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Tool Talk => Edged Tools => Topic started by: Etherealicer on January 16, 2019, 08:43:25 PM

Title: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Etherealicer on January 16, 2019, 08:43:25 PM
So, the Bugout made a big splash and has turned out to be one of the most popular models from Benchmade.

The Bugout is small and lightweight with a really large blade for the small frame. The handle is really grippy, for me it is almost too aggressive. After cutting a stack of cardboard my soft office-worker hands hurt (the hand was slightly reddish, you can barely see it in the image). The new, shorter deep carry pocket clip is great. Most importantly, the blade is great, slightly too large for my taste (I'm with Ben, we need a Mini Bugout).
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Etherealicer on January 16, 2019, 08:57:38 PM
Bugout vs. Böker Plus FR Titan

These two knives are similar in many ways. Both have a slim, lightweight, slightly squarish frame, with quite a large blade for the framesize. They are also similar price wise. They basically weight the same (about 65g on my kitchen scale). With 8mm the FR is slightly thinner than the Bugout (10mm).

Clip: Both have a smaller deep carry pocket clip. The FR rides really low (which I like) and has recessed screws (which I like too).
Lock: Both lock up solid, but the Axis lock is king
Blade: Well, bladeshape and length is a matter of taste, I like them both. Prefer the shape and more subtle curve of the Bugout, but the length of the FR suits me better.  Not a steel expert, the Bugout has S30V steel, the FR has VG10. Both perform well.
Opening: Another matter of preference, I prefer the flipper. While taking the pictures I noticed a pretty bad scratch/dent on the Bugout thumbstud. No idea where I picked that up, but that seems to be pretty soft material.

Which one would I choose? For me its the Böker FR, axis lock VS blade-length is not an easy choice, but I have to go with the blade.
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: ezdog on January 16, 2019, 09:04:00 PM
I have been eying that Bugout for a while now and if I see one Tomorrow I might be powerless to resist it. :think:

Better stay far from the knife store on my B'Day? :drool:
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Dean51 on January 16, 2019, 09:11:44 PM
I have been eying that Bugout for a while now and if I see one Tomorrow I might be powerless to resist it. :think:

Better stay far from the knife store on my B'Day? :drool:
Guess what I'll post tomorrow just for you.  >:D
(https://i.imgur.com/YILD9pb.jpg)
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Dean51 on January 16, 2019, 10:01:23 PM
I really like the Bugout it's so light you forget you have it and at the same time gives you a knife with a little more handle.
I didn't find the handles to gripy or aggressive, in fact a lot smoother than a mini grip I handled.
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Etherealicer on January 16, 2019, 10:22:13 PM
I really like the Bugout it's so light you forget you have it and at the same time gives you a knife with a little more handle.
I didn't find the handles to gripy or aggressive, in fact a lot smoother than a mini grip I handled.
Strange, my Baby Blue Mini Grip is soft like Baby skin... my bugout feels like a rasp... though I have found a cure for it (it is possible that I have ordered CF scales just a few minutes ago).
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Etherealicer on January 16, 2019, 10:23:24 PM
I have been eying that Bugout for a while now and if I see one Tomorrow I might be powerless to resist it. :think:

Better stay far from the knife store on my B'Day? :drool:
I think the greatest thing about the Bugout is that despite its small size and low weight, it is not a compromise, it is a larger blade and a comfortable grip.
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: ezdog on January 16, 2019, 10:31:49 PM
I really like the Bugout it's so light you forget you have it and at the same time gives you a knife with a little more handle.
I didn't find the handles to gripy or aggressive, in fact a lot smoother than a mini grip I handled.
Strange, my Baby Blue Mini Grip is soft like Baby skin... my bugout feels like a rasp... though I have found a cure for it (it is possible that I have ordered CF scales just a few minutes ago).

The original Grips were hard plastic gator scales sort of where the newest ones are "Baby Skin" as you say.

Yuk!

I thought I wanted one of the newest ones until now? :ahhh
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Etherealicer on January 16, 2019, 11:08:35 PM
I really like the Bugout it's so light you forget you have it and at the same time gives you a knife with a little more handle.
I didn't find the handles to gripy or aggressive, in fact a lot smoother than a mini grip I handled.
Strange, my Baby Blue Mini Grip is soft like Baby skin... my bugout feels like a rasp... though I have found a cure for it (it is possible that I have ordered CF scales just a few minutes ago).

The original Grips were hard plastic gator scales sort of where the newest ones are "Baby Skin" as you say.

Yuk!

I thought I wanted one of the newest ones until now? :ahhh
That was of course an exaggeration (and a play on the color). The smoothest is the G10 version, which I still find grippy. The regular mini Grip is in the middle and I personally find the Bugout beyond comfortable rough. Also, the mini Grips have more shape, more thickness and more chimping (all in the right places), allowing for a very secure grip in many positions.
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Poncho65 on January 17, 2019, 01:00:08 AM
Excellent write up and pics, Eth :tu: :like:
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: theonew on March 15, 2020, 09:35:38 PM
I haven't bought a new knife in just about two years (Saks and multitools don't count, right?). The Bugout kind of ticks all the boxes for me: love Benchmade, love the axis lock, love lightweight and thin folders; so I ended up getting one. So far I'm liking it just as much as I expected to.

(https://i.imgur.com/F60Ypyu.jpg)
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Mechanickal on March 15, 2020, 09:45:01 PM
I like mine too, but I replaced the scales with Titanium ones.

And...

Benchmade released a Mini Bugout recently! :ahhh
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: theonew on March 15, 2020, 09:50:00 PM
Did not need to know this :(

 :)

I like mine too, but I replaced the scales with Titanium ones.

And...

Benchmade released a Mini Bugout recently! :ahhh
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Mechanickal on March 15, 2020, 09:51:10 PM
Did not need to know this :(

 :)
:assimilate:

:woohoo:
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: theonew on March 15, 2020, 10:09:17 PM
Like the balance point very much. Unique amongst the fixed and folders I own.

(https://i.imgur.com/Zywn2bG.jpg)
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: cody6268 on April 01, 2020, 03:45:13 AM
I like mine too, but I replaced the scales with Titanium ones.

And...

Benchmade released a Mini Bugout recently! :ahhh

And at just a smidge smaller, and considerably lighter than the Mini Griptillian, I'm really looking forward to eventually picking one up!
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Mechanickal on April 01, 2020, 09:37:02 AM
And at just a smidge smaller, and considerably lighter than the Mini Griptillian, I'm really looking forward to eventually picking one up!
Any idea what color?

The orange one really pops out...
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: pfrsantos on April 01, 2020, 01:02:50 PM
Not to rain in your parade, but I saw this review and it makes a lot of sense to me... I had a chance to get one of these and passed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXm_GTDXfNk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXm_GTDXfNk)
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Etherealicer on April 01, 2020, 04:09:10 PM
Not to rain in your parade, but I saw this review and it makes a lot of sense to me... I had a chance to get one of these and passed.
Not watched the whole rant, but I agree it does not feel premium. I have no problems with the ergonomy and open it with a flick, while pulling the lock. The flexing has never bothered me (especially since I now have CF scales), but it is certainly worth paying attention to.
I think that is why many choose to switch handles (CF or Titanium), which of course increases the price (to about where the 940/941 are). Personally, I would think a Bugout with CF or titanium scales trumps the 941 but that might be personal preferences.

There is now a new version in CF Elite, which is more rigid, though it is all black which I don't like and I think it still looks cheap.
I would honestly be surprised if Benchmade didn't bring out more versions (e.g. an aluminum one like the Bailout).

Bugout + G10 handles is just shy of $170 (bugout from BladeHQ and scales from flytanium)
940-2 with G10 handles is just a bit over $170 (BladeHQ price)
Just so we can compare apples with apples
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: cody6268 on April 01, 2020, 09:07:29 PM
Any idea what color?

The orange one really pops out...

Orange, because I lose stuff. I always go with whatever is the brightest color that doesn't look bad. Except I draw the line at pink. Two different knives I've looked at, Case's entire Caliber line, and the Boker/Cinch Roper, only have pink as the high-vis color.
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Mechanickal on April 01, 2020, 09:27:12 PM
What's wrong with handle flex?

Why would someone hold a knife like a French bread and try to "break" it?

The Bugout offers ALOT of knife for nearly no weight. Corners have to be cut somewhere :shrug:

My point is: use it as intended, and you'll have no issues.

Ultralight backpacker? You can carry a full size blade now!

Comparison with a 940...
Why?
It's cheaper...
Way lighter...
What's there to compare?
Nothing! No brand ever designed such a lightweight, yet full body knife.

I'm a fan. And everyone who looks at it as a knife, an a wonderful piece of engineering, might become one too :)

Oh, one more thing.
Anyone who calls a lanyard hole a "hole in the back" immediately loses it's credibility to me. And I'm not even a native speaker.
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: pfrsantos on April 02, 2020, 12:11:29 PM
I know I'm going to get a lot of  :twak: :twak: :twak: :twak: for this, but I had a Mini Grip in my hand some time ago, and didn't like the feel of the "plastic" scales. I see lots of people loving these knives, but I find a Spyderco more "reliable".

I might be wrong (I am, most of the time and on most subjects), but the way the knife feels in my hand is what matters for me. I feel I can do heavier tasks with a Spyderco, even a Tenacious or a Persistence.

Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: ezdog on April 04, 2020, 09:04:23 PM
I really like mine especially with Ti scales on it,completely changed the feel of the knife for me.
This pic is pretty misleading too as the Grip is huge compared to the Bigout in the hand but seems almost the same in the pic?

The Bugout is a whole lot more knife than it looks like and is so light weight that I have even forgotten that I had it a few times?

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200404/aaab30f4062f79f5dc1e5f6af21f21d6.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: theonew on April 06, 2020, 01:57:47 AM
The whole folding knife built like a tank thing has always struck me as a bit silly. Folding knifes are, by their very nature, weak. If I worked in an environment where a sturdy knife was important, I would carry a fixed blade. I have been pocket carrying mine now for several weeks with the clip removed and quite like it, especially having thinned the edge down considerably. One thing I have noticed is that in the pocket of most of my pants the knife, with the pivot side at the bottom, tends to stay vertical, which only adds to its 'ease of carry', which is the primary reason I bought it.

Also, I bet I could break his 940 using just me hands :D
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: cody6268 on April 06, 2020, 03:18:17 AM
The whole folding knife built like a tank thing has always struck me as a bit silly. Folding knifes are, by their very nature, weak. If I worked in an environment where a sturdy knife was important, I would carry a fixed blade. I have been pocket carrying mine now for several weeks with the clip removed and quite like it, especially having thinned the edge down considerably. One thing I have noticed is that in the pocket of most of my pants the knife, with the pivot side at the bottom, tends to stay vertical, which only adds to its 'ease of carry', which is the primary reason I bought it.

Also, I bet I could break his 940 using just me hands :D


My work knives are mostly fixed blades. The one I carry has about a 5" blade that is a quarter-inch thick. It will take a ton of abuse. Provided, I don't hack, chop, or pry with it. It is blunt tip, with a "seat belt cutter" in the format of a skinning hunter's knife.  If I got back on the horse (which I did a lot as a 10 year old), this would be my "Save my Bacon" knife that I'd use if I got caught up in a stirrup or something.

I need to make a Kydex holster for it. While the maker Antonini contracted, Vega Holsters knows what they're doing (and this definitely feels like a quality nylon sheath; as opposed my typical view of nylon sheaths "better than nothing I suppose"), it's too complicated for quick access and return to the sheath. The knife cut halfway through the lower retention strap, itself. My plans are to use a Tech-Lock with clip, so that it can be clipped to a boot if need be.

(https://i.postimg.cc/T55LRpKP/KIMG0084-01-BURST1000084-COVER.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/T55LRpKP)
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: spudley112 on April 07, 2020, 01:38:50 AM
Well, I missed my Bugout enough that I had to pick up another one.  :facepalm:
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: theonew on April 07, 2020, 06:05:20 AM
LOL, had to google for this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC06WPP83mM

This is the kind of thing that would get bladeforum's members panties in a twist back when I was a member.
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Mechanickal on April 07, 2020, 09:27:36 AM
Impressive!
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: spudley112 on April 07, 2020, 10:37:42 AM
LOL, had to google for this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC06WPP83mM

This is the kind of thing that would get bladeforum's members panties in a twist back when I was a member.

Oh my. I had to vacate because of the people getting twisted in some other forums. I swear, it got to the point where someone could just say "I like knives" and within the first page there would be someone telling another person what an idiot he was.
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Etherealicer on April 07, 2020, 11:25:10 AM
Yes, quite impressive. Especially, since non of these is what you should do with a folding knife.

P.S.: it was not the studs on the tires that did the damage to the scales, it was the driveway (the knife was clip up).
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: pfrsantos on April 07, 2020, 01:06:07 PM
Impressive!

(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/JovialPlumpArgentineruddyduck-size_restricted.gif)

 :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Etherealicer on April 07, 2020, 02:10:06 PM
While I wait for my Mini-Bugout... and the CF scales for the Mini-Bugout...

Flytanium scales... might upgrade to Rogue Bladeworks scales
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Mechanickal on April 07, 2020, 02:40:53 PM
I have Flytanium stonewashed Ti on mine.
Lovely cutter!
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: pfrsantos on April 08, 2020, 03:52:26 PM
While I wait for my Mini-Bugout... and the CF scales for the Mini-Bugout...

Flytanium scales... might upgrade to Rogue Bladeworks scales

That does look better than the original.

 :tu: :tu:
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Etherealicer on April 08, 2020, 08:37:55 PM
That does look better than the original.

 :tu: :tu:
Like it too... and it is less rough on my hands.
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: theonew on April 10, 2020, 04:40:54 AM
Oh my. I had to vacate because of the people getting twisted in some other forums. I swear, it got to the point where someone could just say "I like knives" and within the first page there would be someone telling another person what an idiot he was.

LOL. So true  :cheers:
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Reinier on April 16, 2020, 07:42:44 PM
That does look better than the original.

(https://media.tenor.com/images/c7a3024bdcd4080b91c3e38e24e29216/tenor.gif)
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: pfrsantos on April 16, 2020, 07:59:24 PM
Like it too... and it is less rough on my hands.

(https://i.giphy.com/media/elPiadNl05XWg/giphy.webp)

Missed this one, Reinier.


 :pok: :pok:
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: pfrsantos on April 16, 2020, 07:59:58 PM
(https://i.giphy.com/media/elPiadNl05XWg/giphy.webp)

Missed this one, Reinier.


 :pok: :pok:

(https://media.tenor.com/images/c7a3024bdcd4080b91c3e38e24e29216/tenor.gif)

 :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Benchmade Bugout
Post by: Reinier on April 16, 2020, 09:39:33 PM
:rofl: