Benchmade Bugout Review: Is It Still Great in 2025? 

It’s been nine years since Benchmade shook the knife world to its core. Since its 2017 release, no new knife has found its way into more pockets, nor been copied as heavily as the Bugout. But a lot can happen in nine years! Is the Bugout still as amazing as ever after all this time? I put a Benchmade Bugout in my pocket for a few weeks to find out. Let’s jump right in!

Knife Overview 

Specs 

• Price: $180+ 
• Overall Length: 7.46" 
• Blade Length: 3.25" 
• Blade Material: CPM S30V 
• Handle Material: Grivory 
• Weight: 1.85 oz. 
• Blade HQ Score: 83/100 

Pros & Cons 

Pros 

• Simple design is perfect for everyday use 
• Super light and easy to carry 
• Strong and ambidextrous locking mechanism 
• Excellent materials and workmanship 

Cons 

• Thin handle can be uncomfortable for hard work 
• A bit pricey 

Knife Character 

Cool Factor – Score: 7/10 

If I were writing this article in 2017 when the Bugout came out, it probably would have got a perfect 10. But in 2025, there are so many knives that aim to compete directly with the Bugout. It’s still the OG, and there’s an argument to be made that it’s the best, but it’s not especially unique any more. While a Bugout will certainly impress the non-initiated, knife enthusiasts will probably give you an "oh cool, a Bugout" and change the subject. 

Origin Story – Score: 7/10 

Where Benchmade earns my respect with the Bugout is what they gave up to make it. Benchmade discontinued the 530 Pardue, a perennial cash cow, to make the Bugout. That knife had the name of master knifemaker Mel Pardue behind it, and was still selling great when they stopped making it. But they burned the ships and never looked back, and it’s paid dividends. You have to appreciate the intestinal fortitude required for that kind of risk taking! 

Price & Quality 

Affordability – Score: 5/10 

The base Bugout goes for $180 at the time of writing. It’s important to note that that gets you more than just a knife. It gets you 100% USA manufacturing, lifetime sharpening, and one of the best warranties in the business. But even so, $180 isn’t chump change, and it probably takes saving your pennies, nickels, and dimes for a while to afford. There’s also some stiff competition at and below that price which we’ll get into. 

Fit & Finish – Score: 9/10 

The knife is made very well. Aside from the tiniest bits of blade play and lock rock (common with crossbar locks), I have no notes. The knife I reviewed is perfectly centered, has even grind lines, and came hair-splitting sharp out of the box. One detail I really appreciate is the tang of the blade that meets the AXIS bar. It’s polished in a single direction, which makes it feel buttery smooth on the open and close. Much appreciated! 

Ease of Operation – Score: 10/10 

The Bugout is a masterclass in intuitive knife design. Its thumb studs are perfectly placed, its lock engages consistently and is easy to actuate, it’s fully ambidextrous, etc. You won’t find an easier knife to use every day! 
 

Blade & Handle 

Blade Steel – Score: 8/10 

In-line versions of the Bugout (meaning no exclusives, limited editions, or reblade modifications) are available CPM S30V, CPM S90V, or Bohler M390 blade steel. Each of these steels is optimized for edge retention, and all perform similarly. All three are s-tier for EDC, but if you’re looking for a knife you can throw in a "bugout bag" (yes, I see the irony), I might look for a knife with tougher steel options. 

Blade Shape – Score: 10/10 

With its conventional drop point blade, the Bugout can squeeze into so many roles with ease. Open boxes, slice vegetables, skin a deer, etc. I think this blade is the big draw for the Bugout. It’s simple and useful in just about any situation. 

Handle Ergonomics – Score: 8/10 

For most purposes, the handle on the Bugout is great. Its neutral design works in multiple grips, and its gentle texture is pleasing and secure. Its only problem is when you start pushing hard on it. If you’re pushing through a thick zip tie, carving hardwood, or anything else that requires a bit of muscle, the handle starts to bite into the webbing of your hand a little. And in the case of the polymer handle options, you can feel the handle bending under the pressure. There are definitely more comfortable handles out there, but the Bugout is fine for EDC work. 

Handle Material – Score: 10/10 

Right now, you can get an in-line Bugout with a handle made of Grivory (a.k.a. glass-filled nylon, polymer, GRN, others), aluminum, carbon fiber, or Richlite (think paper micarta). That selection alone is pretty nice, but when you open it up to the aftermarket, it’s a buffet. G-10, titanium, other plastics, new textures, exotic metals, the list goes on. If you can dream it, you can do it with the Bugout! 

Carry – Score: 10/10 

You can’t deny how easy and convenient it is to carry a Bugout. Its pocket clip is so tiny that you hardly notice it in the hand or pocket, it’s indexed perfectly down the middle of the knife, and it carries nice and deep. I wish all knives carried as nicely as the Bugout. 

Compare & Contrast 

As touched on earlier, the Bugout has been a knife industry sensation, and many knives have been made to compete with it. These are just a few of the alternatives I would consider if I were shopping for a Bugout right now, but there are plenty more where they come from! 

Kershaw Bel Air – Also USA-made, with a tougher blade steel, and a fair bit cheaper. 

Benchmade Freek – Similar design language, but built tougher (albeit heavier), kind of like a hard-use Bugout. Also, my favorite Benchmade. 

CJRB Hectare – Extremely similar to the Bugout in specs, but less than a third the price. 

Hogue Mysto – USA-made and lightweight, but just a bit larger for harder work. 

Conclusion 

The Bugout is one of the best-selling pocket knives of all time, and after carrying one for a while, it’s clear why. It’s well-made, easy to carry, easy to use, and nice to look at. If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it EDC knife, the Bugout is a respectable choice. If you’re after something for harder work, I might point you to something bigger. And there are definitely cheaper options out there. But the Bugout is a solid knife, even after all these years.