Benchmade Bugout 01 e1740163640955REVIEW – The other day I counted all my folding knives and I got to 24 which includes my well used Benchmade Bugout 535BK-2 CF-Elite. My partner said I have a knife problem. We counted how many pairs of shoes she had and we got to 98 so I figured I would get another knife. The new Benchmade Bugout 535-09 arrived shortly thereafter and I was excited to try it out.
⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $400.00
Where to buy: Benchmade website
What is it?
The Benchmade Bugout 535-09 is a new twist in Benchmade’s Bugout line that was introduced in 2017 and quickly became a best selling EDC knife. Benchmade decided to mix things up with this premium Bugout and used aluminum and Redstone Richlite onlay for the handle. The upgraded premium S90V drop point blade is a very usable 3.235” length and keeping in line with the Bugout’s lightweight legacy it tips the scale at a scant 2.52 ounces.
What’s included?
1 x Benchmade 535-09
1 x Warranty and care card
1 x Soft storage pouch
Tech Specs
Open Length: 7.47” / 18.95cm
Blade Length: 3.235” / 8.22cm
Blade Thickness: 0.09” / 2.29mm
Closed Length: 4.22” / 10.72cm
Handle Thickness: 0.42” / 10.67mm
Locking Mechanism: AXIS lock
Blade Style: Drop point
Pocket Clip: Yes, mini deep carry
Blade Finish: Stonewash polish
Blade Color: Satin
Clip Color: Stainless
Clip Position: Tip up
Ambidextrous: Yes
Handle Material: Aluminum/ Richlite
Handle Color: Ash Gray/ Redstone
Lanyard Hole: Yes
Blade Steel: CPM-S90V Stainless Steel (59-61HRC)
Weight: 2.52oz / 71.44g
Country of Origin: Oregon City, OR USA
Design and features
The Benchmade Bugout 535-09 is the fancy tuxedo clad version of the normal no frills all business Bugout. Instead of the tactical looking Grivory handle or even CF-Elite version you are first struck by an ash gray aluminum handle with a lovely Redstone Richlite onlay. Richlite is located in Tacoma, WA and is an incredibly durable, sustainable, and versatile material made from paper.
As with all Bugout’s the ergonomics allow it to fit perfectly in the hand. The Richlite has grip to it although not as much as the Grivory which is to be expected since it doesn’t have any knurling. In the hand it definitely feels premium and more substantial compared to my CF-Elite Bugout.
Instead of the standard S30V steel Benchmade used a more premium S90V which has better edge retention and corrosion resistance than S30V. It has a stonewashed polish finish which is not as rough as a pure stonewash and not as reflective as a polished finish so a nice in between.
The AXIS or crossbar lock made famous by Benchmade is rock solid and ambidextrous. Benchmade still uses brass bushings rather than ball bearings for the pivot and it opens and closes smoothly once broken in. You can also adjust the tension by loosening the pivot screw just a bit if you desire.
The premium materials do add some heft which I really like and the Bugout 535-09 weighs in at 2.52oz compared to 2.5oz for all aluminum versions and 1.85oz for Grivory handled versions. All versions are compact, lightweight, ergonomic, and the epitome of an everyday carry knife. The orange anodized aluminum thumb studs and backspacer add a pop of color and complement the knife perfectly. Truly a unique knife that not just Bugout fans but any knife fan will appreciate.
Final thoughts
Benchmade Bugout 23
Benchmade Bugout 24
The Benchmade Bugout 535-09 is a fanciful departure from the traditionally utilitarian Bugout lineup. Premium materials are used throughout and that reflects in its price. At $400 the Blue Class Bugout 535-09 is encroaching on Gold Class knife territory. In fact for only $100 more you can get the stunning and limited Gold Class Mini-Barrage Purple Haze. If you like the Richlite onlay material a few other knives will be coming out soon that feature it. The Benchmade Bugout 535-09 is a refined workhorse and is my new favorite daily carry. The price may make this more of a collectors item but with Benchmade’s outstanding lifetime warranty and sharpening I don’t have any qualms about making the Bugout 535-09 my new daily carry.
What I like about the Benchmade Bugout 535-09
Gorgeous and unique looking knife
Compact, slim, lightweight
What needs to be improved?
Price: $400.00
Where to buy: Benchmade website
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Benchmade. Benchmade did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
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