Benchmade Bugout VS 940!!! (535-3 VS 940-1)

[@cbenson513]

I owned that Bugout and moved on to the Bladehq 940 with M4. At $195 I do think it is a bargain the 940 world. For me, the bugout was just too boring for a $200+ knife. At that price I want a knife to have some uniqueness or personality in its design. To each their own to any that don't agree. So great to have great choices.

[@jaredh.8186]

The Bugout 935-3 is fantastic! The sturdiness of the CF made it the only Bugout I need. I will be purchasing a 940-1 soon as well as my first Benchmade Osborn design

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

The bugout is my 1st premium knife I love it. I've customized mine alot I'd feel lost if I didn't have it

[@ohioirishman]

Own and love both. The 940 is a tank. The bug is a sports car.

[@HaiNguyen88888]

Well said

[@Jrtowns1]

I want a 940-1 pretty bad but can’t justify the price. I have a CF Elite bugout and its almost the perfect edc.

[@erhon5]

Both are awesome formats and it’s fun to see benchmade doing more varieties of both

[@bradb969]

I grab the bugout 9 out of 10 times but still love my 940. It’s just an iconic knife.

[@Lion_Hamza]

Just got the Osborne 940-1 and I’m really loving it. A few days after owning it i found the Bugout with s90v blade for almost the same price. I was torn apart. I started asking myself if i did purchase the wrong knife. But after watching this video i feel confident to have got the right knife for my usage.

[@EldenLord84]

Design and aesthetic to the 940 is a bizarre choice. Everything about the knife is weird looking. The blade dimensions, the handle scales…fugly as hell. The Bugout in CF with blue accents is downright sexy.

[@johnagen3688]

Well put!

[@curiouscat428]

Yes. As I said a few times, the 940 looks very pretentious and resembles something that would be used on an RPG game. I dislike my knives having Japanese reference to them, and certainly not a katana.

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

Lol the 940 is considered the best edc ever made it’s a gorgeous knife the bugout looks cheap

[@EldenLord84]

@@rommelthedesertfox3089 Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I suppose. I think the design is hideous. Compare the lines to something like a Sebenza, or Shirogorov F95. It looks like the ugly step child.

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

@@EldenLord84 oh absolutely not the 940 is a gem and absolutely gorgeues knife sevenza dosent even come close the sebenza scales are so ugly

[@rudals1281]

Heck, I just got both and I love them both.

[@HorsepowerHeaven]

Same! ❤️🙏🏼

[@siggyb8223]

I have a number of Benchmades....multiples of some models like the mini grips....got the ranger green bugout and thought it wasn't solid enough....bought into the 940 after much mental back and forth, but didnt really understand the blade....so back to the bugout, which i now appreciate much more the second time around....my question is: what exactly are users of the 940 needing to pierce??...always seems to come up in 'bugout vs osborne' reviews......

[@HorsepowerHeaven]

I’ve used it to pierce Holes in my work belt after I tore a hole in it, used it as an awl to start a hole for a screw a few times in a pinch while renovating, once I had to punch a hole through my work boot and re lace it for the rest of the day until I got new boots after work. I don’t think I could have done that with my bugout or pm2 prob would have broken the tip twisting the blade.

[@gregorywilson3318]

The bugout is phenomenal while the 940 (940/1) will always be a great classic! Awesome battle to the death! ☯️

[@killough71010]

Just had to have both, I just bought them tonight 😁

[@argentinodelavillacomerata2399]

Same here. Couldn’t pass up a great deal at $204 and $210, respectively

[@HorsepowerHeaven]

Two years later but I just picked them both up as well along with a mini adamas & a mini crooked river. Couldn’t decide!

[@gortiz78]

Got the Bugout 2 days out cant wait it. Thx glad I picked right...

[@EzioAuditore]

I love the katana-like reverse tanto blade, very unique, nothing else looks like it. Love my 940 much more than my bugout, and will use it as my edc until i die

[@jesseadams45]

I tried the bugout clip on my 940-1 back several years ago when the bugout first came out but I found I like the standard USA clip better and put one on my contego too.

[@strikerj4810]

I want the bugout with aluminum handle. I know they got one with a fancy design, but want it more simple like these in looks.

[@ZoneCrasher]

I have both. It's old classic vs the new king. Love them both.

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

940 is still the king

[@BC08]

I've been EDC'ing a 940-1 since 2017. My all time favorite all around knife. May give this 535-3 a shot

[@butchcassidy3373]

I love my full size Barrage. Thinking about the bug out. But I will definitely have some kind of alloy scales.

[@markbellwood9182]

Own them both and love them both but I cant argue with the out come.

[@JonaTronLegacy]

I have the 940-1, 484-1, 535-3 and I have to say the bugout is the winner for my daily pocket carry. Between the blade shape having more daily utility like you noted to it being a bit thinner in pocket it's hard to beat the bugout!

[@mcshockwave]

I have the same collection, with the 535-3 being the newest addition and it is quickly becoming my favorite second to the 484-1

[@jolIyjoeker]

I ordered the 940-1 but am dead set on returning it for the 940 bc I like the closed design and am convinced I will prefer the aluminum scales. And now I want this bugout too bc I feel the s90v will be more useful on a slicer blade of the bugout over the 940

[@BC08]

I have all the regular production versions of the 940. The 940-1 is the one I almost always grab for regular carry. I grab the OG 940 if I'm going something that might beat it up. Overall I think the 940-1 is king of 940s...

[@thomaswolf6507]

I'm ordering one in the next few days... so stuck lol. Only things I've heard I don't like about the bugout is the axis lock isn't as smooth. I'd also prefer a silver or blue axis lock, not a black one. I EDC a Spyderco Para 3 Maxamet and I'm getting tired of super-hard-to-sharpen steel so the S30 bugout may be the ticket. While the 940 is iconic and robust; something I'd want in more heavy applications, you can't deny that bugout blade is beautiful.

[@curiouscat428]

I started my love of EDC coveting the 940. Ironically, in the end I never owned it but have a few bugouts instead. For me its more elegant and useful.

[@hks956]

My bugout with aluminum handles is so much more satisfying to handle than my aluminum 940. Just smoother, drops free, and has a really nice click when opened.

[@ChristopherOSU]

I got the 940-1 recently, and I've had the "regular" Bugout for quite a while - other than being unfamiliar w/S90V steel still, I find that I like the Bugout a lot better than the Osborne.

[@buckshot1955]

Much like you, I’ll take both, plus about 25 other benchmades.

[@liamroarke7991]

I mean if you're genuinely complaining about flex/flimsiness on the Bugout, get some Crossfade Titanium scales from Flytanium. I have a pair on my mini Bugout, and it's rock-solid.

[@mongxiong4977]

Torn between this bug out and the mini adamas. Which one do I pick? We’ll I’m going to check out both tmrrw. We’ll see which one I prefer

[@HorsepowerHeaven]

Two very completely different knives which did you go with? I actually picked both of those knives up the other day.

[@MrMongxiong93]

⁠@@HorsepowerHeavenI picked up the 535-4 bugout after I went to check out the carbon fiber one and held both. The 535-4 just felt better in the hands and has a nice weight to it. And I just recently picked up the carbon fiber magnet cut mini adamas as well. Now I’m thinking about getting a custom titanium Osborn from the custom shop.

[@HorsepowerHeaven]

⁠@@MrMongxiong93that’s amazing! I love all of them. Thanks for the response

[@johnaverett7291]

Really good video. But, my mind is made up on purchasing the 940-1. But I do plan on having them both in a short time.

[@jolness1]

I have bought a few bugouts and sold all of them. I love the 940, the way it carries and the tip strength is fantastic. I use the deep carry bugout clip but despite my recent dislike for Benchmade, I can't get rid of my 940s

[@musclebillcoaching]

I’m with you there, my 940BK has been my most carried EDC for 6 years and counting

[@baktwista]

Why do you say the bug out has a better blade? The shape? What’s the main use for a reverse tanto by the way? Can’t really find anything that answers that question too well for me. Thanks!

[@maxfit68906]

Like you I have both, but I tend to gravitate towards the BugOut because it carries just a little easier for edc. Great review and comparison.

[@CamboTriton]

The 940-1 is my style. Great video.

[@bahjinelson3986]

Benchmade is at the top of their game right now as far as design and materials are concerned. Both great knives. The 940 has a steel thumb stud, which I find more grippy, whereas the Bugout has an aluminum stud which is easy to strip if you want to swap it out. Both of mine have the large, deep carry clip which gives better purchase when opening or closing them, but Benchmade's clips are all decent.

[@amadmf7322]

I rarely use the stud.

[@dolfinrob2706]

Вижу это обычная история и я не одинок: купил забавный 535 с карбоном и сразу после этого понял - то, что мне надо это 940!!! )))

[@Cliff_Dixon_42]

I'm still thinking a "Benchmade S90V + CV matchup: Bugout vs. Mini Freek" would be interesting.

[@jonpoetzl126]

Agree

[@suttonmatthew]

Benchmade makes the deep carry clip, and some 940’s come with that clip. The 940 has a 3.5 inch blade. It’s like a lightweight large Sebenza.

[@Aranon78]

My knife is the 940-1 and I have the blue thumb screw and two another screws in the upper line. Little bit tuned ;) Great video

[@sobxscooter8157]

I like the 940-1 more but haven't replaced scales on 535.

[@D2ArkaAra]

I do admit that it's more unique looking. But I'm just not a fan of the overall profile of the 940. I've got that bugout on Layaway cuz I'm a broke bum hahaha Can't wait.

[@jamesstraub4981]

Nicely done, great battle vid. Love both these knives so much. My fav depends on the day of the week. Often carry both because they cut so differently.

[@nwe2009]

I love mine so much I carry both at the same time 😂

[@Timmayytoo]

I'm fairly new to the knife collecting game so the history of these knives isn't that important to me, and to me the 940 blade looks like a clown shoe. I keep thinking I should buy one, but the aesthetics just don't do anything for me, where the Bugout is one of the knives that sucked me in to this addiction. I'm not throwing any shade on the 940 because aesthetics are completely subjective. It's nice that we have the luxury of choosing from 2 excellent EDC folders.

[@marsjam4117]

I used to think the same about the 940. But the more I got into knives, the more the 940 blade shape grew on me. I bought the 945 (mini 940) which is a better slicer for edc and I love it!

[@curiouscat428]

For me the 940 looks pretentious. I dislike anything that resembles anything Japanese because its a tired reference that has been used too many times. I don't like my knives to have a katana look to them. Ironically, I used to covet the 940 green aluminum with magenta edge for the longest time. But when I finally buy some and start collecting, it was a few bugouts that made it to my house (and pocket).

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

The 940 is considered to be the best edc ever made

[@craigotech]

For me it's between the 535-3 or a custom shop 20CV w/G10 Bugout for EDC/hiking - thoughts?

[@steffenfisker7577]

I just got my 940 so now I retired my bugout, man it’s a good knife! Wasn’t too sharp out of the box, but a bit of KPL pivot lube and it’s soooooo smooth

[@cameronbottoms1118]

The 940 has a thicker edge so it won’t seem sharp. Just an FYI!

[@steffenfisker7577]

@@cameronbottoms1118 Thanks! Didnt know that :)

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

@@cameronbottoms1118 that’s a common misconception my 940 was shape right out of the box it’s not a bad sliver by any means

[@Dont_Poke_The_Bear]

If the 940 ever came out in a full flat grind, the bugout probably wouldn't have taken off. Just sayin'

[@stanreedy2686]

I am considering both theses by any chance do you use a Lansky sharpener ?

[@faethe000]

I think it's a little weird to give the bugout such a clear win the blade shape, when you admit it can't be used to pierce like the 940. Is piercing something you don't ever do? I do. I think the 940 is the better blade because it's an exceptional piercer while being an adequate slicer. The bugout is an exceptional slicer but will break if you pierce with it. For me, that makes the 940 more versatile and more capable as a single-carry knife.

[@wnJhntn]

Great video, just what I was looking for

[@mariorock76]

Hi! Very good review! Excuse my lack of knowledge, but what does 22,000 behind the edge mean? Thanks!

[@AnonAnon-qi4ts]

I keep buying and selling bugouts. It's not a knife you love, but rather supremely appreciate. It's a learned love. It's the "dont want to bother with carrying a bunch of stuff" knaf. It's a roomate that is quiet and pays the bills on time and never leaves a mess. The 940 is timeless like a Lambo Countach while he bugout is like a Porsche 911, a bit boring, but funtionally excellent. For me, the narrow blade for piercing and the blade that is forward canted along with the interesting design, the 940 is the winner.

[@canadianty]

Although I've never owned either of these knives, this comment was beautifully said. I'm actually looking to buy one of these two knives right now and can't decide between the two, for much of the same reasons you mentioned. I found a Bugout in 20CV steel (which is what I want primarily for the rust resistance) and G10 handles to compensate for the standard Bugouts plastic handle flimsiness. However, the 940 and it's iconic shape and legendary durability calls out to me, irrespective of it's inferior steel options on the standard models at least. Both happen to be around the same price, and unfortunately in the area of Canada where I live, there are no stores that I can physically go into to try these out first to see which one speaks too me more. I have no choice but to buy online and blind unfortunately. On paper the Bugout which I found checks off more of the boxes for me (colour, steel, etc.) however there's a certain intangible quality to the 940 which is very compelling. I really can't decide. Here's hoping whenever I do pull the trigger on one of them, I make the right choice.

[@nigelbenson5287]

@@canadianty Haha, you speak my truth, bro. I live near the bottom of New Zealand and there are no high-end knife shops around here. I also have to buy blind on-line. I've cycled around a few knives, to find my grail. The ZT0450, ZT0095, Bugout, PM3, Spydiechef and Sage have all tempted me. But, I keep coming back to the original 940 and that feels like the right fit for me. So, I'm gonna pull the trigger soon. But, they're $400 here, so it's no small investment. Kia ora from NZ.

[@canadianty]

@@nigelbenson5287 Oh wow that's expensive! Since I wrote that comment, I purchased the Bugout with blue G10 handles and 20CV steel. I think I've started to love it. Since then, I visited a Bass Pro near me, and they surprisingly had a standard 940 in stock. I handled it, and there was just something about it that immediately made me fall in love with it. Something about the proportions and the feel of it, was almost second to none. In hindsight, I kind of wish I had bought the 940, despite the inferior steel options. There's something about the feeling the knife gives you, which was even during a brief period at a store, was immediately noticeable. I still love my Bugout, but that 940 just had a different aura to it. It's hard to explain. If you want my advice, I'd say go for the 940, you will not regret it, I promise. If you have the money and want to splurge on a better steel, I'm sure the 940-1 would also be excellent, though I've never handled it. I must say though, I wish Benchmade had an option to customize the 940 in the custom shop, like they do for the Bugout. A 940 in blue, with 20CV?? Pshh, take my money! Finally I'll say, this experience with the Bugout and the brief handling of the 940 in store, has solidified my love for Benchmade, and their quality. Mine was perfect in every way, and the axis lock has never gotten old. I'm now a Benchmade guy for life! Lol

[@petervu9773]

own both love both !

[@happiknife7716]

Nice comparison video. It would.be cool to see a video comparing the new adamas mini against another hard use knife (maybe the manix 2).

[@alpine1600s]

The Bugout reminds me of the three-wheeled, bicycle wheeled strollers, that were everywhere in the 90's. And half the time they weren't being jogged with. 🤣

[@curiouscat428]

But the 940 looks so pretentious. Or maybe I just hate anything Japanese looking because Japan is outdated and getting more irrelevant now, and we already hear too many references about it. And the katana shape looks like its coming out straight from a video game rather than a cool person doing outdoorsy stuff I would picture carrying. But that's just me. Anyway I have several bugouts in different colors just because.

[@michaellee8815]

I can’t believe he got Seth rogen to narrate this video

[@jessebergunder]

I have a back bugout with flytanium scales and my 940 in m4 with rock scale design critter scales. I have to say since i have gotten the 940 its kind of scratched an itch for me. It was a bit of a grail for me. I havnt bought a knife since i got it. Now i am looking at getting a smock.

[@thui7889]

I’d love to see a mini bugout vs mini Osborne next!

[@SliceyDicey]

Would probably be just the same and they don't make them in similar specs yet.

[@thui7889]

@@SliceyDicey it be a good matchup if they were both compared with similarly updated steel and handle materials

[@petergalione1414]

I agree with your results, but a full flat ground 940 might be a different story.

[@cameronbottoms1118]

Only thing that keeps me from a 940 is the thicker edge on it. If i needed a hard user i’d buy this, an adamas or a manix 2.

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

@@cameronbottoms1118 940 is definitely more hard use but it’s not a bad slicer

[@ringbadingbingrading1181]

If I sent the knife to benchmade, would they sheer the screws to make them level with the liners?

[@cameronbottoms1118]

They wouldn’t; look around for different screws if that’s what you want.

[@keefer88]

The 940 is a nice looking and handling knife but the blade geometry just isn't very good for slicing. I sold mine.

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

It’s not a bad slicer either

[@dustinhankins2153]

I don’t understand all the hype over the bugout. I pick it up from time to time just to be let down. It’s small not as easy to manipulate as the 940. The bugout feels cheap where as the 940 is much more solid and fidgety. The 940 is also much easier to manipulate. I have tried and wanted to be a fan of the bugout but it disappoints me every time I pick it up.

[@EdgeStoneKnives]

Agreed but that's why this BO version is a game changer and corrects most of that disappointment, for me anyway

[@dlk449]

Getting sick of how pretty the knife is reviews. I think some actual functionality of each knife would be better. An entire knife comparison without either knife cutting anything.

[@BDSwaim]

Im finding myself really wanting a cruwear Addamas full size

[@cameronbottoms1118]

a lot of blade at 3.8 inches

[@hone-ux1jl]

Get the mini adamas, it's unreal

[@larrymarsico4059]

I finally got another 940-1 🙌🏻 thank's to @rodneypearson👊🏼

[@90lindauer]

The bug out crowd applauds you for coming to the correct conclusion

[@dlk449]

Confirmation bias at its best! Kidding, they're both pretty awesome knives. Definitely good to hear reviews go in favour of your purchase. I really like my 940-1 though.

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

I mean the 940 is considered to be the best edc ever made the bugout hasn’t earned that title

[@MrFlyrod7]

Great review!

[@sublyme2157]

This fight was over before it started!

[@ahaubert80]

Two of my favorite EDCs!

[@blazel462]

940 is awesome.

[@Minusroot8]

I’m going to guess 940 wins, no contest. Let’s see if I’m right...

[@Minusroot8]

Damn I was wrong but I’m probably the only person who hates the mini deep carry clip!

[@jaredh.8186]

@@Minusroot8 lol everyone’s is different, at least Benchmade clips are easy to swap

[@saigudbai]

There is a 99.9% chance you will buy both. So just carry both. 😁

[@monkeman1912]

If they made a 945 in carbon fiber i would buy one immediately

[@scott.j1]

now they did!

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

The 940 is still the better knife it’s considered to be the best edc ever made

[@marcvanberlo4936]

That bugout looks cheap. Like that blade shape of that 940

[@treychambers3050]

Oh shit!

[@janjimpson240]

Balls

[@airsoftluke17]

I like my 940 but it’s fugly asf

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

It’s really not

[@airsoftluke17]

@@rommelthedesertfox3089 yes grandfather

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

@@airsoftluke17 grandfather would be buck 110 the benchmade 940 is considered to be the best edc ever made

[@Jason530808]

Not sure how the bug-out more modern it just looks like a fat knife. Personally I don't like the look of the bug-out same with the spider. To me they are unwieldy

[@PatrickPierceBateman]

Bugout looks like a steak knife. Nothing wrong with that, it's just not my style.

[@curiouscat428]

940 looks pretentious and something a video game rpg character would use. No offense, but this is why I have about 5 bugs right now just because. I dislike anything that has Japanese reference to them as I think the country itself is pretty overrated. And I dont want my EDC to look like a katana, but that's just me 😁

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

@@curiouscat428 lol yea said no one ever the 940 is considered to be the best edc ever made the bugout hasn’t earned that title also u have no idea what a katana looks like if u think the 940 looks like a katana

[@adrianr8486]

Too expensive : orders bugout on after pay.

[@stegman6526]

Hey I just wanted to tell you that this isn’t the highest priced bugout like you said. There is actually a gold class collectors bugout that sells for $750

[@SliceyDicey]

Highest priced PRODUCTION.

[@stegman6526]

@@SliceyDicey oh ok thanks I didn’t catch that you said that

[@suttonmatthew]

The Bugout looks like a “brick” compared to the graceful lines of the 940. No comparison.

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

If you're comparing these two knives SPECIFICALLY, and not the two respective lines in totality, then ok, fair enough. But if you're assessment is that the Bugout is a better knife than the Osborn IN GENERAL, then in my opinion, you missed the mark on this one, big time.

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

Tell me you've been only been collecting knives for a few years, without telling me you've only been collecting knives for a few years.

[@mrgotmilk7238]

I don't own a Sebenza.

[@jameshealy4594]

Anything over $50 is too expensive, I bought a carbon fibre and M390 knife off aliexpress and it's just as good.

[@micahv9365]

“I carry Kershaws and CRKTs most of the time”

[@techtwins8487]

I only have 2 knifes

[@Imgonnakmsstg]

@@jameshealy4594 not real cf and not properly heat treated m390

[@benjidowning2609]

Probably not first

[@SHENDOH]

Theres no way a bugout is worth the money.

[@TheDudeKicker]

Is it wrong that I got a chubby after watching this video?

[@MrHayes-cb7hp]

Both cool knives, both overpriced.

[@PatrickPierceBateman]

All Benchmades are "overpriced", but nobody ever talks about their Lifesharp program and how they'll repair any blade free of cost. I broke the tip off my 940 and they replaced it, no questions asked.

[@MrHayes-cb7hp]

@@PatrickPierceBateman agreed dude, there is just too much competition out there now. BM and the other larger US makers didn’t really do much this year. They kinda let all the new take over. BM just seems too boring to be upping pricing so steadily. A bugout is a bugout is a 940. Lipstick on the same old stuff.

[@PatrickPierceBateman]

@@MrHayes-cb7hp True, they should have come out with more models or brought back some discontinued models. But they don't really need to because their customer base is so loyal, prices are high, and there are a lot of collectors. Also I think COVID may have prevented them from introducing more products.

[@MrHayes-cb7hp]

@@PatrickPierceBateman you are so right about the loyalty. I am very new in the knife enthusiast world. It kinda started for me during COVID. I had a bunch of US Kershaw from over the years and just dove in head first. I have a Cf elite bugout and a Freek. I just dont see the value and pizzazz in Benchmade. Love the titanium overbuilt 3.5” 0562, Manix 2 LW over the bugout all day long for summer shorts carry. You know how it is though. Benchmade could swing me over next year with that one cool thing, lol.

[@PatrickPierceBateman]

@@MrHayes-cb7hp You'll want a Benchmade eventually. All serious knife collectors have at least one of them. Benchmade is the best of the best in my opinion, hence the premium price. My first EDC was a 940-1 and cycled/ran thousands of miles with it in my pocket and it still works great, zero corrosion. I still use it today. Although I just bought a 275-1 Adamas because I wanted something bigger. I've been seeing a lot of bears out on the trails lately and if I got attacked, I wouldn't be confident fighting a bear with a 940. If God forbid, I got attacked, the Adamas is big enough to actually do some damage to a bear. Plus the grip is large enough that I feel it won't slip out of my hand if covered in blood. You gotta get the best of the best if your life may depend on it, know what I mean bro?

[@Jeepsteve1982]

I disagreed with your bugout vs griptilian review. The griptilian, especially now that it's available in s30v standard, is the superior knife. There is absolutely no comparison between the bugout and the Osborne. The 940 is possibly the greatest pocket knife ever designed. The bugout is literally just a reimagining of the 531 Pardue.

[@rommelthedesertfox3089]

Absolutely u are correct the 940 is considered to be the best edc ever made