Is the Hogue Deka better than the Benchmade Bugout?

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[@krazmokramer]

That 420HC steel is amazing. It's "noticibly soft" in a Leatherman and it's "EXCELLENT" in a Buck. -Uncle Randy 2023

[@destro6971]

Magnacut Dekas we’re down to $100 US during last years Xmas sales, so if anyone is on the fence and can hold tight for a month and a half there could be some killer deals again

[@nandayane]

The Deka’s handle kind of sucks though

[@Phaminator525]

​@nandayane I mean feels similar to the bugout. But I don't mind it. If I want I can buy aftermarket scales.

[@rando27enco]

I think we should keep in mind that Benchmade’s m390 range (same as 20cv chemically, from a different company) is 58-61, where as the deka is ran at 62-64 hrc with maganacut. Benchmade’s Magnacut hrc range is 60-62, so in terms of performance Benchmade’s best case scenario is the worst case scenario on the Hogue.

[@Muscovy7]

That is inexcusably soft, I kinda figured Benchmade was screwing up the heat treatment though.

[@firstjohn3123]

​@@Muscovy7 Above about 61Rc most steel's tendency is for the strength/toughness to fall off pretty fast. Bet they're doing it to mitigate blade breakage.

[@Muscovy7]

@@firstjohn3123 bs, M390 is less brittle than D2, a proper geometry provides enough toughness. Spyderco and Shirogorov literally has zero issues at 63.

[@firstjohn3123]

@@Muscovy7 Good points, geometry is really important...but if we look at the toughness graphs, the toughness for all of those still fall off over 61Rc or thereabouts..wasn't knocking M390's toughness, but trying to explain why they MIGHT, as a company, go so soft. And I will agree, Benchmade's not bringing the most out of that steel by a long shot.

[@Muscovy7]

@@firstjohn3123 BM’s S90v is hit or miss too and had history of being too soft. Frankly I think Benchmade just has quality control problems and decides to run soft on average to avoid cracking during batch quenches. Also I wasn’t attacking you, I understand your point of view, I just see that tired excuse used far too often by companies that want to save money on steel in the cheapest way possible. Instead of having more people babying the batches making sure the quench is done right they decide to run softer. The common excuse is toughness but we all know it’s bs because if they cared they’d use a different steel. It’s especially egregious when a company charges premiums on their product too.

[@franka9760]

I like your term "Butterfly tax". No question that Benchmade prices are hard to justify. I've got a Deka and really like it, even more so after I put aluminum handle scales ($60 US) on it, which give it a really solid feel.

[@hificat101]

I have both and OG scaled my Deka. I can't ever imagining carrying my Bugout and honestly never have. Essentially my Bugout is one of the most absolutely useless objects in my house.

[@MPerry-ox9qb]

Spyderco’s is just as expensive as Benchmade in most situations.

[@jooky5]

Whenever I play the ol’ “if I had to whittle my folder collection down to 4-5 knives” game in my head, both of these always make the final cut so you can’t go wrong with either

[@mikepeterson2804]

I have a magnacut Deka and its been great. I have a few benchmades from before their pricing went out of control and dont really see any reason to buy ANY benchmade knives until the pricing comes back down to earth. An s30v bugout is a $120 knife tops and $170 is absolutely insane. There are far too many great knives for the same or less $$.

[@DuxLindy]

3/4 benchmades I ever owned came with oem grit in the pivot and/or an uneven grind. oddly the cheapest of them was the only one that had no problems

[@adadadad8251]

$70-80 in 2015

[@Muscovy7]

@@adadadad8251 wild, adjusted for inflation that’s 100 dollars. In real terms BM jacked prices 70%, almost double.

[@ryanallen2887]

Ya, I’m done with Benchmade. I think they’ve lost their minds. Deka all the way.

[@Errcyco]

After using and studying both like I was getting a doctorate in pocket knives.. the Deka wins for me in every metric. It’s a shame they aren’t more popular. Family run, insane quality, good prices and USA made. The Wharncliff Deka is probably my favorite commercially produced EDC regardless of price. I want a Lexan one.

[@Muscovy7]

Not only that, Hogue is pro 2A and don’t ever get involved in wider politics. Fair prices too, BM meanwhile has gone full on woke and their prices are insulting.

[@Muscovy7]

@@Errcyco this is unfortunately true. Crazy what’ll happen when a culture stops caring about anything but increasing their wealth. In this case business/work culture. I sincerely hope BM course corrects at some point soon.

[@Errcyco]

@@Muscovy7 i think they will.. they are a solid company, just lost their way. Board will be forced to back off the insane prices as people stop buying them.

[@PMCKnivesAndTools]

I go back and forth on my bugout. Sometimes I like how slicey it is, other times the super lightness makes me feel it's flimsy. You're right about the butterfly tax.

[@beaver6d9]

Well said

[@axion8788]

Simply the best knife channel. If only the Deka had a thumb hole instead of studs.

[@Muscovy7]

Holes are goals, studs are duds.

[@RicardoDixhardo]

The Deka is better, but I'd get a Gerber Assert over a Bugout any day. Benchmade is a joke and Gerber is slowing rebuilding their reputation.

[@cfltitan]

That’s one of the many reasons I LOVE Spyderco.

[@MrLlama999]

The griptillian with a hole and axis lock is a joy.

[@DarylOster]

Take the stud off (then you have a hole)

[@nicholassosin6965]

Hey Hogue! We need a Deka XL like right now! 3.5”or 3.75” blade. There is absolutely no way that wouldn’t sell. 😊

[@hificat101]

I'd buy one.

[@snesleywipessqueegeeservices]

me too @@hificat101

[@kentuckyboy541]

Agreed

[@cherkovskystrokenov]

I'd happily buy one too

[@ks4545]

I'm still going with the HUUSK!

[@just9911]

The increased price of the bugout and the generally underwhelming heat treat from benchmade makes this an easy choice. While I do prefer the handle shape of the bugout, it’s not nearly enough of a difference to outweigh everything else.

[@tacticalcenter8658]

If you look at all the hardness tests and cut testing from others like outpost76 etc benchmade generally burn the edges but after a few sharpenings they do pretty good with s30v, cruwear and m4. Up until recently they did better than Spyderco s30v but Spyderco USA and Taiwan will see some at 61rc and Spyderco will max out at 60. Spyderco cruewear is from 61 to 64rc and benchmade cruwear 63 to 64. Benchmade m390 and 20cv is garbage though.

[@tombrown4683]

Glad to see this cooking channel got back in the kitchen. I don't use my Leatherman that much while cooking so have been a bit confused lately. Now I'm going to make an omelet, it's your fault.

[@barrybueler3356]

I like the Deka over the bugout🤷‍♂️ but it’s very close and I can see why other might like the bugout better it’s more of a preference than an obvious winner.

[@hificat101]

My Deka is awesome. My Bugout objectively sucks, especially for *$170*. It won't even drop shut. The Bugout was the first, and last Benchmade knife I'll ever buy.

[@barrybueler3356]

@@hificat101 I own a number of Benchmades all with great action I know it’s a pain in the butt but I’d send your bugout back and have it fixed especially since u are carrying the Deka anyway which I like better but why not have another good blade in the drawer it would probably just cost u postage and some of your time I would think.

[@ianbaker4295]

The Deka feels more robust to me, and the bugout is more refined. I like both. I don’t remember the bugout being so expensive though. Benchmade pricing is out of hand

[@onesky8647]

Not sure what I prefer, the healthy cooking or the knife reviews. :)

[@Forester17]

Im in Perth and just got a Kershaw Iridium with a crossbar lock for AU$150, its excellent and half the price of a Benchmade and feels sturdier. Pete should try it out, its D2 but still a worthy competitor given the price

[@hawsepiper]

Awesome comparison video! I have the Bugout and always end up going back to it. With the price so high on them I don't know if I would pick another one up. Deka looks like a solid option.

[@robr3723]

Appreciate the very objective view Pete. I bought a Bugout from a friend, put some brass Flytanium scales on it. He wants to buy it back from me for $100 USD what he sold it to me for. Crazy ain't it

[@whatab0utb0b]

Man I love the music in your videos 😊

[@rando27enco]

Like the ability for multiple blade shapes for the deka.

[@MrLlama999]

I’m shocked there isn’t a tanto or Sheepsfoot Bugout. The Civvivi Elementum is a model.

[@Muscovy7]

I appreciate your opinion. I however appreciate those omelets more! Why have I never thought to make them like that? Pete, you’re a genius and now I’m going to try this myself! As for the knives, I like Hogue as a company more. I like the more geometric blade design and thumb ramp of the deka more than the bugout but I 100% like the bugout’s neutral handle ergos. Overall I like the aesthetic and functionality of the deka more. I can understand how someone would prefer the bugout though, especially the superior handle. Unfooortunately due to recent decisions, BM is dead to me though. Hope that changes in the future.

[@robertbarnum7541]

But please, ask Mr Bricky who does the heat treatments the best in which ever steel that you have chosen. Because that is the one spot where we don't know what we have chosen. And it's a huge factor in the resulting product. For instance, I have heard that the (at least the earlier) knives of the Deka Magnacut were terrible. I tend to Spyderco unless I have heard solid positives about other company's (not specialty craftsmen shops) specific treat treatments of specific blade alloys. I trust Mr B.

[@nvalley]

This is an important consideration. Just as a point of comparison: early runs of Magnacut in the Deka were 60-61 HRC. They now target 62-64 and afaik independent tests confirm that range. But compare that to BM who runs their S30V at a target of 58-60 and m390 at 58-61. Hogues lowest end is BM's highest

[@alvarez321]

I like the design of the bugout a lot more. But for a magnacut blade and the added jimping on the blade of the Deka. It was a no brainer, plus I just ordered some yellow scales from OG too. Can’t wait for them to get here.

[@rob10ring]

I happen to be carrying a Hogue Ritter Mini RSK today. I was a Bugout hater when they came out. I would only carry Spyderco. I carry Bugouts quite a bit, including the Work Sharp. It’s one of my favorites. I want a Magnacut Deka, but with G-10. Great comparison! Really made both look pretty good.

[@Hallo81398]

they've come out with a G10 version of the Deka. It's in blue

[@coralinealgae]

I preordered a Deka in Magnacut and didn't like it at all until I swapped the slick plastic scales for grippier OriginalGoat aluminum scales & swapped the sharp thumb-studs for rounded ones that don't catch on my pocket and partial-deploy from time to time. Now I love it, but it ended up costing over $200us to get there.

[@_brianm]

I like them both a lot. My favorite is the original blue grivory / S30V Bugout …that I got for $119.00 MAP four and a half years ago.

[@Lumpy_Peter]

I love my mini Bugout, have also regular Bugout, both in S30v from the times of somewhat more reasonable prices, like the looks of it much better than Deka. I see no reason to get Deka too, but had I been in the market for this kind of knife now, I would definitely go for Deka.

[@brodyberry6253]

It definitely is you don’t have to but it definitely helps it out a lot to get custom scales.

[@JerryLoffelbein]

I have a Bugout and a Deka V2 Clip Point, both of which are Knife Center exclusives, which means they both have G10 scales rather than reenforced nylon (that was important to me after feeling the OG handles on both). Bugout is in 20CV and Deka is in Magnacut. Believe it or not, the Bugout was the cheaper of the two, but I bought it during a holiday sale where they got rid of their remaining stock. For me, the Bugout eeks out hand comfort by a little bit. The Deka has this thumb ramp with the jimping, and I find it terminates too early. I got me some XL hands, and where my thumb naturally falls in the sabre grip, it's half on the jimped area, and half past it, which has a pointy bit since the spine drops down before the clip starts. The 20CV on the Bugout felt harder to me than any Asian 20CV/M390, and my Para 3. Gave me some trouble during the reprofile/sharpening with diamond stones, especially when deburring. I haven't hit the blade on anything that'd cause it troubles like concrete or copper staples yet, but I subconsciously think that its hardness might mean the blade could be "chippy" more so than others. With it being a light duty knife though, I doubt I'll run into issues and it's possible that's all in my head and not true. The Magnacut on the Deka seems to be alright. At the 15 degrees it's reprofiled to I find the edge starts to roll earlier than I expect it to, but a quick strop brings it back. I don't have that issue with my Malibu in Magnacut, but it's blade geometry is a little bit thicker... and it's a more expensive knife made in smaller batches and most likely differing heat treat protocols. Kinda like comparing Granny Smiths to Honeycrisps. They're both apples, but very different from each other.

[@proraptor4146]

I luke my magnacut deka a lot, no reason to buy a bugout or anything benchmade anymore

[@brixalpha]

The Bugout has more aftermarket support also if that is something you are into. I have both and prefer the Deka in magnacut over the Bugout, but I usually EDC my WE Banter.. Lol. I find the fidget factor is a lot better with the bearings and it can be had for less than the Deka although the Original WE Banter comes generally in S35V. I'm in Texas so I let the Banter sit for bit and there was small signs of rust, which is where deka would excel but nothing a little cleaning didn't fix. Great video.

[@richardkev3077]

I bought a Bugout a few years ago after reading how wonderful it was. It is a nice design with an excellent blade shape and decent steel. The lock is strong and easy to use - I haven’t yet experienced any problems with the omega spring. But the flexi-scales make the whole knife feel cheap. I still have it, and I still use it occasionally. But it feels cheaper than a couple other folders I have that cost a quarter to a third as much.

[@jaywalker2012]

I have both Deka in MC Bugout in S90V and like the the Benchmade bugout better because Benchmade has the better pocket clip and more options for the clip. But for some reason I always seem to have my old Spyderco Delica 4 saber grind with VG10 in my pocket like 90% of the time 🤷‍♂️.

[@The4cp]

In a word yes. Id carry Uncle Randy's toe nail clipping before a bugout.

[@stevenrobertson6656]

Slicing cheese is definitely one of the main priorities when considering a knife mate.

[@LosRiji]

Serrations really shines at this

[@stevenrobertson6656]

@@LosRiji 👍

[@sloanNYC]

I've been super happy with the Deka and it was a great price point at the time to get Magnacut. I love my Osborne 940, but there are so many great alternatives out there like the Deka that it is hard for me to justify paying more for Benchmade... Great time to like knives for sure.

[@GodsWorld189]

You need to purchase the Hogue gen 2 in (tan) CPM magnacut. With the the sheep foot wharncliffe blade. It’s rated higher 62-64 Yours is rated at a lower hardness. I’ve never purchased a bug out, and I don’t think I ever will. I’ve also put a XL back spacer on mine from original goat. I payed 156.00 for mine after tax and 20.00 for back spacer. I don’t know what that bugout cost but I’m pretty sure it’s more than 186.00 Call me practical and we’ll read before I buy and make a decision. Nice video. 😎

[@Haywoodjablomie100]

When they seem him grab these two knives, Huusk breathed a sigh of relief and said "Boys, thankfully we have another day left in us" haha.

[@charlesdudek7713]

Two years ago I was deciding between these two knives. In the end I went with the G10, 20cv, clip point Deka. Even though I liked the blade shape a little better on the Bugout, the Wolf omega springs and the G10 over the Grivery influenced me to buy the Deka. Also I thought that maybe the 20CV would be a little better than the S30V. The Deka is one of my favorite EDCs but I'm sure I would have been perfectly happy with the Bugout also.

[@ExploretheMallee]

Bingo, totally agree 💯

[@CBRooFeo96]

I've never had anything from Benchmade, but I've got a Hogue Deka V1 in 20cv, and its a nice little knife.

[@willeniumfalcon]

Deka is the better deal on paper, but the bugout just feels better in my hand. Idk if it's the more neutral grip angle but the design just works. Don't know what's going on with BMs pricing though.

[@jesustheyrealltaken]

I have the wharncliffe 20CV and G10 Deka and It's my personal favorite. I bought it before the magnacut Deka came out. I'd have probably bought that and replaced the scales.

[@IvIidnight]

I would hate to see the Butterfly Tax on Magnacut!! 😂😂

[@velvetine74]

I feel warmer about the Deka because of the price. I recommend buying one in CPM 20CV and one in Magnacut and swapping the scales!

[@kkim5000]

this knife channel literally has the best music choices. fire emblem: three houses!

[@tombrown4683]

Been thinking of getting a Deka. Don't have either of those knives & probably will never own a Bugout. Benchmade priced itself out of consideration esp with the reports of softer than optimal heat treats & QC issues. Pete you did a really good job of tackling this comparison ! Wouldn't mind seeing more comparisons if you find 2 more filling the same role with interesting differences.

[@mike2510801]

Came for the knives, stayed for the omelette. Great video Pete.

[@filipposalexandris6672]

For some folks out there having slightly lower hrc doesn't mean a worst blade. You have to have toughness in mind for some heavier duty applications too. A blade with a broken in the field is bad in my opinion. Plus MB is so $$ partly because of their warranty.

[@maxlvledc]

Everyone moaning about HRC on Hogue magnacut and it still outcuts the 20CV Benchmade.

[@vibeslide]

Where i live the Deka is slightly more expensive than the Bugout. Which unfortunately means they're both effing overpriced.

[@Mrsjmathea]

Great video, as always. I was just wondering how you get the limited edition bugout in Australia.

[@jonathanmatthew5451]

For me... Deka by a hair, maybe. I have a m390 Bugout w/AWT archon scales and Magnacut Deka w/AWT archon scales. I carry and use them both equally... Occasionally rotating in maxamet PM3, m4 940. Can't go wrong with the deka or Bugout. However deka definitely wins on price point. I will say though I've had the bugout longer and the black finish is intact... Deka finish started wearing of the top side/edges of the blade pretty quickly after it entered my daily rotation.

[@Wayfarer45]

Should take a peak at the Presidio 2 and mini Presidio 2 if you haven't already, easily one of BM's most slept on models at a generally more affordable price butterfly tax not withstanding. Probably just my bias though. I got and love both the Bugout and the Deka, but the Mini Presidio kicked them both out of my pocket for a couple months now.

[@spyhunter6411]

You’re really trying to get me to play through 3 houses again, aren’t you? This isn’t a knife video…it’s a secret Nintendo ad haha

[@drouleau]

I have a Benchmade Bushcrafter that I got a couple years ago - it's a nice knife, but I have no interest in owning any of the Benchmade pocket knives (especially with the crazy prices). I'd take the Deka all day over the Bugout. If I want a cheap, lightweight knife with flimsy handles, I'll just use my Steel Will Cutjack. My go-to "EDC" knife is my Spyderco Para 3 in Cru-Wear that I got about 5-6 years ago.....love it. Pretty much EDC perfection with the addition of a deep carry clip, although not the most aesthetically pleasing knife to look at.

[@robertsimon276]

Sweet knives I like them both and enjoyed the video especially made me hungry! lol 😂

[@ryanmicklich3912]

I have a first gen bugout and a first gen deka. Of those two the bugout wins hands down. My first gen deka must have had the heat treat off, because it was extremely soft. The first two or three sharpenings you could feel the stones gripping the blade that goes an 8cr or some other crap. The bugout I have is S30V and holds an edge very well. The only issue I had with that knife is that I would get a little bit of lock rock to get the desired action I want. For my two examples i would pick the bug out. If the steel is better on the deka I would totally pick that.

[@Mike-mi3yw]

I agree with every word that came out of your mouth. Even if the Bugout had magnacut benchmade has been running them pretty soft.

[@r.english3480]

Haha, I bought a second hand Benchmade Bailout in M4 and put Rockscale titanium scales on it for half of what Benchmade is asking. $600 is just silly

[@charlescollier7217]

Yeah, it's a no-brainer for me. Especially since the Deka occasionally goes on sale, making the price difference and bang-for-buck ratio irresistible.

[@meat2dawad]

DLT Trading currently has an exclusive G-10 handled Deka in MagnaCut available. Pretty friggin neato

[@finneas_0710]

Pete, I would like to know how do these 2 compared to the TRM atom or neutron

[@jasonchatham4170]

Deka is EASILY a better value proposition. Run some fine sand paper over the edge of the handles to do that final finishing and it’s all you could ever need in EDC.

[@bobsmith2944]

Cool vid, thanks for info. Can u please invent some sorta hard use retention test? Not just for fixed blades, theres lots of folders sold as hard use and some of the bigger ones with multiple locks claim to work like fixed blades. I would also like to see leathermans and these thin edc blades tested for hard use even though thats not what they are designed for. Maybe cutting more ebrasive ropes or light battoning or impacting concrete, something that can be somewhat standardized so future comparisons can have a base or reference point. Thanks again, have a good one bro.

[@Muscovy7]

Pete’s not really made of money, he’d have to cover the cost of all those knives and I doubt ad revenue would keep up

[@LosRiji]

​@@Muscovy7don't forget the chickens

[@1337flite]

It's hard being a knife nerd. On the one hand we like the idea of high edge retention. On the other hand we like sharpening. Where's the fun in a knife yoyu rarely need to touch up, let alone sharpen?

[@nvalley]

With special shopping and discount codes I'm into a titanium Magnacut Deka for just under $200. Compared to a base model Bugout at $160'ish MAP its a no brainer

[@c0nsci0usness]

I've had both and I'd say the Deka is better. It certainly feels like better build quality.

[@megacab]

I have the aluminum bugout with m390 that i got when they first came out. I love hogue though and with how benchmade is now (prices, politics, etc.) I'd go hogue everyday.

[@o0FranklySpeaking0o]

11:30pm Pete, thats past my bedtime

[@willemtecumseh2019]

Bugout was the only Benchmade ive found worth owning. Sold all my others over time. Same for my Spydercos and ZTs Good enough all around, and not too nice/expensive to use.

[@ivanpanzovski]

Got a butterfly clone from wish with carbon fiber scales … amazing value and decent steel.

[@MilkieBeargames]

The bugout does have a nice hand feel.

[@tiltskillet7085]

Any comment on the toughness difference in the two steels? I know toughness isn't traditionally the biggest concern with small folders. But psychological or not, I appreciate having a tougher Magnacut blade. Just not sure how big that difference is.

[@MrHayes-cb7hp]

Base model blue Bugout s30v and plastic $162. Deka in 20cv and g10 same price. You have choice where you spend your money. Benchmade hasn’t blown my mind other than price increases in a long while.

[@antoinedoinell]

i bought my bug out several years ago at REI with a $20 off coupon. The blade shape and thickness was perfect for me. The s30v was a compromise. It was $100+tax. I get there's inflation but $170 is insane with those plastic scales. Today's market and prices, i'd choose a deka (wharncliffe), even though i dislike features of both blade shapes.

[@TroutManOutdoors]

Deka💪🏼

[@jondrew1]

Pete, do you think G10 scales vs the FRN/composite on the Deka for $30 more would tip the scales? (I promise no pun intended) I’m seriously thinking about getting a Deka to replace my Opinel as my EDC

[@lukenodag5784]

Asher knives makes basically a bugout clone in m390and g10 from a no name oem in China. I got a factory second in for like 50 bucks, regular is 115 but they're sold out, I can't figure out why it's a second though lol. I can't imagine paying 170 for a bugout. Benchmade had been having alot of sales recently and even then the prices are insulting.

[@JamesSmith-or2ut]

I threw away a cuttingboard just like yours after I noticed I was adding plastic to my dinner...(the tiny particles that came of when cutting...)

[@DuxLindy]

i feel like a lot of spyderco models have gotten crazy expensive. as least their lw versions have alright pricing.

[@Orochi_001]

I have three higher-end Bugout models and one Deka drop-point. I don’t have a desire to buy another Deka unless I can get the wharncliffe in Magnacut and G10. DLT had one on offer, but it had OD handles with an FDE blade. It was one of the ugliest combos I’ve seen, and I just couldn’t bring myself to snag one. Hogue has the other US manufactures handily beat on price, and I’m always interested to see what they’ve got going on.

[@Hungrybird474]

Mine had soft steel , magnacut on a V2 . I yeeted it in a lake

[@Orochi_001]

@@Hungrybird474 that’s sad to hear, but I appreciate the heads-up. I haven’t had any issues with their 20CV (I also own an RSK Mk.1-G2), and was hoping that would carry over to the Magnacut.

[@Muscovy7]

You can get relatively reasonably priced after market scales for the Deka.

[@Orochi_001]

@@Muscovy7 that might be the route I have to take.

[@Muscovy7]

@@Orochi_001 I feel you, honestly it’s the only reason I’ve held off on the Deka. It’s just a hassle. The v2 magnacut is too good a deal though… it’s tough lol.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

People will scream about the Bugout being overpriced but will completely ignore the fact that there are $40 Civivis with higher quality handles than the Deka. The Deka had by far the cheapest, sharpest, flimsiest handle of any knife in my collection. Add to that I got one of the early Magnacit models that was run soft and it rolled the edge the first time I needed to use it and I will gladly spend more for a quality tool.

[@hificat101]

The action on my Deka out of the box was amazing. The action on my Bugout out of the box was horrible. I completely disassembled the Bugout, carefully polished, then painstakingly cleaned the washers, putting a drop of 10W nano oil on each, reassembled the Bugout, and the action still sucks on the Bugout. Even after opening and closing it hundreds of times to try and loosen it up. When I flick it really hard, I can get the blade to close about 75% of the way. My Deka just drops fully as soon as I pull the lock. To me, its not even close.

[@merkyworks]

Bugout hands down, perfect blade shape

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Pete, yep, tell 'im eeee's dream'n, alright, lol !!!!, the Bugout, even in S20 = a very overpriced, "ok" knife ....... not sure what all the fuss has been about. And I seem to remember it has quite flexy scales, .... is that your experience ? I like the Hogue in comparison, better blade shape to start with IMO, but to be honest, more out of "Magnacut envy" ; ) ....... than anything else. I do reckon you're spot on with the 4 categories, though it's obviously more variable depending on what you do with it on a regular basis. Cheers Duke.

[@tonytooltime5373]

Why do I Never hear anyone talk about How SHARP the Thumb Studs & Cross Bar on the DEKA are? Am I the only one that Noticed this? Love Both Knives Equally though. 🔪👍😁👍🔧

[@smucka1]

Talking of work sharp how about a follow up review of the precision adjust

[@mistersmith3986]

Hands down, Deka all the way!!!

[@diezelvh4133]

I don't need either. I have a 940 with a full grind Gersh magnacut reblade and Delica 4 in K390. Oh ya...

[@happykt]

The Hogue Deka is around $160 to $180 in the six knife sites I looked at.

[@marcomlott9099]

I have several Benchmade knives and I love them. But the phrase "Butterfly Tax" needs to catch on. They are so expensive nowadays.

[@Bio6hazard]

Do either of those 2 knives have any blade play? My main gripe with my bugout is that I just can't get the action dialed in. Either it's flickable but has noticable play, or it has no play but can only be slow rolled open. I went through 3 omega springs so far trying to break it in to no avail. Even sent it in to benchmade and they somehow sent it back with even worse action.

[@betterarmed]

It’s fun watching which companies completely rip you off on premium steel pricing and which don’t. The best steel costs the company an extra $3.00 but they charge you an extra $50, $100… F that.

[@DarylOster]

My most carried knife is the WARNCLIFF deka. Removed the thumbstud (i hate them), and ground a groove close to the back of the blade so the blade opens by catching on the hem of my pocket. LOVE that Magnacut steel! Agreed the handle on the bugout is a little better (can choke up closer to the blade for heavy cuts). Even if benchmade offered magnacut and warncliff i would not pay the butterfly tax for the slightly better handle design.

[@DarylOster]

I also find it interesting that Hogue (known for ergonomic handle design for revolvers) would miss the opportunity to improve on the buyout ergonomics...

[@DarylOster]

Bug-out (hate auto correct BS)

[@lestagez]

hey cost aside, if they were the same price, what would you prefer?

[@davidgray4138]

Haven’t even watched it yet. I’m just here to read the comments and taste the salty Benchmade tears.

[@SpaceDave3000]

I didn't like the Deka until I got replacement scales. I don't like the bugout because 30v isn't particularly good., especially compared to magnacut, and it's the s30v version that most people, including myself have, or had.

[@brandon_crow1291]

Considering you can get a Deka in magancut for less than a standard Bugout and with better quality control no the Deka is clearly better.