Benchmade

Benchmade Bugout 535

Ranked #6 in Pocket Knives

657 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

The ultralight you actually carry every day, under Benchmade's excellent lifetime service. The light build trades some rigidity, which keeps it out of the top three.

Consolidated from 4 independent outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

4 positive sources

See the sources

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Pros & cons

✓ Best Ultralight Knife per American Gear Guide
✓ Light enough for daily carry
✓ Lifetime warranty and in-house service
✓ Featherweight utility
✓ Listed among best pocket knives by Yahoo Shopping

✗ Light build trades some rigidity
✗ Price reflects brand premium
✗ Premium price for brand and weight savings
✗ The Kershaw Bel Air and Iridium now deliver most of its experience for less money

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

Evidence 3 articles and 1 video review

4 positive sources

Benchmade’s Bugout is my personal favorite Benchmade folder and the knife I recommend as the best lightweight blade in our guide to the best pocket knives . I’ve carried it backpacking and hunting for years because of its durable MagnaCut blade and ultralight weight. I never had gripes with it that made me wish for a radical overhaul, but Benchmade has delivered one anyway with the new Bugout Vapyr. And if you’re a knife nerd like me, it’s worth a look.

Read U USAngler USAngler · 923 subscribers · Jan 2025

Today I want to tell you about the Benchmade Bugout—my favorite everyday carry knife for fishing, hunting, and general outdoor pursuits.

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Field & Stream Ryan Chelius · reviewer · Aug 2026

The Benchmade Bugout is the perfect knife. It features everything you need in an EDC knife and nothing you don’t. Throughout my testing, the Bugout was what I carried the most. In fact, I had to force myself not to clip it to my pocket every morning to make sure I tested the other knives thoroughly. And after two months of carrying various EDC knives—Benchmade and other brands—the Bugout stood alone.

Read C

CleverHiker Ben Dawson · reviewer · Nov 2021

The Benchmade Bugout 535 is a high-quality, ultralight pocket knife that excels in functionality and ease of carry. Designed with a drop-point blade, it offers exceptional edge retention and versatility . The blade finish provides a sleek look and adds a layer of durability and corrosion resistance.

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Frequently asked questions

It ranks #6 of 15 on our pocket knives tier list, in A tier. That placement draws on 4 independent outlets.

None of the 4 sources with a clear view is critical of it. Light build trades some rigidity. Price reflects brand premium. Premium price for brand and weight savings. The Kershaw Bel Air and Iridium now deliver most of its experience for less money.