CRKT apparently has a newly released Bugout

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S35VN_DLC

S35VN_DLC

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The new CRKT Counterpart has a mighty familiar look to it. This one is "designed by" Ken Onion. It's available in 12c27 or D2.

The only difference that I see is that the CRKT has no thumb studs. It can only be deployed via manipulating the cross bar lock just like the Onion designed Redemption.

Screenshot_20260128-172948.pngScreenshot_20260128-173007.png
 
My opinioins: Similar blade shapes, but both are similar shaped generic drop points. Looks like the CRK&T is hollow ground. BM looks to be flat ground.
Similar handle shaped, but not a direct copy.

IMO, similar, but not a clone.

With the number of "similar designs" other outfits have generated that are very similar to the CRKT CEO, I'm not going to point a finger at CRKT.

That being said, I hate the "no thumb stud design". A lot of state laws are written around the idea that "a knife with a blade which must be opened by at least starting the opening action by pushing the blade or blade feature is not a gravity knife and is not a switch blade." The lack of thumb studs blurs that distinction on this design. It's an open invitation for some activist DA to prosecute.
 
Better late than never I guess 🤷🏻‍♂️. They’re just now figuring out the Bugout platform is popular?

It’s forgettable, especially coming from some company like CRKT.

A lot of knives have delivered the same kind of feel the Bugout hit on, many cheaper as well. The Bugout just…is though. Nothing beats the original in this class.
 
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MattWRog said:
Better late than never I guess 🤷🏻‍♂️. They’re just now figuring out the Bugout platform is popular?

It’s forgettable, especially coming from some company like CRKT.

A lot of knives have delivered the same kind of feel the Bugout hit on, many cheaper as well. The Bugout just…is though. Nothing beats the original in this class.
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I would agree at $125. But the original Bugout leaves much to be desired at $250-$300
 
S35VN_DLC said:
I believe a standard is right at $200 now, with many many models costing significantly more. I saw that they now have a $400 model
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Yep, their prices have accelerated far past what those are worth, unfortunately. There are so many more interesting (and better) knives for similar money. Benchmade has really lost my dollars in the past few years.
 
Quiet said:
Yep, their prices have accelerated far past what those are worth, unfortunately. There are so many more interesting (and better) knives for similar money. Benchmade has really lost my dollars in the past few years.
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Agree 100%! It almost seems like Benchmade is trying to price themselves out of business. Nowadays, I’d buy a Hogue before a Benchmade.
 
S35VN_DLC said:
I believe a standard is right at $200 now, with many many models costing significantly more. I saw that they now have a $400 model
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Hopefully you aren't comparing crap from crkt to the gold class bugout.

The standard is available for 180 from a bunch of places right now. And when rei has their 20% off sale, $160
 
DMG said:
Hopefully you aren't comparing crap from crkt to the gold class bugout.

The standard is available for 180 from a bunch of places right now. And when rei has their 20% off sale, $160
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I'm most definitely not comparing the two. What I am saying, is that the standard Bugout is a $125 knife. Max. And no Bugout, no matter the class, is worth $400 unless it's made of actual gold
 
SharpBits said:
I've said it before, BM is happy being the most expensive in their class. So far, business seems fine for them. They do not care about us poors.
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As one of the poors, I buy bifl stuff that I won't ever have to replace. Benchmade, CRK, Spyderco, etc. Maybe I get carried away but I don't mind buying once. Spyderco isn't any cheaper, BTW. Compare the price of the s35 Griptilian and PM2.
 
Was not / am not a fan of the original, nor do I care for this one. Should I find myself in need of a knife and a wally world is nearby I might try the Ozark Trail version just see to what the fuss is about and the price is right for those.
 
DMG said:
Hopefully you aren't comparing crap from crkt to the gold class bugout.

The standard is available for 180 from a bunch of places right now. And when rei has their 20% off sale, $160
Click to expand...

The Bugout is flat out not worth $180. I remember picking mine up for somewhere around $100 on sale back around the time they came out. For them to be charging nearly $200 after tax...for a Bugout in bog standard blue scales and S30v is....well, it's insane.
 
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