Specifications
- Overall Length:7.46"
- Blade Length:3.24"
- Cutting Edge:3.00"
- Blade Width:1.00"
- Blade Thickness:0.09"
- Blade Material:CPM S90V
- Blade Style:Drop Point
- Blade Grind:Flat
- Finish:Satin
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Length:4.22"
- Handle Width:1.00"
- Handle Thickness:0.41"
- Handle Material:Carbon Fiber
- Color:Black
- Frame/Liner:Stainless Steel
- Weight:2.02 oz.
- User:Right Hand, Left Hand
- Pocket Clip:Tip-Up
- Knife Type:Manual
- Opener:Thumb Stud
- Lock Type:Bar Lock
- Brand:Benchmade
- Model:Bugout
- Model Number:535-3
- Country of Origin:USA
- Best Use:Camp/Hike, Everyday Carry
- Product Type:Knife
Specifications
- Overall Length:7.46"
- Blade Length:3.24"
- Cutting Edge:3.00"
- Blade Width:1.00"
- Blade Thickness:0.09"
- Blade Material:CPM S90V
- Blade Style:Drop Point
- Blade Grind:Flat
- Finish:Satin
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Length:4.22"
- Handle Width:1.00"
- Handle Thickness:0.41"
- Handle Material:Carbon Fiber
- Color:Black
- Frame/Liner:Stainless Steel
- Weight:2.02 oz.
- User:Right Hand, Left Hand
- Pocket Clip:Tip-Up
- Knife Type:Manual
- Opener:Thumb Stud
- Lock Type:Bar Lock
- Brand:Benchmade
- Model:Bugout
- Model Number:535-3
- Country of Origin:USA
- Best Use:Camp/Hike, Everyday Carry
- Product Type:Knife
Features:
- Satin finished drop point blade made of CPM-S90V stainless steel.
- Dual blue-finished titanium thumb studs with bronze pivot washers.
- Contoured carbon fiber handle scales over nested steel liners.
- Safe, strong, and ambidextrous AXIS-Lock mechanism.
- Reversible Mini Deep-Carry pocket clip and oversized lanyard hole.
Description:
In 2017, Benchmade shook the knife world with the release of the Bugout. It was the pocket knife people didn't know they were searching for. It was simple, utilitarian, ergonomic, lightweight, had an ambidextrous lock and opener, and was made with quality materials. In the years since, the Benchmade Bugout has become one of the best-selling knives in history. Benchmade truly made the Bugout a knife for everyone, and no collection is complete without one.
The Benchmade Bugout comes in two sizes and a multitude of colors, and has great aftermarket customization options as well.
Customer Reviews
I've owned both the Mini Bugout (In Orange and Satin) and Bugout (In Blue and Satin) for some time now. This upgraded Bugout with its Premium Steel, Carbon Fiber Scales and Blue Accents is Elegance Defined. Fit and Finish is on par with all other Benchmade knives I've owned. It's also feels a little more substantial in hand, although....A bit slippery. But this is part of its charm and allure. Come on...It's Carbon Fiber! The weight difference is negligible with the OG Bugout weighing in at 1.87oz and CF weighing in at an even 2.00oz. Scales are firmer than the Grivory scales on the OG Bugout so there is little to no "flex" that so many complain about. Personally.......It's a Moot Point. So what..they flex a little! Sorry....back on topic again...Promise!
Centering, grind, sharpness and Action (with use/break in period of about 100-150 flips) is exemplary and what one can expect. I noticed NO off center grind that some are complaining about, perfect centering and what I would expect for a factory grind Benchmade. A simple stropping corrected the blade edge without sacrificing the factory edge integrity.
In closing.....If you want a beautiful Custom at a Blue Class Level, then This should be your choice. Although not a Gold Class (Which most of us cant imagine purchasing), then the CF Bugout with its Premium Super Steel should definitely be in the running for your consideration.
I guess BHQ didn't want to post my initial review, but I still feel the need to give my take even after returning the knife.
The knife arrived and I was ecstatic for my first Benchmade. Shortly after I started to notice issues. The grinds on the bevel were not even, nor was the knife very sharp. I've bought knives for $50 that were significantly sharper than this. These were issues I could have fixed, however, I didn't want to immediately void the manufacturer’s warranty by using my belt grinder. Next was the action, it came stiff as hell and if I snapped it open, the AXIS lock would stick and become difficult to unlock. I tried to remedy this by working the pivot and handle screws. Nothing worked, it was either off center or I was left with the poor action. All in all, I think Benchmade should have focused more on quality control because this was a slap in the face after spending $255.
Knife came stiff, I've yet to experience a smooth bugout straight from the box. I'll just lubricate and tweak the pivot.
Fit and finish, pretty much perfect… centered, no issues with the grind or sharpness at all, feels quality. No flex, unexpected play, a little stiff opening but i can already feel it loosening up.
The aesthetics… i may have not picked the sky blue accents if i had a choice in front of me, but it’s quite nice looking, no regrets there. Feels much much thinner and lighter vs the mini barrage than the specs would make you think… substantial difference. Definitely doesn’t feel as beefy, but as a men’s EDC pocketknife not seeing heavy duty, about the perfect form factor.
send it in for LifeSharp
Now, the problem I've had with all Benchmades out of the box: the sharpening from the factory is thoroughly mediocre. I run a paper cutting test on every knife as soon as I get it, and this one dragged through paper for the first few cuts before tearing the paper around the 4th cut. For the price you pay, it's inexcusable to have to sharpen the blade before its first use, especially for harder steels like S90V. Maybe Benchmade is working so hard at getting these knives out the door - which is appreciated in the current market where so many knives are constantly sold out - but we all should expect a much better job on the edge when spending this much money. Also, this is not a drop-shut knife like the 940, 945, Bailout, etc. I presume this is due to the exceptionally light weight, but it will take tuning on the user's part if you want to get it to that drop-shut/fidget level of action.
Subjectively, the name of the knife is a bit of a misnomer. This is not a knife built for hard use. It is a slicer, and a good one at that, but it isn't the one knife you'd grab if you really had to bug out. That's a minor quibble, however. For a general EDC and even a gentleman's folder, this knife is a perfect fit.
The scales feel fantastic especially with the rolled edges that contour to your hands much better than the usual scales. The S90V is exactly what you want with the usual pain of sharpening. Finally that last pop of blue really sets it off.
With my Bailout as my work knife this Carbon Fiber Bugout is my summer/light EDC. It cuts boxes and does light work but is usually around for food prep and drink prep...but it does it all with a look and feel thats awesome. Its a wonderfully done piece that is worth the price for the materials and finish.
To preface, at no fault of Bladehq, my order was shipped to the wrong address which was not returned. So somebody got a free 535 bugout.
After waiting a week from that debacle, Bladehq ships me a replacement.
The Benchmade box arrived with what appears to be water-damage. Taking the knife out, I notice the blade is off center and to the right. The satin finish looks scuffed with hairline marks throughout. The kick in the balls being the edge - it was definitely not slicing through paper or trimming the hairs off my arm with the ease that I had seen in many a review videos.
I don't know if Bladehq sent me somebody's return order, but overall this first time experience with purchasing from this company has been disappointing. With the one saving grace being that they replaced what I consider a stolen item (since retrieval was attempted).
Overall, it's a beautiful knife, but doesn't slice as well as I've seen with other owners. For $280+, everything should have been crisp, but my experience has been quite disappointing.
But unfortunately this one is my last Benchmade knives I ordered!!! I also returned it. The knife is beautiful! Action out the box was bad but no surprise there and can be fix. The big issue to me was how bad was off centre the sharpening. I would say 70% on one side and 30% on the other. Looks more like scissors than knives. For a knife at $255 I’m expecting something close to be perfect. I had never seen a bad sharpening like this one in any of my knives even at $30. I wrote a review on Benchmade website and they didn’t publish it, not even some apologies for the poor quality control they are offering at a big price.... Thank you BHQ for the return with no questions asked! Sad and Disappointed...
Features:
- Satin finished drop point blade made of CPM-S90V stainless steel.
- Dual blue-finished titanium thumb studs with bronze pivot washers.
- Contoured carbon fiber handle scales over nested steel liners.
- Safe, strong, and ambidextrous AXIS-Lock mechanism.
- Reversible Mini Deep-Carry pocket clip and oversized lanyard hole.
Description:
In 2017, Benchmade shook the knife world with the release of the Bugout. It was the pocket knife people didn't know they were searching for. It was simple, utilitarian, ergonomic, lightweight, had an ambidextrous lock and opener, and was made with quality materials. In the years since, the Benchmade Bugout has become one of the best-selling knives in history. Benchmade truly made the Bugout a knife for everyone, and no collection is complete without one.
The Benchmade Bugout comes in two sizes and a multitude of colors, and has great aftermarket customization options as well.
Specifications
- Overall Length:7.46"
- Blade Length:3.24"
- Cutting Edge:3.00"
- Blade Width:1.00"
- Blade Thickness:0.09"
- Blade Material:CPM S90V
- Blade Style:Drop Point
- Blade Grind:Flat
- Finish:Satin
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Length:4.22"
- Handle Width:1.00"
- Handle Thickness:0.41"
- Handle Material:Carbon Fiber
- Color:Black
- Frame/Liner:Stainless Steel
- Weight:2.02 oz.
- User:Right Hand, Left Hand
- Pocket Clip:Tip-Up
- Knife Type:Manual
- Opener:Thumb Stud
- Lock Type:Bar Lock
- Brand:Benchmade
- Model:Bugout
- Model Number:535-3
- Country of Origin:USA
- Best Use:Camp/Hike, Everyday Carry
- Product Type:Knife
I've owned both the Mini Bugout (In Orange and Satin) and Bugout (In Blue and Satin) for some time now. This upgraded Bugout with its Premium Steel, Carbon Fiber Scales and Blue Accents is Elegance Defined. Fit and Finish is on par with all other Benchmade knives I've owned. It's also feels a little more substantial in hand, although....A bit slippery. But this is part of its charm and allure. Come on...It's Carbon Fiber! The weight difference is negligible with the OG Bugout weighing in at 1.87oz and CF weighing in at an even 2.00oz. Scales are firmer than the Grivory scales on the OG Bugout so there is little to no "flex" that so many complain about. Personally.......It's a Moot Point. So what..they flex a little! Sorry....back on topic again...Promise!
Centering, grind, sharpness and Action (with use/break in period of about 100-150 flips) is exemplary and what one can expect. I noticed NO off center grind that some are complaining about, perfect centering and what I would expect for a factory grind Benchmade. A simple stropping corrected the blade edge without sacrificing the factory edge integrity.
In closing.....If you want a beautiful Custom at a Blue Class Level, then This should be your choice. Although not a Gold Class (Which most of us cant imagine purchasing), then the CF Bugout with its Premium Super Steel should definitely be in the running for your consideration.
I guess BHQ didn't want to post my initial review, but I still feel the need to give my take even after returning the knife.
The knife arrived and I was ecstatic for my first Benchmade. Shortly after I started to notice issues. The grinds on the bevel were not even, nor was the knife very sharp. I've bought knives for $50 that were significantly sharper than this. These were issues I could have fixed, however, I didn't want to immediately void the manufacturer’s warranty by using my belt grinder. Next was the action, it came stiff as hell and if I snapped it open, the AXIS lock would stick and become difficult to unlock. I tried to remedy this by working the pivot and handle screws. Nothing worked, it was either off center or I was left with the poor action. All in all, I think Benchmade should have focused more on quality control because this was a slap in the face after spending $255.
Knife came stiff, I've yet to experience a smooth bugout straight from the box. I'll just lubricate and tweak the pivot.
Fit and finish, pretty much perfect… centered, no issues with the grind or sharpness at all, feels quality. No flex, unexpected play, a little stiff opening but i can already feel it loosening up.
The aesthetics… i may have not picked the sky blue accents if i had a choice in front of me, but it’s quite nice looking, no regrets there. Feels much much thinner and lighter vs the mini barrage than the specs would make you think… substantial difference. Definitely doesn’t feel as beefy, but as a men’s EDC pocketknife not seeing heavy duty, about the perfect form factor.
send it in for LifeSharp
Now, the problem I've had with all Benchmades out of the box: the sharpening from the factory is thoroughly mediocre. I run a paper cutting test on every knife as soon as I get it, and this one dragged through paper for the first few cuts before tearing the paper around the 4th cut. For the price you pay, it's inexcusable to have to sharpen the blade before its first use, especially for harder steels like S90V. Maybe Benchmade is working so hard at getting these knives out the door - which is appreciated in the current market where so many knives are constantly sold out - but we all should expect a much better job on the edge when spending this much money. Also, this is not a drop-shut knife like the 940, 945, Bailout, etc. I presume this is due to the exceptionally light weight, but it will take tuning on the user's part if you want to get it to that drop-shut/fidget level of action.
Subjectively, the name of the knife is a bit of a misnomer. This is not a knife built for hard use. It is a slicer, and a good one at that, but it isn't the one knife you'd grab if you really had to bug out. That's a minor quibble, however. For a general EDC and even a gentleman's folder, this knife is a perfect fit.
The scales feel fantastic especially with the rolled edges that contour to your hands much better than the usual scales. The S90V is exactly what you want with the usual pain of sharpening. Finally that last pop of blue really sets it off.
With my Bailout as my work knife this Carbon Fiber Bugout is my summer/light EDC. It cuts boxes and does light work but is usually around for food prep and drink prep...but it does it all with a look and feel thats awesome. Its a wonderfully done piece that is worth the price for the materials and finish.
To preface, at no fault of Bladehq, my order was shipped to the wrong address which was not returned. So somebody got a free 535 bugout.
After waiting a week from that debacle, Bladehq ships me a replacement.
The Benchmade box arrived with what appears to be water-damage. Taking the knife out, I notice the blade is off center and to the right. The satin finish looks scuffed with hairline marks throughout. The kick in the balls being the edge - it was definitely not slicing through paper or trimming the hairs off my arm with the ease that I had seen in many a review videos.
I don't know if Bladehq sent me somebody's return order, but overall this first time experience with purchasing from this company has been disappointing. With the one saving grace being that they replaced what I consider a stolen item (since retrieval was attempted).
Overall, it's a beautiful knife, but doesn't slice as well as I've seen with other owners. For $280+, everything should have been crisp, but my experience has been quite disappointing.
But unfortunately this one is my last Benchmade knives I ordered!!! I also returned it. The knife is beautiful! Action out the box was bad but no surprise there and can be fix. The big issue to me was how bad was off centre the sharpening. I would say 70% on one side and 30% on the other. Looks more like scissors than knives. For a knife at $255 I’m expecting something close to be perfect. I had never seen a bad sharpening like this one in any of my knives even at $30. I wrote a review on Benchmade website and they didn’t publish it, not even some apologies for the poor quality control they are offering at a big price.... Thank you BHQ for the return with no questions asked! Sad and Disappointed...