Benchmade Bugout 535-3 - Carbon Fiber & S90V!

[@TripleEEDC]

We literally think exactly the same. I made a whole video arguing that the 535-3 Bugout is actually a good deal given what a standard Bugout costs and went through an almost identical analysis. Great video!

[@TripleEEDC]

@@General_ONeill yes. I mention that’s a whole other discussion in my video.

[@TripleEEDC]

@@General_ONeill most expensive upgrades? There are really only two main options for cf scales: flytanium and rogue bw. They are $10 apart. I also took $10 off since the backspacer is aluminum.

[@TripleEEDC]

@@General_ONeill not the first result for me. Either way, it’s a newer company to the market. I haven’t tried their stuff yet. Also, S90V is worth the upgrade even considering a cf scale price drop with those scales.

[@TripleEEDC]

@@General_ONeill also, FYI google results differ (sometimes significantly, sometimes not) based on search terms used, geographic location, prior search history through cookies, whether you are logged into your google account, etc.

[@TripleEEDC]

@@General_ONeill if you watch a lot of my videos, you will see that while I enjoy super steels, I regularly talk about how most steels above S30V and 154CM/CPM-154 are overkill. However, if you want S90V it is a lot more expensive than other steels, even steels some people consider to be “better” than S90V. That’s because it’s a higher price and way harder to machine. When I argue it’s a good deal, it’s within the context of how much a Bugout costs - that’s why I said the discussion of whether the base model is overpriced is a whole other discussion.

[@kenmarapese9085]

Best looking Bugout to date, I like the back spacer and S90V is a favorite of mine. I would own that one.

[@michaele7896]

My local shop has some of these. Got there 7 minutes after close last night, couldn't get there today, hoping they will still have some in stock tomorrow so I can pick one up. I have this weird thing where I've never liked the bugout at all. Then they did the 20cv jade blue butterfly model. And I slowly became obsessed with getting one. I was about to spend 2x markup on the secondary market for that model. But, This s90v/carbon fiber model came out just in time, the carbon fiber looks great and I really like benchmades s90v, I find if you leave the edge somewhat course and don't try to polish it up your sharpening stone progression, ending it instead on a 1000-2000 grit stone it will get a very aggressive toothy edge that will cut very well for a long time. Any time I try to polish the edge of s90v, even to 3000, it just loses its sharpness. There is a bit of a sweet spot there.

[@stoutdog56]

Like my colleagues, I agree this is a great looking knife with premium steel. I almost cancelled my order because I jumped on it as soon as it was available. It must have been a premonition but It had already shipped. I got one of those QC misses I have been hearing about for years. I have over a dozen Benchmade knives which have all been excellent. This one was hard to open so I loosened the pivot as I normally do so the blade falls shut. Not this time, I'm going to have to work on this one to get it where I like my knives to open and close. Something that shouldn't happen at this price point.

[@Tsar239]

REI is letting members use their 20% off coupon for 2021 on the 535-3 Bugout with free shipping. That brings the cost down to ~$200 (plus tax). This knife is a steal at that price.

[@ashmerch2558]

I would say, when it comes to sharpening it is a combination of skills and what stones you have. Bigger stones, plates or whatever the faster results you can get. S90V is no joke, its definitely in with that 10V class steels ( K390, Rex45, 10V, S110V ect ect) This Bugout is the best looking production Bugout ever.

[@joshlatta2532]

Still trying to convince myself the Gold Class bugout was worth it now that this came out...but also still trying to convince myself that I need to own three different bugouts...but definitely not regretting getting custom bugout scales from Aramis, those are killer. If you want some more bugout content, hit me up.

[@energizeric8526]

If they would release this same knife, but in the mini bugout, I would definitely buy one.

[@bahjinelson3986]

Benchmade's philosophy reminds me of a friend of mine who decided to start selling his paintings. A friend of his in the art world told him that for his artwork to have value he had to reflect that value through the price, so he set the price on his very first paintings at an arbitrary $200, and they sold.

[@Turners412]

I just bought one for 230 new in box I love the way this one looks with the blue hints and that back spacer ima buy the titanium blue screw set for it to

[@tvalkyrie]

Pre ordered one & I can't wait to get it! I also built a custom shop Bugout & have a mini too ! Keep them both! Great knives. Thanks for the video! 💌👱‍♀️

[@GBall_Vision]

I just picked one up for 199 at blade HQ. My first benchmade. I’m a buck and Esee fan boy

[@lelandphill4408]

I do wish the thumb studs and backspacer came in a green also . Would be perfect 👌 ( in the 535-3 model )

[@joshcarr9922]

Right! That’s literally exactly what I said!

[@stangfan79]

I just got the 535-3 in the mail yesterday. 3-1. It really is such a well made knife. I love the look of the blade and of course I love that it's S90V! Something I did notice that doesn't appear to be the same as the one in the video is that my backspaced is a lighter blue than the thumb studs. It is minor but it is one of those things that make me say "why?" Especially with a knife of the price point. Anyone else noticing this?

[@billstatler1185]

I really like the knife quality. Opens and closes with just a flick. The locking mechanism is strong that is one of the reasons I purchased this plus the s90v Steel. The disappointment was it was sharp but it was not razor-sharp I had to sharpen it myself to get it razor sharp. For a $250 knife you should not have to sharpen it yourself they guarantee lifetime sharpening but if they can't get it any sharper than they sent it to me the first time I will be doing it myself.

[@markbellwood9182]

I have 3 Bugouts and many other Benchmade knives and have never had an issue with any of them. Quality and that warranty are great. I really want this one but just purchased a Protech SBR so I have wait a little while. Love it though.

[@pateralus9]

Finally got mine today after they were on backorder due to BM switching vendors for the liner materials (according to the rep I spoke with). I waited 6 weeks but I'd say it was worth it. I love the looks, & the fit & finish are great on mine. The action is still stiff, but I know that will improve over time. Oh, mine also weighed in at exactly 2.02 oz. And now my 940-1 has a little brother! 😃 Now I can't wait to get my preorder for the 535BK-4. 😃

[@gmull79]

Thanks SD, I clicked the link and got the last Z-Carta Shaman in stock and saved 10 bucks!

[@Jaedous]

Thank you for the hold-me-over... plaved my order fornone on 2/16 with 2 day shipping, then the ice and snow hit. Hoping it shows up tomorrow. Thanks for helping to ease the impatience.

[@SliceyDicey]

I live to serve.

[@theknifeconnection9571]

I havnt got a wallet I ordered maybe the day after and it was supposed to be here on my bday the 22. But no update at all since the 20th

[@markjg2275]

I own the Spyderco Native Chief Sprint run in S90V and carbon handle , Yes it is expensive but it is a nice knife and materials . The Spyderco Native Chief costs similar to this bugout at $245.00 I do not own a Benchmade knife but this version of the Bugout may be my first Benchmade , I will see . This Bugout seems to me the best version , it also has a metal lanyard spacer to give the knife more strength rather than the all plastic Bugout versions . Benchmade has a great warranty unlike Spyderco so that is also something to think about in a company that values a customer after a sale and their products . You get what you pay for in quality and materials and Made in the USA.

[@bwunger]

Wish I could just trade my 940-1 for this knife, but can't see taking the loss to sell and buy this one and the 940 is a great knife too. I love S90V so I see no issue with value for money.

[@mrgotmilk7238]

Osborne is king. Don't let go of that beauty.

[@ringbadingbingrading1181]

What do you favor in it more than your -1?

[@bwunger]

@@ringbadingbingrading1181 I like the blade shape, grind and blade thickness a bit more. Not enough to take the hit selling on the secondary though.

[@mj1653]

Very nice, this one was tempting but I pre-ordered the aluminum m390 version. I do love the carbon fiber benchmade uses.

[@SliceyDicey]

I'll be checking one of those out for sure. Despite the coated blade. GRRRRR...

[@LumbeeKnifeAddict65]

Ù

[@anthonycapo1998]

I’ve never owned a benchmade knife before. I’m new to knife collecting. Idk if I should go with this or just get a decent mini grip with some good scales.

[@CamboTriton]

I enjoy these expensive (for me) knife reviews. Great video!

[@schoocg]

Great points. Thank you!

[@erikb21]

Just handled one at River’s Edge Cutlery today. The carbon fiber feels so good in the hand.

[@theknifewhisperer5667]

Great looking Knife for sure! Great job explaining and proving, that you are getting your $ worth.

[@bobb.9917]

It makes like my original green/grey one EVEN MORE! 😍

[@refinededge399]

I suggest keep your custom one if your really debating. It has better action, debatably better steel depending on use case, and most importantly, it’s unique and specific to you. You go with the S90V one and your just going to have the same Bugout 5,000 other people have.

[@sharpoutdoors_ar5066]

I've sharpened a few m4 blades and it wasn't terrible. But my s110v manix sucked. I'm good on s90v. But as far as bugouts go I like it.

[@Meco411]

Use that Benchmade free sharpening for life, some steels easier just to let them do it

[@dacrowster]

Super nice explanation , scale background is a cool reference!

[@happiknife7716]

Nice review. The math makes sense, even for someone who has never handled a bugout.

[@joshevans3452]

I got one when BHQ brought them down to 200. I have always really liked the look of this one. Sadly the example I got was *awful*. Blade off center just shy of the point where it was hitting the scales. Stiff to the point it nearly needed 2 hands. OK, I figured, just needed to adjust the pivot and body screws a bit. No way. Got it nearly centered and just to the point I could get it open with the stud and it already had blade play. By the time it actually could be closed by the axis lock, it was wobbling to the point where it felt sketchy to actually use it (not that I did). The axis springs were stiff as usual but the whole was not like any Benchmade I have ever handled. I get that Benchmades, and Bugouts in particular need to break in, but this one was so far off, I don't see it happening. I wouldn't expect action like this from a $50 knife, never mind a 200-250 one. First American made knife I have ever bought that I am returning. Not pleased.

[@premium5563]

I swap out all my handles, blades, thumb studs etc and build Frankenstein bugouts!

[@freddy1ofmany]

Ok. Been long enough. Time to make another video. Sure loved your content. Can’t wait to see your next knife review.

[@Nordraw]

Waiting for the XL Bugout with a 3.5 inch blade. Come on Benchmade get it done.

[@SliceyDicey]

Less than a 1/4" longer? Don't think you'd notice.

[@roonie3000]

I don’t know…I have a standard bug out. I like it and would buy it again from a collection standpoint, but even that one is technically overpriced. You can get a lot more for your money imo

[@lelandphill4408]

Got mine last week and love it , definitely a beautifully practical piece . Super smooth an centered . The first edition has me wondering if I should use it 😂. I’ll probably pre order the titanium version also .

[@theknifeconnection9571]

It really doesnt make them worth much more if at all. It's just the first batch

[@benjamincarter6095]

Holding out for the 535bk-4. M390 with aluminum handles.

[@knifeguy2396]

now you can get s90v and carbon fiber on the benchmade custom shop, but it costs $305

[@waynelatham4281]

OK....mine just came in the mail today. I must be a weenie, but I CANNOT get mine to flip like those on all the reviews I've watched. Don't really want to start messing with the pivot screw, but guess I might have to. Anyway, thanks for the nice review.

[@lcurtsinger4313]

Great analogy

[@Thelimey]

just purchased one after 1/4 Johnny walker blue...probably won't remember until it turns up lol

[@salsalvio821]

You can build this bugout now, minus the blue lanyard stand-off, and it’s $310

[@Southernknife_addict]

I just picked one up while not technically new it was only carried once for 180 total. Feel like I got my moneys worth onThat one lol

[@ZoneCrasher]

Does 535-3 use the same carbon fiber as 940-1? I think so, but why is the CF looks more 3 dimensional an the Bugout? I have them both and love them both, but I think the CF is definitely look nicer on the 535-3.

[@babayaga9373]

Damn Bugout’s gonna make me broke! But found a good deal on a 535-3 and love it. Great video btw

[@davidlotspeich5547]

Keep both!

[@Roadhouseee]

Ok cool I just ordered one. Thanks dawg!

[@forgedsteelwrench9249]

Looks great. Would like for blade to be at least 1.5 inch larger in length that would be best.

[@SliceyDicey]

Not a HUGE market for over nearly 5" folders. Or is your math off?

[@Leeloominaa]

Not trying to argue just curious why do you think it would take 3 hours for a new edge on the s90v? It takes me less than 20 minutes on stones.

[@Jaedous]

Keep both, flip the clip on one, and double-fist John-Woo style.

[@Returning2Orbit]

I’ve watched a bunch of reviews on the 535-3 and the 535-4. I’m leaning towards the -3 because I like the appearance better. Is there anything major that should persuade me towards th me -4 instead?

[@matt25675]

I’ve never heard such a fancy pronunciation of penchant

[@jadedoldguy5233]

Great review. Love this knife and just received mine. But mine is manual open. I could be mistaken, but yours opens so quickly it seems like a spring assist. Is it? Wondering what’s up.

[@SliceyDicey]

No. Not assisted.

[@jadedoldguy5233]

@@SliceyDicey Thanks. Props for ninja-like skills in opening.

[@tonycarrington2847]

Price. I see multiple comments for $199/$200. I searched today 6/20/2021 and all I can find is $255. Blade HQ, REI, and others. $200 I am in. $255 not on my budget. Great Knife.

[@SliceyDicey]

It was a temporary sale.

[@cursingbird]

I wasn't a huge fan of the original Bugout. I popped for a CF Elite when they came out and thought the scales were a huge improvement. It turned out to be a favorite of mine. I have one of these on the way and predict it will get a lot of pocket time this summer. Enjoyed the video!

[@bestofmillions]

Did the action ever break in?

[@jeremydutton1827]

Do you like the S90v Bugout or the S90v Mini Freek better?

[@gair1944]

I was wondering the same thing. Guessing the Bugout CF might be a lighter slimmer EDC for carry? But I need to research that

[@johnwest4492]

Dam it Bryan, now I have to buy it why ,why would you do that to me what have I ever done to you Lol

[@SliceyDicey]

You know what you did?

[@derekwilliams3556]

Hey Brian man I just got mine in today and I’m not gonna lie at first I didn’t like it. I just got into nicer knives about a month ago and bought a ZT0562ti so that’s all I have to compare it too. I put some lube on it and played with it for a minute and I can flick it open and shut now but at first it was right even just opening it up without flicking it. Lol! Anyways I wanted to ask if it’s just mine but when I flick it open hard I notice that the axis lock is then harder to disengage than normal but only when I flick it open pretty hard. Normal flick is fine. Wondering if this is a axis thing or a mine only thing? Lol!

[@SliceyDicey]

Axis locks sometimes have a bit of stick out of the box. Almost always goes away.

[@derekwilliams3556]

@@SliceyDicey ok my only other question and I’ll quit bothering ya lol.. is it possible to get it drop shutty? Without giving it blade play? It seems to inherently have a just a tad play compared to my 0562 just because it’s carbon fiber over titanium but is it possible to get it to drop shut like a pro tech Malibu? Lol! Wanting one of those if they would ever come back in stock!

[@SliceyDicey]

@@derekwilliams3556 Yeah. Mine's getting there already.

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Ohhhhh I really like that. 👍🏼

[@SMH_WOW]

Clean

[@kyleriley6027]

I want to order one bad and have one in my cart but can anyone compair the scales to a 940-1 or 940-2? I would appreciate the info. I have both but never carry them as there just to slippery for me, it sucks. I would love to have one if it were textured carbone like my spyder monkey.... but I love the standard bugout in blue and actually like the rough scales texture just wish it didn't look so ummmm???? cheap. Oh well still one of my favs but want to carbon badly but only if its going to be a user, Thanks.

[@tacklecentralfishing1051]

Had a blue bugout meh didn't like it sold it.

[@shadowcastyt]

This might as well be a completely different knife blade shape is the only thing that hasn’t been changed

[@carknelson5895]

I need this!

[@mike212916]

Is that g10 version black or grey handle?

[@cjanie19]

Even though I like this one and I wanna start buying almost exclusively US made knives, I can’t get behind Benchmade. Having several bad experiences has put a bad taste in my mouth with them. It’s too bad cuz this one is pretty.

[@AlexanderSLeBlanc]

I own 4 Benchmades so far and haven’t had any issues yet. Might be time to give them another try.

[@DANYELEEMAN]

It's hard to get good action without having blade play on this knife! Any suggestions?

[@SliceyDicey]

Mine broke in very nicely after a day or two.

[@DANYELEEMAN]

@@SliceyDicey I took out the blade and polished the washers. That whole area was dirty now it feels a lot better but there's still that micro thin line of adjusting the pivot. Thanks Slicey I'm going to keep working it. The 945 broke in beautifully after 2 days! really like the action on that model.

[@joshevans3452]

I just got one for $200 new from BHQ but the action is HORRIBLE. Sticks like tar in winter or noticeably wobbles. I love everything about this knife but the actual knife. Looks, steel, weight... perfect. Using it? Sucks. Not going to mess with it or Benchmade. I'll spend my $200 on a knife that actually opens and closes without feeling like it is going to come apart.

[@GBall_Vision]

@@joshevans3452 can’t you just send it to benchmade if there’s an issue

[@joshevans3452]

@@GBall_Vision Just didn't think it was worth the time and expense of shipping a brand new blade back to Benchmade. At that point, it passes the return window and is truly my problem.

[@jamesstraub4981]

I thought my Custom Shop Bugout would be my last but this one is too sweet to pass on. Seven is not too many, right?

[@jeffscalfano3100]

Ugh... take my money.

[@ccashin6228]

Keep the carbon one

[@AGC828]

Knives are impossible copy...unless someone knows where to buy the blades..."...knows someone from the inside". :) Not a bad deal for the guy who typically mod's his pocket knives anyway. my estion is "...do you NEED a CF/S90V pocket knife" for the tasks I think I know it will be used for by "enthusiasts". :) At the end of the day...if doing do floats your boat... If you had to buy a Bugout I think the -3 or the -4 are the way to do...especialy if you desire something premium and don't plan to mod the knife. Because you don't have the tools...and are not an "enthusiast"...

[@mkaz3997]

better still, sharpen for a couple of mins after each use. Make it routine. Like blade cleaning...unless......

[@jacknemo8021]

It costs Benchmade less than 45 dollars to build, package, and ship that knife. So.... (manufacturing insider knowledge). That being said, if you want a BM Bugout, you have to pay what BM wants. Laissez-faire, caveat emptor, other business jargon words...

[@jeffscalfano3100]

If it costs them that much they are doing something wrong. If it cost them $45 to get that knife to a retailer then the retailer, who generally tries to make a minimum gross profit of 100 percent, only leaves like a 20ish dollar gross profit per item for benchmade. That's probably way to slim of a profit to keep a manufacturer running.

[@spydercoslacker7466]

“Manufacturing insider knowledge”. Behold the most trustworthy source of knowledge... Random people on the internet!

[@bahjinelson3986]

@@jeffscalfano3100 $255 -$45-$45=$165. That's a good profit margin.

[@jacknemo8021]

@@spydercoslacker7466 do the math yourself. Researching the costs and averaging labor is tedious, but not hard.

[@jacknemo8021]

@@jeffscalfano3100 they have a bit more leverage over retailers than smaller companies. I would think they net 75 or so from point of sale. More from their own site of course.

[@nathannettik685]

Still cheaper than the high zoot 940.

[@theknifeconnection9571]

That has full liners

[@nathannettik685]

@@theknifeconnection9571 and the bugout has a full backspacer.

[@Strow1stofHisName]

This is just a take my money knife. If you aren’t a fan of bugouts then it isn’t for you from the get go. Bladehq emailed that mine is on its way

[@janjimpson240]

I really like the look amd size of the bugout but I got one in hand awhile back and it felt gross. The grivory scales felt cheap and uncomfortable. And they seemed overpriced, especially if I had to buy $60 scales to make it bearable. But this looks much more promising. If only I wanted to spend $255

[@GBall_Vision]

Blade HQ 199.99 right now

[@bahjinelson3986]

Why, though, does it cost so much to customize a Benchmade on their website. Building a custom Bugout that exactly matches the base model costs $175 on Benchmade's website but the same Bugout at BladeHQ is $132. That's an extra $43, so naturally it would cost more to build a custom version. I will give credit for Benchmade identifying as a premium brand; they don't build budget knives, but it still seems high.

[@SliceyDicey]

You pay MSRP at the Benchmade site. Not retail.

[@bahjinelson3986]

@@SliceyDicey Strange that they are different, don't you think?

[@SliceyDicey]

@@bahjinelson3986 No. Many companies have MSRP’s that are are higher than their Minimum Allowed Price that dealers fan charge. It isn’t even unique to knives. Cameras, watches, all kinds of stuff do it.

[@bahjinelson3986]

@@SliceyDicey That is true, but many companies do match their website to retail. However, I'm being to harsh. It's a fancy knife; not exactly a quality of life item. I've just seen a lot of gouging in my time. Should we pay that much, probably not; will we though, yeah... for the 940 anyway.

[@zachhall624]

@@bahjinelson3986 no one is forcing you to buy anything 🤷‍♂️

[@puma51921]

Have bugout no carbon fiber.i just can't get into mine. Never use it.

[@theknifeconnection9571]

What

[@kqnunn]

That background color and stripes are way too distracting and doesn't show the knives well.

[@MobileIndifference]

oos. Here's my shocked face. Did they make 25 of them this time? Sigh...