Will it Flex?? What Does the Bugout Weigh w/aftermarket scales?? 

Such an overblown, made up issue. If the feel bothers you, fine. But to argue that it isn’t strong enough... it’s way stronger than any pocket knife needs to be. If you want to go out in the woods and beat a knife through stumps or make a ladder by stabbing knives into trees for steps, get something else. If you want an edc knife, just buy a Bugout. This is the plastic gun debate all over again, and look at Glock now. The Bugout is the new Glock of the edc world.

It's not made to be a heavy duty knife. If you're using it in a manner that flexes the scales, you need to go get a cold steel recon or something else made for harder use. The bugout is made to be very light weight for EDC. Use the right tool for the job. The bugout is perfect for its intended purpose.

From lightest to heaviest: 1) 1.88 oz - FRN scales - stock Bugout 2) 1.96 oz - Carbon Fiber scales - Rogue Bladeworks 3) 1.97 oz - Micarta scales - Rogue Bladeworks 4) 1.98 oz - G10 scales - Allen Putman 5) 2.57 oz - Titanium scales - Rock Scale Design :)

“You mean the light weight EDC pocket knife has a handle that flexes?” People are just dumb. Beyond running it over with a tractor you won’t break the handle. The reason I say tractor is because I’ve heard someone ran over this knife with their car and it didn’t even break. You think your grip strength will ever effect the handle of this knife? You’re giving yourself too much credit. The issue isn’t the knife. People just love to complain.

It's a "LIGHT" service knife, flat out! As Dire Panda states so succinctly, "It's a totally overblown, made up issue." I've got 4 of the Bugouts. One I dyed the handle scales black, one I pimped out a little more, one is factory stock, and the one I've carried most as an EDC "user' is scarred, scratched, chipped, dirty and used for any everyday EDC tasks and it's bulletproof! Much ado about nothing. Want more? Buy an axe!

Super jealous of your collection man! Thanks for comparing all these different scale options, really helps the consumer out!

Why would you use a knife as pry bar? Is that an American thing? On Australia we use pry bars when we need a pry bar....sounds crazy right?

i wanna get some micarta scales, but they're quite spendy increasing the price of the knife by a considerable precentage

Micarta….”tiny bit of flex” as accidentally squeezes the scales completely onto the blade 😂

I really doubt that someone snapped the handle by normal use! Sounds like women naggin about something that hasn't actually happened

Weight differences, negligible. Strength difference, not so much.

Nice options! Just picked up the bugout this week. Love it as is, but these scales you showed are pretty sweet. I've always loved knives, but never really collected many until this past week. I'm on a roll. The Bugout, ESEE IZula, Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter, and Boker's mini Kalashnikov Auto. LOL! More to follow.

Zach's stuff = knowledge, knowledge = power. Nice video.

There is absolutely no possible way to break the stock Bugout handle without first breaking the blade.

"Flex". If you pinch any pocket knife in the middle of the handle....and there is little to now lmetal liner ...course there will be some degree of flex. How you and others should be testing knives for FLEX is under actual use e.g. how you /we would actually be holding the knives. I've never held a Bugout ...or any pocket-knife with the same build. But I'd bet we probably wouldn't feel the FLEX...more so if we're not looking for it. Wehter it's a knife with Benchades Grivery, Spyderco's FRN...etc. e.g if you're opening a box, breaking down a cardboard box... and we're not torquing the handle... We need to also start doing realistic blade tests....what can these blades really handle cutting before they start chipping? Or dull faster...etc. If you use a pocket kniffe to pry staples ...the cutting edge will chip...obviously. DUH. "The Last Boy Scout" carved a fork from a branch--chipped the cutting edge slightly on a S30V Bugout blade..."hard use" ...licer blade being so thin...not built for carving...heh...want a ...probably want a blade with 30 degree beve :)) Common sense (which mot people lack)..

Just wanted to let people know, if you are concerned with the flex of the Bugout but like the size, you might be interested in the 'Mini Presidio II CF elite' model it's pretty much a bugout size Benchmade but with full steel liners, still only weighs just over 3 OZ so it's not a heavy knife. I just got one and it's a serious workhorse in the black class, if you ever have a problem with anything int he blue class, check out their black class alternative line for a similar size blade, and it will be an over built alternative that you won't worry about being fragile. Good video nice handle mods bro, looking fancy.

I don’t know why people think the buyout was made to be some hard use folder. Especially for how much it weighs. For me I thought it was going to be when I heard the name but that changed when I heard the weight. If you want something lightweight this is great. But if you want a hard use knife from bm just get a griptillian

Is there such a thing as a backspacer with glass breaker for bugout? I got the 535-3. Couldn't find any.

It just seems like the mini grip is a better choice. Same handle material, but it has full steel liners so there is no cheap feeling or flex or anything like that. It's just a regular knife with scales and liners.

Yeah lemme just spend $130 on a knife and replace 50% of it....

Leave that beautiful lightweight Bugout as is. It is practically perfection straight out of the box. The flex BS is just that, BS. My Bugout, Spyderco Para 3 lightweight and Kershaw Launch 10 and my CR Mnandi are my 4 favorite lightweight carry knives.

I thought you meant flex as in flexing with fancy things lmao

Why do people care if it flex’s a little bit. You don’t cut down trees with knives.

Awesome collection!! Do you have any issues with rust? I've heard that some people with the gray coating have that problem. I'm debating between the 2 versions because I do some meal prep throughout the day. Thanks in advance

People buy plastic guns all the time

Congratulations on 8.49k

I dont own the bugout, but those after market titanium scales look great!

there is flex in my golf clubs and I promise that takes way more abuse than anyone would dish out on a bugout for everyday use. unless you are raiding tombs and living off the land with just a bugout in your pocket. If you are, you're an idiot. but if you tackle cutting packages, rope, even manila rope I don't think you would have a problem. its a useless worry for the intended use of the knife. its also not a tactical knife, so don't use scenarios for why it would fail under those conditions either. ONE IS NONE TWO IS ONE! carry an EDC knife, Carry a Fighting Knife. carry a edc flashlight and carry a tactical flashlight. carry a gun and carry a pocket backup one.

Yes there is a bit of as you say flex. I have a 535 with aftermarket mycarta scales. And the mini bugout. This isn't a issue for me if I need to work a knife. With hard use it's going to be one of my fixed blades. The bugout or any folder is not designed for hard use. Just my opinion

Nice knives! Liked and subscribed!

Wow Brother, I had know idea you had such a cool RU-vid channel, I'm new at RU-vid, but I know I'm going to enjoy your channel. Thank you Zach. Sincerely your freind from Mo Rick and God bless you and your family and are Great Country

Just ordered the knife only down side is I'm from Canada and our dollar is poop paid 169.99 for it

Hi Zach wats the name of the tool for exchanging scales?

The stock ranger green bugout is the most beautiful switchblade I've ever seen. I'd rather deal with the flex than downgrade to studried but not as pretty scales. I'm a sucker for olive green

Thanks for the review. Pretty much every scale I was considering. Picked up a Putman OD green Micarta myself but oddly enough seems to flex more than the stock scales. Considering your recommendation for the carbon fiber or titanium scales. Any input as to how well those two wear in? Or am just gonna have to suck it up when I get that first big scratch. Lol. Thanks again.

I've thought about changing some of my knives but like factory scales

Funny thing is... years later... none busted I've read about! Love my 2 buyouts.

I'll be watching for that music video lol I am #4.59K

I really like the modified Bugouts but modifying them kind of defeats the whole point of the knife in the first place.

I like your channel 🙂👍🏻

The harder they come, the harder they fall😑 Ain't nothing wrong with being lightweight and flexible👌

@Wranglerstar get some aftermarket scales it will make the difference for you. I want you to like the bug out.

those titanium scales offer a wow factor for me. gotta find your vid with more details! thanks.

I would think you would have to be pretty hard on the FRN to break it but would worry more about deformation over time. I’ve not carried anything similar long enough to know though.

Almost everyone buying this knife is a knife guy who know what he is getting. Its pure stupidity try to hard use a knife like this. So my answer is: Want a strong knife? Then get a strong knife. Just like the new Turret.

great info. I’m still looking for my perfect folding knife. - Works for lefty, good handle, for all weather, cold hot rain, like the Axis lock or similar the crossbar lock, with tanto plain blade any recommendations?

Flex is ment to happen that's how Feb works just don't be crazy with it

DirePanda, well said. The Bugout is outstanding for it’s intended purpose. My only disappointment is the price, but that’s what people are willing to pay (myself included- ouch!). The knife does need tweaking/adjustments at time which is frustrating for price paid, but so do some other knives. IMHO aftermarket scales only add to the cool-factor, not functionality. I have the Ranger green version and intended to swap scales for added rigidity, but man - the green with gold standoffs is so sweet! After watching this video and his other one installing the new Ti scales.... it just looks totally boss!!

BM should have just added another stand-off to the back area.

Great video. Watched this late last night. Thanks to you I need the titanium scales and micarta ones. Rogue blade works said they will have another run either this week or next week. Waiting impatiently for those. Lol

How did you anodize the rock scale bugout? I don't see that option on their website.

Rockscale designs never has anything in stock 😟

I doubt it’ll ever break but I just don’t Ike frn.

I tried a Delica 4 and hated the gritty feeling scales... just didn't feel good to me. Do the stock OEM scales of the Benchmade Bugout feel about the same?

Solid purchase of you want a knife that isn't tiny but weighs very little.

I intentionally snapped my bugout in half cause I hated that cheap piece of shit so damn much

The only flex I see is buying a Benchmade

It's completely ludacris to pay almost double for a knife by replacing the OEM scales for titanium or carbon fiber , , who am I kidding it's fuckin awesome !!!

Great Video. I like the comparison can you do a bend to failure test on the stock knife?

Super jealous of your bugout collection! Keep it up

Dude... Those micarta scales. Great video as always Zach.

Carbon fiber or titanium is the way to go

I had mine for about a year now and its held up great its all stock, I carry it every day and use it quite a lot

Great bugout collection but i think you need to try a set of aluminum scales by Parsons Blade Works

Which one improves the grip the most?

Mine flex’s a bit but I have no thoughts of it breaking. It does exactly what it’s intended to do, be a super lightweight edc. Love mine, the AM scales look great though.

Best bugout collection I have ever seen

I sold my Bugout awhile back, but now I miss it and want another one 😫

They are always sold out tho. I received an email that they were in stock and they were already out of stock by the time I tried to order them. 10 minutes maybe

I love those scales but they cost just as much as the knife

great work, thanks, very very helpful.

I got 3 bugouts and I want some scales. Thanks for the video and info...

good reviews , bladebanter sent me over. keep up the good work

Thanks for the vid, it’s nice to have all the info in one spot off the same scale!

Are the bugout and bailout screws the same?

Cool vid, good to see these all together and up close. 👌

Adding one more offset would have removed the flex.

Jealous of your collection there!!!! Great video

Thank you!

To many people watching Fancy's videos nobody said shit about this untill he said something about weight LMFAO 😂

Does the thickness change on any of the scales?

Great review.. gave you a sub

I like a G10

What idiot pays $160 for a knife then replace the entire knife's scales? Why buy the knife in the first place if you are going to replace 50 percent of it? man....I really think consumers are becoming brain dead.

Couldn't u add or they add a extra bolster?

Good information and options, thanks.

God damn what a collection

Your almost at 300 subs!

buy or not?

Over priced knife as it is and yet folks wanna dump even more money into it. Ya'll R Goofy.

Just buy a better knife to begin with?

I could feel my spyderco endura flex as I was cleaning a wild boar. My non folder was dull at the time so the Endura worked.

Might just need to get a Black Blade Bugout and some more scales! Love the one on mine and I love the Bugout but there’s a few I need to pick up first 😂

FLEX =/= WEAK

Honesty who cares if they break. Benchmade will replace the scales and sharpen the knife while it's there for free. People also bad mouth the omega springs, but Benchmade will replace those for free also. Fantastic warranty at Benchmade. Probably why they cost more than they should.