Beat the Icon: Benchmade Bugout vs. Alternatives

There is a reason this knife tops many lists of the best EDC pocket knives around. First billed as ideal for ultralight hikers, the Bugout soon found itself in many pockets thanks to its thin blade, deep carry pocket clip and lightweight nature.

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[Robs_Nerdy_Knives]

I just bought a blue Bugout as an Eagle Scout award for my best friend’s son. It’s a classic!

[Echowhiskeyone]

I was skeptical when I got my Bugout, but it grew on me. Lightweight, good blade, Axis Lock. Near perfect EDC.

[Marc-Vickers]

Spyderco Sage 5 LW is the only knife I generally carry. Love it.

[louisrodriguez]

I love my original bugout but that titanium lock bar will eventually get really gritty when the coating wears off so mine "evolved" with a steel lock bar from etsy and arctic storm carbon fiber scales. I love my bugout even more now and it's more reliable.

[DullPoints]

Truly excellent video, DCA! Very thoughtful analysis of what makes the Bugout compelling and provides lots of other knifes that highlight each aspect for people to consider.
Also so grateful to the other comments giving their EDC all time favorites.

[HorseLuvr]

Cold Steel Airlite in Aus10 is what I bought instead of a Bugout. Steel isn’t as good, but it’s so sturdy and capable, and at $55 I don’t worry if I lose or damage it. I could see the Bugout if I was backpacking because of its weight but I’d be afraid to use it too hard, whereas I would do light batoning with the Airlite with no worries

[jasonmccomas]

I’m a bigger fan of my deka and carry it waaaay more than I do any of the two bugouts I have. Although I love both knives, the deka is my go to before the bugout. Love that the deka is G 10 and 20cv and almost impossible to feel the weight difference between the deka and the bugout and because the deka has a more firm handle material and blade steel with longer edge retention that’s why the deka wins for me. Great video! Please keep the Tuesday videos coming!

[rioterism]

The Kizer Hic Cup is an awesome EDC knife! I have been wearing it for more than 6 months in my daily rotation and it is super convenient to use, works awesome in terms of opening, locking, etc. It is not that heavy of a knife as well and for a "more budget" edc option - it is a great great blade!

[MrWednesday.]

I purchased the mini bugout, and at first I thought it was overpriced and felt cheap, but after using it for 6 months I came to realise how good it is and bought the full sized.
I personally think the general design, dimensions, weight and materials are good, people complain about the grivory handles but I've found they are strong and durable. Both get regular pocket time.
When purchasing anything my priorities are design, fit and finish, materials then price. The Deka seems to be the most obvious alternative, but having never owned one I can't compare them.

[Pop_Gordo]

The full sized Bugout was my first “nice” edc. I liked it so much that I bought another one and the mini. Nowadays the three versions of the Bugout get a decent amount pocket time in the rotation but I don’t carry them quite as much. When it comes to customization maybe the PM2 is the only other knife that offers more options. The Bugout is a fantastic first “nice” knife imo

[lmcq]

Speaking of SOG’s Terminus XR, I’m surprised you didn’t mention the SOG Ultra XR! It’s ultra lightweight, ultra thin and discrete, and still gives a good sized S35vn blade. When set up / tuned properly, a very fidgety, light, and formidable contender to the Bugout series. Also works as a money clip (not as scary to non-knife people when folded).

[thefrenchkaddict]

The Deka is clearly on of my all time favorites, higher on my list than my (custom) Bugout.

[pbrb]

For very lightweight EDC I find I often have the Bugout in my pocket, but even more often I have a Spyderco Native 5 in one of the more premium steels.

[WilliamWallis]

Love my Sage 5 LW. Feels like it was made for my hand.

[sjohnson]

I bought the mini bugout when they first came out. For me, perfect size for in town and at home use. If I go to the mountains, I have the regular Bugout and numerous fixed blades. I'm not big on the orange scales on the mini but I haven't lost it yet. The scales are growing on me for that reason. My only "problem" with it is that I often have to check to see if I still have the knife!! It is that light. Fortunately, the pocket clip is excellent and the knife stays in the pocket well. It takes a hair popping edge that is easy to maintain. Keeps the edge well. I do hope they start offering scales that are blue, red, or yellow. I grew up using a Case Stockman that had a yellow handle. I'm very partial to yellow knife handles.

[slickmick]

My favorite EDC is the Bugout. Been my preferred EDC for the past couple years. Even over my Spydiechef. I couldn't believe it.

[jeremyl.]

I actually have 2 bugouts and I really do not like them. Love Love Benchmade just not this series and ironically one of the main reason people love this knife is why I do not. Just to light. I like a bit of heft. Both Freek models are my favorite not the mini. What else I love is looking forward to your videos every week!

[tonydiebold]

Opinel No. 08 has the Bugout beat on weight, slicy-ness, and price. Finger safe opening and closing as well since it’s a two hand opener.

[JohnSanders-po]

The fact that DCA appreciates the thinner blades... was an instant mountain of respect from me.
Probally not until I was 30... younger me lived thick beefy blades. But for the last 10 or so years I actually cut things with my knives so I kive the thinner full flat type.
And we both have an ongoing affair w the presidio 2. I didn't expect it to be I my pocket for YEARS but it has. Thick enough to survive welding/outdoors. Bushcraft hunting and kitchen... it's like a 308. Not great at anything but does it all a little bit

[just-dl]

I’ve got a SRM 9202 and a Bestech Ronan coming. I think they might be contenders “off paper.” The SOG might be favorite on this list. It’s been on my wishlist for a year! Along with several others. I’ll come back and update on that idea.