Everyday Carry

Benchmade 535BK-2 Bugout

Authored by:
Bernard Capulong
Benchmade 535BK-2 Bugout

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How do you make a good EDC knife even better? For starters, give it the classic “all black everything” treatment. That’s what Benchmade did with its latest refresh of the ultralight, ultra-popular 535 Bugout. The fresh coat isn’t just for show, however, as the 535BK-2 leverages Benchmade’s new CF-Elite handle technology. The result is a new and improved Bugout that’s both stronger and lighter at the same time. It brings that low-profile tactical flair with its blacked out styling while keeping its original outdoors-focused, ultralight design and feature set, making it a compelling option for a wide range of EDCs.

The most recognizable change to the 535BK-2 is its fully blacked-out design, from the blade itself to the handle and hardware. It’s a welcome addition to the Bugout lineup alongside the outdoorsy, hi-vis blue on the original as well as the more urban-friendly olive drab variant. If you want a solid EDC knife to fit an all-black setup but don’t want or need the tactical features of the similar Benchmade Bailout, the 535BK-2 is for you.

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.

The Benchmade 535BK-2 stood out as a promising EDC at this past year's SHOT Show with its attractive styling and performance improvements to a tried-and-true, popular knife design. You can order one now for your blacked out EDC from Amazon at the link below.

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Bernard Capulong

Founder and Editor-in-Chief


About the Author
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.

Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.

In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.

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