I’ve only ever bought spyderco knives, finally broke down and bought a Bugout (cf one) for my birthday to see what the fuss was about. Glad I did, and glad I found your video.
Bought this lil guy and fitted it with titanium scales, flat screws and a full pocket clip. Added a little bit more solid heft to it. IMO the Bugout is the Buck 110 of todays modern era of folders.
I love my Bugouts. I was never into knifes & pulled the trigger on this same CF Elite version. It turned me into a pocket knife fan instantly! After a few days of carrying it around I barely even noticed it in my pocket, it disappears till I actually need it. I also bought the Green version, and just recently the BladeHQ Exclusive with Grey G10 Scales and a black 20CV blade, it looks amazing and definitely fills in that “cheap” feel so many people complain about. Personally, I don’t mind the plastic scales either, but the G10 version is definitely a step above. Great video BTW.
I edc'd a Spyderco Byrd Meadowlark 2 for 10 years - 10!!! I have also bought many high end knives from Spyderco, Emerson, a d orhers...finally came into a couple Benchmades in my trades...a 940bk and a 555 mini grip. I wanted a new clip on one...benchmade sent me 2 - free! I decided to send them in for spa service....it was free and I got them back free via UPS! With tracking at their expense and with a list of the new parts they put in them. I was impressed. But....I'm pretty specific about my edc blade (10 years, same blade...even though I cycled thru 50 at least some costs a LOT) The CF Elite Bugout S (with serrations) was just about perfect. All it needed was a wave feature...something I had used a dremel and made myself on my Spydie Byrd....and of course I was missing the finger choil. I found Snaggletooth tactical for my beloved wave feature for my Bugout...and I found the longer handle on the bugout pretty much eliminated the need for a finger choil over my serrated Spydie's shorter handle. Except for filleting fish...then I really do miss the finger choil... but hey, I own fillet knives. But I really agree with yoy about the whole being better than the sum of it's parts. Hard to explain, but the Bugout is it for me now. I'll probably sell/trade off the others (except my old EDC it's pretty wore out but so special to me) and I'll probably look around for another CF Elite serrated. I use my blade 10 times a day on a slow day and I could never be without serrations for everything from cutting rope to shrubs to crazy stuff like tires. Yes, I sawed thru a tire on a trail once so I could get it off a jeep rim, lol! (Same old edc blade) I personally think serrations are simple to sharpen with a proper cone shaped file rod... Anyway... the Benchmade "tax" is totally worth it to me. I got lucky and never needed Spyderco...but I have known people left high, dry and alone when they needed them. Benchmade takes my phone calls, sends free stuff...and has that amazing life sharp service. It's worth it to me. Great video by the way. 👊
Great review. Have a Benchmade Griptilian mini. Was in market for another. Decided to get both full-size Bugout black CF-elite and black mini. May give the mini to our son.
Nice review. I just recently got in to the “higher end” knife game, and I ordered one of these for an EDC and to carry when I’m hunting as a backup/ smaller option to my fixed blade. I’ve been rocking a few different Kershaws, Gerbers, and Bucks for years so this will be a nice change of pace.
I love the bugout. Been a sebenza carrier for over a decade. Sometimes you need a lightweight knife. Prefer it for backpacking, fishing etc. I'm looking at buying a 535-3 CF bugout next.
I just bought the version with the light green handle and black blade and love it! Same concerns as you, but it's a well thought out and executed tool. Nice review.
Dude I was the same way I thought it was stupid expensive for what it was. I always carried a pm2 then I lost my pm2 and my girlfriend bought me a BM bugout and fell in love with it
Great informative video. You mention a lack of options and going directly through Benchmade you can customize it. I just ordered one with a S90V blade and orange scales. You have many material options for both the scales and blade.
i have this version too and i like it even if it feels still too flimsy for me. i actually prefer the mini presidio though, about the same price, same blade steel and handle material, but full liners and way sturdier built!
Awesome / best review I’ve seen on this knife. I woke up this morning and orders my Self A 940-2 , but after watching this video i had to order this bug out lol
@@covertprepper5957another example of the cf elite is the socp folder. It's a decent blade. More on that tacti cool side. I am also more into spydercos. "Tools made for.the hands , not the eyes" Sal Glesser
If they put more metal in the area on the top of the blade that you pointed out it wouldn’t be able to lock open. And they would need thicker handle scales for recessed screws.
Can't spend big money for overpriced Spidercos. I own none. I like Benchmade products but the bug out folders & any similar size lightweights I would never purchase. I chose a SOCP axis folder, an Infidel otf and the Fact
