Benchmade Bugout 535 Blue Folding Knife 18

+ If you appreciate weight, this is the ultimate EDC/spare pack knife. + Comfortable in my average-large sized hand (glove size large). + Typical great lock action from Benchmade. ~ Grivory scales aren't G10 or aluminium, but the advantage is if you don't use a pocket clip they don't get scratched up by keys or other pocket shrapnel. My year old 535 looks fine after a year of use. ~ Unlined Grivory flex well documented on YouTube, but this is nitpicking and content clickbait. This is absolutely not noticeable and if you can induce this kind of flex in use, you've not chosen the right knife. - Confusing placement in the BM price lineup. Not sure why anyone would buy this over a BM Griptillian. I bought partly in the hype, but I do prefer the overall silhoutte compared to the Grip. - Omega spring failed for me in week 1. There are 2 springs, so the lock was not rendered unusable, but its not great. Replacement spring has gone a year with no issue. - Pivot loosens itself up more than any other knife I've had. Needs a touch up every couple months. Noticeable lateral blade movement when open and closed.

This is my first benchmade and it did not disappoint carried it for 2 weeks for work and used it every day for tasks, razor sharp right out the box and the axis lock is such a simple way of opening it, seamlessly opens without fail every time and it’s so lightweight I forget I have it sometimes compared to other knifes like a buck or Gerber. For a lightweight knife I would recommend this if your price range is between 100-200 gbp.

Id loved to be able give a 5 star on the bugout. Unfortunately had to return it. Not through damage, its a really nice, light, smooth from what i did feel. But as it was either the pivot or one if the lock screws needed loosening, and wasnt prepared to void the warranty. Heinnie had no issues with me returning, i thought it needed breaking in thats all but after 2 or 300 tries. I figured something was too tight from the factory.