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:Black
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Length:4.22"
- Handle Width:1.00"
- Handle Thickness:0.42"
- Handle Material:CF-Elite
- Color:Black
- Frame/Liner:Stainless Steel
- Weight:1.80 oz.
- User:Right Hand, Left Hand
- Pocket Clip:Tip-Up
- Knife Type:Manual
- Opener:Thumb Stud
- Lock Type:AXIS
- Brand:Benchmade
- Model:Bugout
- Model Number:535BK-2
- 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:Black
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Length:4.22"
- Handle Width:1.00"
- Handle Thickness:0.42"
- Handle Material:CF-Elite
- Color:Black
- Frame/Liner:Stainless Steel
- Weight:1.80 oz.
- User:Right Hand, Left Hand
- Pocket Clip:Tip-Up
- Knife Type:Manual
- Opener:Thumb Stud
- Lock Type:AXIS
- Brand:Benchmade
- Model:Bugout
- Model Number:535BK-2
- Country of Origin:USA
- Best Use:Camp/Hike, Everyday Carry
- Product Type:Knife
The 535BK-2 Benchmade Bugout offers a lightweight, ergonomic build designed with everyday carry and general outdoor use in mind. Its high-performance CPM-S30V blade sports a partial swedge to provide a finer point, and comes fitted with anodized dual thumb studs for easy one-handed operation. The comfortable handles add rigidity and extra toughens compared to previous models. Comes complete with an oversized lanyard hole and reversible deep-carry clip for convenient EDC.
Features:- DLC Coated CPM-S30V blade steel for excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and cutting performance.
- Dual thumb studs, reversible pocket clip, and AXIS® lock mechanism offer a fully ambidextrous build.
- Lightly textured CF-Elite™ handle provides a secure grip and lightweight build.
Is the Bugout the greatest EDC knife of all time? Read our Benchmade Bugout Review to see!
Customer Reviews
Pros: lightweight, thin, "slicey", good steel, deep carry clip, fidgety and ergonomic (I wear a Med. size glove with slim fingers).
Cons: None to mention for me *IF* this is used properly (don't try and baton with this one please, haha!)
Just got mine in, overall meh I would prob go with something like the gent or elementum, more weight but also a third the cost
(since it looks like all bugout reviews are mixed - Benchmade Bugout AXIS Lock Knife Black CF-Elite (3.24" Black) 535BK-2)
Was hoping to love this as the specs on it made it sound like the perfect superlight and a solid carry.
Initial impressions
+ superlight
+ size
+ Axis lock
+ disappears even with other EDC stuff in pocket
+ feels much smaller that it is for blade you get
Don't know if I got a bad batch or what, but had the following gripes -
- blade was cranked so hard down it sounded like it was grinding when i opened it (fixed by loosening the pivot screw a bit to find right pressure)
- centering issues - blade is skewed off to the right a little bit
- Sharpness is no where near what i would call shaving sharp
Overall think it will be a good carry to add to rotation, especially with shorts etc where weight is bigger consideration, but a lot of stuff out there with better value and especially better fit and finish for what this costs (from the one i got at least)
It really is amazingly light.
The action is superb.
The centering was right on point.
It was sharp as a razor right out of the box.
As always, BHQ's service was terrific.
The new G10/20CV looks great, and I might eventually buy one of those as well. But either way, THIS ONE isn't going anywhere.What's not to love?
Seeing that the scales had been upgraded to a stiffer "CF-Elite", and that it had the wicked blacked-out color to boot...Well, they finally got me.
The knife is probably the very definition of "disappears in the pocket". Really light, really slim. Yet it still has a very workable blade length and style. Good for your everyday knife needs.
Guess my only beef at this point is a very "grindy" action, and an Axis lock bar that tends to stick a bit after being opened/closed with too much authority. Likely, that is going to break in over time.
(My Mini-Grip had a similar issue, but went away quickly). It already feels better today than it did yesterday, so I'll just assume. Loss of a star just for making me wonder... (Note: I added the star back. After 3 days, and a little TLC, the action is SWEET!)
In the pocket, I'm not sure the Bugout can be beat for size and weight. And I like the look and feel of the upgraded scales. Glad I finally took the plunge.
Let's start with the disappointments. You pick up the knife for the first time and immediately think that this a plastic replica of the real Bugout. It is quite small, and the Bugout answers the age-old question of, "Is there such a thing as too lightweight?". Yes. Because it feels like a toy (sorry fanboys). Without a doubt in my mind, I could break this knife in half. The blade is so thin and light, it took me a couple of weeks to learn how to close it (you hold back the axis lock just a bit longer than you would on a Freek or Griptilian). And finally, the blade finish shows marks and discoloration quite easily. It takes effort to keep the Bugout looking clean. I will admit the initial impression of the Bugout was a bit disappointing, however, everyone loves this knife, so I decided to give it an extra-long trial period to find out why.
And here it is: first and foremost, the Bugout is slim and lightweight (that is an understatement). I know it is a cliche, but it disappears in your pocket. The blade is slim, slicey, and sharp. The action is very smooth, easy to operate, and secure (bless the AXIS lock). The mini deep carry pocket clip is super neat. It does its job dutifully and does not cause any hot spots. The handle has a good amount of gimping and grip, although I handed the Bugout to a mate and he promptly dropped it, so take that as you will. Despite the ultra-thin handle, the Bugout feels... alright in the hand, and it certainly looks great. The black on black is so clean, and I love it.
To conclude, the Bugout is a great knife. It is now a staple of the EDC community and has amassed a good-sized cult following. But it isn't quite deserving of the hype, and it probably isn't worth 150 bucks either. It has flaws. It is small as heck! I would never discourage someone from buying it, but I would probably have them look at the Griptilian or para 3 first...just off of the price tag alone. I carry the knives I review, for the entire duration of writing the review itself. And I was carrying the bugout for a whole 4 weeks straight (gaaahh, that is ridiculous) because I couldn't figure out how I felt about it. Definitely torn between being realistic about this knife and the hate I would probably get for it. To be perfectly clear, this is not a bad knife. I like it. You should buy it. But it isn't perfect. 81/100
I can't say about the durability yet. But the initial quality is superb.
-perfectly centered blade
-smooth opening
-great ergo in hand and in pocket
-hair shaving sharp S30V blade
-light weight with great grip
-black on black
I would recommend this knife to anyone wanting a solid EDC.
I worked the blade and particularly the axis lock a couple of hundred times, possibly more, before it finally "broke in." Before then, there were some very unpleasant grinding sounds when I tried to close the blade. Pulling back on the axis lock was also a very "gritty" experience.
Once broken in, the knife became easier to use. I still wish the pocket clip was longer, and I might get an aftermarket clip to replace it.
The S30V blade is very sharp, and because of the stiffness of the blade action, I nicked myself twice on my little finger.
This knife is very light in weight, as most people have mentioned. You almost forget that it's in your pocket.
It feels good in your hands. I have the CF-Elite version, and I like the look and feel of the scales.
I think that it's a fine knife.
This is my first Benchmade.
No regrets here, highly recommended.
I really like the Axis lock!
If you don’t have one, you should
order it!
My one minor issue is the clip. I may bend it a bit more for a firmer grip.
If you're looking for something that is very lightweight but sturdy, this is worth a look.
Now, with BladeHQ's exclusive model in all black, I love it even more! The black Cerakoted blade actually does look better than the Ranger Green's Chromium Nitride treatment, and looks exceptionally smooth.
I now have 2 BHQ Exclusive Bugouts, and one sports Natural G-10 scales from Flytanium. What a great looking combo!
The good: Great blade steel, solid ergos, insanely lightweight, supercool blackout color scheme.
Needs improvement: The price. This knife would be an amazing knife at around the $80 price point. I only got it because of the sale price, but I still feel a little like it should be a hair cheaper yet.
I've only had this knife for a short while, but right now, it pales in comparison to my Para 3 Lightweight. I'm keeping it in my pocket for now to see if I warm up to it a bit more...
Pros
Super sharp
Lightweight
Looks great
Fun to play with
Easy to carry
This knife disappears like a spyderco dragonfly also overpriced in your pocket so if you have something like that and want a bigger one this is for you. You will forget its there.
Cons
Benchmade pricing
I would not have paid $136 for this knife or the $119 for the blue one I think they should make all the colors the same price glad i got it on sale. I like that this is a blade hq model too. To each your own if you can get over the price or get one on sale you will definitely love the knife. Blade HQ was great nice quick shipping time always get stuff here.
Pros: Super light weight knife. Axis-lock is smooth and fun to play with. Blade steel is great and the blade looks awesome! Feels great in the hand with absolutely no hot spots. Comes with deep pocket carry clip.
Cons: Blade has some play. When closing isn't always centered. Each close is different. Pivot screw coating is already showing wear within a couple of days and turning silver.
That is my honest opinion. It's still a great knife but I am glad I paid $99 shipped to my door.
Overall a great knife!
Why not own all the colors? The AXIS lock makes this knife extremely fidget friendly along with its feather like weight and deep carry clip makes it disappear in pocket! The S-30V blade steel is still a premium steel that is well rounded in it’s edge retention and sharpening ability along with toughness and corrosion resistance.
If you owned all the colors, they still wouldn’t weigh what two of its competitors weigh!
It's the knife I'm using and carry the most in my collection.
nice weight size and blade shape.
Great EDC knife style and Benchmade quality.
I especially like the AXIS Lock system
used in all the Benchmade knives.
Thanks BladeHQ for this exclusive.
Pros - S30V Steel, deep carry clip, lightweight
Cons- Price, feel
Good knife overall, but i think the hype for this knife is extremely overblown for what it is.
Blade is nicely centered, the knife is incredibly light and well suited for EDC. I still like my heavy duty folders but for office carry, the Bugout is going to be my go to.
This is great for what it is made for, a slim and lightweight EDC knife. It is not a hard use knife. That being said, it rides great in the pocket and it is a pretty good slicer!
Unfortunately, sometimes Benchmade slips up with quality control these days. I ordered three of these (that's how much i love the Bugout). One of them is absolutely perfect, one has blade centering that is just slightly off, no big deal. The other has blade centering so far off it's almost touching the scale.
Fortunately, Blade HQ has amazing customer service, so I was able to return the bad one no questions asked for a full refund. Benchmade's customer service is equally good, and they stand behind their products like few other companies. I have a blue Bugout that came severely off-center as well and Benchmade will be fixing that one for me.
In short, buy it! You won't be out anything if you happen to get a less than perfect example. One of these two excellent companies will take of you.
My only negatives are that the Axis lock can stick at times (which may be a break in adjustment), and the handles do flex under stress.
However, for EDC and average use, you can't go wrong!
Next, is the quality control. There are very different grind angles on each side of the blade. One side is ground back to expose over an 1/8 of an inch to the steel under the coating while the other side exposes less that 1/16. It was not sharp at all out of the box.
Overall, for the price point, I am completely unimpressed with the Bugout. I will carry this in my lunchbox for slicing fruit or meat.
Benchmade really missed the mark on this one.
Looks like I need to move on to the Super Freek
I have been carrying a lightweight PM3 for about 6 months and wow this is going right in the left pocket opposite the PM3.
ALSO! How did you guys do it Blade HQ, shipped and delivered to me in 2 days? Ordered Friday and in my hands Monday after lunch? Across the country nonetheless!
Thanks and STAY SHARP Y'all!!!
Pros:
-Super lightweight
-Functional and versatile blade shape
-Axis lock is fidget factor 5000
-Deep carry pocket clip
-Good steel
-Thin blade stock
-Good sharpening choil
Cons:
-Grivory handle flexes under pressure (not a big deal, if you don't plan on chopping down trees and such)
-Edges of Grivory scales are sharp
-Price is a bit high for what you get
Overall I can see why people love the Bugout. This is a solid EDC for almost any user and I highly recommend it, if you're not on a budget. I don't think it will knock any of my favorites out of my pocket, but it will definitely work it's way into the rotation.
The 535BK-2 Benchmade Bugout offers a lightweight, ergonomic build designed with everyday carry and general outdoor use in mind. Its high-performance CPM-S30V blade sports a partial swedge to provide a finer point, and comes fitted with anodized dual thumb studs for easy one-handed operation. The comfortable handles add rigidity and extra toughens compared to previous models. Comes complete with an oversized lanyard hole and reversible deep-carry clip for convenient EDC.
Features:- DLC Coated CPM-S30V blade steel for excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and cutting performance.
- Dual thumb studs, reversible pocket clip, and AXIS® lock mechanism offer a fully ambidextrous build.
- Lightly textured CF-Elite™ handle provides a secure grip and lightweight build.
Is the Bugout the greatest EDC knife of all time? Read our Benchmade Bugout Review to see!
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:Black
- Edge Type:Plain
- Handle Length:4.22"
- Handle Width:1.00"
- Handle Thickness:0.42"
- Handle Material:CF-Elite
- Color:Black
- Frame/Liner:Stainless Steel
- Weight:1.80 oz.
- User:Right Hand, Left Hand
- Pocket Clip:Tip-Up
- Knife Type:Manual
- Opener:Thumb Stud
- Lock Type:AXIS
- Brand:Benchmade
- Model:Bugout
- Model Number:535BK-2
- Country of Origin:USA
- Best Use:Camp/Hike, Everyday Carry
- Product Type:Knife
Pros: lightweight, thin, "slicey", good steel, deep carry clip, fidgety and ergonomic (I wear a Med. size glove with slim fingers).
Cons: None to mention for me *IF* this is used properly (don't try and baton with this one please, haha!)
Just got mine in, overall meh I would prob go with something like the gent or elementum, more weight but also a third the cost
(since it looks like all bugout reviews are mixed - Benchmade Bugout AXIS Lock Knife Black CF-Elite (3.24" Black) 535BK-2)
Was hoping to love this as the specs on it made it sound like the perfect superlight and a solid carry.
Initial impressions
+ superlight
+ size
+ Axis lock
+ disappears even with other EDC stuff in pocket
+ feels much smaller that it is for blade you get
Don't know if I got a bad batch or what, but had the following gripes -
- blade was cranked so hard down it sounded like it was grinding when i opened it (fixed by loosening the pivot screw a bit to find right pressure)
- centering issues - blade is skewed off to the right a little bit
- Sharpness is no where near what i would call shaving sharp
Overall think it will be a good carry to add to rotation, especially with shorts etc where weight is bigger consideration, but a lot of stuff out there with better value and especially better fit and finish for what this costs (from the one i got at least)
It really is amazingly light.
The action is superb.
The centering was right on point.
It was sharp as a razor right out of the box.
As always, BHQ's service was terrific.
The new G10/20CV looks great, and I might eventually buy one of those as well. But either way, THIS ONE isn't going anywhere.What's not to love?
Seeing that the scales had been upgraded to a stiffer "CF-Elite", and that it had the wicked blacked-out color to boot...Well, they finally got me.
The knife is probably the very definition of "disappears in the pocket". Really light, really slim. Yet it still has a very workable blade length and style. Good for your everyday knife needs.
Guess my only beef at this point is a very "grindy" action, and an Axis lock bar that tends to stick a bit after being opened/closed with too much authority. Likely, that is going to break in over time.
(My Mini-Grip had a similar issue, but went away quickly). It already feels better today than it did yesterday, so I'll just assume. Loss of a star just for making me wonder... (Note: I added the star back. After 3 days, and a little TLC, the action is SWEET!)
In the pocket, I'm not sure the Bugout can be beat for size and weight. And I like the look and feel of the upgraded scales. Glad I finally took the plunge.
Let's start with the disappointments. You pick up the knife for the first time and immediately think that this a plastic replica of the real Bugout. It is quite small, and the Bugout answers the age-old question of, "Is there such a thing as too lightweight?". Yes. Because it feels like a toy (sorry fanboys). Without a doubt in my mind, I could break this knife in half. The blade is so thin and light, it took me a couple of weeks to learn how to close it (you hold back the axis lock just a bit longer than you would on a Freek or Griptilian). And finally, the blade finish shows marks and discoloration quite easily. It takes effort to keep the Bugout looking clean. I will admit the initial impression of the Bugout was a bit disappointing, however, everyone loves this knife, so I decided to give it an extra-long trial period to find out why.
And here it is: first and foremost, the Bugout is slim and lightweight (that is an understatement). I know it is a cliche, but it disappears in your pocket. The blade is slim, slicey, and sharp. The action is very smooth, easy to operate, and secure (bless the AXIS lock). The mini deep carry pocket clip is super neat. It does its job dutifully and does not cause any hot spots. The handle has a good amount of gimping and grip, although I handed the Bugout to a mate and he promptly dropped it, so take that as you will. Despite the ultra-thin handle, the Bugout feels... alright in the hand, and it certainly looks great. The black on black is so clean, and I love it.
To conclude, the Bugout is a great knife. It is now a staple of the EDC community and has amassed a good-sized cult following. But it isn't quite deserving of the hype, and it probably isn't worth 150 bucks either. It has flaws. It is small as heck! I would never discourage someone from buying it, but I would probably have them look at the Griptilian or para 3 first...just off of the price tag alone. I carry the knives I review, for the entire duration of writing the review itself. And I was carrying the bugout for a whole 4 weeks straight (gaaahh, that is ridiculous) because I couldn't figure out how I felt about it. Definitely torn between being realistic about this knife and the hate I would probably get for it. To be perfectly clear, this is not a bad knife. I like it. You should buy it. But it isn't perfect. 81/100
I can't say about the durability yet. But the initial quality is superb.
-perfectly centered blade
-smooth opening
-great ergo in hand and in pocket
-hair shaving sharp S30V blade
-light weight with great grip
-black on black
I would recommend this knife to anyone wanting a solid EDC.
I worked the blade and particularly the axis lock a couple of hundred times, possibly more, before it finally "broke in." Before then, there were some very unpleasant grinding sounds when I tried to close the blade. Pulling back on the axis lock was also a very "gritty" experience.
Once broken in, the knife became easier to use. I still wish the pocket clip was longer, and I might get an aftermarket clip to replace it.
The S30V blade is very sharp, and because of the stiffness of the blade action, I nicked myself twice on my little finger.
This knife is very light in weight, as most people have mentioned. You almost forget that it's in your pocket.
It feels good in your hands. I have the CF-Elite version, and I like the look and feel of the scales.
I think that it's a fine knife.
This is my first Benchmade.
No regrets here, highly recommended.
I really like the Axis lock!
If you don’t have one, you should
order it!
My one minor issue is the clip. I may bend it a bit more for a firmer grip.
If you're looking for something that is very lightweight but sturdy, this is worth a look.
Now, with BladeHQ's exclusive model in all black, I love it even more! The black Cerakoted blade actually does look better than the Ranger Green's Chromium Nitride treatment, and looks exceptionally smooth.
I now have 2 BHQ Exclusive Bugouts, and one sports Natural G-10 scales from Flytanium. What a great looking combo!
The good: Great blade steel, solid ergos, insanely lightweight, supercool blackout color scheme.
Needs improvement: The price. This knife would be an amazing knife at around the $80 price point. I only got it because of the sale price, but I still feel a little like it should be a hair cheaper yet.
I've only had this knife for a short while, but right now, it pales in comparison to my Para 3 Lightweight. I'm keeping it in my pocket for now to see if I warm up to it a bit more...
Pros
Super sharp
Lightweight
Looks great
Fun to play with
Easy to carry
This knife disappears like a spyderco dragonfly also overpriced in your pocket so if you have something like that and want a bigger one this is for you. You will forget its there.
Cons
Benchmade pricing
I would not have paid $136 for this knife or the $119 for the blue one I think they should make all the colors the same price glad i got it on sale. I like that this is a blade hq model too. To each your own if you can get over the price or get one on sale you will definitely love the knife. Blade HQ was great nice quick shipping time always get stuff here.
Pros: Super light weight knife. Axis-lock is smooth and fun to play with. Blade steel is great and the blade looks awesome! Feels great in the hand with absolutely no hot spots. Comes with deep pocket carry clip.
Cons: Blade has some play. When closing isn't always centered. Each close is different. Pivot screw coating is already showing wear within a couple of days and turning silver.
That is my honest opinion. It's still a great knife but I am glad I paid $99 shipped to my door.
Overall a great knife!
Why not own all the colors? The AXIS lock makes this knife extremely fidget friendly along with its feather like weight and deep carry clip makes it disappear in pocket! The S-30V blade steel is still a premium steel that is well rounded in it’s edge retention and sharpening ability along with toughness and corrosion resistance.
If you owned all the colors, they still wouldn’t weigh what two of its competitors weigh!
It's the knife I'm using and carry the most in my collection.
nice weight size and blade shape.
Great EDC knife style and Benchmade quality.
I especially like the AXIS Lock system
used in all the Benchmade knives.
Thanks BladeHQ for this exclusive.
Pros - S30V Steel, deep carry clip, lightweight
Cons- Price, feel
Good knife overall, but i think the hype for this knife is extremely overblown for what it is.
Blade is nicely centered, the knife is incredibly light and well suited for EDC. I still like my heavy duty folders but for office carry, the Bugout is going to be my go to.
This is great for what it is made for, a slim and lightweight EDC knife. It is not a hard use knife. That being said, it rides great in the pocket and it is a pretty good slicer!
Unfortunately, sometimes Benchmade slips up with quality control these days. I ordered three of these (that's how much i love the Bugout). One of them is absolutely perfect, one has blade centering that is just slightly off, no big deal. The other has blade centering so far off it's almost touching the scale.
Fortunately, Blade HQ has amazing customer service, so I was able to return the bad one no questions asked for a full refund. Benchmade's customer service is equally good, and they stand behind their products like few other companies. I have a blue Bugout that came severely off-center as well and Benchmade will be fixing that one for me.
In short, buy it! You won't be out anything if you happen to get a less than perfect example. One of these two excellent companies will take of you.
My only negatives are that the Axis lock can stick at times (which may be a break in adjustment), and the handles do flex under stress.
However, for EDC and average use, you can't go wrong!
Next, is the quality control. There are very different grind angles on each side of the blade. One side is ground back to expose over an 1/8 of an inch to the steel under the coating while the other side exposes less that 1/16. It was not sharp at all out of the box.
Overall, for the price point, I am completely unimpressed with the Bugout. I will carry this in my lunchbox for slicing fruit or meat.
Benchmade really missed the mark on this one.
Looks like I need to move on to the Super Freek
I have been carrying a lightweight PM3 for about 6 months and wow this is going right in the left pocket opposite the PM3.
ALSO! How did you guys do it Blade HQ, shipped and delivered to me in 2 days? Ordered Friday and in my hands Monday after lunch? Across the country nonetheless!
Thanks and STAY SHARP Y'all!!!
Pros:
-Super lightweight
-Functional and versatile blade shape
-Axis lock is fidget factor 5000
-Deep carry pocket clip
-Good steel
-Thin blade stock
-Good sharpening choil
Cons:
-Grivory handle flexes under pressure (not a big deal, if you don't plan on chopping down trees and such)
-Edges of Grivory scales are sharp
-Price is a bit high for what you get
Overall I can see why people love the Bugout. This is a solid EDC for almost any user and I highly recommend it, if you're not on a budget. I don't think it will knock any of my favorites out of my pocket, but it will definitely work it's way into the rotation.