Benchmade Brings Brass to the Bugout

If you’re looking for your first Bugout, or simply want to add another variation of the popular Benchmade folder to your collection, we present for your consideration the 535BK-07. New scales and new steel make the latest variation stand out from its many siblings.

The Bugout: you certainly know it, you (probably) love it. What originated as an ultralight folder for ounce-counting outdoorsmen turned out to have universal appeal for anybody in need of a tough, reliable everyday carry knife. Variations aplenty have been tumbling out, including the Mini Bugout, a scaled down option, and the Bailout, a tactical hard user. The Bugout has also been a darling of the mod scene, with knife pimpers turnout out all sorts of custom scales for the knife.

The standard Bugout-style clip is present here

In some ways, the new Burnt Brass Bugout seems like a conscious nod to that scene. Instead of the standard GRN scales, which are utilitarian if not ultra eye-catching, this one comes dressed in aluminum scales with a golden ano job that gives the look of brass without the weight that metal brings. Now, the presence of aluminum does make the Burnt Brass Bugout heavier than the super svelte standard model, but, as it tips the scales at just 2.5 oz., it can still easily be called a lightweight knife.

The blade, of course, is the same archetypal drop point that Benchmade perfected on the first Bugout back in 2017. However, the steel in use is not S30V, but European heavy hitter M390. S30V is no slouch even this many years after its release, but in a general way M390 is an upgrade. Its blend of high edge retention and resistance to corrosion make it an obvious, easy choice for high-end EDC – and, to make this one more distinct, Benchmade hit it with a black “Battle Wash” DLC.

The Burnt Brass Bugout is available now.

Knife in Featured Image: Benchmade 535BK-07


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