Benchmade's Most Tone Deaf Move Yet. Is it Worth it?

Published on March 30, 2023
Duration: 12:01

This video critically examines the Benchmade Bugout's value proposition in 2023, highlighting its significant price increase since its 2017 release. The speaker argues that despite its popularity and lightweight design, the 'Benchmade tax' inflates the price beyond what its materials and features justify, especially when compared to competitors whose prices have decreased. Recommendations include seeking the Bugout on the used market or considering alternatives like the Spyderco Para 3.

Quick Summary

The Benchmade Bugout's price has significantly increased from its 2017 MSRP of $135 to $180+ today, a phenomenon dubbed the 'Benchmade tax.' This rise is driven by its popularity, while competitors from the same year have seen price drops. Despite its lightweight S30V blade and extensive customization options, the Bugout's plastic scales and construction limit its suitability for heavy outdoor use, making the used market or alternatives like the Spyderco Para 3 more attractive options for value-conscious buyers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 2017 Knife Releases
  2. 01:15Benchmade Bugout's Initial Impact
  3. 02:01Bugout Price vs. Competitors Today
  4. 02:49The 'Benchmade Tax' Explained
  5. 04:15Bugout Materials and Features
  6. 05:01Bugout's Limitations for Heavy Use
  7. 06:05Benchmade Price Creep Trend
  8. 06:23Bugout Aftermarket and Customization
  9. 07:07When to Upgrade Your EDC Knife
  10. 08:10Recommendations for Buying a Bugout
  11. 09:30Bugout's Non-Aggressive Design
  12. 10:21Personal Bugout Ownership & Discounts
  13. 11:06Alternatives to the Bugout
  14. 11:52Final Verdict on the Bugout

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has the Benchmade Bugout's price increased so much since 2017?

The Benchmade Bugout, initially priced at $135 in 2017, now starts at $180 due to what the speaker calls the 'Benchmade tax.' This increase is attributed to its immense popularity, leading Benchmade to raise the price rather than competitors whose prices have generally fallen.

Is the Benchmade Bugout suitable for heavy outdoor use?

Despite its name, the Benchmade Bugout is not designed for heavy outdoor or survival situations. While it's lightweight and targets outdoorsmen, its plastic scales and construction make it unsuitable for tasks like chopping wood or rigorous survival scenarios.

What are the main advantages of the Benchmade Bugout?

The Benchmade Bugout is praised for its extremely lightweight design (1.85 ounces), S30V steel blade, non-aggressive appearance suitable for various social settings, and extensive aftermarket support for customization. Benchmade also offers a lifetime warranty and free sharpening service.

What are good alternatives to the Benchmade Bugout if the price is too high?

If the Benchmade Bugout's current price of $180+ is a concern, the Spyderco Para 3 is recommended as a strong alternative, offering comparable EDC capabilities with a potentially better grind and slicing performance. The Kaiser Feist is also mentioned as a significantly cheaper option.

Where can I find a Benchmade Bugout for a better price?

To avoid the inflated MSRP, it's recommended to look for the Benchmade Bugout on the used market through sites like Knifessell.com or eBay. Accessing veteran-affiliated discount programs can also allow purchasing at or below the original MSRP.

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