@@KnivesoftheRoundTable At this price, I like the Standard Version + Aramis Veyron scales better. The machining is better and the CF quality is amazing.
I bought a Bugout. Despite its price, it is nothing fancy, which I like. When I got it, I was disappointed in the grivory scales. They flexed enough I thought they would be fragile. So far, no problem. I recently watched a vid by Dutch Bushcraft Knives where they split wood by batoning a Bugout. It survived. I’ll no longer worry about handle fragility on this knife.
I just got mine and this knife grows on you. At first I was really disappointed on how dull the knife was it was the most dullest knife I have ever bought so I spent and hour reshaping the blade and making it stupid sharp. but the more I play with the knife the more I love it
In my opinion, the bugout and Benchmade in general, have two problems : 1) price, 2) grivory (crappory) handles which you want to change immediately for G10, micarta, titanium, whatever. So considering you have to change the scales of the basic model anyway, this M390/Aluminium version is actually quite "well" priced for a Benchmade. Almost the same than an Osborne with aluminium scales. I have a customized mini bugout with G10 scales in my pocket since a very long time and it's my favorite knife (with the Kizer Dropbear). I just pulled the trigger on his aluminium big brother and I'm sure I won't be disappointed. Some reviewers put this knife in ridiculous situations like bushcraft , it's non sense since it's absolutely not the goal of this tool. Nice smart review :)
Great video! I think this is the best version of the bugout. I generally like larger heavier knives (which this is not) but the aluminum handle gives it just a little more heft that I think it needs. It’s a good looking knife too.
Well, I bought the 535BK-2 and a 535BK-4 February 5th ALL 4 doings broke!! I have all of my receipts!!! I love my Bugout I literally just got my 535BK-4 back today from UPS and it feels brand new 👍🏽 I’ve watch and talked to benchmade about the best way to open and close the knife so I know what I’m doing. After spending $400 on pocket knives and both set of omega springs broke yes that’s a big problem. I’m still a big fan of benchmade but for this price point I shouldn’t have to mail off my brand new knifes so soon after buying them.
I just got my 535BK-4 back from benchmade and they replaced both omega springs and made it sharp AF!! Cleaned and oiled it like brand new for free. It sucks being without it a few weeks but it feels brand new. Their warranty covers u for life as long as you don’t take apart the knife 🤷🏽♂️
Thanks a lot for this review. I'm planning buy this knife because love the looks and the quality. What I don't understand - you say "this knife is good for food prep" etc. Others say something similar. Why on earth would someone buy a knife for around $200 and use it for food prep or cutting paper only. I can do this with a Victorinox pocket knife for $20.
Most higher end folding knives do what a Victorinox does. The advantage of the higher end knife is that they will cut faster, hold an edge longer, deploy faster and one handed, close faster and one handed, lock the knife etc. I am not saying that food prep or cardboard is the purpose for which the knife was intended, I am just saying that it is a use at which this one excels. Its is difficult to state on a video all the possible uses for a knife since it is one of the most versatile tools out there, my intent is that you might extrapolate from my review to you own uses. But if you have a specific intent I would be glad to answer if I believe this is a good knife for that use and help you make a good decision
I use my knives to cut food all the time rather than a ridiculous plastic fast food knife! 😂 why carry a knife if you don’t use it to cut things with it, especially food being the number one item people grab a knife for daily.
Every "knife guy" has different wants in a knife. But some features are MUSt HAVES for a "good knife". I think the Bugout gets enough right. the -4 (and -3) was a great idea. Odd they only offer it in one scale colour. How hard could it have been to use some of their other colours as well in the Benchmade pallete? e.g. Benchmade OD green, organge, blue... One thing Benchmade hasn't offered though for the Bugout is partial and fully serrated blades. There IS a market for them. Some believe in them heavily others do not. Why not offer it? They have the Presidio 2 with partial serrations.... How about offering an Alu/S30V versin?? :) Not everyone "needs" S90V :) Only "enthusiasts" :)
The Bugout has so many aftermarket choices that I wish they just did a the basic g10 version in a bunch of different steels, that way I could just choose my steel and then go build it with aftermarket scales. What I really dont get is how they have not made it one of their customizable knives directly on their site. They would print money IMO
@@KnivesoftheRoundTable Thag would work if everyone buying a BUgout intends to modfiy. But not everyone will....which is why they're offering the -3 and -4. Which I think is a good idea. If anything offer one more option a "G10/s35v" version for those not wanting to spend the money to buy a -3 or -4. Kind of surprised Benchmade hasn't setup a custom order option for the Bugout yet (only for the Griptilian?).....allow us to choose the colour of scales, choose from 3 blade steels, a few blade shapes (I like sheeps foot and tanto)....different colour hardware (e.g. red, blue, green...for the barrel spacers, liners, back spacers...etc.)... But all in all I think Benchmade understands the market the best....and offers good blade choices and geometry (e.g. have sharpening choils and no recassa/nub as on Spyderco's).
I went to check out both today and picked up the 535-4 cause it felt better in the hands. The axis lock also feels like it pops out farther so it’s easier to grip it. Really wanted the 535-3 but couldn’t get myself to purchase it after I handled both.
Love benchmade, love this bugout, highly recommended!
It has to be one of the best versions available
@@KnivesoftheRoundTable At this price, I like the Standard Version + Aramis Veyron scales better. The machining is better and the CF quality is amazing.
@@KnivesoftheRoundTable Definitely! I would also rank the carbon fiber model with the blue accents on par with it.
Very nice review! I obtained this Benchmade bugout a few days ago. Very satisfied with it.
I think its an awesome version of a very carry-friendly knife. Glad you enjoyed it!
I bought a Bugout. Despite its price, it is nothing fancy, which I like. When I got it, I was disappointed in the grivory scales. They flexed enough I thought they would be fragile. So far, no problem. I recently watched a vid by Dutch Bushcraft Knives where they split wood by batoning a Bugout. It survived. I’ll no longer worry about handle fragility on this knife.
And you could always get aftermarket scales. They are plentiful for the Bugout
I just got mine and this knife grows on you. At first I was really disappointed on how dull the knife was it was the most dullest knife I have ever bought so I spent and hour reshaping the blade and making it stupid sharp. but the more I play with the knife the more I love it
I havent sharpened mine, it had an acceptable edge but I bet it will be much better once I put a mirror edge on it!
In my opinion, the bugout and Benchmade in general, have two problems : 1) price, 2) grivory (crappory) handles which you want to change immediately for G10, micarta, titanium, whatever.
So considering you have to change the scales of the basic model anyway, this M390/Aluminium version is actually quite "well" priced for a Benchmade. Almost the same than an Osborne with aluminium scales.
I have a customized mini bugout with G10 scales in my pocket since a very long time and it's my favorite knife (with the Kizer Dropbear). I just pulled the trigger on his aluminium big brother and I'm sure I won't be disappointed.
Some reviewers put this knife in ridiculous situations like bushcraft , it's non sense since it's absolutely not the goal of this tool.
Nice smart review :)
Fully agree and very glad you enjoyed the review. Right tool for the right job. This is one of my most recommended knives for sure
Absolutely Love this blade , I’ve been wanting one really badly . Sweet video
Its my favorite stock version of the knife. the CF S90V is a close second, but this was my choice!
Great video! I think this is the best version of the bugout. I generally like larger heavier knives (which this is not) but the aluminum handle gives it just a little more heft that I think it needs. It’s a good looking knife too.
Fully agree with you, I am also someone who like heavier knives and this is one of the heavier versions!
Well, I bought the 535BK-2 and a 535BK-4 February 5th ALL 4 doings broke!! I have all of my receipts!!! I love my Bugout I literally just got my 535BK-4 back today from UPS and it feels brand new 👍🏽 I’ve watch and talked to benchmade about the best way to open and close the knife so I know what I’m doing. After spending $400 on pocket knives and both set of omega springs broke yes that’s a big problem. I’m still a big fan of benchmade but for this price point I shouldn’t have to mail off my brand new knifes so soon after buying them.
Thats insane! Ive had many Benchmades with no problems, glad they were able to make it right for you!
Yea you doing something wrong lol
Liked your review. I love this Bugout. But I still can’t get my PM2’s out of my pocket.
The PM2 is an outstanding tool, I can't blame you. The ergonomics of the PM2 are just better if you cut a great deal.
Off brand omega springs on etsy are cheap and easy to swap in. I've never broken a BM spring but I'm ready if it happens. No big deal.
Agree 100%
I just got my 535BK-4 back from benchmade and they replaced both omega springs and made it sharp AF!! Cleaned and oiled it like brand new for free. It sucks being without it a few weeks but it feels brand new. Their warranty covers u for life as long as you don’t take apart the knife 🤷🏽♂️
Great quality video
Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome review! Keep it up. I just ordered this knife
Thank you so much for the kind words, glad you liked it. Its one of my post recommended knives for sure!
Solid review of a solid knife. 👍
Very solid knife. If you like stouter knives the Mini Adamas is my current Benchmade favorite.
@@KnivesoftheRoundTable Not tried the Mini, but the Full size is one of my favourites and fits my hands perfectly. 👍
Thanks a lot for this review. I'm planning buy this knife because love the looks and the quality. What I don't understand - you say "this knife is good for food prep" etc. Others say something similar. Why on earth would someone buy a knife for around $200 and use it for food prep or cutting paper only. I can do this with a Victorinox pocket knife for $20.
Most higher end folding knives do what a Victorinox does. The advantage of the higher end knife is that they will cut faster, hold an edge longer, deploy faster and one handed, close faster and one handed, lock the knife etc. I am not saying that food prep or cardboard is the purpose for which the knife was intended, I am just saying that it is a use at which this one excels.
Its is difficult to state on a video all the possible uses for a knife since it is one of the most versatile tools out there, my intent is that you might extrapolate from my review to you own uses.
But if you have a specific intent I would be glad to answer if I believe this is a good knife for that use and help you make a good decision
I use my knives to cut food all the time rather than a ridiculous plastic fast food knife! 😂 why carry a knife if you don’t use it to cut things with it, especially food being the number one item people grab a knife for daily.
Thanks for sharing 👍🏼 😊
Glad you liked it, thank you for watching!
Anyone feel like the scales are super soft. Fell from 2 feet to concrete and dented my scales in 4 places
I have not noticed that. Sorry to hear about your knife
It's aluminum. Aluminum isn't hard at all.
@@Puddspanker yep same thing happens with the osborne, but it's a tool and I don't mind the wear
Every "knife guy" has different wants in a knife. But some features are MUSt HAVES for a "good knife". I think the Bugout gets enough right. the -4 (and -3) was a great idea. Odd they only offer it in one scale colour. How hard could it have been to use some of their other colours as well in the Benchmade pallete? e.g. Benchmade OD green, organge, blue...
One thing Benchmade hasn't offered though for the Bugout is partial and fully serrated blades. There IS a market for them. Some believe in them heavily others do not. Why not offer it? They have the Presidio 2 with partial serrations....
How about offering an Alu/S30V versin?? :) Not everyone "needs" S90V :) Only "enthusiasts" :)
The Bugout has so many aftermarket choices that I wish they just did a the basic g10 version in a bunch of different steels, that way I could just choose my steel and then go build it with aftermarket scales. What I really dont get is how they have not made it one of their customizable knives directly on their site. They would print money IMO
@@KnivesoftheRoundTable Thag would work if everyone buying a BUgout intends to modfiy. But not everyone will....which is why they're offering the -3 and -4. Which I think is a good idea. If anything offer one more option a "G10/s35v" version for those not wanting to spend the money to buy a -3 or -4.
Kind of surprised Benchmade hasn't setup a custom order option for the Bugout yet (only for the Griptilian?).....allow us to choose the colour of scales, choose from 3 blade steels, a few blade shapes (I like sheeps foot and tanto)....different colour hardware (e.g. red, blue, green...for the barrel spacers, liners, back spacers...etc.)...
But all in all I think Benchmade understands the market the best....and offers good blade choices and geometry (e.g. have sharpening choils and no recassa/nub as on Spyderco's).
Thats what I was talking about, when they get their customization tool working for a Bugout they will do very well indeed
Funny, posted a complete experience with this knife. RUclips deleted it.
Thats not good, hope you can repost it.
So do you love it sir?
I think its a good knife and great for EDC. In the Benchmade lineup I like the Mini Adamas better.
@@KnivesoftheRoundTable thnx man, i will look up on the suggestion
@@Amirul_Zahin I have a video on many Benchmades, one on top knives and I also have a review of the Mini Adamas if you want to check ir out
@@KnivesoftheRoundTable will do sir, thanx for ur feedback.
I LOVE mine!!!!! Course I love my dash 3 also!!!! Highly recommend this bugout, absolutely love it!
This vs 535-3
Very tough call. Better edge retention on S90v, but better balance on M390. CF is lighter than the aluminum. Finally color is a preference
@@KnivesoftheRoundTable okay thanks
I went to check out both today and picked up the 535-4 cause it felt better in the hands. The axis lock also feels like it pops out farther so it’s easier to grip it. Really wanted the 535-3 but couldn’t get myself to purchase it after I handled both.