Name: Benchmade 535 Bugout AXIS Folding Knife 3.24" S30V Satin Plain Blade, Blue Grivory Handles
Brand: Benchmade Knives
SKU: BM535
Price: 200 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.423 (26 reviews)

Doug
Atlanta

Dec 26, 2017

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Beefy lite-weight

Benchmade got all the right features for this folder. Great steel for a lifetime of enjoyable use, big blade to do every task required of it, lite-weight so not noticeable in my pocket, and a color that isn’t black or red. The blue is a nice color that shows up (if dropped) out in the woods against brown leaves and dirt.

Woodland Warrior
California

Feb 25, 2018

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Impressive! Can't put it down!

I purchased this knife as a hiking/EDC knife. This thing came scalpel sharp out of the box. Benchmade does an awesome job with their S30V steel. It holds an edge for a long time. Even after 6 hours of hammering on this knife it is still able to shave hair. I will say from past experience with S30V steel that it is a bear to sharpen though. The handle on this knife is super comfortable and it fits my large size hands very well. Blade centering is perfect out of the box as well. The bushings in the pivot make the deployment very smooth and the thumb studs are easy to access. Lockup is also extremely solid. All of this combined with the ultra light weight makes this an excellent knife and I strongly recommend it. Watch for my review on my youtube channel (Woodland Warrior) in about a week for more details and in action shots on the Benchmade 535 Bugout. I also have reviews of tons of other knives and gear.

Nl2316
ND

Mar 12, 2018

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Overall Quality

Cons: None

Super light

The ultimate pack knife when every ounce you are carrying counts! This knife is super light, yet can function as an effective EDC or pack knife. It is so light that you forget that it is even in your pocket. The blade came sharp and has held an edge well so far. I also like the extra deep carrying clip. The axis lock feels solid. Another excellent Benchmade knife.

Big T
Chicago

Mar 13, 2020

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

New favorite EDC knife !

Really impressed with this folder. The blade is super sharp. The opening action is fantastic. I had a hard time putting it down once I received it. Very light knife, the pocket clip is the perfect size. Just about every folder I have ever owned has been black this blue handle is such a cool color. Buy it you won't be disappointed. As always knifecenter.com does a great job with delivery and handling the order.

Steve
Cambridge, MD

Jul 06, 2026

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip

Cons: None

nice, really nice!

EDC, light to carry, easy to use. Great size for all the “small stuff” that comes up and handy for the rest as well.

Mason
Chula Vista, Ca

Oct 14, 2017

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

I've been waiting for this knife!

I had been waiting for a well known high quality brand to release a knife with a deep carry clip, extremely lightweight materials, high quality blade material, high quality lock mechanism, and full size blade for a long time. I had been out of the knife game for a bit but when I discovered the Bugout I scrambled to find someone with it in stock and purchased it immediately. I was not disappointed. I have purchased 8 knives since I have owned this and none have supplanted it as my daily carry. It is my favorite knife. The blade is very sharp and of high quality material. Centering is perfect. Blade action is perfect. The axis lock is nearly perfect and improving with use. The deep carry clip is very functional and short. Finally a designer realized you don't need excessive length in a pocket clip to be effective. This knife is so lightweight it is ridiculous. I've never held a tool at this size that felt this light and still very sturdy. Ergonomics are spot on. The only thing that should stop you from buying this knife is if you are allergic to blue. If they ever offered in in black, or anything else... I'd buy more; I'm sure many others would too.

Kg
NC

Mar 17, 2022

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Handle Material

Favorite EDC knife

Great knife a tiny bit pricey compared to others of similar price (not knife centers fault) but not too much to dissuade from buying. I personally don't like the scales they come with, but they aren't awful. A set of titanium scales balances the blade out nice.

Kevin
Indiana

Sep 11, 2017

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Benchmade Bugout

As with all of my Benchmade knives this one is very high quality. it is exactly what I wanted for my primary bug out bag, in fact a bought a second for my wife's.

Stev-O
D.C.

Oct 10, 2017

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

An eDC hit!

I can't find a single thing wrong with my plain blade Bugout. Super sharp, nice steel, unbelievably light and I love the deep carry, short pocket clip. Its handle might be a little too thin for those with larger hands or for heavier duty tasks, but it works perfectly for me in the office. Only two very, very minor gripes: 1. Slightly blade heavy bc of the lightness of the handle 2. If u don't use the thumb stud for deployment, but use the axis lock instead...Both sides of the Axis-lock requires pressing in order for smooth deployment (single thumb pull of axis lock won't deploy it smoothly like on my other Benchmade knife is capable of doing)...but this is definitely not a deal breaker by any means. Buy it if you can find one in stock!

Chop
Los Angeles

Nov 21, 2017

Pros: Weight, Pocket Clip, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Holds it's edge. Great knife

This knife is very light and easy to carry. Very well designed and I've had a lot of Benchmades and others. This is one of my favorites and a fantastic bargain. I haven't run into any strength issues but I don't think you would want to split wood with it necessarily. Really, a perfect pocket knife. Stays sharp with minimal maintenance.

Bigduke6
Chicago

Feb 26, 2020

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Great light weight EDC !

My new EDC. Hardly know this knife is in your pocket. The feel in my XXL hand is great. The knife came sharp as a razor right out of the box. First folder I have purchased from Benchmade. I own some fixed blade knives of theirs. Their attention to detail is first rate. Quality in every aspect. Pricey but you can just tell this knife is gonna be worth the money. Love the blue color ! One other thing...buying from Knifecenter is the best ! So easy to order and they ship immediately. Very pleased with their service.

Edc
Illinois

Mar 01, 2019

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

What a great EDC knife

This is my first Benchmade knife ive ever owned. I own many many knives and this bugout really surprised me once actually in hand. I wish I bought this knife when it first came out. It's so nice I don't even want to use it. I will prolly have to buy another and save one for my collection. One of my favorites I own now. I wrote this review not having owned it more that a day. I had to leave a review right away because this bugout really impressed me and surprised me once in hand. Very nice EDC folder.

Ron
Colorado

Dec 13, 2017

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Bugout

The overall ease of carry and quality of the blade.

Georgia Adventurer
Georgia

Aug 12, 2020

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Bugout

I've had this BUGOUT for six months...My second Benchmade. I have to say this is my favorite EDC Folder...it's lite and I like the blade shape, good steel, a little hard to sharpen. It's a good cutter, even for food processing. I like the blue handle on mine.

Shawn
Pa

Oct 16, 2017

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Buy it.

This is a great offering from benchmade I've had mine for a month now. Time for a review. This knife is so light that you might forget you have it. Blue? Great color choice. It doesn't stand out like a sore thumb, yet is easy to find if misplaced. S30v? A fantastic heavey use steel that easily gets crazy sharp. Size? Hand filling but not bulky. It handles daily chores with ease. Now, for my only concern. Strength. After a month of daily use, that concern no longer exists. This knife is tough.

Chad
Tuscon, AZ

Nov 24, 2017

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Couldn't be any better

Love the size, shape, quality, and especially the weight of the 535 Bugout. Small liners keep it feather light but give the knife some stability for harder tasks. Carry this knife whenever and wherever I go where weight may come in to play. Get one now!

Barry
Cape cod

Jul 31, 2019

Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality

Cons: None

Great knife

Extremely light weight and thin for ease of carry. Razor sharp with excellent edge retention . Don’t listen to the guy who complained about the handles, they are very robust.

Mark
New York, NY

Sep 02, 2021

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Handle Feel, Handle Material

Well Designed Backup Knife

This model is the OG 535, and it's very good. In fact, it's great. It has one flaw, and I knew that going in: It's not big. Even though this isn't the "mini" it's pretty mini in my paws so I'm in the midst of making new, larger scales for mine out of stablized wood. I wish Benchmade or anyone else would make such a product as I love the blade but hate the handle. This blade on a longer, fatter handle with more of a handguard would be ideal. Fortunately, I can do that for myself. If you can't, but want an EDC Benchmade, may I recommend a Griptilian, for which you can get replacement scales rather easily. If you want something like this but more "gentlemanly", I'd recommend the Valet, which is a better knife in nearly every way. That said, I wanted a project, which is why I got this one. If you're not 6'3" with big hands, this should be fine for your hands. As an EDC folder, it's as practical as a SAK, though with no extra tools.

Marc
Georgia

Aug 17, 2017

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness

Cons: None

Very light

This has replaced my 530 for ultra lightweight edc, the omega springs feel stronger then normal (have multiple for comparison) and all at store felt the same. Not big on the blue but is growing on me. They are doing a much better job on edge grind consistency lately and this one(all of them) is perfect. The handle flexes a bit and was concerning, but after clawing into some wood it holds up just fine, considering this will not be used for that, it is a light use edc for me, I usually carry 2 blades, usually a fixed and a folder. It is now blade drop smooth with no play in any direction. This would be perfect with g10 scales, and hope they release a model with g10. Still have mixed feelings on the small pocket clip, it works just fine, just not the norm I guess. Oh and yes the axis lock was sticky and is getting much better as usual as it breaks in.

Sithgimli
Macon, Ga

Mar 11, 2023

Pros: Weight, Blade Material, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Pocket Clip

Not bad

The 535 is not a bad knife. It has held up well the past several months of being used, and holds its edge well. My only real complaints are the lock is still sticky after having used it, oiled it and trying all the tricks. The only other issue is the handle scales that come stock. It’s not the flex that’s an issue, but the handle to pocket grip. I have to wear khaki pants for work and it’s as grippy on those as on a pair of jeans. I have tried a different clip, and the only one that doesn’t tear the pocket hem is the clip from a Griptilian. While I do recommend this knife, especially for apartment maintenance, I would suggest a better clip and keep a bottle of blue lube on hand

Brian
Fort Worth, Tx

Mar 04, 2024

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Weight

Cons: Lock Type

Absolutely nutz!

Ok so straight out of the box this thing is insanely sharp! There! You have been warned! The knife is much thinner than I was imagining. Next the blade opens smoothly but trying to flick it closed takes some doing. I was going to adjust the pivot screw but a friend assured me that I just needed to work it for a few days and break it in. The handles are comfortable and don't seem pliable at all without some extreme effort. I'm not the biggest fan of the thumb stud. It just seems like they could have used one that was just a little bit bigger. As others have said this thing is extremely light! One detail I wish I had known before my purchase was that if you buy this directly from Benchmade, which by the way is more expensive, you can make certain customizations such as handle material, color, thumb stud material and color. Some of the options were free and others had a extra cost. Etc... This has been the most expensive knife purchase to date. I love this quote I read in a tattoo shop and it applies to almost everything, "Cheap isn't good and good isn't cheap!"

Matt
California

May 27, 2025

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Weight

Cons: Handle Material

Love the knife, not the scales

Collector here, 30+ blades at this point. This is one of the first folders I’ve paid this much for, I also own a Benchmade Barrage and a Hogue Deka. While this is an awesome knife, I feel that the scales are too flimsy for a knife at this cost. The good news is that replacement scales for this knife are everywhere, at reasonable prices. In fact, it’s very customizable. It arrived very sharp and the action is smooth. Very easy to open with a flick of the wrist. Other than how flimsy they are, the scales are very grippy. They also aid in keeping the knife very light. I’d give it a 5 if it came with nice G10 scales, like my Hogue.

Anonymous
USA

Jan 06, 2018

Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness

Cons: Handle Feel, Lock Ease of Use

Not really impressed with this

Very light, clean blade, typical Benchmade construction. However, the axis lock is pretty sticky on this one. Hopefully it works in. Also, the handle scales are way too smooth. It will definitely slip out of your hand. For the price I would buy a griptilian instead because it has a mean grip, and it's a better knife. Or I would buy a pardue, very slim, yet strong and a nice grip for grivory handles.

Michael
California

Nov 10, 2018

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Blade Material

Cons: Handle Material

Buttery Action, less desirable handle

I read all the reviews on YouTube and Online about this knife before buying. First thing everyone says is “quality blade, great axis lock, terrible handle, too expensive”. They were right. In design, this is a great EDC blade! Really thin in the pocket. Sometimes I forget I have it on me. The action of flipping open and closing is super buttery smooth once you lube it. But the handle sucks. It’s plastic and feels like it’s going to snap. The name Bugout is a weird name for it since when you talk about Bugout, the knife should survive the apocalypse. I don’t think this knife would. Price point is completely off for the knife since the handle isn’t amazing. I’ve had to buy G10 scales for this to feel amazing so now it’s perfect but I had to spend an additional $60 for those. So if you don’t mind spending the moneys, get it. But I think the spyderco paramilitary series is better for the price point.

Mark
New York, NY

Nov 04, 2021

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip

Cons: Handle Feel, Handle Material

Finally! A disappointing Benchmade!

If all you need is a locking knife to replace your SAK for opening and breaking down boxes, buy this knife. I got this to replace my Griptilian for EDC and the sort of utility tasks for which I used my old, 154CM Grippy. I even splurged for the Flytanium scales and screws (both are AMAZING). Then, after a couple of months of use, the blade chipped badly. I had to grind it down with my Ken Onion Edition and now it looks like a Kukri with thalidomide poisoning. I'd heard Benchmade hasn't been properly heat treating their steels lately. Given that the 30CV chipped doing something my M390 Thrill handles without breaking a sweat, I have a feeling it may be correct. If I get another Benchmade, I won't be voiding the warranty. I also won't be getting anything in 30CV from them again. Most of my Benchmade knives make me happy. This one just makes me sad.

Mark
Massillon, Ohio

Jul 03, 2023

Pros: Weight, Ease of Opening, Pocket Clip

Cons: Handle Material

Mixed Views

Not worth the price. Spyderco Para-3 Lightweight in Spy-27 Blows it out of the water. Going to be selling mine soon.

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Reviews and Ratings for Benchmade 535 Bugout AXIS Folding Knife 3.24" S30V Satin Plain Blade, Blue Grivory Handles

Price: $200.00

Customer Reviews

Beefy lite-weight

Impressive! Can't put it down!

Super light

New favorite EDC knife !

nice, really nice!

I've been waiting for this knife!

Favorite EDC knife

Benchmade Bugout

An eDC hit!

Holds it's edge. Great knife

Great light weight EDC !

What a great EDC knife

Bugout

Bugout

Buy it.

Couldn't be any better

Great knife

Well Designed Backup Knife

Very light

Not bad

Absolutely nutz!

Love the knife, not the scales

Not really impressed with this

Buttery Action, less desirable handle

Finally! A disappointing Benchmade!

Mixed Views

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