Benchmade 535BK-2 Bugout CF-Elite Fine-Edge Knife
Blacked out from tip to tail, the Benchmade 535BK-2 Bugout CF-Elite fine-edge knife weighs in slightly lighter than its predecessors—yet boasts greater rigidity under pressure.
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- Drop-point, CPM-S30V premium stainless-steel blade (58-60HRC) holds edges well and works for a variety of uses; graphite DLC coating offers a subtle look
- Strong, spring-loaded AXIS® lock mechanism adjusts smoothly for ease of operation
- Graphite Black molded CF-Elite™ handle
- Reinforced by carbon fiber rather than glass, CF-Elite is a thermoplastic composite with increased rigidity and reduced weight compared to Grivory®
- Dark gray anodized aluminum standoffs; titanium AXIS bar with DLC coating; black oxide hardware and liners
- Reversible mini deep-carry clip with black oxide finish
- Manual opening action means this knife must be opened 100% from the closed position to the open position by the user
- Covered by the Benchmade limited lifetime warranty and LifeSharp™ services; contact Benchmade for details
Made in USA.
View the Benchmade Bugout Product LineView all Benchmade Pocket Knives| Best Use | Camping |
|---|---|
| Knife Blade Type | Straight Edge |
| Locking Blade | Yes |
| Number of Blades | 1 Blade |
| Max Blade Length (in.) | 3.25 inches |
| Closed Length | 4.2 inches |
| One-Handed Opening | Yes |
| Handle Material | CF-Elite |
| Blade Construction | CPM-S30V stainless steel |
| Lanyard Ring | Yes |
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 0.4 inches |
| Weight | 1.8 ounces |
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Lightweight EDC
Coming from the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, this Benchmade Bugout is super light! The axis lock and blade actuation is very smooth. My Spyderco knife had no issues with the S30V steel and I expect no different. The stock scales it came with are much stiffer than other Bugout variants but not as tough as G-10 scales. The great thing about Bugouts is that they are very customizable with aftermarket offerings. I just installed a titanium thumb stud, a stainless steel axis lock, and G-10 scales (all three with embedded tritium). Super happy with this knife.
PERFECT EDC
The search is over! This knife is perfection in every way. In the month I've had it I no longer rotate with my other knives as I have for years(Emerson, CRKT, Gerber, etc.). Scales have much less flex than original and S30V steel holds an edge well and it's made in the USA. The blade is perfect centered when closed, AXIS locks up tight with perfect shape and length. It is large enough for most tasks yet doesn't scare anyone when used in an office environment. This knife is so light I hardly notice it. I just hope it doesn't take a ride in the washer/dryer. I just ordered another for my father. Go get one!
Improved version of the original
I'd bought and returned the standard Bugout because the scales were simply too flexible. The CF-Elite scale version stiffened up the scales considerably (but they still have some flex if you squeeze them). The new scales make this a better knife all-around and it has the bonus of an even lighter weight. 1.8 oz with a 3.25" blade? Outstanding. This will replace my Benchmade Mini-Grip as a daily carry. Bigger so fits better in my hand but a full ounce lighter. I would deduct a half a star for the slightly rough inside edges of the scales but that was quickly remedied with a few strokes of very fine grit emery paper. No big deal.
Great knife
Designed for backpacking, but also makes excellent EDC. Super light, strong and smooth action.
Great EDC knife
I lost my original... Had it since it came out and I lost it. Enjoyed it so much, I rebought the same knife and I'm so glad I could get it from the local REI. This knife is very light, but it's strong. It's perfect for all the little jobs that come up all the time. Sits so easy clipped to the pocket of a pair of shorts. It's thin too, but again, it's strong. Easy to sit with it in a pocket; you won't even notice it's there, or not there! Which is what happened to me. I left it sitting on my trailer working on stuff and drove away. Holds an edge great. It's a flat grind and great for a variety of uses. Easy to sharpen too. Perfect gift for the man (or woman) who appreciates a good, medium sized EDC knife.
Lightweight, Durable, and Sharp!
I was researching different knives for about 3 months to determine which would be perfect for what an everyday knife to be used at work (dress pants) as well as on the weekends (hiking pants/backpack). The scales are very lightweight and I have not felt any flexing while opening, holding, or using the knife. Reviews online showed that the previous model's scales had some flex, but this one seems pretty solid. I have worn this knife is dress pants, jeans, running shorts, and running tights without noticing the knife weighing down my pockets.
Cerakote finished blade not DLC
The knife itself is okay, but REI's specs are wrong. This blade is cerakote finished not DLC. Additionally, the title of the product implies this is a select edge model but that is not the case. If you are considering this model and/or the mini version of this knife then realize that this model has the cerakote finish and the mini has the DLC finish. REI's specs of the mini are wrong as well.
Well-designed, but lacks quality control
This seems to be a common theme with Benchmade knives. Ordering online means you roll the dice on: blade coating, blade centering, blade grind, action, and lockup. With a lot of additional effort in exchanges and/or sending it to Benchmade, you can get it right, but it's a serious pain to endure for an overpriced knife. All that said, once set, it is great and this bugout is a great EDC.
New to knives
Went to my local REI and tried this knife. It felt pretty cheap and couldnt flick it open or closed. I watch tons of knives of people doing that. I then watched video saying you have to break them in. Reviewers were also saying you need to be there and check them out to make sure it is centered. So i took a chance and ordered online, also using my REI 20% discount. After an hour of flicking it, it broke in. 3 days later and its much smoother. I just cant stop fidgeting with this thing. The knife came perfectly centered. If not, well i got from REI and i can send it in or have it replaced. I also wanted to replace the scales right away because customizing this thing was important. It felt also so cheap in person. Now owning one i dont want to. I love how light it is and how you cant feel it in your pocket. Love the knife.
Love this version of this knife
I initially bought the 535GRY-1 version of this knife that has Grivory for the handle material and didn't like the flex of the handles so swapped it out for this version that has CF Elite for the handle material and I love it. Nice and light and slim that you barely know it is clipped in your pocket but the flex in the handle material is very very minimal. Super rugged knife. I use this multiple times every day as my EDC knife. Highly recommend.