Modding the Benchmade Bugout to feel like a $400 knife

[@BladeHQ]

Awesome video my friend. I love how smooth these knives can get when you modify it and polish it a bit. -Dallas

[@knifepivotlube412]

It's a great design for sure!

[@Toasty_Woasty]

The first Bugout I bought from BHQ was $150 as "limited edition" blackout. A couple weeks later it was mass sold at $99. Last time I fall for that trick.

[@magnuskallas]

I couldn't help but notice you had a minor cut with a slip at 2:34. The knife is now part of your bloodline :D

[@Knifegash]

She has tasted blood.....and now she thirsts for *more* .

[@CDS.26]

This is by far the best video to watch for learning to rebuild a Bugout. Thanks dude, you’re the best.

[@knifepivotlube412]

Glad you liked it!

[@CDS.26]

I watched a few other videos before getting to yours and it seemed like the people in the videos were basically just learning while on camera, wasn’t much help.

[@TheTimSargent]

I have copper flytanium scales on my buyout and I HIGHLY recommend them! Everyone that sees my knife when I pull it out always ask about it and want to check it out. The patina is looking really awesome after a couple of years of carry. Wish I could share a pic. I also like the weight it adds to the knife. I’m not a fan of the ultra light, poly handle.

[@ogenmatic]

Well done. I’ve been doing a similar process of the fine polishing of mating surfaces on axis locks for years. I also lightly polish the faces of the liners (& do both sides of the pb washers). Additionally I polish the track of the axis bar on both liners to smooth it up a bit more.

[@leeward6762]

Yeah, it seems like polishing both sides would have to help

[@mikelikesknives428]

That Bugout looks fantastic. The access to the lockbar is so much better with those scales. Those Asphalt Trays are another fantastic product. Great job.

[@knifepivotlube412]

Thanks! I love it in titanium!

[@purtnearperkins]

We’ll done. I used Chemical Guys Heavy Metal Polish and Starrett 1620 tool and instrument oil which I had on hand and worked excellent. I swapped blades from my 535-3 Carbon and 535BK-4 to get a blackout look on the Carbon (posting a short video for folks to see soon) Applied your techniques. Worked perfect. Both knives are smooth as butter. Thanks!

[@Proviction]

What's that maintenance mat you have called?

[@jamesrosenberg1612]

I just followed this guide on my new bugout mini, got it running insanely smooth! Basically zero play, and drop close. I was planning to upgrade to a stainless slider, vs titanium and figured id fully tune it while i was doing the disassembly :)

[@jamesrosenberg1612]

From other places, it sounded difficult to take apart but the way you did it made it very easy. Got it done without any problems

[@cgmiller82]

Sold, and sold! I love knives, but I don't watch a lot of knife videos... this came up in my feed. It was oddly specific... I recently bought a Bugout after finding my Mini Bugout to be just a little small, but I didn't like the color options... instead of waiting, I just bought it in a color I didn't really like... so I haven't been carrying it... then this video shows up! You did a great job selling the lube and polish, and I bought the same scales you have there. Sorry I didn't use your affiliate code for Amazon as I had to buy them from Flytanium directly. Thanks!

[@Greeves421a]

Great vid, appreciate your efforts, is it me or does is seem like a $200 + knife would come with at least a few of these improvements and refinements already?

[@theartshow1476]

Agreed

[@X0X0LFertilizer]

Nah , benchmade is mediocre at best

[@rong.2457]

The standard bugout is $140. He added about $70 to it. It’s now far better than any factory bugout.

[@jimmyf1312]

Good question. It’s not 200 dollars though the stock blue handles is more like $140 and I’ve had several and I’d say worth every penny. You have to understand what the bugout is really made for and what it’s not. Also you need to factor in it’s made in usa with s30v steel and not china with Chinese steel. Also the handles(scales) are milled out plastic and almost entirely liner-less it’s a very VERY lightweight knife for the size. So much so that I originally lost my first one (black cf elite) handle scales because it literally feels like noting is in your pocket

[@DiscountDivorcePhotography]

its benchmade man...they hate their customer

[@hardluckclub7271]

don’t own a bugout but will soon. i’m a spiderco guy. by coworker bought one and i love it. great video and very informative. keep the great vids coming. you got my subscription off this vid👍🤘

[@koozmusic]

Thanks, KZbin algorithm! I've never owned a pocket knife before but now I kinda want one, haha... Good video!

[@mattadler4710]

This video was worth watching for the steel polish tip alone. Seriously, you did an awesome job on this video. I got a lot out of it, and the production quality is solid. The music was a nice touch. You have my attention, and subscription.

[@ubermick4208]

Followed this to the letter - with the exception of using Maas polish instead of Simichrome (which is illegal in California!) - and am really blown away with the improvement. I was a teensy bit confused that the sound mine makes when deploying sounds completely different than yours (the video almost has a ratcheting sound!) but the action's so good I don't care!

[@nicl3265]

You should see my 940 osbourne it's been daily carried for 5 years been through the ringer still going strong needs a little love though

[@waynecastleman1363]

That's an nice upgrade , looks great. I have the Purdue Blue Class 531SBK with G 10 scales in a charcoal ash color , so light to carry but Sharp and very quick in hand. Love Benchmade knives. Great video to Stay 💪🇺🇸👍

[@molon_labe_nc9390]

Definitely a huge improvement titanium makes everything better in my opinion 👍🏻

[@paulgugliotti9446]

I put the same scales on the same Bugout. I love it!

[@knifepivotlube412]

Right on! I'm loving these - very good access to the lockbar!

[@anthonysupplee858]

Same here. It’s incredibly Butter Smooth. I have the 535-3 also and this one with the Ti scales is crazy smooth.

[@ThaiPham-vn9cz]

Thank you for the detailed instruction. Nice job! I wonder they make the handle in exotic wood likes cocobolo, black wood, etc. BTW, where do you get your drive bit set(model) if you don't mind sharing?

[@beniciomoldenado2315]

Great video. Thanks for posting. I thought I missed something as you disassembled the knife but turns out I did not, so I have a question. Is there a reason you did not polish both sides of the bronze washers? Thanks again for a very informative video.

[@knifepivotlube412]

I certainly could have - however the surface of the liners is not particularly smooth and would pretty immediately scratch them up again.

[@rainypath96]

I love the video and I just bought some knife pivot lube. I just wish you included centering the blade

[@Corndog4382]

Could you use that same rubbing compound to polish the edge of your knife? I’d be more interested in investing in it if it’s multipurpose.

[@upnorthkenny9674]

So I take it we can’t lose any of the parts😎great video just playing with ya🤘

[@mschumaker1]

I bought new Bugout with aluminum scales from factory, it's a beautiful knife but action is very stiff out of the box. I loosened up the pivot screw & added some lube. It's better but not able to be opened with a flick. I have all the stuff to do this at home, just need to do it, great video, thanks!

[@Cahwai]

My dads bugout is being sticky; ordered some KPL (the package that contains the 3 containers and the swabs and the stuff used on the washers to try and fix it. Used to be a dealer for benchmade and it’s got me confused. Replaced springs and all; but the axis bar has some grime on it.

[@HatchBackLove27]

I had some issues with FlyTainium. I purchased the Brass scales for my 940 and they same warped it seemed. I was unable to get a smooth action on my knife because it would pinch one side of the blase when tightened down. I had to put my original aluminum scales back on.

[@dannybarney89]

Just bought the bugout 535 bk-2. I can adjust the pivot screw so the action is super smooth, but then I have blade play. Does the coating on the blade on the BK-2 model have an impact on the action? Or should I take this thing apart and polish it as you have done in the video to get the action how I want it? UPDATE: I decided since it was a brand new knife, I shouldn't have to pay to send the knife in to benchmade to have them make the action smooth, nor should I have to tear it apart to make it smooth and tight myself. I returned the knife to REI and exchanged it for the exact same knife. The action is much smoother with zero blade play. The coating on the blade does not seem to impact the action. Looking forward to putting some flytanium scales on it, eventually. Love this knife.

[@barclesarg]

Seems like a nice upgrade but I have a feeling those scales would just be too slick. If you could add some checkering that upgrade would be worth it for me

[@klpbaron]

That was a very good and informative video that applies to many knives , thank you!

[@knifepivotlube412]

Glad it was helpful!

[@matthiascarroll1924]

Any recommendations on washers? I’m looking to upgrade some cheaper knives from nylon. Also, interesting point about the Young’s Modulus of different materials.

[@rpeg6487]

Cool vid. I’ve got such a love/hate relationship with my bugout. It’s easy to carry but for the life of me, I can’t get the blade play out. I kind of wonder if these Ti scales would make a difference.

[@knifepivotlube412]

maybe! - I have had really positive results with this setup!

[@KarlHungus2060]

Might be a tad bit late but maybe some new washers

[@nealriordan6802]

I'm not up on this jargon, what do you mean by play out?

[@aceman1126]

Try the flytainium g10 scales. They DO add thickness which is a down side for me but they make the bug out waaaaay more solid of a knife. For me personally, I love the bugout BECAUSE it's super thin and light. It's what I carry when I want a low profile and minimal bulk to carry. If I feel like I might need a more hardcore option i have many other knives. Can the bugout be made to be slicker or stronger or more "premium" feeling? Yeah. But when I went down that road eventually I got to the point that I no longer had a bugout hahahaha Just my opinion but I say leave it as is and just buy another knife that does what you find lacking in the bugout. More knives is always a good thing

[@jondough7823]

@@nealriordan6802 they likely mean the blade moves slightly when locked, or just not feeling sturdy.

[@MadShepard]

Excellent video thank you so much for sharing the detailed information, it's very helpful!

[@knifepivotlube412]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Ripinda1911]

I would recommend swapping in some aftermarket omega springs, they last much longer.

[@Am_I_really_not_really_I_AM]

You should mention that the Bugout's washers are made of phosphor bronze because some people might think that they're just plain bronze and would be unable to successfully mod their knife.

[@aus2514]

Rad video. Looking forward to future videos from this channel

[@knifepivotlube412]

More to come!

[@MatthewFried]

Great video. Could you please add a link to the bits and driver you use?

[@charalamposandrikopoulos6788]

I striped a screw on my bugout how do I get it out ?

[@ThePenatron]

Benchmade really knocked it out of the park. Just have to fix all the problems

[@TOPOEDC]

I love the video. I'm definitely going to look into putting those scales on mine. On a side note, please tell me that was runescape music I was hearing, lol.

[@rhino5419]

Excellent tuto for a well needed upgrade. One question if i may, how long do you feel is the normal life span of an omega spring with medium edc use? They are not readily available here so i don't use my knife as much as i would like. All the best.

[@Nerdthan2]

Ok where did you get that mat and not driver! I need those in my life!!!

[@dano727]

What model Wiha driver is that? can't find it online... Thanks Great Video !

[@Azathoth43]

How is the texture on the Ti scales? After several years of use the fiberglass scales on my bugout have become smooth. Would like some scales with a bit more grip. Thanks.

[@knifepivotlube412]

not very grippy - the titanium is pretty slippery - there are companies that make micarta scales.

[@rybobuno]

I got someone one of these as a gift. Cool video but I’m not sure I want my blade to have a “fall shut action.” The opening looks really smooth and nice though.

[@MakeTechCreate]

Great video. Thanks!

[@rexuswin]

Nice video! I am going to have to make the scale upgrade too!

[@knifepivotlube412]

You should!

[@JonathanDawson-uo7jm]

Hey this question is entended for the maker of this video knife lube or whatever its called but if anyone else can answer it then id appreciate that just as much so i came up on a benchmade axis folding knife and i think may be a axis spring assisted cus when i start moving blade it ebds up coming out on its own even if i let it go which i think is cool but id much rather it be fully auto axis so can i convert it to auto?? And if so how and can someone make a video of it and i have 3 coil springs from reguler push button autos one is like double the size of the other 2 but can i use one of them and is that the type of spring they use in axis autos??

[@flybyguy1450]

My bugout has a cerakoted blade, which weight oil would you recommend for the pivot? Also, I seem to get a bit of lock bar stick every now and then. Would applying lube to the surface the omega springs slide on remedy this issue?

[@edzak4858]

Are the Flytanium scales available with the clip holes on the other scale for lefties?

[@sousa3819]

Where do I get scales for a discontinued benchmade volli?

[@knifepivotlube412]

That's going to be very tricky. There are a few people out there who do custom work on a one-off basis. Benchmade may also be able to get you original scales if yours are damaged.

[@SouthJerseySkids]

I already had to send my 3 month old bugout in for warranty, noticed randomly that 4 screws had dissapeared from the frame.

[@knifepivotlube412]

Oof! Benchmade has good customer service fortunately.

[@calebalvarado1026]

I had a quick question, i want to swap my silver axis lock on my griptillian with a black one from a bugout. Is this possible or are they different sizes?

[@bjornegan6421]

Would you happen to know how that simichrome polish compares to flitz?

[@andywiggens1069]

where did you get that work bench

[@akquicksilver]

Great video of a nice knife.

[@iamsmashy]

Is that a custom pelican case for your tools? If not, where did you get it?

[@john-ck8sw]

Got to do both sides of the washers

[@JoeBananas3]

Killer video dude!!

[@ma31398]

Are those the blasted or Stonewashed scales?

[@ericthompson3551]

I put ti scales on my bugout , but it lost the blade centering so I put the carbon fiber scales back on.

[@stringbender247]

I've wanted one of those knife kits forever they are always sold out. Any idea where I can find one like yours?

[@knifepivotlube412]

oof! its tough. I had to follow Journey Tool Co on instagram and watch carefully for when he had a drop.

[@jakegalindo8834]

I feel like that blade looks identical to the griptilian blade or does it not?

[@ninerempire1466]

Great Video

[@douglasblaydes7801]

I am not mechanical but I am goign to try and replace the scales on my knife. What size bits are you using? Thank you for a wonderful video!

[@knifepivotlube412]

T5 - T10 covers almost all knife maintenance tasks. I use Wiha, but Wera and Bondhus are also quality.

[@silverback4434]

Wow impressive !

[@knifepivotlube412]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@thewitchdoctor3648]

little cut action at 2:34. yup, she's sharp

[@jeremyhagen7684]

Hey Ryan, I carry a Milwaukee fastback utility knife. I prefer the compact version for convenience. I would love to see if you could mod it to spring assist. There seems to be no spring assist models available that have replaceable utility blades. Keep up the great content! 👍🏻

[@cseevers1188]

It looks nice, I’ll give you that. I looked into Flytanium scales for my 940-2 but, one of the main reasons I buy Benchmade is “Made in America”. I couldn’t bring myself to put Chinese scales on it.

[@stevebean1234]

Why use a dremel? Why not simply rub the blade's pivot surface across the edge of your cardstock and even surface? Wouldn't that ensure a more even polish?

[@jgranger2002]

Why not just unbolt the scale then bolt on the new scale then repeat on the other side?

[@theknifeconnection9571]

You could have made this easier for yourself. Just take one scale off put the new on and flip it. You didn't have to disassemble the whole thing

[@jgranger2002]

Beat me to it. Smarter not harder.

[@markperkins9445]

Benchmade really knocked it out of the park with this one. Once you tune it and put some stable scales.on it it is actually usable.

[@Mridgwell]

Cool video thanks KPL

[@knifepivotlube412]

Thanks Mark!!!

[@D2ArkaAra]

Any chance you'd be interested in selling those blue thumb studs? 🙂

[@knifepivotlube412]

sure! DM me on Instagram - Ill give them to you at no cost

[@D2ArkaAra]

That'd be amazing! Appreciate your content bud! Always informative. Just ordered some kpl light and some simichrome!

[@waynecastleman1363]

@@knifepivotlube412 That's a gimme !

[@sandoval1529]

Great video. New sub!

[@kylelindberg7771]

does kpl make dirt stick to it, like oil?

[@knifepivotlube412]

Perhaps a bit. Knives just attract dirt in general. KPL is designed to keep that dirt and grit in suspension to prevent it causing wear to knife parts.

[@richardsalsman1069]

you really don't want to lose anything

[@Nazguloid]

I've been doing this polishing (with a 3000 grit ruby stone) to the cheap sanrenmu knives to make them super smooth and it makes sense to do it to a 20-30$ knife. Where I am, to get a bugout mini it takes a bit over 200$, shipping included. Wanted to splurge and get one, but seeing this made me change my mind, so thanks. I recently got a kizer mini begleiter (arguably a similar knife to the mini bugout), M390, Ti scales, and built to perfection. At half the price I would've payed for the bugout mini. Did not even want to dissasemble it, but could not resist. If you still feel the need to do this to a 150$+ knife, then fck that knife and the brand making it. But that's like my opinion, dude.

[@VaporwaveRick]

When you disassemble any knife, assisted open or not, it's always a good idea to tape the blade edge with some tape. 03:58

[@kaizen5023]

Cool. Looks like you just made yourself a slippery knife though XD

[@GrimmDesires]

I don't know why I watched this whole video. I can't afford a benchmade knife. The tools you used to do this cost more than the nicest knife I own.

[@blackhawk7r221]

Assisted opening?

[@knifepivotlube412]

Not on this one.

[@CrimeVid]

So you don’t live anywhere cold then ? metal scales freeze to your hands too easy.

[@knifepivotlube412]

True - titanium does feel a lot less heat conductive than aluminum or steel though. I'm in Dallas (not very cold) but on the coldest days I carry Micarta handled options.

[@Porter92]

Wait did he do the same exact thing as another knife guy? They even used the same exact knifes? I think the other knife guy used this guys stuff for his video

[@brianbassettnumber1]

Where do you "bug out" too... the backyard? Yeah, you really need a $400 toy in the backyard.

[@2Wheels_NYC]

Great video! I did a similar build, but with Rockscale Design bits! (On my Instagram... Same username!) And, there's KPL on my table right now!

[@donaldharrison3031]

Save yourself a ton of money and buy a KBar Dozier with the D2 blade. Get it for around 50 bucks and it will perform as well or better than these knives hands down!

[@knifepivotlube412]

I need to try one of those for sure - it seems like a great design.

[@G13-j3c]

If you have to modify it it can’t be great 👍🏻

[@prestoisakilla813]

benchmade really knocked it out of the park on this design.....except you replaced every single part of the knife minus the blade. bug outs are trash. i bought a bail out and had to get aluminum handles. love it tho

[@nobodynoone2500]

This literally costs $400 to put together according to your own links, assuming you don't value your own time. For that much you can buy something handmade, and already sorted. Am I missing something?

[@PilchPlays]

Your better off using a pain of glass rather than a tile.

[@MB-wq8cp]

My shit $10 pocket can still last a lifetime.

[@joe2870]

Maybe for a collector or a knife nerd but I'd rather buy a 940 or 945 Osborne and not have to do anything to it

[@theartshow1476]

For 140$ the bug out should already look like that… zytel/frn handle is just a rip off in that price range. I don’t even care about the steel.

[@knifepivotlube412]

I'm not a fan either. I actually do like FRN on Spydercos, but it doesn't feel as dialed in on the Bugout.

[@theartshow1476]

@@knifepivotlube412 frn/zytel is good stuff but it’s extremely inexpensive to produce. That’s actually one of the best things about it. What benchmade charges is criminal.

[@no.4mk126]

Better give it a decent heat treat also because Benchmade has no idea how to do one.

[@shaggy_e210]

I had a full sized griptillion, was the most frustrating time I've ever had disassembling and reassembling a knife. Was very very sweary

[@haveagocommentator983]

I think it's safe to say you don't want to lose any part of the knife lol

[@paragonknight3307]

As if Benchmade isn't overpriced as is...

[@tydshiin5783]

Ikr, its also really misleading that this joker said it has "Insane action" just from a scale and thumbstud swap

[@jgranger2002]

Spending $400 on a bugout is a fools pipe dream. The point of the knife is to be ultra lightweight. Just buy the carbon fiber scale version and be done. Ridgid and lightweight Benchmade already did it for you.