1st high(ish) end knife

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Floridaman88

Joined
Dec 5, 2019
Messages
6
Hello fellow knife folk,
The most I’ve ever spent on a knife is maybe 35 bucks, and I’ve decided to go for something more substantial and higher end. The bugout seems to get good reviews BUT I also see that it feels “cheap”. I like the knife but I’d really like to get a knife where I can feel the difference in hand. Would you guys say it’s worth it? Am I better off trying it out with the possibility of aftermarket handle or are there good alternatives to it?
Any advice/insight is greatly appreciated!
 
The Bugout will likely feel better in terms of opening and closing actions. That has more to do with the Axis lock than the Bugout itself, but it should be noticeable from a <$35 knife. You may notice its finished a little better than a <$35 knife, but that will depend on whether you have an eye for more subtle differences. Getting aftermarket scales will help a lot with making it feel much higher end. There's also much more flex to the handle the way it comes stock, so aftermarket G-10 or titanium will probably feel more substantial. A comparably priced knife that already comes with G-10 is a Spyderco Paramilitary, but whether the aesthetic appeals to you is a matter of personal taste. The Paramilitary is the knife I've owned the longest and used the most since buying high quality knives. The ergonomics are going to be better for more people than the Bugout.
 
keep in mind what your current knives are like and what you like and dislike about them. the bugout is a very thin and lightweight knife. thin blade, thin scales, and lightweight "plastic" scales. if that's what you want, good, however, if you intend to grip the knife for a long time, it may become uncomfortable and cause hot spots.

there are pros and cons to everything. the thin bade slices nicely, but it wont hold up to hard use. the steel is great, but its much more difficult to sharpen than steels found at and under $35. the list goes on

that's just my $0.02 figure out what you like and decide for yourself, bu looking at what others think can definitely be helpful
 
Bugout is great. I carry one all the time. Probably the best carrying knife I've ever owned.

Some folk blather on about how the "plastic" scales are cheap and you can squeeze them together blah blah blah....

I can't seem to hurt mine. But there's a new version with CF Elite scales that is stiffer than the original. Try that one.
 
Kaizen1 said:
The Bugout will likely feel better in terms of opening and closing actions. That has more to do with the Axis lock than the Bugout itself, but it should be noticeable from a <$35 knife. You may notice its finished a little better than a <$35 knife, but that will depend on whether you have an eye for more subtle differences. Getting aftermarket scales will help a lot with making it feel much higher end. There's also much more flex to the handle the way it comes stock, so aftermarket G-10 or titanium will probably feel more substantial. A comparably priced knife that already comes with G-10 is a Spyderco Paramilitary, but whether the aesthetic appeals to you is a matter of personal taste. The Paramilitary is the knife I've owned the longest and used the most since buying high quality knives. The ergonomics are going to be better for more people than the Bugout.
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Thank you that makes sense, and I have been looking at a para 3 as well, I’m thinking I’ll get one now and one later, I’m just starting out so it’s almost just overwhelming to pick where to start with all the good options.
 
Bugout scales are made from Grivory, a fiberglass reinforced plastic that is very tough, lightweight and resistant to practically anything. Similar to Fiberglas reinforced nylon (Spyderco), these thermoplastics are ideal for knives. Knife designers make the material an integral part of the knife. They can be replaced for aesthetic reasons, but are intended to withstand hard use and are not at all flimsy.
 
Aftermarket scales would give it a more solid “feel”, but keep in mind new injection molded plastics are really tough, it may bend a little, but it wont break, frn and similar handles have great strength, you would feel the difference in 35$ to a 100$
 
Floridaman88 said:
Thank you that makes sense, and I have been looking at a para 3 as well, I’m thinking I’ll get one now and one later, I’m just starting out so it’s almost just overwhelming to pick where to start with all the good options.
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I had a coworker who got into quality knives and I recommended the Para 3. He ended up buying another 6 or so higher quality knives, but couldn't find anything he liked as much as the Para 3. Seemed like he felt like he found his ideal knife early. I highly recommend any of the Military-style knives from Spyderco (Military, Paramilitary 2, Para3). It just depends on what size knife you're looking for and maybe if you want a liner vs a Compression lock. I have all 3 and they are my most used knives for chores at home. That and a Leatherman Wave
 
Also, if you wanna try a knife and it turns out you don't like it, you could resell here on the forums. You will likely lose some money, but I consider it the price of trying out a knife. It's commonplace here to try out countless knives and keep what you like.

If you buy used on the forums, you'll lose less money as they're already often lower than MSRP IF they're not rare variations of popular models, e.g., buying a regular Bugout / Para 3 here will be lower than retail, but buying a limited edition variation will likely cost more than retail since they're probably sold out elsewhere. If they're modified, like someone swapped out the handles like you want to, it will vary whether it costs more or less than if you were to buy new and mod them on your own.
 
Man I highly recommend taking a look at the Hogue Deka. I was also thinking about getting a buyout until I found the Deka. Mine is coming in Monday. If your still contemplating ill give you my first impressions when it comes in. But the way I see it the Hogue is a land slide winner out of the two.

XMtAyo7.jpg
 
Well okay so, I do like the Bugout. When i felt it I was blown away by the feather feel of it. It's lightweight properties are incredible. I have the Grizzly Ridge knife from Benchmade and I love it. It feels a bit more substantial in the hand so I just stuck with that. I always lean towards overbuilt designs. From everything I've seen the Bugout definitely looks like it will hold up though.
 
Floridaman88 said:
Thank you that makes sense, and I have been looking at a para 3 as well, I’m thinking I’ll get one now and one later, I’m just starting out so it’s almost just overwhelming to pick where to start with all the good options.
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Friend buy both at the same time and work out which one you like best later.
 
Floridaman and others -

You sent $35 US for just one knife ! You guys must be rolling in cash ;)
That's more than my whole collection !
Rich
 
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anthonycastorena2014 said:
Man I highly recommend taking a look at the Hogue Deka. I was also thinking about getting a buyout until I found the Deka. Mine is coming in Monday. If your still contemplating ill give you my first impressions when it comes in. But the way I see it the Hogue is a land slide winner out of the two.

XMtAyo7.jpg
Click to expand...

What would lead you to the conclusion that the Hogue is the "land slide winner" between Deka and Bugout?

Just curious really, as I took a quick side by side comparison between the Deka and the Bugout with the CF Elite scales, and can't see it.

They're the same price, the same size, same lock, both made in USA... The two steels are comparable enough for my uses and taste.

But I like the Bugout's deep carry clip, handle shape, and 20% lighter weight. Were I choosing online between the two, I'd do the Bugout.

What are the features that create the land slide difference to you?

Don't get me wrong, I'll probably order a Deka.... that FDE G-Mascus with the modified Wharncliffe is just too cool not to own.
 
Also consider the Hogue Ritter

for a bit more money, consider the Cold Steel AD10. Its larger than the bugout but the "feel in hand" and quality are tremendous for a <$200 knife.

after owning the AD10 I sold off a lot of SPYDERCO.
 
Kaizen1 said:
The Bugout will likely feel better in terms of opening and closing actions. That has more to do with the Axis lock than the Bugout itself, but it should be noticeable from a <$35 knife. You may notice its finished a little better than a <$35 knife, but that will depend on whether you have an eye for more subtle differences. Getting aftermarket scales will help a lot with making it feel much higher end. There's also much more flex to the handle the way it comes stock, so aftermarket G-10 or titanium will probably feel more substantial. A comparably priced knife that already comes with G-10 is a Spyderco Paramilitary, but whether the aesthetic appeals to you is a matter of personal taste. The Paramilitary is the knife I've owned the longest and used the most since buying high quality knives. The ergonomics are going to be better for more people than the Bugout.
Click to expand...
great opinion
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