Beat the Icon: Benchmade Bugout vs. Alternatives
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- Опубликовано: 13 июн 2024
- Is the Benchmade 535 Bugout as good as it gets? We take a look at some challengers here: kcoti.com/3Qx3bNn
There is a reason this knife tops many lists of the best EDC pocket knives around. First billed as ideal for ultralight hikers, the Bugout soon found itself in many pockets thanks to its thin blade, deep carry pocket clip and lightweight nature.
Featured Knives
0:00 Benchmade Bugout, Mini Bugout, Bailout and More: kcoti.com/3BUPMuq
7:52 Bugout Accessories from Flytanium, MetonBoss, and Berkshire Forge: kcoti.com/3JWDK5X
9:57 Hogue Deka: kcoti.com/3QxRAh6
12:20 SOG Terminus XR: kcoti.com/3zGWDoB
15:04 Kizer HIC-CUP: kcoti.com/3diknbc
16:56 CIVIVI Altus: kcoti.com/3vRuNVw
18:25 WE Banter: kcoti.com/3dirMXX
20:18 Spyderco Para 3: kcoti.com/3SChRMS
21:55 Spyderco Sage 5: kcoti.com/3p97t1U
23:23 Demko AD20.5: kcoti.com/3zGQSal
26:00 Sandrin Monza: kcoti.com/3vQ09f2
28:12 Acta Non Verba A100 and A200: kcoti.com/3zEuE90
31:04 Real Steel Huginn: kcoti.com/3pc7stK
Coming Soon - SOG Altair XR: kcoti.com/3p6w873
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I just bought a blue Bugout as an Eagle Scout award for my best friend’s son. It’s a classic!
Excellent gift and very considerate of you.
Truly excellent video, DCA! Very thoughtful analysis of what makes the Bugout compelling and provides lots of other knifes that highlight each aspect for people to consider.
Also so grateful to the other comments giving their EDC all time favorites.
I was skeptical when I got my Bugout, but it grew on me. Lightweight, good blade, Axis Lock. Near perfect EDC.
My favorite EDC is the Bugout. Been my preferred EDC for the past couple years. Even over my Spydiechef. I couldn't believe it.
Spyderco Sage 5 LW is the only knife I generally carry. Love it.
I love my Sage 5 Lightweight also!! Killer knife!
Thanks for another great video.. Excellent presentation, descriptions, commentary and camerawork.. Appreciate it..
I love my original bugout but that titanium lock bar will eventually get really gritty when the coating wears off so mine "evolved" with a steel lock bar from etsy and arctic storm carbon fiber scales. I love my bugout even more now and it's more reliable.
Benchmade mailed me a new axis bar when I emailed them
The Kizer Hic Cup is an awesome EDC knife! I have been wearing it for more than 6 months in my daily rotation and it is super convenient to use, works awesome in terms of opening, locking, etc. It is not that heavy of a knife as well and for a "more budget" edc option - it is a great great blade!
Speaking of SOG’s Terminus XR, I’m surprised you didn’t mention the SOG Ultra XR! It’s ultra lightweight, ultra thin and discrete, and still gives a good sized S35vn blade. When set up / tuned properly, a very fidgety, light, and formidable contender to the Bugout series. Also works as a money clip (not as scary to non-knife people when folded).
Love-em all! Thanks David.
I always enjoy your videos. You continue to get better and better. I have learned a lot through the information you give on your videos. I was wondering why the Gerber Sedulo was not in the comparisons. The Acta was great add didn’t think about that one. Great job DCA!
Thanks for the kind words Scott! As for the Sedulo, it is much more Griptilian in nature than it is Bugout. I'm planning on addressing this in this weekends KniFAQ episode. Cheers! -DCA
Thank you for the amazing comparison. It was very interesting, which other knives are closed to the bugout. But the bugout is really my favorite.
The name definitely got me. The first time I held one it felt so small and light. I carried a pm2 at the time so this wasn't something I wanted to take out into the woods. Apparently it's up to the task so it might be my first Benchmade.
Fantastic review as always!!! Love my bugout with the same blue handle. Might get a second custom made one.
Love my Sage 5 LW. Feels like it was made for my hand.
I have a Sage 5 LW also and love it too. It gets a ton of use.
I’m a bigger fan of my deka and carry it waaaay more than I do any of the two bugouts I have. Although I love both knives, the deka is my go to before the bugout. Love that the deka is G 10 and 20cv and almost impossible to feel the weight difference between the deka and the bugout and because the deka has a more firm handle material and blade steel with longer edge retention that’s why the deka wins for me. Great video! Please keep the Tuesday videos coming!
Really love these videos!
Compression lock as a lefty is a piece of cake, love my para 2 and 3
Love the looks of that ANV. Hope they make this knive in a 3 inch version.
Loving that Saloon background music Bro's!👊🤠👍
I bought the mini bugout when they first came out. For me, perfect size for in town and at home use. If I go to the mountains, I have the regular Bugout and numerous fixed blades. I'm not big on the orange scales on the mini but I haven't lost it yet. The scales are growing on me for that reason. My only "problem" with it is that I often have to check to see if I still have the knife!! It is that light. Fortunately, the pocket clip is excellent and the knife stays in the pocket well. It takes a hair popping edge that is easy to maintain. Keeps the edge well. I do hope they start offering scales that are blue, red, or yellow. I grew up using a Case Stockman that had a yellow handle. I'm very partial to yellow knife handles.
Love this series!
super cool, really love the bugout
Nice selection as always, DCA! Personally, not holding "light weight" as a priority in my choice of EDC, I do like a sub-3.5" blade, and prioritize robustness and good scales. Also, I like a handle shape with some finger choil for safety. Not a big fan of thin, "rectangular" handles. Thus, my current choice for a fantastic EDC that meet my criteria is the Off-Grid Viper. It comes in a stonewash or blackwash version, with previously K110 (harder to source) and hence now stout 3.25" Cryo D2 steel "tanto-esque" blade, and nicely textured G10 scales. It also has a "Grid-Lock" liner locking switch, which secures the robust steel liners, and elevates it into the "heavy use" category. Has a nice deep-carry pocket clip. Though not as "slicey" as the Bugout, but still superbly sharp out-of-box, despite a relatively thick, robust blade. I'm fairly sure it can handle somewhat tougher jobs than the Bugout or similar knives. Highly recommended!
Been EDCing the Banter for over a year now, great knife
I absolutely love the bugout, so I guess it makes sense that I have the Bailout and Redoubt as my work knives
The Deka is clearly on of my all time favorites, higher on my list than my (custom) Bugout.
Same here. My deka v2 wharnie is one of, if not the best smaller knife I own.
I agree as well. The Deka is compact, thin, light, fidgety, and has a thin, slicy blade.
@@Madman6505 Have you tried the Hogue Doug Ritter Rsk? It's like the griptilian but better in every way
@@Josef-ck7jd yes I have the mini knifeworks exclusive version with purple-ish handle scales. It is awesome. If someone told me they liked it more then the Deka I wouldn't argue with them.
Im so happy with the more flexible ones. 🤘🤘
I've had the SOG Terminus XR for about a year and I have loved it. Cheap enough to beat it and not worry too much but looks good enough where I can show it off. Action is smooth and lock is super safe. Just sharpening D2 is a pain im the neck.
I have most of these and PM3 Lightweight is my favorite edc
I got the gray dlc one, and first thing I did was swap out those plastic scales for some sweet olive g-10 ones. Now it is an awesome little knife.
A Bugout with titanium Flytanium scales is pretty tough to beat as an EDC. I actually stopped buying knives after carrying it for a while. I just haven't found many other options that measure up to it.
The fact that DCA appreciates the thinner blades... was an instant mountain of respect from me.
Probally not until I was 30... younger me lived thick beefy blades. But for the last 10 or so years I actually cut things with my knives so I kive the thinner full flat type.
And we both have an ongoing affair w the presidio 2. I didn't expect it to be I my pocket for YEARS but it has. Thick enough to survive welding/outdoors. Bushcraft hunting and kitchen... it's like a 308. Not great at anything but does it all a little bit
Really hard to beat the bugout, I carry a bugout and a swiss army compact, the 2 of them do it all for me ,very interesting video
GREAT episode topic. Than you.
Hogue Deka already beat the Bugout IMHO.
My opinion too.
I agree, I love my Deka.
Hogue is not a good company in my opinion
@@vego0991why
@@The_Koolman I have 2 hogue Doug ritters , customer service needs 20 $ a piece to sharpen for free and send back. No bling for their knives , screws, whatever. They just bitches over there. Benchmade is on a plastic kick but my Osborne is my go to. Looking at the bailout.
I am a fan of the Amare fieldbro myself. It is not as light but for me personally I enjoy the reassuring heft.
I’ve got a SRM 9202 and a Bestech Ronan coming. I think they might be contenders “off paper.” The SOG might be favorite on this list. It’s been on my wishlist for a year! Along with several others. I’ll come back and update on that idea.
For very lightweight EDC I find I often have the Bugout in my pocket, but even more often I have a Spyderco Native 5 in one of the more premium steels.
The native is one of my favorites. It fits my hand better than most knives that I've tried... including the Shaman, PM2, and Para 3.
The Native is my daily carry knife!
The Native 5 is my first “high end” pocket knife. My all time favorite
I love my Para 3 Lightweight Spy 27. I've never enjoyed carrying a knife this much. the weight you forget it's in your pocket.
My favorite Bugout, or at least Mini Bugout, alternative is the Spyderco Chaparral LW. Pretty lightweight, fully ambidextrous, and very thin and slicy blade. It doesn't have a finger safe locking mechanism, but the back lock with the finger choil makes it pretty safe to close one handed once you get used to it.
Informative thanks 👍
I pre-ordered the shootout. I've been waiting for an otf that's centered & lightweight with a very strong steel. 💪🇺🇲
Thinking I may have to try one out as well.
I have a SOG terminus XR, it's my only cross bar lock knife, this video makes me want slip it in my pocket next time I leave the house. Pretty sure my mom ordered it from you guys too for my bday last year.
I have a B/O I carry a lot I also carry larger knives most days
CRK Inkosi.Bought the Bugout for
chores didn't want to use Inkosi for.I was surprised how tuff the little Bugout is holds great edge
easy to sharpen.Highly recommend.Have fun enjoy
I've got this great little locking folder by Coast. 2" blade, and thin handle scales make it just the right size to slip into the change pocket on my jeans.
I think the Sage 5 LW is my favorite EDC. The main reason it won me over is the stiffness of the handle. The handles are slim and fit in a pocket very well - but with the full liners you can actually get a serious grip on it. Both the bugout and Para3 LW are so flexy that I would actually pinch my hand when bearing down for wood carving or other heavier work. Love the fidget of the compression lock. I just wish someone made a different color scale. Not a fan of black knives.
I started off carrying the Benchmade mini Reflex auto. Lost it and bought the bug out as a less expensive EDC. Didn't really care for the 6axis lock design but it's grown on me a little and I still use it on work days. I bought a new mini reflex but haven't replaced the bugout.
I've handled a bugout a couple of times, and I wasn't loving the action on the lock. I know Benchmades typically need a bit of a break in period (I've carried a mini and full size Griptillian), but the lock also has a lot of potential for getting gummed up in some work environments. I currently carry a Spyderco Sage 5 LW, and I definitely agree the the POU between the two are very comparable. On top of that the compression lock on the Sage 5 is as smooth as butter out of the box, plus it's not likely to gum up since it's just a leaf spring. Too bad there aren't many interesting steel or color options for it though.
Interestingly, I didn't find the Para 3 LW to be as smooth out of the box. I'm guessing that's either due to the full steel liner of the Sage 5 LW or the new pivot bushings Spyderco is beginning to implement.
I think my dream knife would be a Spyderco Native with a wire clip and compression lock, but I think that won't happen with the Para 3 LW existing.
Opinel #8! You can buy 6 to 7 opinels for the cost of 1 BM Bugout
Don’t forget the Kizer original or the Kizer drop bear that just came out. I feel like both are right up the same alley as my Bugout.
Except Chinese made which IS an issue because of questionable steel authenticity. They have no standards or certifications. Above all though is probably no customer support, definitely no warranty.
Love the drop bear
I have the benchmade bugout and I loved it, until I got my cold steel air lite. The benchmade became less appealing after at half the cost and how well the air lite preformed in bush tasks. For me in Ontario the benchmade runs in at 189 to 207 and the air lite comes it at 101$. Sure it doesn't have the s30v steel but the aus 10a still holds a fine edge well, very easy to sharpen and the tri ad lock back is super strong.
Deka has my vote. Just a great knife.
I have one in black flytanium micarta scales and backspacer. It also has titanium clip and screws. I left the blue thumb stud. I usually only carry microtech because I live next to the factory. I put a bugout in my edc lineup because it weighs nothing and has a razor sharp blade. More of a go to church knife. Everyone that loves knives has to have on in the collection.
Great video as always, now can you please do one "beat the icon" for the BK9 or the CS trailmaster?
Most frequently used knife for so many of us I would guess.
Only thing is that its so easy to lose because of the clip sometimes falls loose and and is super lightweight!
SOG Terminus XR is fantastic. Feels great in the hand. I was hesitant to buy a SOG since my SOG Flash suuuuucked.
I have both the og Bugout and the Sage 5 LW. I still like the weight/size of the Bugout and if I ever lost it there's a good chance I'd replace it with a new one.
I came across the kizer drop bear looks pretty good
I love my bugout. It's in my pocket everyday and no matter how many other knives I've tried they end up collecting dust and I keep going back to my bugout.
Cold Steel Air Lite
Do they make a crossbar lock version of that knife?? Otherwise seems like just another drop point blade, not too similar
Everyone don’t forget the Kizer drop bear.It’s a new release so DCA may not have had it at the time of the video
Opinel No. 08 has the Bugout beat on weight, slicy-ness, and price. Finger safe opening and closing as well since it’s a two hand opener.
I have a Opinel no 8 and absolutely love it and carry it quite often.
So peaceful
Looking for a lightweight “summer” knife I thought about the Bugout earlier this year.
But I got the Spyderco Salt 2 (Delica style LC200N) because the Bugout just doesn’t speak to me. And I have enough knives with a S30v blade.
Also love to go to the beach when it’s warm.
Started with a mini bugout and then got a bunch including the CF and aluminum ones. I love them but I am worried about spring reliability in the long run. I still have and like them but prefer my Para 3 Maxamet these days
Great video DCA and Knifecenter!! Out of the choices, Hogue Deka is the champ. Runner up is WE Banter - thank you
I've wondered between bugout and mini crooked river, chose the latter for my EDC because of the look. Never owned a bugout, has anyone experienced both of them? Does the bugout outperformed at EDC/cardboard cutting? The hype and reputation of bugout make me wonder if I made the wrong choice.
Would the Malibu fit in this category of knives? I've never held a knife with a smoother action and the button lock is awesome. It was around $220 when I got it and I felt lucky to get one when I did. I really wish protech would build a Malibu L w/ a three & a half inch blade. It would never leave my pocket if they did. I haven't had much experience with the bug out because it seems too expensive for what you get but I do love axis locks and thumb studs (the best fidget set up IMHO) and if it's anything like the super freek it must be amazing. I find myself always wanting to look down on the super freek but when I carry it I remember how awesome it is and no matter how much I want the shaman to be better, it's not.
Curious to see this video done today, over a quarter of the way through 2023. I just picked up a Pyrite alt with the thumbhole and reverse tanto blade, but the original pyrite with the thumbstuds and drop point was a very close alternative for the budget people like myself. A bugout is my perfect knife but I can't spend that much currently. Or maybe even a Budget Bugout video after looking for the perfect budget EDC. I wanted a button lock or axis lock, thumbhold for both hands, under 3.5 inch blade and something that looked good, ala the bugout style. Pyrite all day. I also bought a Flissa Axis knife, it has no name. It was 27 bucks and insane for under 30 bucks.
The new Kershaw Heist is the budget Bugout to beat these days as far as I'm concerned. Fantastic knife! -DCA
I own a Benchmade 531. A very comparable knife to the bugout. 154CM steel, gray and black G10 handle. This model has been discontinued for a while now. I think I would look at the Bailout first if I was looking for another Benchmade.
I got the same one. Awesome knife!
i have carried many different style folders in alot of different type of environments i find button deploy styles really fail in dirt or sand not one of my fav great review thank you
Being left handed I really appreciate the Bugout beyond all its other class leading attributes. Lightweight is next as it is my EDC. Hard to beat.
I feel like the CIVIVI Badlands-Vagabond for an extra budget option. Great knife for the price.
I've noticed that my new Tactile Rockwall is very similar to my bugout, bit smaller. Super fidgety.
I like the "cross-bar" lock, but most Benchmade folders have blade geometry that I don't like (looking at the Osbourne). They are also too expensive for what I want from a folder.
Enter the SOG Terminus XR with it's D2 and flipper tab. It's cheap, it's fidgety and I already like SOG knives.
If I had Benchmade money, I'd buy a Deka or AD20.5 .
The ANV looks pretty sweet.
I’d say the Salt 2 and Pacific Salt 2 in FFG LC200N are Spyderco’s most direct competition to the Bugout. IMO. Very light, fully ambidextrous, slicy, easy and safe to operate.
I love the buyout. I got the original, two carbon fiber ones and a blacked out one, I put titanium scales on. They are great knives but a little small for me. I typically carry the supper freak, auto adamas, mini Adam's and a bug out as a second knive.
I'm with you on preferring larger EDCs. My personal favorite is my AD10. It just feels like it can handle anything.
I really do like the Benchmade Bugout, it seems like a great knife, however even with the upgraded steel for the blade I just don't see a $144 knife. Can you help to explain why this knife justifies this price point?
Kizer Drop Bear, and the "Axis" lock is tuneable.
Yes but it is fater and heavier
Great Video...Just bought a red bugout less than 2 weeks ago. Stiff action till I backed out the pivot screw a bit. Best lime slicer for my corona's in my knife line up so far. Have had 2 Sogs, not impressed.
One of my favorite knives that could compete with the bugout would be the cjrb pyrite
Cold Steel Airlite in Aus10 is what I bought instead of a Bugout. Steel isn’t as good, but it’s so sturdy and capable, and at $55 I don’t worry if I lose or damage it. I could see the Bugout if I was backpacking because of its weight but I’d be afraid to use it too hard, whereas I would do light batoning with the Airlite with no worries
I’m surprised not to see a Cold Steel Airlight in this list. Although it does have a more traditional style lock than anything shown here.
Kizer Drop Bear, Real Steel Sacra, Bear Ops Rancor IV, Kershaw Iridium, Vosteed Corsair
love the bugout
The full sized Bugout was my first “nice” edc. I liked it so much that I bought another one and the mini. Nowadays the three versions of the Bugout get a decent amount pocket time in the rotation but I don’t carry them quite as much. When it comes to customization maybe the PM2 is the only other knife that offers more options. The Bugout is a fantastic first “nice” knife imo
Liked the video. Can I suggest another video: Benchmade Altitude vs other fixed blade game knives like the Hogue Extrak.
I have never had to replace omega springs on a single Spyderco I own. But I have that Bugout.
What Spyderco users omega springs?
How strong are the Kizer and Civivi button locks compared to crossbar locks or liner locks?
Surprised you suggested the para and sage, but left out the manix 2 lightweight? *especially with the manix having the "cross bar" like mechanism. Great video though!! Thanks!
The Terminus XR is Great, the ball bearings just make the blade float. GREAT KNIFE for $55. Also the flippers are great too
Does the Tagged Out have a supporting cast of mods available to it? Like the clip point but would love different scales on it…
Speaking as a lefty: “right handed” compression locks on Spyderco knives aren’t a problem for me at all. I prefer them as I get access to all the handle and blade options instead of only chunky black handles
The finish of the Sandrin Monza kills it for me
I have the mini bug out. it's razor sharp and the perfect size for a pocket knife. The only problem is it opens up too easily. I used to carry it in my front pocket and it opened up twice on me when I put my hand in and sliced it. I hope they make a similar knife that does not open as easily.
Bruh.. use lock tight and tighten up the screw. Or try a 940 mini.
You can adjust the pivot screw which controls ease of opening..
I’ve seen the torture tests and the Bugout is no slouch. Despite the slightly flexible handle it takes batoning, carving, hard cutting as well as anything in Benchmade’s lineup. One channel compared it to a knockoff and a couple competitors and it was the “flimsy feeling” Bugout that survived while the other knives broke.
It feels cheapish and thin but if lightweight is what someone wants it’s great in that category. Disappears in the pocket and you don’t even notice your carrying it. As far as the flex I think it’s people making a big deal out of something that’s not much of a issue. I never hear of the scales breaking just people until ally doing it then complaining about the slight flex. The flex could also be why it doesn’t snap.
I carry a bug out along with a sog flash AT , both really good
Wouldn’t the carcass splitter be a good contender?
Still carry my Knifecenter exclusive battlewash bugout. A modern classic.
I’ve been eyeing the full titanium Giantmouse Nazca for a more premium crossbar lock option.
I just got the Nazca as a birthday present. Initially shocked how heavy (4 oz 😂) it is compared to a bugout. But I'm getting used to it.
I love the griptilian 556-1