Another question on the 535

[Thor.Odinsson]

Hello to all,

I know there are already some threads on the Benchmade 535 Bugout but they are pretty old and I have some questions I don’t think have been asked before. So here are my questions:

What are your opinions on the 535?
Why is it so much less than most other Benchmade knives?
As an EDC all around use cutting string, opening boxes, no major cutting chopping etc is it the best choice?
Is there a better choice in the same category/price range?
Any other advice would be appreciated.

 

[ktataragasi]

I love my bugout. It is an amazing edc knife. Thin, light enough to carry no matter the attire and thin blade stock made for cutting. The handle flex is way over blown and if you are not being stupid you will never notice. The first time you pick up a bugout though you do expect it to weigh more and it feels cheap but carry it for a day and you will be blown away. I did get different scales eventually but I just wanted to change things up. The worst part of the knife is the Omeg springs. Mine both busted so I have to wait until I can send it into Benchmade for them to replace the parts.

I recently got a Kershaw Bareknuckle in 20CV for way less than the Bugout and it's a great knife but they are both very differen . That ~$100 price cjrb has a lot of options.

I will also add that if I could get over the sticker shock of a Benchmade Anthem I think that could be my last knife. Just can't seem to pull the trigger .

I hope this helps.

 

[Thor.Odinsson]

Thanks for the feedback it was helpful. I think I need to look around a little more. I have a lot of cheap knives but only two good ones a BRK Rouge and a Ka-Bar, both too big to carry around. After looking at feeling and holding some nice expensive knives it's hard to go back to a cheap one. Maybe I'll break down and get a David Yellowhorse... not likely though.

I love my bugout. It is an amazing edc knife. Thin, light enough to carry no matter the attire and thin blade stock made for cutting. The handle flex is way over blown and if you are not being stupid you will never notice. The first time you pick up a bugout though you do expect it to weigh more and it feels cheap but carry it for a day and you will be blown away. I did get different scales eventually but I just wanted to change things up. The worst part of the knife is the Omeg springs. Mine both busted so I have to wait until I can send it into Benchmade for them to replace the parts.

I recently got a Kershaw Bareknuckle in 20CV for way less than the Bugout and it's a great knife but they are both very differen . That ~$100 price cjrb has a lot of options.

I will also add that if I could get over the sticker shock of a Benchmade Anthem I think that could be my last knife. Just can't seem to pull the trigger .

I hope this helps.

 

[ktataragasi]

Thanks for the feedback it was helpful. I think I need to look around a little more. I have a lot of cheap knives but only two good ones a BRK Rouge and a Ka-Bar, both too big to carry around. After looking at feeling and holding some nice expensive knives it's hard to go back to a cheap one. Maybe I'll break down and get a David Yellowhorse... not likely though.

That feeling of cheap ends quick for a bugout. It's just so light you don't expect it. But it's a knife you can have on you all the time and not notice so it easily became my most used. Good luck on your search.

 

[CSG]

Old thread but a couple months ago, I bought the Bugout after reading so many glowing reviews (I'd carried a Mini-Grip for some years as an EDC). REI had a sale and the price was right so the one I got was the original 535 with a black blade and od scales. When I received it, I was disappointed. Off-center, gritty, and the scales bothered me. Sent it back. Then I read about the second version and REI sent it to me for the same sale price. I FREAKIN' LOVE IT! Totally different knife and 1.8 oz. The scales are much stiffer and the action was about perfect. I slightly tweaked the pivot screw and refined the edge just a bit on my Sharpmaker with the white rods. Just an excellent lightweight knife for light to medium duty tasks IMO.