I Was WRONG About The Benchmade Bugout - 6 Year Later Review

Published on November 29, 2023
Duration: 18:35

After six years, the Benchmade Bugout remains a lightweight EDC favorite, but its value is diminished by a significant price increase. While excellent for urban tasks like opening boxes, its thin profile and Grivory handles are less suited for extended outdoor use or heavy-duty tasks. Potential issues include Omega spring failures and dirt ingress into the Axis lock mechanism.

Quick Summary

After 6 years, the Benchmade Bugout excels as a lightweight urban EDC knife but is now overpriced at $180. Its thin profile limits heavy outdoor use, and Grivory handles can feel cheap. Look for sales under $140 for better value.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & History
  2. 01:09Original Bugout Specs
  3. 01:48Steel Performance (S30V)
  4. 02:41Bugout Variations (Mini, Aluminum, Carbon Fiber)
  5. 04:03Comparison with Other Knives
  6. 06:14Pros and Cons
  7. 07:56Price and Value Analysis
  8. 08:55Outdoor & Hunting Use Limitations
  9. 10:38Tactical Limitations (Gloves)
  10. 11:22Final Verdict & Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main pros and cons of the Benchmade Bugout after 6 years of use?

Pros include its extremely lightweight design (1.85 oz) and compact size, making it easy to carry anywhere. Cons involve potential Omega spring failures, dirt easily entering the Axis lock hardware in outdoor settings, and the Grivory handles feeling less premium.

Is the Benchmade Bugout suitable for heavy outdoor tasks?

No, the Bugout is not ideal for extended outdoor tasks like processing wood or game. Its thin profile can cause hand discomfort during prolonged use, making it better suited for lighter EDC tasks like opening packages or cutting zip ties.

How has the price of the Benchmade Bugout changed over the years?

The MSRP for the Benchmade Bugout has significantly increased, rising from around $115-135 upon release to approximately $180. This price hike makes it less competitive compared to similar knives from brands like Spyderco and CRKT.

What blade steels are available for different Benchmade Bugout variations?

The original Bugout uses CPM-S30V steel. Variations include the Mini Bugout, aluminum-scaled models with M390 steel, and carbon fiber-scaled versions featuring S90V steel, offering different performance characteristics.

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