Bugout Carbon elite 535-3 folding knife - Benchmade

What is the Benchmade 535-3 Bugout carbon elite?

The Benchmade 535-3 Bugout is a premium, ultra-lightweight folding pocket knife. The 535-3 is the latest version of Benchmade's Bugout series, featuring an upgraded S90V "Super Steel" blade and a milled and finely polished carbon fiber handle

Dimensions

BLADE LENGTH - 8.23cm
BLADE THICKNESS - 2,286mm
OPEN - 18.95 cm
CLOSED - 10.72 cm
WEIGHT – 57.27g
HANDLE THICKNESS - 10.46 mm

Features

Blade edge: plain
Blade finish/color: Satin White
Steel blade: CPM-S90V (59-61 HRC)
Blade Style/Shape: Drop-Point
Handle color: Carbon
Clip Type: Mini Deep-Carry
Clip position: reversible tilt
Handle material: carbon fiber
Strap passage: Yes
MOLLE compatible: No
Use: every day
Blade Style: Single Drop-Point
Satin finish blade.
Steel: CPM-S90V
Finish: Carbon fiber
Profile: Drop Point
Sharp: Smooth
Lock: Axis Lock
Port: Reversible clip

For further

For those who are not familiar with Benchmade's Bugout series, it is Benchmade's desire to create the perfect EDC pocket knife. This series has been around for years and has been the subject of real enthusiasm since its creation.

So much so that there are a whole bunch of aftermarket components and customization accessories available to improve your Bugout. If you wish, of course.

Well, it looks like Benchmade has gotten to work creating their own high-end version of the popular Bugout 535-3 knife. Let's take a closer look.

What design and what characteristics?

The Bugout series is designed to be the ideal EDC knife... tough yet lightweight, not too big but enough for most everyday tasks, extremely reliable yet technologically splendid...

Looking at pictures, I'm sure you see what I mean.
And I must say that the Bugout 535-3 fulfills all its functions with dignity.

From head to toes

In design and functionality, the 535-3 is a modern pocket knife in every way. With a total open length of 18.95 cm and a weight of just 57 grams, this Bugout variant will fit perfectly with almost any gear, and fit in most of your pockets.

The blade

The quality of the materials is really what sets this version apart from the rest of the Bugout series (and many other knives). The Bugout 535-3 features a premium CPM-S90V (super) stainless steel blade. At 82mm, the Drop point blade is the ideal length, very sharp and extremely pointed, as you would expect. S90V "super steel" has a hardness rating of 59-61 HRC, designed to maintain its sharpness and sharpness.

The blade is perfectly centered between the plates (sides of the handle), which reveals extremely precise manufacturing quality.

The handle

The handle is very well finished, well sized and pleasant to hold. The handle is just over four inches long and about an inch wide, fitting perfectly in your palm.

The handle is made from milled carbon fiber, held together with blackened steel bolts. The carbon fiber features a satin, polished finish with chamfered edges that give the handle a nice, soft grip.

The handle is 1 centimeter thick with aluminum and steel spacers. Benchmade used its signature blue as the accent color for the opening button and aluminum strap loop. The Benchmade blue pairs perfectly with the matte carbon fiber handle and stainless steel blade.

The clip

The belt clip features a "Mini Deep-Carry" style (short, wide and flared) with a rolled-up end. The clip is ambidextrous and can be attached to either side of the handle.

The locking system

The Bugout series has AXIS assisted locking technology developed by Benchmade and integrated into the handle.

This locking mechanism works very efficiently and allows the blade to be locked in the open position and kept closed when not in use.

The AXIS locking mechanism holds the blade in the open position, without any movement of the blade eliminating the risk of accidental closing.