Benchmade Bugout 535-3 S90V / Carbon Fiber Folding Knife - Overview and Review

[@metal_complex]

Thanks for watching! My Patreon - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex

[@darksagus]

I got this a couple weeks ago, was my first benchmade. I really like it so far, the colors appeal to me, and being left handed I appreciate the full ambidextrous design. After playing with it for a couple weeks, it's very smooth, nearly drop shut. The price is high, but I plan on using it for many years.

[@dbbuster1238]

what are some things you don't like about the 535-3?

[@jotterson1156]

So thin for a big hand but a nice knife

[@steveball23]

The contouring and feel, perhaps the slight warmth of the carbon fiber, with s90v makes this feel like a substantial upgrade all around for me. I love this one. Thanks for the great content!

[@wdominguez1984]

You could literally hear the distaste in his voice. 😂 I was just waiting for him to say “Hey here’s the Gucci Bugout for the fan boys.” Overall I have 4 Bugouts, 2 mini BugOuts, and the Bailout. This was made for guys like me, had to have one. Factory CF, with the Blue Accents, and S90v. I understand all the hate towards the bugout. Considering everyone is still talking about it 4-5 years later. But they really talked about the 940 for almost 20 years.

[@Lanterns_light]

I use the orange grivalry bugout mini every day as a work knife and I absolutely love it. It’s so light that now heavier EDC knives have been ruled out for me. I don’t consider it a cheap feel. It suits the purpose and then some. I’m now considering getting this knife as a larger carry and more of a collector piece.

[@EldenLord84]

When saying something is overpriced, typically you would provide a comparison. I'm curious what your thought process is in saying this is overpriced. Compared to what? What other knife is US made with high-end steel and full carbon fiber handles for $255? Want a Sebenza with CF scales? Even the small is $450, and that's using S35VN. The Koenig Arius, while a much better knife in my opinion, is $750+ in carbon fiber. The only comparison I can really think of is the ZT 0562CF in 20CV, and that's $260. Basically the same price.

[@chriswebb3018]

Its not over priced when compared to other usa made knives with the same premium materials. Its that he thinks its over priced for what he likes, its just his personal preference. But your right, if you want a usa made knife in cf or ti with a premium steel then 250 is pretty much the starting price and goes up from there. Of course we all want to pay less but we definitely don't want anything less than the best.

[@knifelyfe6565]

I had the #31 of the ZT 0562CF and the lock was junk.I sent it back to ZT and they said they fixed it but they didnt.Just ordered one of these and added the oversize washers.320.00 after tax.This will be my 2nd Bugout.Cant wait to get it.

[@michaelduke6026]

TRM (if and when you can find one) offers better value for money, in my opinion, in a similar form factor.

[@EldenLord84]

@@michaelduke6026 I recently picked up a couple Atoms. One in carbon fiber and one in titanium. I would agree - a better value than the Bugout. 👍🏻

[@aaronryann1120]

Exactly. I got a 940-1 (same variant disposition as this, S90V, Carbon Fiber, Blue studs.) Osborne, and I love it to death. It's tough, holds that edge, I strop it whenever I need to, stays razor sharp. Tough, Lightweight, and the form factor gives you a ton of tough cutting edge for the weight. 265$ at my Military BX. for that price? Unbeatable pound for pound.

[@mnelson0533]

I agree about the aluminium Bailout, I think the combo of thin overall knife profile with the M4 steel in a "longer" blade makes it functionally a great carry knife, and those aluminum scales really make for good comfort and feel. Very rigid, smooth enough that it doesn't trap your pocket against the clip, yet somehow a very grippy texture in hand.

[@holdernewtshesrearin5471]

True. I actually dont mind the original Grivory bailout though. My buddy has one and loaned it to me for a month or so to get a feel for it. In actual use the Grivory is just fine. It does what its supposed to do but......it does feel a little chintzy especially at $140 or whatever it is. My biggest complaint is with the super soft but ultra tough 3V blade steel. Why? Just WHY, Benchmade? The toughest steel on the planet with average edgeholding and minimal corrosion resistance in a small plastic handle EDC knife? If i buy one, and likely will, ill definitely be going for the coated M4/aluminum handle model.

[@CDS.26]

I have a mini bugout that I bought with the white scales and I decided to buy a pair of rouge blade works carbon scales and that turned into buying titanium hardware and lock bar, a single titanium back spacer instead of the stand-offs and a titanium thumb stud, all anodized gold. I did all that over the course of a year so it didn’t feel like I spent as much as I actually did, which was a lot.

[@evanacey1414]

The back spacer/lanyard hole has also been redesigned.

[@mostmuscular619]

I had a custom Blacked out Bugout made with 20CV and aluminum scales, it's sweet. I paid around $260 for it. I am not the biggest fan of carbon fiber, but I do appreciate it more if it's textured like the Artisan Centauri. I own several Benchmade knives in various steels, and none of them have the wicked, stupid, scary, razor-laser edge that the Hogue Deka has. I love the shape of the blade on the Bugout more than the Deka, but if I had to choose. Deka for sure.

[@submituniquenamehere]

Personally, I think this is the best looking available option for the Bugout. Im a sucker for carbon fiber.

[@BuffaloNickel9]

Ha, same with me.. I was looking in my knife drawer the other day thinking... damn, I am such a sucker for carbon fiber. that's practically all I have in the drawer are good quality carbon fiber scales on 80% of my knives...

[@johnagen3688]

Agree!

[@TheWoolyninja4]

I own this guy and got it at 200. Only major gripe is that the thumb stud is still got a crummy coating that easily scratches and it doesn't match the backspacer in color.

[@flybyguy1450]

S90V is the perfect steel for this knife, and the carbon fibre really compliments the lightweight nature too! Would love to win this!

[@1804unclesam]

I bought this knife and I really really like it. But I was irritated in that mine came dull as hell, it wouldn’t slice paper, I looked at the bevel and it looked like it only got a coarse grind done. Granted I have a KME system so I put my own edge on it fairly easily (aside from the time it took) but for a knife that’s $255, it should have come sharper and/or had better QA/QC.

[@voodoo7008]

The Bugout is perfect for my wife, which is why I ordered her one with the plastic scales. Dress it up for her with Flytanium G-10 scales, and carbon fiber back spacer, it should make her real happy.

[@leakylight]

I have a TSPROF blitz 360 and honestly i think working on benchmades s90v is easier than their s30v. I have a hidden canyon hunter in s90v and a two bugouts in s30v. I prefer the s90v not only for edge retention but also how keen and disgustingly sticky sharp i can get the hidden canyon hunter compared to the bugout. The hidden canyon i keep at 14 degrees like they did their select edge, the bugouts are at 15 down from their 17-18 as standard.

[@lukepaulson3428]

S90V sounds perfect for someone like me. General EDC use requiring little maintenance. Thanks MC!

[@cameronbottoms1118]

They got a M390/Aluminum coming soonish.

[@mattmilauskas5727]

@12:20 this is why i watch all your videos dude lol you are entertaining as heck. and know knives inside and out.

[@napalmholiday9708]

I instantly had buyers remorse when I bought my 535-3. That regret diminishes every time I hold this thing and flick it open. It did have a really toothy edge from the factory, but I was surprised how well it touched up with just a DC4 sharpener.

[@jaysdub]

I had the same problem. It was an impulse buy when I wanted a little treat and almost instantly felt like I paid too much. But since I have been carrying it, it makes me happy every time I pull it out. The colors and the feel of the carbon are great.

[@jimcarlson6157]

by my third anniversary I really started to like my wife. she must be a benchmade too

[@TheMxboy199]

Just ordered a custom one with the s90v, carbon fiber handle, red thumb stud, and black blade can’t wait for it to come in

[@johnagen3688]

Wow!!!!!!

[@johnwest4492]

Do I need this? Yes MC, yes I do lol 😆

[@etherealicer]

I have ordered mine (and the Aluminium version too)... Curious how it compares to my Aramis CF scales, those are real nice (a lot nicer than the Flytanium ones).

[@doctoruttley]

😂👌🏻

[@yossaauld1820]

Did u get it

[@busbus76]

Dude... I like you. You are definitely an acquired taste.

[@Ephem13]

I'm gonna say something that might confuse most people, I don't care for CF scales on my knives unless it has an interesting pattern. I put G10 scales on my Bugout and got exactly the knife I was looking for when I did.

[@jburt779]

I had a Cold Steel Broken Skull a few years back. It had the most aggressive G10 I’ve ever held and I loved it . I keep looking for that same aggressive style handle texture but no joy so far.

[@matterisnotsolid8295]

Have the new bugout with M390 steel and aluminum scales on pre-order. Prefer M390 over S90V and jumped when they offer the version. VERY surprised to hear someone suggest it has better edge retention than M390. The difference is negligible to me. I find S90V harder to sharpen though with no noticable benefit and it micro chips. Amazing how people see something that seem pretty straight forward so differently. Don't get me wrong, I wouldnt refuse a S90V knife but given the choice Id always choose M390 between the two.

[@TheLoxapac]

Well i just finished reading a big file about these steels, and edge retention is scientificaly better with S90V, and that explains the added sharpening difficulty. (And think about it... It is logical.) But i can understand why you prefer M390, it is a very good choice too, just a different balance, (As always with steel..) and it have a scary edge retention too. But that's just the way it is. And S125V has a better edge retention than S90V. It is more brittle too. So S90V isn't better than M390. But it has a better edge retention, and it is a finer grain steel. M390 is easier to sharpen and more resilient. And more stainless. Both are very expensive.

[@themeparkdna683]

This is my favorite version of this knife

[@constitutionalist4391]

Seems the Benchmade Arcane is what you would like to see...it is pretty much the same size S90V blade with aluminum handles that is about $35 cheaper. NOTE: as of Sept of 2022 the price is now $279 on the street, 10% below MSRP and that is pretty much what EVERYONE is selling them for. For those that do not prefer carbon fiber that could be a good option that is cheaper than the carbon fiber. I'm not that kind of person however. 🤫

[@carlsoll]

5:27 Yeahhh mann. Just bought one in blue & beige. One question though? So the clips normally come as weathered as they do? Idk, it’s not like a ‘wash’ just worn- I guess *7:53*

[@ericthompson3551]

I bought this and got PRN turbo design titanium scales that REALLY felt great in my hand BUT it threw my blade point way off center so I put the cf scales back on.

[@TheSnakeman361995]

Mine won't automatically flip open like that, maybe cause I bought it off of BladeHQ instead of Benchmades website

[@scottyh.6992]

I can't believe all the Spyderco PM2 and Benchmade Bugout variants. They must sell a ton of these knives.

[@cameronbottoms1118]

The 940 and the Bugout are benchmades best sellers.

[@mewithknives3481]

Benchmade does offer carbon fiber and s90v on the griptilian platform. That configuration is 280ish?

[@robertm8401]

Since this came out I have called it the Pinnacle BugOut. Best variant ever.

[@johnagen3688]

Agree!

[@jamesfair9751]

Do you have or have you ever tried the bugout with aluminum handles and m390 blade. I’m thinking of getting one of these but can’t decide between the aluminum and m390 or cf and s90v what do you think???

[@barkingspider2007]

I love Benchmade, Spyderco etc. I buy a lot of them. If the Benchmade's and Spyderco's of the world don't get with the program and begin to offer better "value and quality" They are going to become very small players in the knife game. The Civivi's and TwoSuns and others are going to eat them up. The cost of premium materials is very minimal. Give us MORE Bang for the buck... Buy American... I do... Stop ripping me off... ALL OF THAT SAID... I am in the minority one in 500 knife buyers. Yes, I am going to buy one. THANKS FOR THE VIDEO!!!

[@chriswebb3018]

I do agree and wish i could buy these premium models cheaper than i do but the price will not change do to being produced in usa with a great warranty. The manufacturing of anything cost 10x more here than in china. Then add the great customer service and the price becomes what it is. If you know about tools and buy snap on for working on cars then you will see that benchmade isn't alone. 1 freaking ratchet from snap on cost the same as a premium knife from benchmade. It's crazy that we have to pay so much to get nice tools made here but its everyone's fault. It's usa companies fault that move there production to china to save a few bucks, it's our fault that accept it by buying that shit, and it's our government's fault for allowing greedy companies to do what they want to just to let the richer get more rich. It does suck but at least benchmade didn't sell out like Gerber did and produce shit knives sold at Wal-Mart to make a quick buck. We get to have a great company staying true to there roots producing great knives that we can buy.

[@ArkansasPublicHunts]

GOAT knife guy

[@groundofbeing9733]

One with s90v and carbon fiber, or a regular bugout AND a manix 2. Not sure that price hike is worth it.

[@Orochi_001]

Dumb question, but is S90V lighter than other steels? I can’t get this thing to drop shut for the life of me. Unscrewing the pivot does nothing, and I’ve removed the blade and cleaned/oiled everything I can. It’s buttery smooth, but not liquid

[@notname4646]

Polish the washers

[@SkunkPunch73]

Such a Joy to hear you say them words. Benchmade is doing such a good job on fit n finish. It’s about time they got that part sorted out you can’t be a sloppy company not with so many other high quality makers out there it’s not something to over look. Stay safe and healthy 😘👍

[@joshevans3452]

Sadly, not for mine they aren't. Won't re-post my comments from above but they will still send out nearly non functional examples.

[@zgnu]

It has jumped up in price this past year. $297 -$330

[@collectivevids5188]

I just bought this exact bugout for $224. I would not pay more than $250 for this knife. $300 is crazy.

[@ThorDyrden]

Very beautiful premium-edc... but the price-tag is really high (here in EU - 310€ incl. VAT)... The carbon/titanium Lionsteel T.R.E with M390 almost is 100€ cheaper and a strong competitor from the specs (I would need to hold both in my hand and use them some time).

[@Redstorm1220]

I’m new to knifes so I’m sorry if this is a stupid question but, how do I use the axis lock in this knife as a “fidget” type of knife where I can swing the blade open and close a lot?

[@metal_complex]

Brace the butt of the knife against your palm and pull down on the axis lock while you whip it open/closed. Let go of the axis bar once it reaches the fully opened/closed position 👍

[@Redstorm1220]

@@metal_complex thanks for the help!

[@wnJhntn]

I'm planning on having this be my first, and only, quality edc knife.

[@clintflippo917]

I just got it and dig it. I had to slightly adjust the tension. I do wish the blade was a tiny bit shorter. Already cut myself fidgeting with it.

[@harveychu7721]

If you purchase a blade like that from bladehq, does Benchmade still go through with its warranty and life sharp?

[@onewade1974]

Hey I bought this knife a while back. I was disappointed in the movement or action of the open and closing. I sent it back, then later learned it probably just need to be broken in a bit. However at the price point I shouldn't have to break a knife in.

[@BuffaloNickel9]

Most knives at all price points, including some triple this price must be broken in... That's like buying a brand new Rawlings top of the line leather pro- preferred baseball glove and complaining it should have come broken in😂

[@Magag4u]

I have the crooked river I think it’s called just recently got this Bug out and love them both love USA made knives

[@clintflippo917]

This was my first quality edc, super dig it.

[@everydaycarry1328]

I have several Bugouts with different scales....this one in CF , micarta , G-10 , and Aramis Akhmedov cf scales. This one is my favorite so far....we’ll see how the aluminum m390 version is 😉

[@a97b18b]

Where did you get micarta scales?

[@fakebobbyhill296]

Aside from the blade being a little higher quality, this is basically what you should get at the base price of a bugout. This, with an S30 V is what Benchmade should be offering for the price.

[@chrisdittberner9882]

I bought the blacked out with elite carbon fiber Handle. The blade action is pretty bad, first knife I have bought that I cannot flick open. If I loosen the pivot so I can flick it open the blade has lots of wiggle. Don't know if I just received a bad knife or they are all this bad.

[@inthemiddleof]

I like most of everything in this knife but that lanyard spacer.

[@scottharris6423]

I purchased the Benchmade 535BK-2201 with CPM-20CV blade steel. Yellow Grivory

[@scottharris6423]

Opps! With black hardware etc... It extremely sharp! Info above provided by Scott Harris not the person mention above.

[@CodeKiLLa26]

The mini version (533-3) is coming out soon!

[@angelcerros2547]

I would like to see a bug out XL,is there such a thing!?!

[@IlIlIlllIlIlIllli]

Smokey mountains knife works has a m4 bugout with bailout scale material. Have you looked into it?

[@a97b18b]

I have one. I have the one with gray blade and love it. Never had m4 and I’m not a hard user, but it’s holding up to cardboard so far

[@edcko10]

Yes! Yes I do. That's why It's in my hand already 😅

[@Rambles123]

I'm a diehard Spydie guy, but after I picked up my first Benchmade, (Saddle Mtn Skinner w/gray G10), I atleast stopped talking crap on Benchmade. Lmao. An Osbourne, Mini Grip w/Spydie hole & now this are now on my list for sure...

[@killough71010]

Sweet man. The crooked river is another amazing offer from benchmade. It's insanely smooth, we're talking custom knife smooth. I have so far a mini crooked river, griptillian, super freak m4, this cf bugout, 940-3 in cf, bailout in m4, and a turret. So far great experience with benchmade!

[@GBall_Vision]

I just picked one up off Blade HQ for 200. Their having an insane sale

[@tonycarrington2847]

Awesome price. Spectacular knife. Is that price still available? Thank You.

[@GBall_Vision]

@@tonycarrington2847 it's back up to 255, I believe that was only a few day thing.

[@tonycarrington2847]

@@GBall_Vision Thank You. Good to know. I'll keep an eye out for another sale. $200 was a deal. Thank You

[@GBall_Vision]

@@tonycarrington2847 it was a hell of a deal. And it's a great knife. Has the s90v blade. I did 2 day shipping even and still only spent 210-212

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

There is a knife out there for Everyone! Benchmade is not for me. But man you sure do put out some high quality videos and reviews!

[@cameronbottoms1118]

I agree with the knife portion; i like a lot of benchmades knives they’ve created. There’s some i dislike; at the same there’s some i love.

[@luismacotela-garcia6665]

Awesome and informative vids!

[@frzh0626]

Good news, BHQ r selling it at $219 rn. Excellent value!

[@joshevans3452]

Interesting. I ordered mine 3 days ago and it was $200. Wonder if I got a deal because it's the 3rd knife I bought there in 30 days?

[@frzh0626]

@@joshevans3452 That's pretty good deal to have $100 of the MSRP

[@tatersalad573]

Love it, just ordered it.

[@johnagen3688]

Such an epic knife!!!

[@rjzavala87]

"Now this is much more expensive." Of course it is.

[@jeremyrayplumley]

Love your videos man

[@tonycarrington2847]

Spectacular Knife. Looks like I may have missed the sales last week? Does anyone know of a $200 deal still around? Thank You.

[@inquisitorgramaticus2250]

yes, I don't have a Benchmade but if I was going to buy one this would be it. or if it comes Ti like the one you built I've always held back getting one as similar to yourself m.c , it looks a little dainty for me . good review mate 🇬🇧👍

[@Vegas3RSPilot]

I think I like the other ti one he built better too

[@TheKnetic]

Concrete brick processor here: Thanks for finally including my demographic in a knife review. I'll be sure to avoid this one. 🤣

[@gizmosgadgets4146]

Stoked for the 535-bk4

[@ericthompson3551]

You thought $255 was high ? So did I. But I paid $280 out the door at my local cutlery shop. Then another $145 on titanium scales and and back spacer. So I guess I probably spent too much , but wtf its only money.

[@showstopper7881]

But where do you buy replacement omega springs?

[@christianmolick8647]

Benchmade will send them to you if you ask.

[@jmarsh667]

I really like this combination.

[@theanger420]

I love mine I carry this and the mini cf elite bugout as my two daily carry knifes

[@randyf.9188]

What is the dumbbells name 👊

[@tanman7627]

I prefer spyderco but I'm thinking about a benchmade too nice review!

[@idwolverine1867]

If I were to get a Bugout, that would be the one.

[@theblake5356]

I paid $229 for a First Production at my local knife shop.

[@Jnichols77]

I have one and love it but the action is very stiff

[@johnwest4492]

Hey MC, ouch what did you do to your 👍it looks bad 😪

[@glassjar7814]

I went looking for that blacked out bugout at a local store yesterday and they had this. Had never seen it before. Asked them to scan for a price and i couldn’t do it for $250. So many better options of knives for that price. Regardless of s90v

[@kennytam864]

Great review

[@Floatergang707]

Is any else’s action a little rough.( not free dropping )

[@Floatergang707]

anyone else’s *

[@chriswebb3018]

@@Floatergang707 some are. Try putting lube into the pivit and the axis lock. It also helps to shoot compressed air into those area's to get it everywhere. If you don't have a compressor just get the cans of dust off from office supplie stores or walmart. It also may need to be broken in, this does take a bit of time. Mine took about 2 weeks of use and opening and closing it when i had a few min to get it to drop shut nicely. Hope this helps

[@benjaminlindner6489]

Oh boy do I need this! ;)

[@tonberryhugs6435]

I rarely buy knives now going for quality over quantity. Still daily carrying my Microtech Ultratech from 2018 but want something more traditional with some flair and I think this might be next.

[@stanreedy2686]

ordered it today

[@floridaman7]

I'm from the future. It's $300 now.

[@tristanmurphy4731]

I paid 225 for mine from GPKnives. Not a huge fan of the platform, but it's alright enough to stay in my collection. Best value of any Bug imo anyway

[@sazalichinchannel6629]

I like to have that lovely knive. How much anyway

[@Vegas3RSPilot]

This or mini adamas?

[@metal_complex]

Mini Adamas

[@SurronSlouch]

Him: sorry about the wound on my thumb, it’s from a… dumbbell. Everyone else: suuuuure lol

[@korling99]

Put some Vanax in that and I’ll jump, Otherwise, I’m happy with my base bugout and mini bugout.

[@johnruiz6743]

Yes!

[@supesharu5290]

Yes i'm Pretty sure i need this

[@desertsmeagol7073]

Overrated but the carbon fiber and blue accents are rlly nice. Should have had a blue axis lock as well

[@txoilfield]

Good review, just not my thing as well. I'll keep carrying my Onslaught and Barrage for heavy use and dressup carry.

[@jimcarlson6157]

tough tough dude

[@Cliff_Dixon_42]

Anyone else hoping Benchmade comes out with a S90V+CF Mini-Bugout?

[@chriswebb3018]

It would be around the 250 price range for the mini because it doest really cost that much less to produce a little bit smaller of a knife. Maybe 220 if we are lucky. That might be the reason they won't come out with it.

[@ChasVS391]

It’s my EDC! So I disagree with your dislike of this fantastic knife!

[@terrydelaney8713]

Like the carbon fiber

[@matthewlangley5565]

I paid $226 for mine today from Academy. Got a 20% discount.

[@JustAnotherDayToday]

Even at $220 is too much for a Bugout even in CF. Just get a M4 Freek if you must-it’s much better.

[@grandprixgtpjy]

This should have been the mini bug out configuration. More of a classy looking knife.

[@xtoxicKnifeReveiws]

Just picked this knife up for 160 from my snap-on dealer