I have 3 bugouts and a bailout. I carry the Hogue, it is a better knife. Just my opinion :) And I carry the Hogue Ritter, not the Grip, also a better knife.
I hate compound grinds, but mannnnnn that one is kinda growing on me. I have resisted buying a bugout for a long time just because I picked a para 3 in s35vn and the steel made the difference. But 20cv is almost a no brainer(typing in card number for purchase) lol I can't believe the Deka isn't getting more attention in the knife world.
I’ve carried an assortment of full size Grips for several years including a couple of Ritter Grips. Picked up the Hogue Ritter Mk-1 and was quite impressed by the quality and the value. After about a year that led to my 2nd Hogue - an EX-01 which is also impressive. I’ve been eyeing the Deka since they came out and finally placed an order yesterday. Also have a Bugout which is a good enough knife but not so much for the price of them. Good ‘battle’ here - enjoyed your analysis.
I own multiple benchmades including a couple bugouts and mini bugout but when i got the hogue deka I was really impressed built like a tank great blade
I'm hoping this will make Benchmade make a G10 with upgraded steel version of the Bugout. I consider the Bugout to be a back up carry knife in present form. Great vid. Kudos to you and Hogue!
Just ordered a deka. Would definitely appreciate an update on the clip upgrade when you get the 0450 custom clip as that's the only issue I have with the hogue. Great video! Thanks !
Grivory makes that Bugout look cheap. I just bought a Deka 2 Blue Lava G-Mascus with cerakoted black wharncliffe blade. Fantastic knife. Very well built, light and very sharp. I like 20CV too. I like it as well, if not better than my 940-1.
I've got the original blue Bugout and loved it so I'm getting the blacked out one for Christmas. I really want to get my hands on a Deka and an RSK Ritter as well.
For a "shorter" blade, it's just a bummer that the thumb studs on the Deka are positioned as far into the grind path as they are. The Bugout really does shine there with usable through-grind length. That's my one concern about the Deka.
Really enjoyed this one, was anxious to hear your thoughts. I landed in a very similar place. The Bugout being an almost instant classic, it’s just too good to be pushed around by the Deka & although I think the Deka is the better knife I still subjectively prefer the Bugout. All this means is that knife collectors win - we get two excellent options. Not anti-climactic at all, I think it was well thought out. Thanks for sharing man!
I have an issue with blade play on my Bugout. It’s a big deal for me I hate blade play. I have messed with the pivot screw and even blue loctite and somehow it went from no blade play to blade play. Shouldn’t have to mess with that from a company such as benchmade.
I think id rather buy a Bugout, then spend $40 or whatever for G-10, Micarta, or like $60 for titanium scales. Being that the Deka is $30 more, it makes that upgrade pretty negligible, and then you have a really hard choice. As of now, aftermarket support for the Deka is super minimal, the Bugout market is insane, you can make it entirely custom to your liking.
The bugout is just as expensive and not 20cv it also has squishy cheap scales. I had the misfortune of owning a few benchmade knives before I knew any better. I probably should have just used my money as a Firestarter it would have been better use for it.
I’d choose the s35vn elementum anyday over these two. It’s cheaper, I like the flipper tab, it’s so popular that it’s making more headway than either of these right now and you can get custom screws and scales for it already like you can for the bugout. The only thing these two have on it is that it’s made in America
Yes a very good list.For me.. 1.Hogue Deka 2.Maxace Balance S(new awesome budget blade with great detent) 3.Cold Steel Recon Fixed blade in CPM 3V steel
I just got a bugout and at first the lack of heft left me thinking god have i made a terrible mistake! But it’s grown on me a lot, and I really like it now. I’m still getting the titanium crossfade scales for it tho as that’ll just be sweet af. Although now looking online I see I can get a deka with FRN and Magnacut for less than the bugout I’m thinking maybe I should’ve grabbed that first! Oh well I’m sure I’ll end up with both hahaha
Great battle to the death. :) Either way I am going to get a Bugout. With having the Hogue Ritter already and having no Benchmades at all. It is a no brainer decision. *grins* Have a good one.
Decisions Decisions lol. I think they’re both great knives. Good comparisons. Definitely giving BM a run for there money I’m sure. Not yet held the Deka but I hope to soon. Great stuff Brian. Thanks again for a very thorough review. Till the next one. ATB
Sliciness, how about tomatoes, onions, taters… things I’d use it for on my tailgate or around my campfire??? I want a Benchmade 560 Freak but for $225… I think I’ll get a Doug Ritter instead. I really wish I could find a 940, but they’re like pixie dust. The green ones, I can find a G10 or Carbon Fiber, but if I’m going to spend that much money for a knife, I wanna get the one I WANT
cara franken personally no I haven’t tried it yet but the ZT clip that I was looking at does fit because Brian tried it and his worked out fine. I don’t know why yours is off a screw though you should contact Brian with your question
Regardless of the steel quality on these knives they are both light weight EDC blades with, understandably, no capacity for heavy duty use.Therefore if one is looking for a light weight EDC blade the real competitor may be found in the long available Kershaw Chill.
Just got a bugout clone and I've got to say... I'm VERY impressed. Now I realize why you love the bugout so much. Perfect bladeshape, ULTRA lightweight, Good looks, great pocket clip and perfect ergonomics. Would be cool to see a video comparing the clone to the real bugout though. Only differences I've seen is the blade stop is coated, and the blade has stonewashed flats and satin grind opposite of the real.
@@carknelson5895 AliExpress. Look BM 535 and it should come up. 440c steel and the same ergos of the real for under $25. Only thing I did was take it apart and polish the washers, the washers are small though. Will be ordering some large washers for the bugout to remove some flex from the blade.
@Pacific Standard Time Kudos for supporting an anti gun company that destroyed guns... They didn't even apologize for it either, if it would benefit them they would do it again.
For me, The Deka wins. Better springs in The ABLE lock, more stable handle.I would want Hogue to improve on the clip. Would prefer a very deep carry clip with no logo billboarding in a matt finish!
I own a green/grey Bugout. It's great just the way it is. Slim, light, very functional and cool looking. The green scales with a Matt finish are just fine. I do not "get" buying a Bugout and buying scales for it. Just buy a different knife to begin with? I like the Hogue Deka with the blue or black handle and the wharnecliff! Different. (But, why all the screws?)
New to knives. Was considering bugout then found out about benchmades 2a issues from a friend. Gotta get the Hogue. Easy choice. Already bought a freek 2nd hand. Assumed all knife companies shared the same values as gun companies. ASSume right? Lol
I agree that the Hogue is better but not a bugout killer yet. If aftermarket goes nuts on the Hogue and it survives for several years at it's current sales level then it may be a Bugout killer.
Based on aesthetics alone, the Hogue handle is a deal breaker for me - screws all over the place, poor clip placement (more ugly screws) and some strange 'Damascus' pattern that confuses the eye. If the ergo grips weren't enough to win over the reviewer in this vid, then benchmade clearly wins this contest from the waist down. The Hogue blade looks great though and is a better quality steel, so Hogue carries the day in that respect. The blue thumb stud on the Benchmade looks great, but the blade shape itself is a bit boring. Still, I enjoy the overall simplicity of the BB and prefer it to the Hogue. The number of options available to customize the BB also make it the clear winner in my book. Thanks for the review!
ive been around a long time so i know about everything and why you stopped this channel. but if you look at prices now adays you can get a g10 magnacut deka for cheaper then the og bugout which is insane
I could answer the spring question when/if I get a Hogue. I quit buying BM axis locks because springs last me on average 2 weeks because I fidget so much. I've actually worn out a compression lock on a Para 3, lol
Jeremy Russell They make it in plain black but even as the creator of plain “Bryan Spec” I do like the g-Mascus. Photos and videos don’t do it justice.
Great Battle !!! Houge Ritter is on the wishlist, i just wish the deka etc would come in more colour options. I really cant fault it otherwise. Looking forward to the Kapara vs 940 Battle
For my taste, the Deka manages to look ugly and boring at the same time. I'm sure the Deka is a fine knife, but I don't think it is in the same league as the bugout in terms of significance or stature.
I really wanted this thing to be a better bugout and maybe it is, but woof. Why are are hogue knives so fugly? They need to seriously hire an industrial designer and quit letting the engineers do it. The spec sheet looks great but man are they ugly. Seven visible screws on a four inch handle? And how did they screw up layered g10? The blotchy way they did it looks like melanoma.
I have 3 bugouts and a bailout. I carry the Hogue, it is a better knife. Just my opinion :) And I carry the Hogue Ritter, not the Grip, also a better knife.
I hate compound grinds, but mannnnnn that one is kinda growing on me. I have resisted buying a bugout for a long time just because I picked a para 3 in s35vn and the steel made the difference. But 20cv is almost a no brainer(typing in card number for purchase) lol
I can't believe the Deka isn't getting more attention in the knife world.
I’ve carried an assortment of full size Grips for several years including a couple of Ritter Grips. Picked up the Hogue Ritter Mk-1 and was quite impressed by the quality and the value. After about a year that led to my 2nd Hogue - an EX-01 which is also impressive.
I’ve been eyeing the Deka since they came out and finally placed an order yesterday. Also have a Bugout which is a good enough knife but not so much for the price of them.
Good ‘battle’ here - enjoyed your analysis.
The Bugout has a damn near perfect blade for a knife that size.
This has opened my eyes to Hogue knifes in general. Looks like they are turning out good stuff.
I own multiple benchmades including a couple bugouts and mini bugout but when i got the hogue deka I was really impressed built like a tank great blade
Just received my Deka just like yours and I love this knife, even with all the screws . Lol. Its a great knife , thanks for the review.
I'm hoping this will make Benchmade make a G10 with upgraded steel version of the Bugout. I consider the Bugout to be a back up carry knife in present form. Great vid. Kudos to you and Hogue!
They do have one now, 20cv and jade g10. Check it out mate
@@J.sh_CDN Thanks.
That was a limited edition that’s all gone. And it’s kinda ugly.
Just ordered a deka. Would definitely appreciate an update on the clip upgrade when you get the 0450 custom clip as that's the only issue I have with the hogue. Great video! Thanks !
Grivory makes that Bugout look cheap. I just bought a Deka 2 Blue Lava G-Mascus with cerakoted black wharncliffe blade. Fantastic knife. Very well built, light and very sharp. I like 20CV too. I like it as well, if not better than my 940-1.
I've got the original blue Bugout and loved it so I'm getting the blacked out one for Christmas. I really want to get my hands on a Deka and an RSK Ritter as well.
Good observations. They are similar, but not the same. The only Houge clip I like is the RSK, that would be great on this one.
For a "shorter" blade, it's just a bummer that the thumb studs on the Deka are positioned as far into the grind path as they are. The Bugout really does shine there with usable through-grind length. That's my one concern about the Deka.
Really enjoyed this one, was anxious to hear your thoughts. I landed in a very similar place. The Bugout being an almost instant classic, it’s just too good to be pushed around by the Deka & although I think the Deka is the better knife I still subjectively prefer the Bugout. All this means is that knife collectors win - we get two excellent options. Not anti-climactic at all, I think it was well thought out. Thanks for sharing man!
I have an issue with blade play on my Bugout. It’s a big deal for me I hate blade play. I have messed with the pivot screw and even blue loctite and somehow it went from no blade play to blade play. Shouldn’t have to mess with that from a company such as benchmade.
The Deka is pretty intriguing. Except for all the scale screws. Not too surprising she won a close one to the Champ.
Got the deka perfect out of the box really great knife
How does the new Magnacut material change this review?
The Hogue feels more tool than toy. Love my Bugout but only after the titanium scales.
I think id rather buy a Bugout, then spend $40 or whatever for G-10, Micarta, or like $60 for titanium scales. Being that the Deka is $30 more, it makes that upgrade pretty negligible, and then you have a really hard choice. As of now, aftermarket support for the Deka is super minimal, the Bugout market is insane, you can make it entirely custom to your liking.
The bugout is just as expensive and not 20cv it also has squishy cheap scales. I had the misfortune of owning a few benchmade knives before I knew any better. I probably should have just used my money as a Firestarter it would have been better use for it.
The more I see that wharncliffe the more I'm thinking I'd like to try it.
But does hogue have anything similar to the lifesharp with BM?
I’d choose the s35vn elementum anyday over these two. It’s cheaper, I like the flipper tab, it’s so popular that it’s making more headway than either of these right now and you can get custom screws and scales for it already like you can for the bugout. The only thing these two have on it is that it’s made in America
You should compare the Tangram Santa Fe against these two.
In my opinion the Deka seems more like a direct competitor to the 940 than the Bugout.
Stocked up on all the variants of the Houge Ritter's now for the Deka if I can land some. Thanks for making drool 😋
Okay so the Deka is on my list. How do I prioritize with all these sales going on.
I want a TRM Atom
Cold steel AD10
Hogue Deka
Yes a very good list.For me..
1.Hogue Deka
2.Maxace Balance S(new awesome budget blade with great detent)
3.Cold Steel Recon Fixed blade in CPM 3V steel
I just got a bugout and at first the lack of heft left me thinking god have i made a terrible mistake! But it’s grown on me a lot, and I really like it now. I’m still getting the titanium crossfade scales for it tho as that’ll just be sweet af. Although now looking online I see I can get a deka with FRN and Magnacut for less than the bugout I’m thinking maybe I should’ve grabbed that first! Oh well I’m sure I’ll end up with both hahaha
Love the blade on the Hogue !
Will the same thing happen to the compression lock eventually?
Yes. That's if anyone wants to copy that awful thing
Great battle to the death. :) Either way I am going to get a Bugout. With having the Hogue Ritter already and having no Benchmades at all. It is a no brainer decision. *grins*
Have a good one.
Decisions Decisions lol. I think they’re both great knives. Good comparisons. Definitely giving BM a run for there money I’m sure. Not yet held the Deka but I hope to soon. Great stuff Brian. Thanks again for a very thorough review. Till the next one. ATB
Why does it have so many screws? How is the Hogue warranty and customer service compared to Benchmade?
Sliciness, how about tomatoes, onions, taters… things I’d use it for on my tailgate or around my campfire??? I want a Benchmade 560 Freak but for $225… I think I’ll get a Doug Ritter instead. I really wish I could find a 940, but they’re like pixie dust. The green ones, I can find a G10 or Carbon Fiber, but if I’m going to spend that much money for a knife, I wanna get the one I WANT
Only thing better about the bugout is the blade shape.
What, exactly, is Grivory? Is it g-10, frn, straight plastic? Is it worth it?
It’s benchmades name for fancy plastic. Basically frn.
I found that exact same clip for the Deka! You’re going to have to let me know how it is and how it works because that was my exact plan for my Deka!
Mike Carroll you try it yet? It is really close but I can’t get it to work. Can only get in one screw, the second one is just a little off 😕
cara franken personally no I haven’t tried it yet but the ZT clip that I was looking at does fit because Brian tried it and his worked out fine. I don’t know why yours is off a screw though you should contact Brian with your question
Regardless of the steel quality on these knives they are both light weight EDC blades with, understandably, no capacity for heavy duty use.Therefore if one is looking for a light weight EDC blade the real competitor may be found in the long available Kershaw Chill.
That's funny! The Chill is a flyweight. No comparison to a Bugout or Deka. Not even close to the same build quality and strength.
Just got a bugout clone and I've got to say... I'm VERY impressed. Now I realize why you love the bugout so much. Perfect bladeshape, ULTRA lightweight, Good looks, great pocket clip and perfect ergonomics. Would be cool to see a video comparing the clone to the real bugout though. Only differences I've seen is the blade stop is coated, and the blade has stonewashed flats and satin grind opposite of the real.
Riley Neufeld
What is this a Bugout clone? Where do you get one
@@carknelson5895 AliExpress. Look BM 535 and it should come up. 440c steel and the same ergos of the real for under $25. Only thing I did was take it apart and polish the washers, the washers are small though. Will be ordering some large washers for the bugout to remove some flex from the blade.
@Pacific Standard Time Kudos for supporting an anti gun company that destroyed guns... They didn't even apologize for it either, if it would benefit them they would do it again.
This is a clone-free zone.
@@SliceyDicey I respect that.
For me, The Deka wins. Better springs in The ABLE lock, more stable handle.I would want Hogue to improve on the clip. Would prefer a very deep carry clip with no logo billboarding in a matt finish!
I got a Blackout for $99 at BHQ black friday sale!!! haha!!
So does that mean you like the Deka more than the bugout?
If I had to have one knife, yes. If I can have more than one, I'd want both.
If only the Deka had a prettier handle I’d be great
The Hogue doesn't excite me whatsoever. I absolutely love my Bugout.
The standoffs on the G10 model is a tad bigger than the original so you can't swap scales. 😠
I own a green/grey Bugout. It's great just the way it is. Slim, light, very functional and cool looking.
The green scales with a Matt finish are just fine.
I do not "get" buying a Bugout and buying scales for it.
Just buy a different knife to begin with?
I like the Hogue Deka with the blue or black handle and the wharnecliff! Different. (But, why all the screws?)
So many friggin screws on that Hogue handle.
The Deka wins in my book.
I don't like the benchmade stuff at all , the Hogue looks great though.
New to knives. Was considering bugout then found out about benchmades 2a issues from a friend. Gotta get the Hogue. Easy choice. Already bought a freek 2nd hand. Assumed all knife companies shared the same values as gun companies. ASSume right? Lol
I agree that the Hogue is better but not a bugout killer yet. If aftermarket goes nuts on the Hogue and it survives for several years at it's current sales level then it may be a Bugout killer.
Based on aesthetics alone, the Hogue handle is a deal breaker for me - screws all over the place, poor clip placement (more ugly screws) and some strange 'Damascus' pattern that confuses the eye. If the ergo grips weren't enough to win over the reviewer in this vid, then benchmade clearly wins this contest from the waist down. The Hogue blade looks great though and is a better quality steel, so Hogue carries the day in that respect. The blue thumb stud on the Benchmade looks great, but the blade shape itself is a bit boring. Still, I enjoy the overall simplicity of the BB and prefer it to the Hogue. The number of options available to customize the BB also make it the clear winner in my book. Thanks for the review!
Despite Hogue has better steel and G-10, Bugout has better blade grind, less screws, original axis lock and better clip.
ive been around a long time so i know about everything and why you stopped this channel. but if you look at prices now adays you can get a g10 magnacut deka for cheaper then the og bugout which is insane
I could answer the spring question when/if I get a Hogue. I quit buying BM axis locks because springs last me on average 2 weeks because I fidget so much. I've actually worn out a compression lock on a Para 3, lol
You may have a problem... ;)
@@SliceyDicey tell me about it...but on the plus side I know which knives stand up to psychos like me (out of the hundred-something that I have).
The deka subjectively won. For me those handles look worse than the limited edition Bugout g10 butterfly scales
I'm sorry for your loss of site. ;) That G10 Butterfly Bugout is HIDEOUS!
@@SliceyDicey I agree, but to me the Deka scales are worse. Not to mention the 549 screws they put on them
Jeremy Russell They make it in plain black but even as the creator of plain “Bryan Spec” I do like the g-Mascus. Photos and videos don’t do it justice.
Deka
MOAR JIMPING!
Benchmade bugout for life 😎🤘
Great Battle !!!
Houge Ritter is on the wishlist, i just wish the deka etc would come in more colour options. I really cant fault it otherwise.
Looking forward to the Kapara vs 940 Battle
Trail Hiker vs. TRAIL BLAZER...NOT just for cardboard cutters....get them knives outside and the review
For my taste, the Deka manages to look ugly and boring at the same time. I'm sure the Deka is a fine knife, but I don't think it is in the same league as the bugout in terms of significance or stature.
I really wanted this thing to be a better bugout and maybe it is, but woof. Why are are hogue knives so fugly? They need to seriously hire an industrial designer and quit letting the engineers do it. The spec sheet looks great but man are they ugly. Seven visible screws on a four inch handle? And how did they screw up layered g10? The blotchy way they did it looks like melanoma.
Bugout anyday.
Hogue all the way!
Nothing unpleasant but... Too many screws.
😂😂😂
Is it just me or is it he Deka an ugly looking knife?
Yeah. It's just you. ;)
@@SliceyDicey lol I'm sure they make grate knifes but there's always some design cue that turns me off from there stuff.