Benchmade 535 Bugout Review (2024)

Benchmade brands the Bugout as “[…] designed for the modern outdoor adventurer.” We don't normally cite catalog copy, but we couldn't agree more with their phrasing. For self-propelled, wild travels, the Benchmade Bugout is arguably the best pocket knife we have tested. It is light and relatively compact, especially considering that it has a full-size blade, full-function usefulness, and carrying options. At the weight (1.9 oz), you won't find a sturdier and more functional pocket knife. That weight is low enough to carry on 'most any adventure, and the function of the Bugout will not let you down. If you're looking for a knife that is a long-term solution to your backcountry needs, this is the best you can get.

Editor's Note: We recently retested the 535 Bugout to confirm its award status and updated this review on November 18, 2023, to include some additional media to highlight key design points.

The Bugout is a full-sized knife that is made as light and thin as possible. In this way, it stands out. It has basically all the performance and usability attributes of a full-size, day-to-day tool, but it weighs less (much less) than other close competitors. For outdoor adventures, the Bugout is the best knife companion we know of. You can find slightly lighter knives, but they will greatly compromise size or utility (or both) compared to the Bugout.

If you need a knife for adventure travel, backpacking, mountain pursuits, and any other human-powered endeavors, this is your best choice. This will also suffice if you want something low-profile and light for day-to-day use. Something sturdier and bulkier will be better, but not by much. Be just a tiny bit cautious about using the Bugout in the most rigorous knife tasks; its handle isn't as strong as other options available.

Performance Comparison

Blade and Edge Integrity

Benchmade is known for great blades, especially compared to other widely available options. The deep, gently tapered blade of the Bugout is familiar. We've long tested and enjoyed Benchmade knives. The geometry and faceting of the Bugout are reminiscent of others we've used.

Overall the blade is similar in length and depth to others we like, but the Bugout blade, to save both weight and bulk, is thinner than other top-scoring Benchmade blades. We noticed little to no disadvantage of this compromise. The S30V steel employed in the Bugout is great. We had no problems with it. We've used the same steel in other knives long-term and found it to hold an edge there too. We especially like that Benchmade will return a factory edge to your knife with their “LifeSharp” program. You'll sharpen your knife at home from time to time, but periodic factory service will certainly enhance your knife's usability. Benchmade makes this easy and affordable.

Ergonomics

Use of your knife is informed by mechanical attributes like deployment and lock characteristics, as well as by geometry and size. In terms of usability, there is an ideal size for a pocket knife. Of course, portability factors in as well; smaller is always better for portability. We want the handle of a knife we'll use for heavy and extended purposes to fill a gently closed fist. We want that handle to be rounded but not entirely round. We want it to be textured but not sharp. We also, of course, want deployment and locking/unlocking to work smoothly and intuitively.

The ambidextrous, thumb-stud deployment of the Bugout blade is great. It is our preferred type of blade deployment. In day-to-day use and pocket carry, we prefer that the blade's thumb stud deployment be assisted by spring action. The Bugout does not have an opening assist. An assisted opening can become a liability for human-powered adventuring, where your knife will get carried in various bags and configurations. You don't want your knife to open itself in any situation. That is unlikely in your pocket. It is more likely if the knife is jostling around in a bag or container. This non-assisted, standard opening mechanism was one of the key considerations that landed this knife among our favorite tools to carry along when off adventuring.

The proprietary “Axis lock” of most Benchmade knives (including the Bugout) is definitely our favorite lock method. It is ambidextrous, doable with thin gloves and a reasonable proposition with just one hand. Liner lock and frame lock options (as found on basically all other modern pocket knives) are not as slick and convenient as Benchmade's Axis lock.

Finally, let us comment on the geometrical ergonomics of the Bugout. The length and depth of the handle are just about optimal, while the width is a little thinner than ideal. The Bugout compromises ergonomics for weight and packability, but we're ok with that in this context. You, too, will wish for slightly more rounded bulk in your hand for the heaviest and longest of tasks.

Portability

For a full-size, full-function pocket knife, the Bugout is very light. The thinned-down handle profile also enhances packability. We have a hard time imagining a lighter knife that packs in all the durability, usability, and function of the Bugout.

You can get knives that are smaller and/or lighter, but they won't work nearly as well as the Bugout. We like the short, simple pocket clip that can be configured for either left- or right-side carry. The pocket clip geometry allows the knife to sit deep in your pocket, almost completely obscured. Others stick up more when pocket-clipped.

Construction Quality

Across the board, first impressions of the construction quality of the Benchmade were mixed. The hinges and mechanisms are clearly well-done. However, the low weight does not immediately inspire confidence. You expect more mass in a knife of this size. For that reason, you might not fully trust it when you first pick it up.

Those first impressions are unfounded. Yes, the handle scales are almost entirely plastic, and you can see/feel them flex in use. There is no metal frame inside the knife, as with other options. The hinge, lock, and deployment mechanisms are greatly “stripped down” to save grams and fractions of grams. You won't be hammering on this knife in chisel fashion. While few pocket knives may hold up to this sort of use, this one definitely won't. Nonetheless, it is sturdy enough. It is sturdy enough for day-to-day use and extended wilderness applications.

Should You Buy the Benchmade 535 Bugout?

For self-propelled adventuring, this is the best of the pocket knives we tested. But this is not an inexpensive knife – it is a specialized tool. Think of it as you think of other ultralight adventure equipment; durability and value are not the goals of selecting something in the ultralight category. If you use it in the trades or for professional-level wilderness travel, you'll get your money's worth before it fully degrades, but another, heavy-duty option may offer better longevity.

What Other Pocket Knives Should You Consider?

We are happy with the high performance of the Benchmade 535 Bugout as an outdoor-specialized, ultralight, full-function pocket knife. But for the money, especially if you use it in “normal” day-to-day life, the blade integrity and durability of the Benchmade Mini-Barrage 585 holds a slight edge over the Bugout. Alternatively, the similarly expensive but heavier-duty Kershaw Link may present a better value in the long run. These knives are expensive tools, so if you are looking for something a bit more affordable, consider the price-point value that the Kershaw Leek offers.