BenchmadeBugout 535 EDC Knife with Blue Grivory Handle (535)

I have had pocket knives my entire life and had to use them as a part of my job for many years. They are a very personal tool that you rely on and develop a pretty personal relationship with.I have had cheap knives and expensive knives and everything in between. Over time you realize that a cheap knife is not only not as nice but in many cases can be dangerous. So I tend to buy middle range to slightly expensive now and keep it longer. I only buy American made now not because China is evil or any other country is good or bad but because I like buying something from a smaller and more local company that pays attention to details. You get what you pay for is really true.This is my first Benchmade, before this I have had Kershaw US made and Zero Tolerance as my main EDC knives. I have found US made Kershaw knives to be a great value and Zero Tolerance to be just great. So this Benchmade was a shock when I first got it. For $130 I was expecting full stainless steel tangs along the grivory handles and that is not what I got. So I was going to return this knife because even though it is not clearly stated that this knife has a nice stainless steel blade attached to a plastic handle that has metal tang that attaches to the the blade about less than half way. When you grab the plastic handle it will flex under pressure which gives a bad impression. It seems like you could just break the handle yourself if enough pressure is applied which gives a very weak impression of durability and long term strength. I know this is an entry level knife from Benchmade offering superior blade steel and the reason the knife does not cost more and is very light is because of the construction as I mentioned earlier.I decided to keep the knife because I really like the light weight and the blue grivory handle is actually very pleasant to grab. I also like the blue anodized bolts that keep the knife together and the thumbstuds that are also light blue anodized aluminum. Once I made that decision I thought to myself this will just not be my heavy duty knife. Since I have had it the blade is really impressive for the price. I don't think there is another American made knife using this blade steel at this price.If Benchmade did not offer a good warranty then I would have returned the knife but since they cover it for life under normal conditions I figure that the grivory handle despite not having full metal tangs is still strong enough to get the job done and if I have a problem I am sure Benchmade will take care of me.Why this knife is a keeper in any collection? It is really light which makes carrying it for long periods of time in various conditions very pleasant. The grivory handle is very tactile and grippy and you can choose your color so that is great! The blade and how everything is put together is why I buy American higher quality and cost knifes. Yes it is over $100 and has a plastic handle but it is perfectly assembled and build quality is excellent for this price. If you want a more serious configuration and don't mind spending more then I would highly recommend getting a custom built model from Benchmade. They have full metal tang models with grivory handle and you can choose accessories and colors. If you want to save money then Amazon is going to be your best deal.All I can say is give it a try if you are doubtful. This is a great knife!!

For comparison, I have the Northfork(wood), regular griptilian, 940-2, bug out, and series of other knives including several spydercos including the paramilitary 2 and karahawk. I initially liked the quality of the spydercos and they were among my first higher quality knives that I owned. I was always under the impression that spydercos were top of the line, but then I decided to try the grip full sized. Then I went nuts and got the 940, then the bug out, then the mini grip. These knives hold an edge longer than other knives by far of the same steel. Not only that, the axis lock > any other locking mechanism hands down. The blade shapes imho are more practical and universal. After owning the north fork and mini, I didn't think I needed a bug out but this is a solid knife. Slightly longer than a mini grip and north fork but slightly shorter than a 940. Thinner and much lighter than all the knives I have in my collection. It is a solid knife to add to the rotation so much that all of my spydercos except the pm2 are being phased out. Comparably, the manix is the next best thing within this size but I much prefer the ergos of benchmades, this blade shape, and the quality of heat treat to this metal over all. Honestly, I was concerned from reviews about the scales and the pocket clip. It's true the scales feel cheap but they're solid. I don't believe it'll break at all. I wouldn't use this as a survival or bush knife but edc or slicing, it's perfect and extremely effective. The pocket clip is great, love the size and how much less evasive it looks than a full sized pocket clip. I don't understand what the complaints about the pocket clip is about as I have no issues sliding the clip into my pants easily without needing to fiddle with it, even when I got it brand new and hadn't broken it in yet.My favorites in order1. 9402. Grip3. Bug out, north fork, and mini grip (can't decide)(I love the light Bug out and the clip but the scales feel cheap even though they're pretty sturdy but the other knives are thicker and better suited for piercing and heavier duty, therefore pros and cons depending on what you need it for)4. Pm25. KarahawkI am typically very brand neutral, but I've been won over from spydercos hands down. I just need bm to come out with a knife that rivals the karahawk.100% recommend the bug out. I have the original blue. I'm looking at a adamas to complete my collection