for … some of them are scary close to the real thing … which means if you bought a knife off a private party how would you know that they are fake or real unless you knew what a fake one looks like… the carbon fiber bugout clone is really close … the original blue Bugout clone the scales give it away every time … yes they are fake yes they have stolen designs, but it has turned me on to these knives where I can get the feel of the knife at the fraction of the cost and know which specialty knife to save up for and which one to pass on … good convo!
Also if you look at DHGate or wish they aren’t companies … they are just like Amazon sellers who frequently close and change names … I have problems with people who try to sell the fake ones as real …
@@ArizonaLifestyles1 so did you ever actually buy the real thing?