Specifications
- Overall Length:7.46"
- Blade Length:3.24"
- Cutting Edge:3.00"
- Blade Width:1.00"
- Blade Thickness:0.09"
- Blade Material:CPM S30V
- Hardness:58-60 RC
- Blade Style:Drop Point
- Blade Grind:Flat
- Finish:Gray
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Length:4.22"
- Handle Width:1.00"
- Handle Thickness:0.42"
- Handle Material:Polymer
- Color:Green, Tan
- Frame/Liner:Stainless Steel
- Weight:1.85 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:535GRY-1
- 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 S30V
- Hardness:58-60 RC
- Blade Style:Drop Point
- Blade Grind:Flat
- Finish:Gray
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Length:4.22"
- Handle Width:1.00"
- Handle Thickness:0.42"
- Handle Material:Polymer
- Color:Green, Tan
- Frame/Liner:Stainless Steel
- Weight:1.85 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:535GRY-1
- Country of Origin:USA
- Best Use:Camp/Hike, Everyday Carry
- Product Type:Knife
Features:
- Gray chromium nitride-coated drop point blade made of CPM-S30V steel.
- Dual bronze-finished titanium thumb studs with bronze pivot washers.
- Textured blue Grivory 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 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
[Update Oct 8, 2020] I've now had this one for a couple of weeks and it has worked its way into my pocket more than any of my other knives. It's light, capable, and has a high fidget factor.
One negative I have to say is regarding the QC. The factory edge was extremely dull. This thing was barely able to cut paper. I've had knives under $30 that came sharper than this. For the amount of money you pay you would expect to not have an edge like this. I sharpened it up and it's fine now but for the money spent i expected more. For someone that buys this as a first expensive knife without any kind of sharpening tools I can see where this can be a let down, especially if coming from something much more inexpensive.
I did a lot of research trying to find the perfect EDC knife. Narrowed to Benchmade for their Axis lock and so many great reviews. Decided on the drop point blade in gray and I really like the Ranger Green of the Bugout so that is what I got. I have had it now a couple weeks. I first looked at an assisted knife because I don't know how to open one in a flash. But when I read you can't close an assisted knife with a single hand, I figured I would just have to learn right quick. It kinda reminded me of learning to ski. Once you get it down you wonder why you thought it was so hard. The Bugout has far exceeded what I wanted in an EDC. Sharp. Fit & finish. Light weight. Good looks. Some complain about the scales are too flimsy. They can squeeze the scales together. I might could with a pair of pliers but why would I?
It really is a great knife and is perfect for me but for some reason I find myself looking at other Benchmade knives. I got my eyes on the 940-2 just to have one a little bigger. Then maybe I'll look into something in the smaller size...
The day after I got it, I was opening some boxes and misshandle the knife and cut myself almost taking out the tip of my left index. It was not like I was doing to much force but man I find very fast how sharp this knife is out of the box. Im going to respect it from now on.
And for Benchmade: Thanks for the cut.
Upon opening the box the first thing I noticed was how light the Bugout was with the Grivory handles. I always wear cargo paints so the green color and the deep pocket clip enable me to EDC the knife and not be noticed by others. It's the lightweight that makes me even forget I am carrying it myself. The ease of opening is fantastic. The locking mechanism took me three tries to master unlocking and closing the knife. This is my new fidget toy that also has a function. I am a supervisor for a construction company and the knife comes out of my pocket for real practical use at least three to four times a day (mainly opening boxes and cutting straps). Everyone I have shown this knife to loves it.
Great knife. I highly recommend for EDC. If you purchase it you will not be disappointed.
As long as you're willing to take care of you knife and clean and oil it as needed you'll come to love this knife.
After a very short time the axis lock mech developed a very gritty feel and even jammed a few times. Opening and closing the knife became difficult and felt terrible. At times take two hands to operate the axis mech.
I was very disappointed and ready to send it back, reluctantly. I really wanted to like this knife. As a last resort I removed the blade and blew it out with an air compressor. Reassembled and oiled and now it’s smooth as butter. No jamming, no gritty feel. The axis lock pulls back smoothly and the blade drops freely. Visually I didn’t see anything in the axis lock mech that caused the issue but blowing it out with 60psi of air got rid of whatever was in there. Glad I don’t have to send it back.
This knife is unbelievably light and surprisingly thin. The reported flex in the scales is a bit exaggerated IMO. I’m not hammering this knife into trees. My only complaint right now is the chromium oxide coating on the clip has a lot of drag. It doesn’t slide back in my pocket as easily as I’d like. Hopefully that’ll improve as it wears in.
People say S30V is harder to sharpen than S35VN, but from my experience, S30V was easier to sharpen and re-profile vs the S35VN on my Sebenza.
Only downside was the break-in period for the Axis lock as the DLC coating on the lock bar had to wear off before it smoothly interfaced with the tang of the blade. Ironically, the DLC wore off faster than the coating on the blade tang.
I highly recommend this blade for EDC, and I can't wait for the new BladeHQ exclusive black-out Bugout.
Other than that, it's a nice knife.
The only problem I have with this knife is the axis lock buttons are grivory, which coming from a 940 is just weird feeling on the fingers. Other than that its a great knife and for the price its definitely worth a look.
I would recommend this as a edc knife if you want to cut down on bulk and still have full sized functionality. Also I like it as a jogging knife because it does not bang around in shorts or sweat pockets.
You may hear people talking about the handle being able to bend. However I find that you need to be using a considerable amount of force to achieve that. I will say if you want a knife for camping or very hard use then the bugout is not the best option.
Over all it is definitely one to have to carry or for a collection. The light weight and full sized blade with good ergonomics makes this a EDC choice for sure.
-Super lightweight & thin
-Deep pocket clip & great ergonomics
-Razor-sharp out of the box & blade centering was dead on
Cons:
-Not a 'hard use' knife (no handle liners so there will be flex/give in certain situations)
If your looking for a basic EDC lightweight knife that will make you forgot that it's in your pocket, this is it. A knife in hand beats the Kukri left at home. You'll never think twice about putting this in your pocket because it takes up too much space or weighs too much.
I suggest any of the 940 Osborne models (will be +~1 ounce heavier) if you like the size of this knife but are looking for something that feels stouter.
If the knife was as you say loose or too tight it is warrantied by one of the best knife making companies in the World! Yes, in this case I have to say Benchmade is up there in not only their knife making skills but also their warranty of their product as in if it ever gets dull and you don't want to sharped it or for some reason can't do it right they will do it for the life of the knife. I am retired military and part of my job was to teach, equip, and maintain survival equipment in the USCG. We constantly had to sell our supervisors on the importance of providing excellent gear to our Aircrew and Pilots in case of an aircraft ditching either at sea or on land far away from the civilized population. I enjoyed giving out gear to our guys and gals that I knew would work well and hold up under the most extreme weather environments. So, if that knife somehow slipped past the proper QA of Benchmade I know they are the kind of company that backs their products and would most certainly take care of you so you could give your son a most excellent gift. At last count I own several Benchmades myself so I am speaking with a great deal of product experience and some of the knives I have are over 20 years of age and still perform like a new knife. Better than most knives you can find on the market today. I just keep them lubricated and cleaned up after using in the bush. Contact Benchmade and see if I am right.
Good luck,
Happy Camper
I love Love LOVE this knife!!! When I first picked it up I was amazed at how light it was. It’s crazy light! The action is also crazy smooth. I have several knives, but this action is awesome! It flicks open super easy. Both by the thumb stud or by use of the Axis lock. I find myself just flicking and playing with this knife all the time.
A guy at work that I showed it to bought one the next day because of how awesome it was when he handled it. The big problem is that now I have this overwhelming urge to buy another Benchmade. It’s bad, really bad. You may be better off not getting it actually.
I didn't give the original 535 a five star rating mainly because it's not really what the name suggests- a bugout knife.
However, this has to be one of my favorite EDC knifes simply because of its lightweight and thin profile. The included deep carry clip is also a nice touch.
Also, Benchmade's S30V isn't as impossible to put a good edge on as some others I have.
I prefer this Ranger Green version mainly due to color and that anti-reflective chromium nitride coating. A great looking combination.
Benchmade knives are a bit on the pricey side, but you get good quality from them. And, from personal experience, they have a great customer service department and have gone well beyond what I can expect in terms of assisting customers.department and have gone well beyond what I can expect in terms of assisting customers.
Maybe it is too light for its size suppose to be, but it is still a qualified nice knife. When I get use to its weight, it is something I really like to carry everyday. I can put it in my every pocket and no one would notice it.
Well done, benchmade.
Thanks, dudes (and dudettes).
I work at an retail store where opening boxes, cutting zip-ties and other general knife tasks are a common occurrence. After roughly a month of carrying this knife as an EDC, I can say it's the best small knife I've had. The lockup is solid, as should be expected with the Axis lock; and even without any metal liners, this thing is more rigid than it really has any right to be considering how light it is. The S30V blade comes out of the box razor sharp. The deep carry clip is a nice touch, wish more knives came with them from the factory.
Overall, I have no complaints about this knife. It's very aesthetically pleasing, the colors go together very well- pictures of this knife do it no justice.
Features:
- Gray chromium nitride-coated drop point blade made of CPM-S30V steel.
- Dual bronze-finished titanium thumb studs with bronze pivot washers.
- Textured blue Grivory 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 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 S30V
- Hardness:58-60 RC
- Blade Style:Drop Point
- Blade Grind:Flat
- Finish:Gray
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Length:4.22"
- Handle Width:1.00"
- Handle Thickness:0.42"
- Handle Material:Polymer
- Color:Green, Tan
- Frame/Liner:Stainless Steel
- Weight:1.85 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:535GRY-1
- Country of Origin:USA
- Best Use:Camp/Hike, Everyday Carry
- Product Type:Knife
[Update Oct 8, 2020] I've now had this one for a couple of weeks and it has worked its way into my pocket more than any of my other knives. It's light, capable, and has a high fidget factor.
One negative I have to say is regarding the QC. The factory edge was extremely dull. This thing was barely able to cut paper. I've had knives under $30 that came sharper than this. For the amount of money you pay you would expect to not have an edge like this. I sharpened it up and it's fine now but for the money spent i expected more. For someone that buys this as a first expensive knife without any kind of sharpening tools I can see where this can be a let down, especially if coming from something much more inexpensive.
I did a lot of research trying to find the perfect EDC knife. Narrowed to Benchmade for their Axis lock and so many great reviews. Decided on the drop point blade in gray and I really like the Ranger Green of the Bugout so that is what I got. I have had it now a couple weeks. I first looked at an assisted knife because I don't know how to open one in a flash. But when I read you can't close an assisted knife with a single hand, I figured I would just have to learn right quick. It kinda reminded me of learning to ski. Once you get it down you wonder why you thought it was so hard. The Bugout has far exceeded what I wanted in an EDC. Sharp. Fit & finish. Light weight. Good looks. Some complain about the scales are too flimsy. They can squeeze the scales together. I might could with a pair of pliers but why would I?
It really is a great knife and is perfect for me but for some reason I find myself looking at other Benchmade knives. I got my eyes on the 940-2 just to have one a little bigger. Then maybe I'll look into something in the smaller size...
The day after I got it, I was opening some boxes and misshandle the knife and cut myself almost taking out the tip of my left index. It was not like I was doing to much force but man I find very fast how sharp this knife is out of the box. Im going to respect it from now on.
And for Benchmade: Thanks for the cut.
Upon opening the box the first thing I noticed was how light the Bugout was with the Grivory handles. I always wear cargo paints so the green color and the deep pocket clip enable me to EDC the knife and not be noticed by others. It's the lightweight that makes me even forget I am carrying it myself. The ease of opening is fantastic. The locking mechanism took me three tries to master unlocking and closing the knife. This is my new fidget toy that also has a function. I am a supervisor for a construction company and the knife comes out of my pocket for real practical use at least three to four times a day (mainly opening boxes and cutting straps). Everyone I have shown this knife to loves it.
Great knife. I highly recommend for EDC. If you purchase it you will not be disappointed.
As long as you're willing to take care of you knife and clean and oil it as needed you'll come to love this knife.
After a very short time the axis lock mech developed a very gritty feel and even jammed a few times. Opening and closing the knife became difficult and felt terrible. At times take two hands to operate the axis mech.
I was very disappointed and ready to send it back, reluctantly. I really wanted to like this knife. As a last resort I removed the blade and blew it out with an air compressor. Reassembled and oiled and now it’s smooth as butter. No jamming, no gritty feel. The axis lock pulls back smoothly and the blade drops freely. Visually I didn’t see anything in the axis lock mech that caused the issue but blowing it out with 60psi of air got rid of whatever was in there. Glad I don’t have to send it back.
This knife is unbelievably light and surprisingly thin. The reported flex in the scales is a bit exaggerated IMO. I’m not hammering this knife into trees. My only complaint right now is the chromium oxide coating on the clip has a lot of drag. It doesn’t slide back in my pocket as easily as I’d like. Hopefully that’ll improve as it wears in.
People say S30V is harder to sharpen than S35VN, but from my experience, S30V was easier to sharpen and re-profile vs the S35VN on my Sebenza.
Only downside was the break-in period for the Axis lock as the DLC coating on the lock bar had to wear off before it smoothly interfaced with the tang of the blade. Ironically, the DLC wore off faster than the coating on the blade tang.
I highly recommend this blade for EDC, and I can't wait for the new BladeHQ exclusive black-out Bugout.
Other than that, it's a nice knife.
The only problem I have with this knife is the axis lock buttons are grivory, which coming from a 940 is just weird feeling on the fingers. Other than that its a great knife and for the price its definitely worth a look.
I would recommend this as a edc knife if you want to cut down on bulk and still have full sized functionality. Also I like it as a jogging knife because it does not bang around in shorts or sweat pockets.
You may hear people talking about the handle being able to bend. However I find that you need to be using a considerable amount of force to achieve that. I will say if you want a knife for camping or very hard use then the bugout is not the best option.
Over all it is definitely one to have to carry or for a collection. The light weight and full sized blade with good ergonomics makes this a EDC choice for sure.
-Super lightweight & thin
-Deep pocket clip & great ergonomics
-Razor-sharp out of the box & blade centering was dead on
Cons:
-Not a 'hard use' knife (no handle liners so there will be flex/give in certain situations)
If your looking for a basic EDC lightweight knife that will make you forgot that it's in your pocket, this is it. A knife in hand beats the Kukri left at home. You'll never think twice about putting this in your pocket because it takes up too much space or weighs too much.
I suggest any of the 940 Osborne models (will be +~1 ounce heavier) if you like the size of this knife but are looking for something that feels stouter.
If the knife was as you say loose or too tight it is warrantied by one of the best knife making companies in the World! Yes, in this case I have to say Benchmade is up there in not only their knife making skills but also their warranty of their product as in if it ever gets dull and you don't want to sharped it or for some reason can't do it right they will do it for the life of the knife. I am retired military and part of my job was to teach, equip, and maintain survival equipment in the USCG. We constantly had to sell our supervisors on the importance of providing excellent gear to our Aircrew and Pilots in case of an aircraft ditching either at sea or on land far away from the civilized population. I enjoyed giving out gear to our guys and gals that I knew would work well and hold up under the most extreme weather environments. So, if that knife somehow slipped past the proper QA of Benchmade I know they are the kind of company that backs their products and would most certainly take care of you so you could give your son a most excellent gift. At last count I own several Benchmades myself so I am speaking with a great deal of product experience and some of the knives I have are over 20 years of age and still perform like a new knife. Better than most knives you can find on the market today. I just keep them lubricated and cleaned up after using in the bush. Contact Benchmade and see if I am right.
Good luck,
Happy Camper
I love Love LOVE this knife!!! When I first picked it up I was amazed at how light it was. It’s crazy light! The action is also crazy smooth. I have several knives, but this action is awesome! It flicks open super easy. Both by the thumb stud or by use of the Axis lock. I find myself just flicking and playing with this knife all the time.
A guy at work that I showed it to bought one the next day because of how awesome it was when he handled it. The big problem is that now I have this overwhelming urge to buy another Benchmade. It’s bad, really bad. You may be better off not getting it actually.
I didn't give the original 535 a five star rating mainly because it's not really what the name suggests- a bugout knife.
However, this has to be one of my favorite EDC knifes simply because of its lightweight and thin profile. The included deep carry clip is also a nice touch.
Also, Benchmade's S30V isn't as impossible to put a good edge on as some others I have.
I prefer this Ranger Green version mainly due to color and that anti-reflective chromium nitride coating. A great looking combination.
Benchmade knives are a bit on the pricey side, but you get good quality from them. And, from personal experience, they have a great customer service department and have gone well beyond what I can expect in terms of assisting customers.department and have gone well beyond what I can expect in terms of assisting customers.
Maybe it is too light for its size suppose to be, but it is still a qualified nice knife. When I get use to its weight, it is something I really like to carry everyday. I can put it in my every pocket and no one would notice it.
Well done, benchmade.
Thanks, dudes (and dudettes).
I work at an retail store where opening boxes, cutting zip-ties and other general knife tasks are a common occurrence. After roughly a month of carrying this knife as an EDC, I can say it's the best small knife I've had. The lockup is solid, as should be expected with the Axis lock; and even without any metal liners, this thing is more rigid than it really has any right to be considering how light it is. The S30V blade comes out of the box razor sharp. The deep carry clip is a nice touch, wish more knives came with them from the factory.
Overall, I have no complaints about this knife. It's very aesthetically pleasing, the colors go together very well- pictures of this knife do it no justice.