Benchmade - Bugout Outdoor EDC Folding Knife, Slim, Lightweight, Plain Edge, Drop-Point Blade, CPM-S30V Stainless Steel (58-60HRC), Grivory Handle (535-12)

Exactly what you would expect from Benchmade. Super sharp, very light weight and perfect size for EDC. This is my 2nd Benchmade and definitely will be adding more to my collection.

For comparison, I have the Northfork(wood), regular griptilian, 940-2, bug out, and series of other knives including several spydercos including the paramilitary 2 and karahawk. I initially liked the quality of the spydercos and they were among my first higher quality knives that I owned. I was always under the impression that spydercos were top of the line, but then I decided to try the grip full sized. Then I went nuts and got the 940, then the bug out, then the mini grip. These knives hold an edge longer than other knives by far of the same steel. Not only that, the axis lock > any other locking mechanism hands down. The blade shapes imho are more practical and universal. After owning the north fork and mini, I didn't think I needed a bug out but this is a solid knife. Slightly longer than a mini grip and north fork but slightly shorter than a 940. Thinner and much lighter than all the knives I have in my collection. It is a solid knife to add to the rotation so much that all of my spydercos except the pm2 are being phased out. Comparably, the manix is the next best thing within this size but I much prefer the ergos of benchmades, this blade shape, and the quality of heat treat to this metal over all. Honestly, I was concerned from reviews about the scales and the pocket clip. It's true the scales feel cheap but they're solid. I don't believe it'll break at all. I wouldn't use this as a survival or bush knife but edc or slicing, it's perfect and extremely effective. The pocket clip is great, love the size and how much less evasive it looks than a full sized pocket clip. I don't understand what the complaints about the pocket clip is about as I have no issues sliding the clip into my pants easily without needing to fiddle with it, even when I got it brand new and hadn't broken it in yet. My favorites in order 1. 940 2. Grip 3. Bug out, north fork, and mini grip (can't decide) (I love the light Bug out and the clip but the scales feel cheap even though they're pretty sturdy but the other knives are thicker and better suited for piercing and heavier duty, therefore pros and cons depending on what you need it for) 4. Pm2 5. Karahawk I am typically very brand neutral, but I've been won over from spydercos hands down. I just need bm to come out with a knife that rivals the karahawk. 100% recommend the bug out. I have the original blue. I'm looking at a adamas to complete my collection

Right out the box I was awestruck with how light the Bugout was. Like it’s really light lol. And it’s quite thin also! I have quite Big hands width wise and at first it felt a little strange to open (only because I’ve always bought very very chunky knives) even so I still got used to it very fast and now it’s one of my favorite knives to fidget with! that is the only reason I put ergonomics at 4 stars instead of five, it’s really just a preference thing, but if my fat hands could get used to it you can too lol. But none of that takes away from its sturdiness for its size or high quality build at all! One of the first things you’ll notice when you open it up is how insanely smooth the action is. If it’s not smooth right away just keep fidgeting with it and trust me it’ll be silky smooth is no time! I’m a huge fan of anything benchmade and the bugout in my opinion has to be the best EDC knife I’ve ever had as regards practicality. I quality control tested it and it passed my inspection with flying colors. And of course it’s extremely sharp, it glides through paper and cardboard which is what I initially tested it with. Keep in mind it’s not going to be ridiculously sturdy like a Benchmade Adamas or something like that but it is an absolutely fantastic blade, and if your looking for a high quality EDC this is it, and it’s worth every penny! But if you’re looking for something extremely durable and just bulletproof in every way look for something along the lines of an Osborne, Mini Adamas, or something like that from benchmade. Hopefully this made some sense and helps y’all out a bit 🤙

Well built, light weight, and all of the quality that I have come to expect from Benchmade. Perfect size for edc

The Bugout is incredible! Very well made, super sharp, and so nice and light. You don’t even know you’re carrying it. I love it. Might buy another one 😀

I have had pocket knives my entire life and had to use them as a part of my job for many years. They are a very personal tool that you rely on and develop a pretty personal relationship with. I have had cheap knives and expensive knives and everything in between. Over time you realize that a cheap knife is not only not as nice but in many cases can be dangerous. So I tend to buy middle range to slightly expensive now and keep it longer. I only buy American made now not because China is evil or any other country is good or bad but because I like buying something from a smaller and more local company that pays attention to details. You get what you pay for is really true. This is my first Benchmade, before this I have had Kershaw US made and Zero Tolerance as my main EDC knives. I have found US made Kershaw knives to be a great value and Zero Tolerance to be just great. So this Benchmade was a shock when I first got it. For $130 I was expecting full stainless steel tangs along the grivory handles and that is not what I got. So I was going to return this knife because even though it is not clearly stated that this knife has a nice stainless steel blade attached to a plastic handle that has metal tang that attaches to the the blade about less than half way. When you grab the plastic handle it will flex under pressure which gives a bad impression. It seems like you could just break the handle yourself if enough pressure is applied which gives a very weak impression of durability and long term strength. I know this is an entry level knife from Benchmade offering superior blade steel and the reason the knife does not cost more and is very light is because of the construction as I mentioned earlier. I decided to keep the knife because I really like the light weight and the blue grivory handle is actually very pleasant to grab. I also like the blue anodized bolts that keep the knife together and the thumbstuds that are also light blue anodized aluminum. Once I made that decision I thought to myself this will just not be my heavy duty knife. Since I have had it the blade is really impressive for the price. I don't think there is another American made knife using this blade steel at this price. If Benchmade did not offer a good warranty then I would have returned the knife but since they cover it for life under normal conditions I figure that the grivory handle despite not having full metal tangs is still strong enough to get the job done and if I have a problem I am sure Benchmade will take care of me. Why this knife is a keeper in any collection? It is really light which makes carrying it for long periods of time in various conditions very pleasant. The grivory handle is very tactile and grippy and you can choose your color so that is great! The blade and how everything is put together is why I buy American higher quality and cost knifes. Yes it is over $100 and has a plastic handle but it is perfectly assembled and build quality is excellent for this price. If you want a more serious configuration and don't mind spending more then I would highly recommend getting a custom built model from Benchmade. They have full metal tang models with grivory handle and you can choose accessories and colors. If you want to save money then Amazon is going to be your best deal. All I can say is give it a try if you are doubtful. This is a great knife!!

This is an excellent EDC knife and maybe the best one I’ve used. The only problem is the name. For most the idea of a bugout knife is the knife they would keep in a bugout bag that would serve as an all purpose knife. While I don’t have a bugout bag if I was packing one, I’d very likely have a good fixed survival blade instead of a light weight light use folding knife. While I might carry a folding knife as well it would probably be something a little sturdier like a titanium frame lock knife. This knife should have been called “The EDC.” For something I carry every day I don’t want something big and heavy that I can chop wood with, I want a smaller pocket friendly knife that uses a good steel. That is essentially what this knife is. Due to the small steel liners and lightweight scales this knife is very lightweight and it is easy to forget you even have it in your pocket. Also while it is very slim, it holds a really nice sized S30V blade. S30V may have aged a bit but it is still an excellent steel that holds a very nice edge for a long time and is very resistant to corrosion. I’m not a great blade sharpener and so it does take me a while to put a good edge on it but that’s mostly due to my lack of sharpening skills. The handle scales have a bit more flex than I’m used to but for light EDC use this is not a problem. The small liners and lightweight scales are what make this such a nice carry and for most EDC cutting it is more than sturdy enough to get the job done. If you want an all purpose survival knife or a work blade for more heavy duty use than this is not for you, but if you are looking for a light use EDC knife that disappears in the pocket and has excellent premium blade steel, I can’t think of any better option. [UPDATE] Updating the review with some pictures but also deducing a star because Benchmade has been sending poorly centered, grimy locked, poorly sharpened, blade playing knives for too long. The knife is still great and it gets 5 stars but the company needs to give the attention to detail that they used to 10 years ago that they don’t seem to anymore and especially for the price they ask.

Its an awesome knife. And its super light weight.