The CF-Elite handles offer the user plenty of grip during even hard use, but it also complements the barely-there weight quality of the knife itself, which weighs in at a meager 1.5 ounces in total. And with its reversible tip-up deep carry pocket clip, it’s not just small and lightweight: it disappears into your pockets when you’re through.

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Header: Mikey Bautista

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It’s no exaggeration to say that the 940 Osborne is one of the most important knives in Benchmade’s history. Designed by the late Warren Osborne, a renowned custom knife maker who collaborated with Benchmade for over a decade, the original 940 series featured a sleek reverse tanto blade, a sturdy AXIS lock mechanism, and a comfortable aluminum handle.

The 945-2 Mini Osborne takes its cues from the original full-sized 940-1 and shrinks it down to a more pocket-friendly size. It has a blade length of 2.92”, making it ideal for those who prefer smaller knives or have legal restrictions on blade length. In my experience handling it, though, it still felt like a full-sized knife in hand compared to other “mini” iterations of popular knives, giving me a full-handed grip and the same satisfying action as its big brother. This meant all of the benefits of a more compact and locale-friendly size without any ergonomic drawbacks.

The reverse tanto blade is made from CPM S90V stainless steel, one of the best steels available for edge retention, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance, and its stonewash finish gives it a smooth and refined look. The 945-2 Mini Osborne’s handle is made from carbon fiber, contoured to fit your hand comfortably and securely even in this smaller size. It also features blue anodized barrel spacers that contrast nicely with the black scales and add some flair to the knife.

A double thumb stud opener allows you to deploy the blade quickly and easily with either your right or left hand while the blade is locked in place by the AXIS lock, one of the most reliable and user-friendly locking mechanisms in the industry. The knife also has a reversible pocket clip that lets you carry it tip-up on either side of your pocket.

What we like: Premium materials, high-quality construction, highly versatile, and like most Benchmade knives, entirely ambidextrous to accommodate all users.

What to watch out for: While ultra-premium, S90V is also a very hard steel, so sharpening or grinding won’t be an easy task.

Final verdict: Everything that made the Benchmade 940 Osborne popular is present here, optimized for smaller hands and pockets or those with big hands looking for a smaller knife to carry.

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The blade comes with dual maroon thumb studs, offering a striking color hit against the 535BK-4’s monochrome palette. These thumb studs match the maroon barrel standoffs in the handles, departing from the backspacer design of the previous premium Bugout. 6061-T6 aluminum handles are the highlight of this model, offering full metal construction while still keeping the knife as light at possible at 2.5 ounces. They come in a starburst pattern, offering grip as well a sleek new style for the line. And of course, a reversible pocket clip covers the Bugout’s bases for EDC.

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Header: Mikey Bautista

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It’s been a couple of years since I was last able to walk the show due to pandemic travel restrictions, and a lot has changed in the EDC gear space since then. At the show, I saw some familiar brands, noticed the absence of other big names, and discovered some up-and-coming companies to keep on your radar.

After scoping out as much of the massive trade show as I could (it seems to have doubled in size!), I narrowed down my favorite EDC products in this post. Read on to see my favorite EDC gear from SHOT Show 2023.

Best EDC Apparel: 5.11 Tactical Maverick EDC 1.5” Belt

The 5.11 booth was a bit of a departure from the brand’s usual image. This time around, it was airy, bright, and modern-feeling, with fluorescent tube lighting throughout the open cage installation. In a way, it reflected the direction of some of the brand’s newest apparel and accessory designs: they’re modern, and sleek, yet functional at their core and technologically advanced where it counts.

Some examples across the brand include refinements to their outdoor pack, The Skyweight, to reduce its weight in response to feedback from outdoor users. On the lifestyle side, the popular Norris sneaker gets a successor in the McLane Mid, featuring improved breathability, cushioning, outsole traction, and puncture resistance.

The pro sector saw technical innovation with the new XTU Line, bursting at the seams (not literally) with features specifically requested by professionals, like body-mapped fabric construction with no-drip/no-melt textiles, integrated knee pad systems, thoughtful pocket layouts, and much more.

But since most of us aren’t in the public safety field, I named the new Maverick EDC 1.5” Belt as the best apparel at the show for the rest of us. While it’s better suited for civilian and urban use compared to their other duty belts, 5.11 have spared no expense with its construction, including dual-layer nylon webbing and heavy-duty AustriAlpin COBRA buckle hardware for quick and secure retention/release.

Last but not least are laser MOLLE anchor points for extending its modularity and adaptability. The booth demo’d the belt fully loaded with accompanying discreet pouches and attachments to show off the 1.5” platform’s versatility. If you need one belt to tackle on any mission you can throw at it, this is it.

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Best EDC Bag: Eberlestock F5 Switchblade

As tempting as it is to go down the rabbit hole of EDC bag collecting – there’s a certain appeal to having that “one” perfect bag to do it all. The F5 Switchblade from Eberlestock might not be a brand-new product, but it’s definitely one to keep your sights on for its versatility alone.

Its thoughtful design can accommodate all sorts of use cases I can imagine an EDCer would have: personal defense with its CCW capabilities, general EDC with its robust internal organization and efficient use of space, outdoor and hunting with its different camouflage options, and even discreet travel with its low-profile “grayman” styling options.

It’s all possible thanks to the functional attention to detail throughout the bag. For example, its interior slots can accommodate a 17” laptop for work travel, a hydration bladder on the trail, or plates for personal defense. Thinner and lighter-weight MOLLE-10 webbing on the exterior can accommodate external gear pouches and attachments or serve to anchor and lash onto a larger pack system when hunting. If you’d prefer a sleeker, low-profile look, you can opt for no webbing at all.

For some EDCers, it makes sense to invest in dedicated, specialized bags, but for most, I think having one bag that can do it all, like the Eberlestock F5 Switchblade, is the way to go.

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Best Outdoor Gear: Ontario Knife Company SPL Pack Knife

SHOT Show isn’t all tactical gear—much of it also serves the outdoor and hunting crowd. So when it came time to award the best outdoor gear at the show, this nifty fixie caught my radar. Ontario Knife Company should need no introduction around these parts thanks to the popularity of their RAT folding knives. They’re go-to picks for solid, no-frills EDC blades with an outdoor edge at an affordable price.

If the SPL Pack Knife is anything close to the overall usability of OKC’s offerings, it’ll make for a great outdoor companion. The SPL series also introduced a Dive knife variation featuring a blunted chisel/pry style tip that was developed from direct feedback from professional divers. While it’s encouraging to see OKC serving a wider variety of outdoors people, the SPL Pack Knife offers more general utility for the outdoorsy EDCer.

The Pack Knife fixed blade measures in at a manageable 3.9” length in a versatile drop point shape, made up of the hottest steel at the moment: Magnacut. It’s a great choice for an outdoor blade thanks to its potent combo of high hardness and excellent corrosion resistance. Orange G10 on the handle provides grip, light weight, and high visibility for your adventuring. When not in use, the blade tucks away into a matching orange plastic sheath, complete with a convenient snap-fit closure and molded belt loops for multiple carry options.

If you’re interested in some nicer steel offerings and G10 in a moderately sized EDC knife from Ontario, don’t miss the new RAT I in S35VN and red G10. It’s the same great RAT I you know and love, but done up with improved materials across the board. Expect a modest price increase to match, though.

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Best EDC Flashlight: Nitecore EDC27

While most other flashlight brands at the show debuted either incremental updates to their existing flashlights or introduced more tactical weaponlights, Nitecore brought us innovation dedicated to the EDCer in the EDC27. It’s their take on the slim rectangular format that’s been gaining popularity (think Surefire Stiletto, Olight Arkfeld, or Streamlight Wedge, for example), jam-packed with Nitecore’s signature features.

The flat form factor carries better in a pocket than the conventional cylindrical light, not unlike a pocket knife. PVD-coated stainless steel comprises the main chassis of this rectangular light for toughness and rigidity, surrounding a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer core for balance and light weight. It houses a 1700mAh battery rated for a 37-hour max runtime that recharges via USB-C.

The business end boasts a dual Luminous SST40 LED setup for a max output of 3,000 lumens. An OLED display on the front of the main body reads out vital info like brightness, runtime, and more. The tail end features two switches to handle operation: a Mode switch for cycling through its general use modes starting at 15 lumens on the low end, and a second button for instant access to its 3,000-lumen Turbo and tactical Strobe mode.

It’s not just the form factor that earns the Nitecore EDC27 an award this year—it’s the whole package. Not only is it optimized for pocket carry, but it also offers quality-of-life features like lockout modes, instant access to special modes, an OLED display, a deep carry pocket clip, convenient recharging, and all the durability you’d want in your daily light.

I think lights in this slim rectangular form factor are just getting started, and the EDC27 is a great example of what to look forward to in the platform. Some of you might just stick with smaller keychain lights, or prefer the enthusiast-level customization and battery control of traditional cylindrical formats. But for all you EDCers who are holding out for something fresh in the flashlight space, this could be it.

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Best EDC Knife: CIVIVI Elementum II Button Lock

This is probably a lukewarm take, but it’s hard to argue against the CIVIVI Elementum II Button Lock. No, it isn’t groundbreaking or meta-defining, but it’s a solid feedback-driven update to a popular and accessible knife with even more features that EDCers have been wanting. It’s back to its smaller size compared to its Elementum I counterpart. Compared to the previous version that could only be deployed by disengaging the button lock, this new version adds a rear flipper tab for more control of how to open the knife.

Combined with its button lock, its snappy opening and drop-shut action make it a fidgeter’s dream too. The blade also gets a minor upgrade in the steel department to Nitro-V. And best of all, it’s still relatively affordable for the price. While the title of the “best” knife for EDC obviously will differ from person to person, I think the Elementum II Button Lock is a safe bet to shortlist.

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Best Knife Design: Benchmade 748 Narrows

OK, hear me out. Before we get to the elephant in the room, let’s look at Benchmade’s newest titanium knife in terms of the sheer design and engineering involved. It’s already no easy feat to design a knife that’s even thinner than the now iconic Bugout from which the Narrows draws some inspiration. But to do it in titanium while also keeping its ambidextrous AXIS lock functionality in this form factor impressed me the most.

I think some people might not realize how difficult it actually is to remove material and strip away everything but the essentials on a knife like this. After all, isn’t that what we try to do with our EDCs as a whole? The result of years of development is the 748 Narrows: a titanium EDC knife with an M390 blade, heat-anodized blue hardware, and a modified AXIS lock. It takes everything that made the Bugout a smash hit and cranks it up a notch without going too overboard.

Keep in mind, I’m giving the award for the design of the knife—not necessarily for its value proposition. Because honestly, this is not a knife for everyone. At its MSRP of $580 this is out of reach for many. For others, it’s amongst stiff competition in the price bracket.

I think the 748 Narrows is for the knife enthusiast who can appreciate intentional design that pushes the limits, or perhaps has an affinity to the Oregon-based brand, and doesn’t mind paying a premium for exactly what they want. It’s probably not for the EDCer who seeks the biggest bang for the buck or chases the latest and greatest in materials or steel.

In my brief time handling the knife, I can say it was unlike any other knife I picked up at the show. I understand why it can be a polarizing knife, but I’m certain it will be grail status for some enthusiasts and the centerpiece of many collections.

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Most Innovative: CRKT Provoke EDC

Everything about the original CRKT Provoke’s design breaks the mold—so much so that it ultimately wasn’t an optimal choice for everyday carry for most people. That all changed with the refinements brought forth in the new Joe Caswell-designed CRKT Provoke EDC. Gone is the curved blade in favor of a more utilitarian, general-purpose straight-edge blade.

But all the original Provoke morphing magic is there. Between the deployment, the lockup, the different grip possibilities, and the pocket clip, there’s something to discover. Let’s start with the mesmerizing and satisfying Kinematic deployment.

I picked the Provoke EDC up off of the magnetic display and slipped my index finger through the karambit ring on its tail end. Off the bat, it’s not a grip you’re probably used to. Next, a quick downward push of my thumb on the outer crossbar sets the chain in motion, shooting out the blade into its full extension. The action is satisfying and convincing and almost instantaneous; you don’t really feel play, wobble, or swing in momentum in the same way you might with a chunky flipper or a stubborn thumbstud deployment. It still deploys in that “tactical” overhand grip, but the knife’s proportions and angles—especially the 2.5” D2 drop point plain edge blade—let you handle it like a traditional EDC knife.

Pushing a discreet lock bar nestled amidst the big, dynamic, crossbar chain mechanism lets you collapse the blade back into its closed position within the lightweight blue aluminum handle.

Carrying the new Provoke EDC is made slightly easier thanks to its slightly shorter closed length and much lighter weight at 3.6 oz versus the original Provoke’s 6.1 oz weight. Of course, the flush pocket clip integrated within the karambit ring remains. It deploys with the right tension for your pocket only when you need it to with the press of your thumb.

It takes real innovation to design a knife that looks unlike anything else out there, not only during its deployment but when it’s closed or open, too. We’re excited to see more unique knives like this as viable carry options for general EDC and look forward to what else Caswell and the team at CRKT are cooking up next.

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Best In Show: Eikonic RKC9

Probably a hot take, but Eikonic is poised to be the best bang for buck EDC knife brand you’ve never heard of. After talking to the owner at the booth, I learned the brand is not even a month old, but it’s born out of decades of experience in the high-end OEM knife industry. And it shows—the brand has a stable of heavy-hitting designers behind it, putting out EDC-focused knives with excellent fit and finish under $100.

For example, the RCK9 pictured here is designed by Ramon Chavez exclusively for Eikonic with his signature design language, but it’ll run you less than $90. And while it’s true that other companies in the past have partnered with high-end custom knife designers to bring their designs to the production world, Eikonic stood out to us not only with their knives, but with their hunger, passion, and mission.

All of the knives they had on the table came in at the sub-$100 price point with plenty to offer: excellent practical designs (from Ramon Chavez, Brian Nadeau, Jonas Iglesias, and HEA Designs), D2 blade steel and G10 or micarta handles, flipper or thumbstud deployments with solid, snappy action, carefully balanced skeletonized liners and overall an impressive fit and finish at the price.

In a world where everything’s getting more expensive (knives included) and money is harder to come by, I think it’s fair to highlight a brand whose sole mission is to deliver top quality at an accessible price. Because at the end of the day, that means more people can feel prepared and more people can share this hobby and passion of EDC with us.

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The post Our Favorite New EDC Gear from SHOT Show 2023 appeared first on Everyday Carry.

While our team is busy covering SHOT Show 2023, Benchmade decided to drop a caseful of new models for this year, with one shiny new slicer immediately grabbing our attention. The 748 Narrows is the brand’s first titanium knife in a good long while, with a heritage spanning legendary butterfly knives like the 42 and the recent 85/87, as well as the highly desirable 781 Anthem with its bold integral lock handle. The Narrows makes a big statement in the thinnest way possible.

How thin, you ask? Well 33% thinner than even their light-carrying Bugout, affording the Narrows a super light weight of only 2.41 ounces. Within the skinny milled titanium handles lies the iconic AXIS lock, which in turn manages the knife’s larger 3.44″ M390 blade, a premium stainless steel best known for its corrosion resistance and edge retention. Anodized blue hardware gives the Narrows some eye-catching accents, including dual titanium thumbstuds, the pivot, standoffs, and also the reversible clip, which also makes this a truly ambidextrous knife for us lefties to drool over.

While the knife is remarkable in a lot of ways, the elephant in the room is its price, as this is one of the more expensive models to come out of Oregon in recent releases. Be prepared to pay a premium for this one, though given how popular titanium Benchmade knives have gotten over time as collector’s items, the higher ask may be justified in the end.

What we like: A titanium Benchmade that’s premium all over, carries super light, and is a treat for lefties.

What to watch out for: There are some pretty big numbers after the dollar sign when looking up its price.

Final verdict: It’s a knife that ticks all the premium boxes, with the DNA of many of its highly popular brethren that came before it, and if you can swallow the cost, likely to be another collector’s item in the future.

Pre-order on Blade HQ

The post The Drop: Benchmade 748 Narrows Titanium Knife appeared first on Everyday Carry.

In keeping with the traditional slip joint design, the Proper comes with scales made of either red contoured G10 or a dark brown canvas micarta that both give a unique tactile feel and extra grip. It opens and closes with a nail nick and the slip joint mechanism keeps it firmly in place. There’s no pocket clip, but there is a lanyard hole so you can easily grab it from your pocket. For a unique take on the classic traditional folder, check out the Proper at the link below.

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By adding the Bugout to the in-house Benchmade Custom Knife Builder, the brand takes the design to the next level in its evolution. And starting today, you can customize and personalize the Benchmade Bugout knife through the official Benchmade online shop, allowing you to build your own ultimate version of this knife, with some of the best materials on the market. Selecting the Benchmade Bugout Family from the Custom Shop leads to an interface that lets you see your chosen customizations in real-time. It features a full 3D render that you can rotate 360 degrees and also lets you see your design with the blade deployed or retracted.

Features Of A Customized Bugout

Blade Choices

Your first choice involves the blade, selecting from a traditional plain-edged Drop Point design or one with partial serrations. The next and more important step is blade steel. Choose between tough and corrosion-resistant CPM-S30V like the original pocket knife, a hard-wearing CPM-20CV that boasts excellent edge retention or upgrade to the M4 steel option, offering a hard-use everyday carry blade that gives superior toughness and edge retention. New this year are two new options: the ultra-premium S90V for extra corrosion resistance or the equally beautiful as it is useful Damasteel Ladder option, offering a mesmerizing pattern that won’t break or wear out any time soon. Although, it is worth mentioning that the Damasteel option is not available with the serrated blade.

Blade Markings

You can laser mark both sides of your selected blade, letting you personalize your knife beyond the usual color and material choices and combinations. You can choose to put text, select from various logos and images that the Benchmade Custom Shop has to offer or upload your own unique image to put on your blade—something that not all knife personalization services offer. You can customize the size and position of your blade markings as well at checkout.

Handles and Hardware

Last but not least are the options at your disposal for handle and hardware. The most inexpensive option is glass-filled nylon, with 12 different colors. You can even select different colors for the show side and back side of the knife, creating your own distinct design. You also have a full G-10 Jade handle combination for a unique look, or you can opt for 6 different colors of classic G-10. Also new this year, you have two high-end options in premium titanium, or you can opt for a stealthier option with carbon fiber.

You have satin or black options for the rest of the hardware, including the nestled inner liner, the handle spacers, the handle screws, the thumb studs, and even the color of the AXIS lock itself. Play around until you can find the perfect combination to match your EDC kit. Or create a themed version with your favorite colors and materials. The choice is yours.

Deployment And Lockup

The AXIS lock is Benchmade’s flagship and hallmark locking solution for their everyday carry folding knives. Their blades feature a manual thumbstud opening, and that combined with the AXIS lock allows for fully ambidextrous operation. Once the folding knife blade is deployed, the AXIS lock ensures zero blade play even during rough hard use.

Is It Worth Buying Customized Bugout?

Building a customized Bugout for your EDC helps ensure you have a unique knife that is all your own. While the Benchmade Bugout is one of the most popular everyday carry knives in the community, with the customization program you can add your own personal touches and carry a folding knife that matches your looks, your style, and your needs.

Make Your Choice

With these new additions, there are nearly half a million combinations that can be created from the options Benchmade currently offers. Depending on which ones you pick, expected prices will range from $175 for the most affordable combination up to $525 for the most expensive, immediately reflected as a running tally every time you make changes to your design. Once you’re happy creating your masterpiece, you have the option of sharing your design with your friends or on social media, and when you’re ready to pull the trigger, click on the Buy button to start the order process.

Because it’s through the official Benchmade Custom Knife Builder, your own personal Bugout will retain the same lifetime warranty and LifeSharp services as any of their regular models. This guarantees that the knife you build is not only uniquely yours, but also yours for life. The Benchmade 535 Bugout was a landmark in knife design, and now you can take it to the next level with a design all your own. Check out all the options available at your disposal at the link below.

Build Your Custom Bugout

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bugout a good EDC?

The Benchmade Bugout knife is one of the everyday carry community’s favorite knives. It’s a good EDC folding knife with the blade length and ergonomics you need to get the job done day in and day out. If you can’t afford it now, put it on your wishlist and pick it up when you can later.

Who designed Benchmade Bugout?

Benchmade designed the Benchmade Bugout. Benchmade has been making quality everyday carry folding knives (and fixed blades) for decades now. They stand by their high-quality products with a warranty. You can also customize your Benchmade Bugout knife to your exact needs online using their configuration tool.

Is the Mini Bugout worth it?

The Mini Bugout 533 is a smaller, even more EDC-friendly folding knife based on the original Benchmade Bugout. While you lose a bit of blade length you get an even more convenient folding knife with the same Bugout scales and ergonomics you need to do work. The Benchmade Mini Bugout is a good choice whether you’re limited by blade length restrictions or you just want a smaller and even more lightweight knife for EDC.

Can you engrave a Benchmade?

You can engrave a Benchmade Bugout knife directly from them using their Custom Knife Builder. If you already have a Bugout knife, you might be able to put your own design on the knife. That will probably break the warranty and we cannot recommend it.

The post Build Your Ultimate Bugout for National Knife Day 2023 appeared first on Everyday Carry.

With the continued popularity of the Bugout, Benchmade has made multiple variants of the knife that swap out things like handle scales and overall blade length, but the recipe for success is present at every point. And the Bugout’s reputation for quality is well-deserved because each knife comes with the care and attention you expect from a made-in-the-USA blade crafted to exacting standards. The Bugout will be more pricey than other options on the market (or the aftermarket), but it is worth the price.

In this knife review, we’ll introduce you to the Benchmade Bugout and the ultralight Mini Bugout and explain why these pocket knives are so good for everyday carry.

Who is Benchmade?

Benchmade has been crafting quality everyday carry knives in Oregon since 1979. They began by putting the traditional balisong or butterfly-style knife onto the market here in the USA. Since then, they’ve made unique fixed blades and folding knives, focusing on user-friendly ergonomics, excellent materials, and attractive designs. They also made their mark on the industry by coming up with technology such as the AXIS lock, which allows for the ambidextrous operation of a folding knife while providing solid lockup even in the most demanding use cases.

Benchmade Bugout: Folding Knife Design

As with every EDC knife, looks are not everything. You should pay attention to the materials used in the knife’s construction because they determine your experience using the blade for everyday carry.

Materials

The Bugout features premium stainless steel in all its iterations. The original Bugout features CPM-S30V stainless steel. Newer versions of the knife have super-premium stainless steels like CPM-S90V and Böhler M390. These blade steels provide superior hardness, sharpness, and edge retention. As for the handles, the standard Bugout features what Benchmade calls Grivory, similar to fiberglass-reinforced nylon but has a tactile, grippy feel. A few of the higher-end Benchmade Bugouts feature carbon fiber scales, which make this lightweight knife even lighter while giving it a touch of class in the process.

Construction

The Benchmade Bugout is a folding knife with dual thumbstud deployment. The AXIS lock in the handle allows for ambidextrous operation while minimizing blade play when fully opened. Both the Bugout and the Mini Bugout provide full-size performance while maintaining a short overall length and a deep carry pocket clip for EDC convenience.

Shape

The Bugout’s blade features a versatile drop point blade design that makes it a solid all-around performer for most EDC cutting, slicing, piercing, and chopping tasks. The handle has an ergonomic grip built into its shape, with a deeper cutout at the bottom of the handle scale to accommodate a firm hold on the blade while helping keep your hand from thrusting forward onto your edge during hard use.

Design Options

The Benchmade Bugout now comes in many variants. The most significant separation exists between the regular Bugout and the Mini Bugout, which is slightly smaller than the original but more everyday carry-friendly, especially when discretion is essential to your EDC. A few variants of the Benchmade Bugout are exclusive to some retailers, and these limited-run editions of the blade are highly desirable. Based on the exact knife, you have options between the premium (and super-premium) stainless steels used in the mix. Other variants come with Grivory handle scales or carbon fiber.

How do You Use a Benchmade Bugout?

As with all EDC knives with folding knives, you’ll need to learn how to use the knife effectively as part of your everyday carry.

Functionality

The standard Benchmade Bugout features a 3.24″ stainless steel drop point blade, with an overall length including the handle of 7.46″ long. The Mini Bugout features a much smaller 2.75″ stainless steel blade with an overall length of 6.5″. This puts both knives in the compact range for everyday carry, which is the most practical for most EDC uses, including urban carry, outdoor adventures, and more.

Durability

The Benchmade Bugout and Mini Bugout are highly durable everyday carry knives. Their stainless steel and handle construction is resistant against the elements. The AXIS lock is rated for hard use, and it won’t break on you.

Usability

The Benchmade Bugout and Mini Bugout are incredibly slim in the pocket and hand. The Mini Bugout, in particular, weighs only 1.5 ounces, and it’s so light that you might forget that you’re carrying it until you need it in your hands. These knives have a premium feel and a superior fit and finish compared to lesser knives, and they’re a joy to use each time you need them.

The Different Kinds of Bugouts

535 Original Bugout

As its name implies, the 535 Original Bugout is where it all began for the Benchmade Bugout. Even though it’s been a few years since its introduction, it’s still a great everyday carry folding knife and deserves your attention. Its blade features S30V steel, an attractive blue Grivory handle scale, and a reversible deep carry pocket clip. The blade has a beautiful satin treatment, making it a handsome EDC blade.

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535-BK2 CF-Elite Blackout

With its blacked-out appearance, the CF-Elite Blackout is the most tactical iteration of the Bugout line. From the pommel of the knife to its tip, only the laser-etched Benchmade logo and the hollow-ground edge of the S30V steel drop point blade stand out from the all-black look. The blade features a black Cerakote finish that is highly resistant to the elements and will handle scratches and scrapes better than a standard satin finish on the blade. Another big upgrade this knife features compared to the original is the CF-Elite material used in the handles that offer more rigid performance under pressure while reducing overall weight even further.

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535-3 Carbon Fiber

The Benchmade 535-3 Carbon Fiber Bugout is one of the higher-end offerings with its milled carbon fiber handle and super-premium CPM-S90V stainless steel. And at 2.02 ounces this makes this full-size Bugout almost the same weight as an equivalent Mini Bugout while providing you the same blade shape and quality specs that make both a great knife to have.

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535-BK4 M390

If you want the absolute best blade steel you can get on the Bugout, take a look at the 535BK-4. This edition of the Bugout features Böhler M390 stainless steel with a maximum Rockwell rating of 61. This is one of the best stainless steel offerings available, and paired with the AXIS lock you’ll be able to take this Bugout knife anywhere to do anything. The handle material made of milled aluminum has the quality EDC aficionados expect from their Benchmade knives.

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Benchmade Bugout: Pros and Cons

• Pro: High-end construction and premium materials
• Pro: AXIS lock mechanism for secure blade lockup and ambidextrous ergonomics
• Pro: Huge variety of both standard and aftermarket colorways and material upgrades
• Con: On the pricier side of EDC knives
• Con: No flipper option, manual thumbstuds only
• Con: The omega spring in the AXIS lock may break, but is easily replaced

Benchmade Bugout FAQs

Is the Benchmade Bugout worth it?

The Benchmade Bugout is worth it. It costs a lot of money but so does the finer things in life. If you’re looking for a knife that will last you multiple years the Bugout is that knife.

Who should buy a Benchmade Bugout?

The Benchmade Bugout is suitable for pretty much any EDC user. Its slim compact and sleek design makes it great for urban and office carry, and the deep carry pocket clip makes it discreet. Outdoor enthusiasts, backpackers, and one-bag travelers will appreciate its lightweight and ultralight (with the Mini Bugout) qualities.

Is the Bugout good?

The Bugout is good because it has great blade steel and an AXIS lock. It’s also not too big that you’ll want to leave it at home instead of making it part of your EDC.

What is the best knife for self-defense?

The best knife for self-defense is one that you are trained to use by a professional. However, the Bugout especially in all-black is a discreet and compact knife that you can always have on you when it’s legal.

What is the best size for the Bugout?

The best size of the Bugout depends on whether you want the smallest possible Benchmade Bugout or not. The Mini Bugout is the smallest and most lightweight of the two offerings, but it might be too small for some hands. If that’s the case the full-size Bugout knife is the way to go.

Final Thoughts

By now, you’ve probably figured out why the Benchmade Bugout is one of the EDC community’s favorite folding knives. Its mix of quality construction, premium materials and practical design comes in at the top of this and many other people’s best EDC knife lists.

How We Reviewed this Product

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily lives. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

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Although it might look like it at first glance, The Mini Crooked River isn’t your grandfather’s hunting knife. You’ll find modern premium materials throughout the knife: aluminum bolsters, contour-stabilized “Dymondwood” handles, and high-vis hunter orange details in the G10 backspacer and pivot accent. It still features a classic clip-point shape on its 3.40” blade but comes in a premium CPM S30V steel.

Materials aside, the made-in-the-USA Mini Crooked River operates and performs like a modern folding knife thanks to its ambidextrous thumb stud manual deployment and AXIS lock mechanism. Slight jumping near the blade’s spine offers more control, but its otherwise smooth stabilized wood handles and sweeping lines result in an elegant overall aesthetic. Its tip-up pocket deep carry clip makes it easy to carry and retrieve, while its 4.5” closed length, 0.5” handle thickness, and 3.3 oz weight keep bulk to a minimum. For an EDC experience from Benchmade that’s less tactical and every bit as practical, check out the Mini Crooked River at the link below.

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Benchmade Crooked River Mini Review

Blade

The blade is made from CPM S30V stainless steel that’s been hardened to a 58-60 HRC. Its blade steel features excellent edge retention. The blade style is a clip point, making it suitable for outdoor skinning and survival tasks.

Pocket carry

This EDC folding knife has a deep carry clip for discreet carry in any environment. Its perfect size makes it okay to carry loose in your pocket too.

Use

The Mini Crooked River is a great all-around EDC folding knife from its smart looks and blade style. Stabilized wood handles make it easy to pick up and are very comfortable even during extended use.

Overall

The stabilized wood handles give this knife a unique look when set against the sea of stainless steel and G10-handled folding knives you typically find.

Benchmade Mini Crooked River: Features

AXIS lock mechanism

The AXIS lock is Benchmade’s hallmark folding knife feature. Its ambidextrous design allows you to pick up and use this EDC knife with either hand. It also eliminates blade play even during hard use.

CPM S30V stainless steel clip point blade (58-60HRC)

CPM S30V stainless steel features excellent edge retention and a high hardness at 58-60 HRC. It has enough blade length at 3.4” to be considered full size, but it’s not so huge that you’ll find it too unwieldy as an EDC folding knife.

Anodized aluminum bolsters with contoured Dymondwood scales and stainless steel liners

The stabilized wood handles are made out of Benchmade’s “Dymondwood,” and they provide a handle material that stands out from the pack. They look great but also offer a lot of utility because of their grippy surface. The aluminum bolsters help keep this great knife lightweight overall as well.

Orange G10 backspacer and anodized aluminum pivot ring

Contrast is the name of the game when it comes to the orange G10 backspacer and the anodized aluminum pivot ring. Overall this is an EDC folding knife that realizes it’s important to look good and cut well. It will be a handsome addition to your everyday carry.

Reversible tip-up pocket clip

Just as the AXIS lock mechanism is ambidextrous, the reversible tip-up pocket clip allows for discreet everyday carry of this EDC knife in either your left or right front pocket. You can also choose to remove it if you prefer.

Benchmade Mini Crooked FAQ

Is the Mini Crooked River a good EDC?

Yes, the Mini Crooked River is a good EDC folding blade. Its beautiful looks and excellent materials come together in a practical folding knife.

What steel is the Mini Crooked River made out of?

The Benchmade Mini Crooked River is made of CPM S30V stainless steel. This stainless steel features excellent edge retention and maximum sharpness.

Is the Mini Crooked River a folding or fixed blade knife?

The Benchmade Mini Crooked River is a folding knife. It features an AXIS lock that holds the full-size blade open during use like a fixed blade knife, but it’s easy to pocket when you’re done with it.

What is the best place to buy a Benchmade knife?

The best place to buy a Benchmade knife is at the link below. You can also find it in specialized outdoors and tactical retail stores if you prefer the brick-and-mortar route.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily lives. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

The post Benchmade Mini Crooked River appeared first on Everyday Carry.

The black G-10 handle matches the blade’s stealthy finish, and helps keep the overall knife lightweight at 2.19 ounces. The reduced size means it’s also lighter than the original while still having enough ergonomics for a full grip for most people. The scales’ blue base layer also gives them a nice accent when viewing the knife at an angle. And it’s easy to deploy the blade with either hand using the manual ambidextrous thumbstud, with the AXIS lock keeping everything in place even during hard use.

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Once retracted, the knife measures in at only 4”, and with its pocket clip can carry comfortably inside most pockets. The handles are made out of T-6061 aluminum, keeping things sturdy and lightweight. These handles also feature a “stepped” design to prevent the knife from slipping away from your hands. Finally, a front sliding switch takes care of deployment in a more comfortable and convenient way, compared to other OTF knives that feature a side switch. Pick one up at the link below.

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Specs

3.5“ Clip point blade
CPM 154 steel
Ambidextrous thumb slot deployment + AXIS lock
Hi-vis Grivory handles

What we like: Like many of Benchmade’s most popular models, the Taggedout comes with many of the brand’s thoughtful and inclusive usability features, including an ambidextrous deployment, clip, and locking mechanism. And like the Redoubt also making its debut this year, even though the Taggedout is designated as a hunting knife, its core design and solid materials can make a difference no matter where it’s carried. It’s designed to carry and function like the original Bugout, down to the lightweight Grivory handles, which work in its favor when every ounce counts on long hikes or adventures.

The double-duty design has worked well in the past for Benchmade as well, with knives like the Mini Crooked River finding their way into regular EDCs. Even the hi-vis handles can be part of the normal urban ensemble, given how much other aspects of gear are adopting the color, such as hi-vis interiors for modern bags using technical materials. The toughness and resistance that comes with the CPM 154 steel paired with a versatile clip point blade shape are all welcome features as well.

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What we don’t like: With so many similarities to the Bugout save for the blade and its steel, it can be argued that the Taggedout is derivative without bringing much to the table, and your money is better spent on the actual Bugout itself and its many iterations. The orange colorway is also undoubtedly useful in the wild, and more relevant than ever among modern EDC gear, but it’s certainly not for everyone, especially those curating a more subdued set of gear. Benchmade have shown they can successfully cross the divide with knives useful in every environment; time and use will tell if the Taggedout is worth a tag into yours.

Check it Out at Blade HQ

Check It Out at Benchmade

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Specs

3“ Clip point blade
2“ Spear point blade
CPM S30V steel
Non-locking slipjoint opening
Nail hole openers
G-10 or Micarta scales

What we like: While some people might prefer to carry even more functions in a full-sized multi-tool, there’s a niche to be filled by the Weekender’s more minimal option. The two-blade design also allows versatility without having to carry two separate knives, letting you tackle multiple tasks from a single everyday carry. The larger clip point blade is a solid general-purpose option, excelling at slicing tasks with its longer belly. The smaller spear point blade—like its predecessors—is your go-to for smaller tasks like paring or whittling. And while the addition of a bottle opener seems like an afterthought, it’s a unique addition that may come in the handiest (or most refreshing) after a long day of work.

What we don’t like: Despite being a modern interpretation of traditional slipjoint knives, what the Weekender is missing is a way to carry it other than just keeping it inside your pocket or bag. It may be a more accurate representation of traditional slipjoints, but the lack of a pocket clip or even a lanyard hole takes away from its carry convenience. If the traditional design is already going to be modified with the (very welcome) addition of a bottle opener, it seems an odd choice not to include at least one of the previous options for the sake of a sleeker profile.

Its price is another serious consideration. The Weekender rides the line between traditional slipjoint and modern-day knife, but sits at a price point where you would expect a more premium set of materials. While made in the USA construction is a fair proposition, its ask may be hard to justify for both collectors and casual EDCers alike considering its competition from both the knife and multi-tool sides.

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The post Benchmade in 2022: The 317 Weekender appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Specs

3.55“ Blade length
CPM-D2 steel
Drop point, flat ground plain edge
Ambidextrous dual thumbstud deploy + AXIS lock
Grivory handles with contrast textured grip insert

What we like: Through and through, the Redoubt is undeniably Benchmade design. For something designated as a tactical knife, the Redoubt doesn’t completely look the part — instead of the more aggressive, all-black styling you’d expect, it’s a bit more discreet for everyday use. The ergonomics look to prioritize grip and comfort during hard and fast use as well, with the prominent textured grip portion at the butt of the knife. There’s also subtle pseudo-jimping on the choil and where the last three fingertips grip the handle.

The blade is a nice, usable size for self-defense applications, but the drop-point geometry makes it useful for general utility as well. Interestingly, the Redoubt uses CPM-D2 steel — a slight upgrade from the more common D2 tool steel found on some budget and lower-mid tier knives. The use of the AXIS lock should come as no surprise, but it’s a welcome feature nonetheless (especially for southpaws). Lastly, it’s on the more affordable side compared to many other Benchmade knives and it’s still made in the USA.

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What we don’t like: The Redoubt sits in a puzzling liminal space in the context of the Benchmade library: it’s not an all-out tactical knife by design and features, but it’s not necessarily a civilian urban EDC knife. Its price point makes it a more accessible option for Benchmade fans, but it’s still more expensive than the tried-and-true crowd favorite Griptilian with similar specs and arguably better steel. Still, the Redoubt does offer its own original design taking the best parts of many existing Benchmade knives. And if those design elements, material choices, and price point tick all the boxes on your list, it’s a worthy consideration.

Check It Out at Blade HQ

Check It Out at Benchmade

The post Benchmade in 2022: The 430 Redoubt appeared first on Everyday Carry.

Aer Travel Pack 2 Huckberry Exclusive

The Travel Pack 2 is the second iteration of Aer’s pioneer bag, whose design and features helped build the foundations modern Aer bags are known for, including the now-signature front panel design (seen recently in the latest City Collection), the use of 1680D CORDURA nylon, and an ensemble of beefy YKK zippers, Duraflex hardware, and a comfortable system of padded straps, handles, and mesh. An exclusive collaboration with Huckberry gives this 33L all-in-one travel bag a verdant olive colorway in a 900D eco-dyed exterior, paired with a contrasting blazing orange interior usually seen in Aer’s X-Pac offerings. If you’ve been curious about onebag travel, looking to try out one of Aer’s greats, or simply want to add a subtle color to your everyday carry options, this is the perfect collaboration to pick up.

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Benchmade Longhand and Shorthand Bolt-Action Pens

It’s been a while since Benchmade released a machined pen, so they’re going big with two models of their latest release, the Longhand and Shorthand bolt-action pens. The two models differ in length (4.62“ and 3.49” respectively), but share a unified body design in machined stainless steel or black 6061-T6 aluminum, with knurling at just the right spots for an effective grip. They both use the iconic and reliable Fisher refill, deployed via an AXIS-style action with a familiar flat bolt seen on many of their signature knives. Last but not least, and in keeping with the pens’ overbuilt theme, a beefy clip takes care of carry duty.

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Vasque Talus WT NTX Boot

The Talus WT NTX is a winterized boot built on one of Vasque’s signature hiking models. To keep out the cold and the wet, the WT adds 200 grams of Nature-Therm recycled insulation, a Nature-Tex 50% recycled waterproof membrane, and a weather-resistant, PU-coated leather upper for maximum weather resistance. The molded EVA midsole is high-rebound for comfort with a TPU shank for stability, and paired with a ColdHold compound outsole for a reliable step on snow- and ice-covered surfaces. Using the Talus WT NTX to hike in the outdoors also helps sustain it, thanks to earth-friendly recycled materials used in nearly every aspect of the boot.

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Super Coffee White Chocolate Peppermint

For many of us, the “C” in EDC stands for “coffee,” and is without a doubt a staple to get every day started. Super Coffee is offering a healthier (and tastier) alternative just in time for the holidays, with a White Chocolate Peppermint drink sweetened with sugar- and carb-free monk fruit. Even with its unique blend of protein, antioxidants, and MCT oil it’s only 70 calories per bottle, and also available as a pod for your favorite coffee machine. Super Coffee are also backing their brew with a positive promise—if for any reason you’re unhappy with their drink, they’ll refund you in full, with no questions asked.

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Vital Carry Mini-B Bolt-Action Pen

Bobby Davis’s latest machined product is his most EDCable yet, with the 3“ Mini-B offering a compact writing solution to add to your stationery kit. Its three offerings in aluminum, brass, and titanium (with aluminum, brass, and copper, accent options) is also a great way to match the rest of your metal essentials. The Mini-B ships with the Schmidt D1 refill, and is machined in the USA from solid metal bars. There’s only a limited stock of 100 of the titanium option, so check the link below to grab them before they’re gone.

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The post Release Roundup: Bags, Boots, Bolts, and Brews appeared first on Everyday Carry.

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The post Trending: Benchmade 535-3 CF Bugout appeared first on Everyday Carry.

If you’ve never held or used a Bugout before, it comes with a fair share of features that have contributed to its success as one of the most popular EDC pocket knives. The 3.24“ blade with a 3” cutting edge and versatile drop point shape comes straight from the original 535’s design, as is its use of Benchmade’s iconic AXIS lock for ease of use, secure lockup, and ambidextrous operation. On the 535BK-4, this blade is executed in a DLC-coated, blacked-out M390 steel, one often found in the highest end of knives offering one of the best edge retentions in the business.

The blade comes with dual maroon thumb studs, offering a striking color hit against the 535BK-4’s monochrome palette. These thumb studs match the maroon barrel standoffs in the handles, departing from the backspacer design of the previous premium Bugout. These 6061-T6 aluminum handles are the highlight of this model, offering full metal construction while still keeping the knife as light at possible at 2.5 ounces. They come in a starburst pattern, offering grip as well a sleek new style for the line. And of course, a reversible pocket clip covers the Bugout’s bases for EDC.

Just when you thought the Bugout had run its course, Benchmade continues to surprise with new and exciting iterations that have pushed the boundaries since its release in 2017. Pick up one of the best Bugouts yet at the links below.

Buy at Blade HQ

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Aesthetics aside the new CF-Elite handle on the 535BK-2 offers improvements to both strength and weight, ideal for an ultralight knife. Compared to the original Bugout’s Grivory scales that could flex under high pressure, this model’s carbon fiber-reinforced polymer handle boasts 50% higher rigidity while actually weighing less at 1.8oz compared to the original’s 1.85oz weight. The new Bugout still largely keeps the same great premium features of the original: a 3.24″ long, premium CPM-S30V drop point blade (with a black DLC finish this time around), Benchmade’s ambidextrous AXIS-lock, dual thumb-studs for quick manual deployment, textured handles for grip, a reversible pocket clip for multiple carry options, and a lanyard attachment point for retrieval and retention. Pick it up while you can at the link below.

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Header: Daniel Lawson

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