Benchmade Bugout 535 Pocket Knife Assessment

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 development could not face up to extra demanding situations, 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 the next 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 one of the best pocket knives.

Construct High quality

The Benchmade Bugout 535 is an ultralight knife with a drop-point blade produced from CPM-S30V stainless-steel. This materials supplies ample edge retention, resistance to corrosion, and performs nicely, 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 elements, the Bugout’s light-weight nature raises some considerations for longevity. The deal with scales, primarily made from plastic, can flex throughout use, which could undermine its sturdiness. Plus, there isn’t a steel body, which makes it mild however could affect long-term sturdiness. It’s a superb alternative for these prioritizing efficiency in an ultralight bundle, however customers in search of a knife for heavy-duty duties could wish to think about alternate options.

Blade Retention & Stability

The Benchmade Bugout 535 has a novel blade geometry, making a secure, clear minimize with a delicate tapered edge. We utilized various strain throughout our exams to verify for wobbling or motion, and the Bugout remained regular all through. Though the blade is thinner than different Benchmade fashions to save lots of weight, this compromise didn’t affect efficiency throughout delicate and reasonable cuts.

The light-weight blade design falters some below extra strain and when used towards firmer supplies. The sunshine weight does improve the knife’s agility with out sacrificing chopping functionality. Benchmade’s “LifeSharp” program additionally makes it simple to take care of a manufacturing facility edge, making this knife a long-term funding and maybe extra definitely worth the value level.

Ergonomics & Grip

We evaluated the Benchmade Bugout 535 utilizing numerous dealing with strategies, together with common, reverse, and pinch grips. The deal with design feels well-balanced, is simple to regulate, and has an agile really feel as a result of mild weight of the knife. The textured Grivory deal with supplies a safe grip, minimizing the chance of slips or accidents, nevertheless it does flex some below larger pressures.

The deal with size and depth work tremendous for many customers, however the width is barely thinner. Customers with bigger arms could desire a thicker deal with with much less flex, however this design alternative 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 general.

Corrosion Resistance

The Benchmade Bugout 535 blade is produced from high-quality S30V metal with pure corrosion resistance on account 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 towards the weather. Keep in mind to maintain up with upkeep to stop rusting. Not like another Bugout fashions, the unique 535 has no coated end to reinforce 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 clean, and straightforward to open one-handed. That is particularly advantageous in out of doors situations the place fast entry to the blade is likely to be vital.

We discovered that even the knife was moist the Axis lock carried out reliably, however due to the lock’s form, hold 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 numerous grip types and is simple to function, even carrying 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, holding the knife virtually wholly obscured. 

The Bugout strikes a formidable stability between light-weight and sustaining performance, which is commonly difficult for full-size knives. Whereas some alternate options could also be smaller or lighter, they usually compromise usability and efficiency. The Bugout, nevertheless, 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 desires a sturdy but transportable software. This knife is a specialised piece of drugs that comes at a premium value.

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

What Different Pocket Knives Ought to You Contemplate?

Kershaw Leek Assessment: The Kershaw Leek is a wonderful alternative when you’re in search of a barely sturdier various to the Bugout. Weighing three ounces, it includes a razor-sharp 3-inch blade made from high-performance metal. The assisted opening mechanism permits for fast deployment, and whereas the compact design makes it simple to hold, it’s over one ounce heavier than the Bugout. Regardless of the extra weight, the Leek additionally isn’t perfect for heavy-duty or skilled purposes as a result of blade tip and width.

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

Spyderco Para Army 2 Assessment: Should 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 alternative for many who require a high-performance knife in rugged situations.