Benchmade Bugout 535 Pocket Knife Evaluation

Backside Line

The Benchmade Bugout 535 is an ultralight pocket knife designed for out of doors adventurers who worth performance and portability. Weighing in at simply 1.9 ounces, it combines a full-sized blade with a compact, easy-to-carry design. Its edge retention and ambidextrous lock mechanism make it a dependable and versatile software for on a regular basis duties and light-weight out of doors use.

On the draw back, its light-weight building might not face up to extra demanding circumstances, limiting its purposes. Nevertheless, the Bugout provides glorious worth for these in search of a flexible, long-term answer for backpacking or journey journey. Whereas it comes with a better price ticket, its high quality and sturdiness make it a worthy funding. For extra insights on top-performing knives, take a look at our information to the most effective pocket knives.

Construct High quality

The Benchmade Bugout 535 is an ultralight knife with a drop-point blade comprised of CPM-S30V chrome steel. This materials offers ample edge retention, resistance to corrosion, and performs properly, even after prolonged use. Throughout testing, we discovered the hinges and locking mechanism to be safe and function easily. 

Whereas the construct high quality shines in lots of points, the Bugout’s light-weight nature raises some issues for longevity. The deal with scales, primarily fabricated from plastic, can flex throughout use, which could undermine its sturdiness. Plus, there isn’t a metallic body, which makes it mild however might impression long-term sturdiness. It’s a superb selection for these prioritizing efficiency in an ultralight bundle, however customers in search of a knife for heavy-duty duties might need to contemplate options.

Blade Retention & Stability

The Benchmade Bugout 535 has a singular blade geometry, making a secure, clear lower with a mild tapered edge. We utilized various strain throughout our exams to test for wobbling or motion, and the Bugout remained regular all through. Though the blade is thinner than different Benchmade fashions to avoid wasting weight, this compromise didn’t impression efficiency throughout delicate and reasonable cuts.

The light-weight blade design falters some underneath extra strain and when used in opposition to firmer supplies. The sunshine weight does improve the knife’s agility with out sacrificing chopping functionality. Benchmade’s “LifeSharp” program additionally makes it straightforward to keep up a manufacturing facility edge, making this knife a long-term funding and maybe extra well worth the value level.

Ergonomics & Grip

We evaluated the Benchmade Bugout 535 utilizing varied dealing with strategies, together with common, reverse, and pinch grips. The deal with design feels well-balanced, is straightforward to regulate, and has an agile really feel because of the mild weight of the knife. The textured Grivory deal with offers a safe grip, minimizing the chance of slips or accidents, however it does flex some underneath increased pressures.

The deal with size and depth work tremendous for many customers, however the width is barely thinner. Customers with bigger palms might desire a thicker deal with with much less flex, however this design selection prioritizes weight and portability, which is usually a trade-off for these needing a extra substantial really feel. However, the Bugout’s deal with nonetheless helps totally different hand sizes and is snug total.

Corrosion Resistance

The Benchmade Bugout 535 blade is comprised of high-quality S30V metal with pure corrosion resistance as a result of its excessive chromium content material. Containing round 14% chromium, this metal prevents rust and is appropriate for environments the place publicity to moisture is a priority. The deal with, composed of a sturdy nylon/polymer mix, additional contributes to the knife’s resilience in opposition to the weather. Bear in mind to maintain up with upkeep to stop rusting. In contrast to another Bugout fashions, the unique 535 has no coated end to boost the pure corrosion resistance of the metal supplies.

Locking Mechanism

The Benchmade Bugout 535 options an Axis lock system, offering an ambidextrous design. This locking mechanism is easy, and simple to open one-handed. That is particularly advantageous in out of doors situations the place fast entry to the blade is perhaps vital.

We discovered that even the knife was moist the Axis lock carried out reliably, however due to the lock’s form, maintain the lock space clear for finest efficiency. In comparison with conventional liner or body locks, the Axis lock is extra accessible and user-friendly. It accommodates varied grip types and is straightforward to function, even sporting skinny gloves.

Weight

The Benchmade Bugout 535 weighs 1.9 ounces, and the light-weight design makes it extremely transportable, appropriate for ultralight carry. The thinned-down deal with profile additionally contributes to its packability and occupies minimal area in pockets or luggage.The design features a deep carry pocket clip, maintaining the knife virtually wholly obscured. 

The Bugout strikes a powerful stability between light-weight and sustaining performance, which is usually difficult for full-size knives. Whereas some options could also be smaller or lighter, they usually compromise usability and efficiency. The Bugout, nonetheless, is probably going extra snug to make use of and maintain than some smaller choices.

Ought to You Purchase the Benchmade Bugout 535?

The Benchmade Bugout 535 is a light-weight, dependable pocket knife for on a regular basis carry, mild out of doors use, and even as a backup knife. Its construct high quality, blade retention, and ergonomic design swimsuit journey vacationers, hikers, or anybody who needs a sturdy but transportable software. This knife is a specialised piece of substances that comes at a premium value.

And whereas it excels in ultralight adventuring, sturdiness, and longevity might not match these of heavier-duty knives designed for skilled or commerce use. When you’re participating in heavy-duty work, you may discover higher worth in a extra sturdy choice. That stated, for customers who profit from ultralight tools and search a reliable knife for informal adventures, the Benchmade Bugout 535 is a superb funding that gained’t disappoint.

What Different Pocket Knives Ought to You Take into account?

Kershaw Leek Evaluation: The Kershaw Leek is a superb selection in case you’re on the lookout for a barely sturdier different to the Bugout. Weighing three ounces, it encompasses a razor-sharp 3-inch blade fabricated from high-performance metal. The assisted opening mechanism permits for fast deployment, and whereas the compact design makes it straightforward to hold, it’s over one ounce heavier than the Bugout. Regardless of the extra weight, the Leek additionally isn’t ideally suited for heavy-duty or skilled purposes because of the blade tip and width.

Opinel No. 8 Evaluation: For budget-conscious consumers, the Opinel No. 8 provides exceptional worth. At only one.5 ounces, this light-weight knife encompasses a easy but efficient design. It’s well-suited for light-duty duties like meals preparation and tenting, however the locking mechanism may be exhausting to maintain clear. Though it lacks a pocket clip and has a slower opening mechanism, its ergonomic deal with and inexpensive value make it a superb choice for individuals who want a dependable software with out breaking the financial institution.

Spyderco Para Army 2 Evaluation: When you search a premium knife that gives distinctive efficiency, the Spyderco Para Army 2 is value contemplating. Whereas it weighs barely extra at 3.9 ounces, its blade is designed for heavy-duty use, offering excellent edge retention and chopping energy. The ergonomic deal with ensures a safe grip, making it appropriate for extra demanding duties. Though it might not be as compact because the Bugout, its sturdy design and flexibility make it a stable selection for individuals who require a high-performance knife in rugged circumstances.