Benchmade Bugout Chinese Fake Comparison & Tear Down

#FakeKnives #NorthernKnives #Benchmade
In this Rountable we sit down with Lori, owner of 3DK and Northern knives, Alistair (NK shop manager), Dakota and Chad.
We discuss one of the largest issues assailing the modern knives collector in our new ongoing segment: Fake VS Real. In this episode we go over one of the better Benchmade Bugout fakes we have come across with the real deal and give a bit of advise on how to spot a fake as well as some of the drawbacks for the consumer on these lower quality knock offs.
Also our Forum Knife Knews - Purpose built reviews and how to's on all things with an edge: www.northernknives.com/knifek...

[@stewartj3407]

You know what would be nice? Some close ups, so we could actually see the knife.

[@Northernknives]

Is the top down not close enough? Or is the lighting not making it pop? We edit it on a 4 k monitor and prot should turn it down to 720p to make sure the details still come out.

[@williamh9100]

@@Northernknives Poor lighting is more of the issue to me.

[@marcbathon2346]

if you need to ask questions like this then maybe making videos isnt for you

[@DeRock401]

I know lol what a waste of a video.

[@Hyperb0lt]

@@marcbathon2346 heaven forbid they not instantly be perfect at making videos. Gotta crack some eggs to make an omelette. I personally enjoyed the format, but better lighting and some closeups would be great. Otherwise, imo, they’re on the right track.

[@axtra92]

This was cringe..

[@aljerrixermitano9363]

yeah. i felt that too. haha

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

I've bought multiple BM clones because I also own the originals and wanted to see how they compare. For example, the original 535 I purchased. Complete crap. BM had to send me out a new axis bar and springs. Quality control, huh? First of all, IP means Jack shit outside the US. Get over it. Not gonna change. China mfg makes the world go round. Secondly, BM prices, while they have great warranty and service which is built into the cost of the knife, are kind of crazy. Thirdly, China has seriously stepped up their game on these copies. They're usually 440 or D2. You would NEVER know which is the real one on a few of them. When China first started copying, they weren't great. Scales werent cut cleanly on some. Pivots were sloppy, anodizing colors were way off. In the last year, they've fixed all that. Zero play, fall shut actions. Scales are nearly perfect and all the anodizing is VERY close to originals. So if you can get around the blade steel (which is still pretty decent if you ask me, I've beat the crap out of and sharpened many times) if you like the design and feel of a knife I see no reason to overpay. If it breaks... Throw it in the garbage and buy a new one. For the price you can buy 20 of them versus one from BM. And lastly, if you're in Canada and need warranty service which needs to be sent to the US, what good is that when CBSA is on a knife seizing hiatus and you could risk losing it with zero compensation? At least China packages slip by Customs easily and if they don't... Refund. Lol.

[@landons2k907]

cpt awesome where’s a good spot to get one. Seen some fake zt’s floating on amazon

[@ob1kenobi748]

exactly, benchmade products are way to expensive

[@olafkliemt1145]

word. the Chinese are coming. they have good own designs, too. btw, people who buy a decent copy would most likely never have bought a 150 or 200 USD original. so no damage to the manufacturer there. looking at my Shooziz or Sitivien knives i have to say that they come with better fit and finish than many of the renoun and popular western knife brands. for sub 30 bucks.

[@steelmademance8167]

I agree with u china not be the best but they did step up their game

[@Jlbeaver2]

If morning talk news shows did knife reviews…that’s what this reminds me of.

[@Northernknives]

It is kind of what we are going for

[@user-wr6wo6vr8r]

From where and for how much did you get this clone because that is the worse clone I’ve seen of this model, there are tons of exact clones of the bugout for around $30

[@Northernknives]

We got this specifically because it was hard to tell the difference in the online pictures

[@shaneintegra]

@@Northernknives if you check the reviews you'll find the better quality ones

[@shaneintegra]

@@Northernknives look on DHgate. You'll find one of the best clones

[@christinemarie5470]

From where or what website?

[@johnltopp]

Thanks for being specific about the differences! Thanks for doing actual tests. More information is definitely better!

[@XxWaNt5oM3xX]

Thanks for the video, because of this I ordered the fake.

[@Northernknives]

Let us know how it works out.

[@usmcgrunt02]

The clone I have is exactly the same including packaging as my real one from BladeHQ. The only way to tell a difference is the omega spring for the one I got. Even the weight was the same. They were within .05 of an ounce from each other.

[@Northernknives]

Some of them are really good and i hope we demonstrated that. It just sometimes comes down to locking yourself out of warranty and aftermarket support. not to mention supporting third parties from steeling from american manufacturing and supporting the Chinese machine.

[@Alex-hs1uf]

You tried your hardest to slam the fake one but it is as good, certainly almost as good (98%) as the knife costing 5 TIMES as much. I'd say the party doing the stealing is Benchmade, with their grossly overpriced knives. Competition improves the breed and the Chinese show that a fine knife doesn't have to cost $120 and up! Carve a chunk of plastic out of the 'real' knives' scales and see if it's got fibers in it. Now buy a $35 fake 940 and see how favorably it compares to Bencmade's $220 'real' one.

[@Northernknives]

We will have to spend a bit of time on that to make a comprehensive comparison. However weight was a factor. not important to you, but it is a difference and some will see that. Also the fake axis lock was already wearing of minimal use. This is troubling because it will become a very sloppy lockup after minimal use. Also the blatant disregard for IP. Pour your heart and soul, do all the R&D into something and employ 400 people only to see someone take a shortcut and steel your work. Not to mention the human rights issues that grey market factories are known for. We will send off the blade for analysis and see what its actually made of and do a follow up. But it was a rough finish knife and it was noticeable in the hand. I get that for some a cheap tool is as good as a professional tool. To someone who uses the tool daily as part of their job or in an environment where it cant fail - there are substantial differences. Think of PROTO Tool vs Husky. Except that in this instance Husky spends next to nothing on R&D and rides coat tails and copies everyone else's designs as soon as they launch.

[@Alex-hs1uf]

You are twisting yourself into a pretzel trying to defend the overpriced Benchmade. The review was as biased as any I've seen. Unlike yourselves, a lot of people don't feel obligated to keep Benchmade profitable buying their overpriced knives.

[@Northernknives]

Benchmade makes several knives that we feel are a bit silly or the price point is interesting to say the least. That clone was extremely innovative in the way it was trying to copy the design and if they launched it as their own thing with a few changes and some honesty then we would be a little less tough on it. They would have to be more transparent on the material and use a better material for the axis lock for it not to be a $20 bin knife or even compete with Kershaw's entry level offerings. Honestly Boker is an awesome alternative if your not wanting to spend Benchmade prices but want near the same quality or even Kizer if you want to go up market a bit. And there is always Kershaw who makes knives at the same price point with much better fit and finish then this knife and they are transparent on the steels and materials used. But as a maker of knives ourselves IP theft is something that we can't tolerate.

[@shaneintegra]

Please do more of these fake videos! They have knock offs of the Bugout now that are practically the same now and with D2. The other benchmades are supposed to be really close as well

[@the_sharp_carpenter]

Bearings and stiffer scales......Win I've got one coming (ordered before seeing this video) will be interesting to see if it differs from the one you reviewed. I do plan to put a 2 or a F stamp on a couple spots incase I ever loose it or it gets stolen.

[@lokichoki_]

The bugouts I have bought this year (2020) are way better quality and near identical and sharp AF

[@soliscabal]

The clone is just as good for the price

[@pray4mojo35]

Another thing about the counterfeit one is when you cut yourself with it.. an hour later you want to cut yourself again.

[@brianleabo6295]

Wow love this thank you for doing a in death and intelligent to review of the and the fake one! Have you done a ZT knife from wish ? I have the real one but pick up the wish one. Because I could not stand destroy the real one at work.

[@axtra92]

Very hard to know what part was real and fake. For example when she is talking about the omega springs she says this is fake and this is real but never points out which is which... and this happend alot of times

[@Northernknives]

We are structuring the videos different in the future. We super appreciate the feedback though!

[@dirtrider88]

you can clearly tell which one is real when she puts down the spring and picks up the other one, if you were paying attention to which pile was fake and which was real. also when she said "real" and "fake" she only move one hand, and they were opposite hands so ya would think you could figure out which is which.

[@barkingspider2007]

In 2021, Benchmade 533BK-2 Mini Bugout EDC Folding Knife 2.82in DLC Coated S30v Steel Blade $136.00 at Going Gear (my local knife shop) The fake is $24.00 on DH gate. Two questions 1. Is the fake knife S30v? 2. In use can I tell the difference? I'm going to buy both to find out. Thank you for the video.

[@ThomasShue]

On Amazon there is a Gonzo 535 type knife in D2 and G10 and it’s better than the BM by a lot!

[@Northernknives]

Maybe. Grivory is an inhouse product for Benchmade made in Oregon. There is a lot of complex molding that goes on and it does save weight VS the Gonzo. It's like hiking gear - the lighter the more $$$ because it takes more tech and high end materials after a certain point.

[@Guide504]

Does it work.....is it sharp....if its aluminium handle its better than the original But all other things aside ....ITS 100 DOLLARS CHEAPER !!!!!

[@dirtrider88]

they clearly said the handle is some cheap plastic and no, some slippery ass metal is not better than plastic.

[@Guide504]

@@dirtrider88 i found an excellent version in genuine d2 with ali scales and bronze bushings 28usd.

[@dirtrider88]

@@Guide504 i still would take some shitty plastic handles over any non textured metal (seems like every metal knife is smooth)

[@chrisdolin1859]

I just got one off of Wish.., and it looks exactly like your real one..!!! Scales hardware and color. The only thing mine didn’t have was one of those felt bags..! I only paid $18 including shipping..!! Ya it took 4 weeks but I’m impressed!!!! I should have bought more!!!

[@ctromanus]

“Hipsters discuss a knife and a fake of that knife”.

[@Northernknives]

We do have the requisite wall of bourbon and some beards / flannel. Almost full hispter.

[@mattadler4710]

My thoughts exactly. I guess people are what they are. Nothing wrong with it, but our generation is self hating...and I am no exception. At 34, I don't drink, and I can't grow facial hair, but if I could...

[@luisloya1120]

I got me a Benchmade bugout from DHGATE for $13.90 free shipping that is flawless.

[@dc-ir3ow]

I bought the 15 dollar wish but it matched the real one the ribs in side handle the and the blue hardware even came in the slick bag just like this real one

[@alberthernandez5886]

She said put your back into it . N they both laughed 😂😜😜

[@ChrisSmith-gt6lg]

I prefer the cheap one because it doesn't cost a kings ransom.

[@paulneumann7739]

Thanks for video I couldn’t tell which one you guys were referring too as fake or real. Someone says “fake” and “real” and nothing changes in the shot.

[@dmob420]

Would of been nice if we can tell if the clone is using s30v steel

[@vorpalblades]

It's not.

[@johnrago4051]

You say it's plastic garbage so what is the authentic handle made out of?

[@Northernknives]

Grivory. As the video goes on Dakota talks about fiber reinforced plastic and shows how he is impressed by the scale choice on the Chinese knife.

[@aturbo9273]

Doesn’t matter you can buy aftermarket scales from bench made for your replica hahahaha

[@davidr9876]

I'd so much rather get a $25-$30 real Chinese knife that is not a clone. The only reason for a clone is so that others think you shelled out the money for the brand name. But it if I want a decent cheap knife, I'd just get a Ganzo, Sanremu etc. To me it makes no sense to buy a counterfeit.

[@Northernknives]

That's a great point

[@dirtrider88]

thats a valid point IF you know your buying a clone, however i wonder how many people think they are getting a great deal thinking is the real deal. also, i bought a real one however i kinda want a fake one to use in situations where i feel it might get destroyed or lost.

[@asdfbill8020]

I got one of the "in the style of" BM infidels that costs quite a bit less than some of the other infidels..my knife quit switching in and out the first day I had it. I'm not new to the switchblade world but I've even bought cheaper that lasted longer than it should have.

[@christinemarie5470]

Where do you buy the fake from?

[@Northernknives]

Ebay

[@edwardbalderrama]

Wish..$22

[@toddbowers418]

Wish. $11 plus shipping. Worth it. The one I got has very minor cosmetic diffs that make it hard to tell between clone and real. The boxing was obviously off but the knife was centered, sharp and and feels like a real Bugout.

[@ThomasShue]

How many …. Does it take to tear apart a clone knife?

[@Northernknives]

More than one less than five

[@ronmoore3778]

You guys need to get to get rid of Dorkota.

[@Tjkruse9889]

I buy a real one and a fake one the fake one i use on things i dont want to use my real one on so every bench made i buy i buy a clone

[@ob1kenobi748]

The only reason you guys are shitting on clones is because you didn't have to remortgage your house after buying a few of the clones unlike the overpriced Benchmade knives

[@Northernknives]

Well you only need one kidney. It's not price, it's using 3rd world labor to make a clone of someone else's idea ( stealing ) in order to make a semi comparable product. It's not the same knife but a facsimile of the real item. It's dishonest, gives the end user essentially crap for near the same price and undercuts people's real efforts. But who cares right? Let's just steal people's work, make cheap copies with essentially slave labor and then shovel it on the masses

[@Northernknives]

Also, it's not about Benchmade but the practice of IP theft in general.

[@vorpalblades]

This is a counterfeit, not a clone.

[@jessestewart5212]

What’s the point of this I mean the fake one is 14 bucks the real one is almost 200

[@Northernknives]

We see people hawking them for over $100 and thought it would be a good idea to get info out there so as not to get ripped off. It's a great $25 knife by the way.

[@tienouttatien8942]

Theres a much better counterfeit selling for $26, wasn't looking for obvious knockoffs - just the problematic clone.

[@MikeyD8716]

This is a Terrible knock off. The one I have is almost exactly the same as the real one. Flush screws, same plastic, same handle design inside and out, blue thumb screw, the steel thickness, it’s amazing how much better these have gotten over the last 3 years. I’m sure it’s something like 8cr30mov but I don’t know for sure and it looks good. I wish I could send you a picture. These things sell for about $20, if you think about it. Would 9 clones last as long as 1 real Benchmade? I have a feeling they would last longer and you could really abuse it because it’s only $20. If the real deal was $100 or less I’d buy it. I want to use my knives not look at them.

[@Northernknives]

Better clones have come out since we have done this video. We may need to revisit. That being said, it's like any other tool out there. Will the Big Box Store brand box wrench hold up the same as your Proto Tool wrench? Can you wack on it with a sledge to leverage off a nut with confidence that it wont bend or shatter and mess up your hand in the process? Is the price difference worth it? These fakes aren't horrible all the time, (though they Rockwell so low that they usually will not hold an edge) its more that it's casual IP theft instead of just making some tweaks and starting your own brand. I know I'd be upset as a not savvy purchaser thinking i was getting a Proto wrench for a steal and than having it shatter on me when I was really giving it the onions.

[@Joe_Blo]

My clone os molded exactly like original. Snd the scales are not very flexible. So they're getting better. As far as warranty or parts? Pffft. Buy another.

[@s3xyb1tch79]

Ok vid, to many people in the vid, got confused on which was which. Like the Bugout design, but i well never buy a Benchmade knife because of their anti-gun views.

[@BurkeCN74]

Best way to tell a real from a fake. If the spine looks like it was draw filed... Then it's real. If it looks beutifully smooth and perfectly finished then it's A fake. Benchmades blade finishing sucks

[@eskee1]

The clone looks better inside

[@steelmademance8167]

They only open it and examined it but never tested it thanks to Dutch bushcraft they tested it

[@mrnobodyz]

I’ve watched lots of these biased comparisons and enjoy the comments. I would say way more than 90% of the comments support the cheap knives. The commercial reviewers won’t listen to their customers, (they’re too clever for that!) and try to make them feel like they don’t understand trying simplify the facts,(which backfires on them.) I won’t work for the bloody Yankee dollar, I’d rather give China my money as they are generally more eager to learn and pragmatic to deal with. As far as IP rights are concerned there are large parts of the world where it has never existed and probably never will, Yep Freedom” is a bitch, especially when you see others getting more benefit from it than you. So the next time you feel the urge to buy an overpriced fidget toy/box cutter, don’t! “pop the collectors bubble” Save $140 or more and maybe share it amongst your family, friends, community or help a homeless person. Not only will have you helped your own economy you will help your trading partner that is bankrolling your countries lifestyle to the tune of almost a trillion dollahs! 🤷🏻‍♂️… also I want to be locked out of overpriced “after market products” as I can buy a Chinese titanium or carbon fibre model (for £25) save money and have spare blades and parts.

[@pattol666]

Or finish the video....

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

This is a complete exaggeration. The clones are really good.

[@gvoluto2816]

the same Factory lol

[@knifenoob5411]

Quality control is the best at Benchmade because it’s the end user the consumer is QC for Benchmade. The kicker for me it the Mini Bugout is more than the OG one. That’s just Benchmade saying bend over again. These copies are great because the design (thx Benchmade)is great, even if China cut more corners it’s still 90% of real one. All that said I wouldn’t buy a clone made in China but if people do ,it’s there $.

[@Rafaelinis]

unnatural F bombs...

[@CW6691.]

No need for GD

[@pgood7266]

I’d rather the $10 knife

[@samiadb8503]

My god this was awful!

[@TRUTHandANSWERS]

Call me old fashioned but wish my children didn’t hear you yell GD

[@gunfreak2620]

Seem like snobby people.