Benchmade Bugout 535BK-07: Optical Illusion

The new version of the Benchmade Bugout goes by the name The blade of the Bugout features a black DLC coating that protects against scratches and rust. Photo: Benchmade, but you won't find any brass here. Using aluminum is clearly a more sensible choice.

The blade of the Bugout is coated with a black DLC finish. This protects against scratches and rust. Photo: Benchmade

By now, the Benchmade Bugout is available in what feels like hundreds of variations. Yet, the US manufacturer based in Oregon City never tires of introducing even more models that differ in both materials and appearance from those previously available. In this latest creation, a little trick is at play, as the name might mislead: The knife with model number 535BK-07 is called Burnt Brass.

Thanks to the M390 steel used, the blade stays sharp for a long time. However, it does make sharpening a bit more challenging. Photo: Benchmade

This initially implies that the handle scales are made of brass. But anyone familiar with metals knows that brass is about twice as heavy as titanium and three times as heavy as aluminum. This makes it extremely unsuitable for the Bugout, a knife first introduced in 2017 that is particularly known for its lightweight design.

So it’s no surprise that the new Bugout opts for the typical brass look but is made of aluminum. This way, it weighs in at a mere 71 grams, staying true to the Bugout series' concept. The contouring of the handle scales is particularly striking, giving the knife a unique design beyond just the new color scheme.

Once again, M390 from Böhler is used for the blade steel. While this isn't new, it is still an upgrade compared to the CPM-S30V, which is still used in the original Bugout from 2017.

In terms of price, this knife is typically Benchmade: the suggested retail price is just under 360 euros. However, good discounts are usually expected quickly.