Imagine this: you’re out and about, and a small task pops up. Maybe you need to open a stubborn package, cut a loose thread, or even help a friend with a quick fix. What’s the one tool that can make all these little jobs easier? For many, it’s a reliable everyday carry (EDC) knife. And when we talk about EDC knives, one name often comes to mind: Benchmade.
But here’s the tricky part: choosing a Benchmade EDC knife can feel like a puzzle. They make so many different kinds! Some are small and sleek, while others are bigger and tougher. Deciding which one fits your pocket and your needs can be a real head-scratcher. You want a knife that’s strong, easy to use, and looks good, but where do you even start?
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re going to break down the exciting world of Benchmade EDC knives. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes these knives so special and how to pick the perfect one for you. Get ready to discover your new favorite pocket companion!
Our Top 5 Benchmade Edc Knife Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Benchmade Edc Knife Detailed Reviews
1. Benchmade – Bugout 535 EDC Knife with Storm Gray Grivory Handle (535BK-08)
Rating: 9.4/10
The Benchmade Bugout 535 is a super popular knife for carrying every day. This particular version, the 535BK-08, has a cool storm gray handle made of Grivory. It’s built to be tough but also really light, so it won’t weigh you down.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry all day.
- The AXIS lock system is super reliable and easy to use, even with gloves on.
- The drop-point blade is very versatile for all sorts of cutting tasks.
- The Grivory handle feels good in the hand and offers a solid grip.
- It’s a Benchmade, so you know it’s made with quality craftsmanship.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people might find the Grivory handle a bit slippery when wet.
- For its price, some might expect more premium handle materials.
- The blade might be a little thin for extremely heavy-duty prying jobs.
Overall, the Benchmade Bugout 535BK-08 is an excellent choice for anyone needing a reliable and lightweight everyday carry knife. It offers great performance for most daily tasks.
2. Benchmade – Bugout 535 EDC Knife with Black CF-Elite Handle (535BK-2)
Rating: 9.4/10
The Benchmade Bugout 535BK-2 is a knife designed to be your ultimate everyday companion. It’s built to be incredibly light, making it easy to carry wherever you go. Whether you’re heading out for a hike, setting up camp, or just need a reliable tool for daily tasks, this knife is ready. The special CF-Elite handle is not only lighter but also stronger, ensuring the knife feels great in your hand and can handle tough jobs.
What We Like:
- It’s super light, almost like it’s not even there, but still very strong.
- Perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking and camping, and great for daily use.
- The CPM-S30V steel keeps its sharp edge for a long time and resists rust.
- The knife is made right here in Oregon City, Oregon.
- The handle is easy to grip and works for both right-handed and left-handed people.
- The AXIS lock makes it safe to use, opening smoothly and closing easily.
- You can carry it in different ways with a reversible clip and a hole for a lanyard.
- Benchmade will sharpen your knife for free, for its whole life, through their LifeSharp service.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the CF-Elite handle is great, some users might prefer a different grip texture.
- The premium steel and brand name mean it comes at a higher price point than basic knives.
This knife is a fantastic addition to any gear collection. It offers a great balance of lightweight design and robust performance, backed by Benchmade’s commitment to quality.
3. Benchmade – Bugout 535 EDC Knife with Ranger Green Grivory Handle (535GRY-1)
Rating: 8.9/10
The Benchmade Bugout 535 is a fantastic knife for anyone who needs a reliable tool. It’s super light but still really strong. This makes it perfect for all your outdoor adventures like hiking and camping. It’s also great for just carrying around every day. It’s a tool you can take anywhere.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly light, almost like it’s not even there, but it’s built tough.
- The CPM-S30V steel is awesome. It keeps its sharp edge for a long time and doesn’t rust easily.
- The Ranger Green Grivory handle feels good in your hand. It has a nice grip and is made to last.
- The AXIS lock is super safe. It opens smoothly and closes easily.
- You can carry it in different ways because it has a clip you can move and a spot for a lanyard.
- Benchmade offers a free sharpening service for the life of the knife. They will even clean and oil it for you.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might want a more premium handle material for a knife in this price range.
- While the Grivory is durable, it might not offer the same high-end feel as other materials.
The Benchmade Bugout 535 is a top-notch everyday carry knife that balances lightness with serious performance. It’s a tool you can trust for any task, big or small.
4. Benchmade – Griptilian 551-S30V EDC Knife with Black Handle (551-S30V)
Rating: 9.4/10
The Benchmade Griptilian 551-S30V is a knife built for everything you do. It’s a tough companion for your pocket, ready for any task. This knife offers top-notch performance for daily use and more.
What We Like:
- The blade is made from super strong CPM-S30V stainless steel. It stays sharp and won’t rust easily.
- The handle feels great in your hand. It’s made of tough, good-looking glass-filled nylon.
- Benchmade’s AXIS lock is super strong and works for both left and right-handed people.
- You can open and close this knife with just one hand.
- It’s light and comfortable to hold, even for long jobs.
- The pocket clip can be moved, so you can carry it your favorite way.
- The drop-point blade is good for all sorts of jobs, from opening packages to camping.
- Benchmade offers free sharpening for the life of the knife. They also clean and fix it.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the glass-filled nylon is tough, some users might prefer a more premium handle material for a knife at this price point.
- The manual opening, while smooth, might be slightly slower than an assisted-opening knife for those who need instant deployment.
The Benchmade Griptilian 551-S30V is a reliable and versatile knife. It’s a smart investment for anyone needing a dependable tool.
5. Benchmade – Bailout 537 EDC Knife
Rating: 8.8/10
The Benchmade Bailout 537 is a super light knife built for your pocket. Its Ranger Green handle looks cool, and the tanto blade is ready for action. This knife is made in Oregon, so you know it’s good quality.
What We Like:
- It’s incredibly light and feels great in your hand.
- The CPM-S30V steel blade holds its sharp edge for a long time.
- The Cerakote finish protects the blade from rust and looks sharp.
- The AXIS lock is safe and opens and closes smoothly.
- The deep-carry pocket clip lets you carry it easily and discreetly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Grivory handle, while light, might not feel as premium as other materials to some users.
- For some, the price point might be a bit high for a knife with a polymer handle.
The Benchmade Bailout 537 is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable and lightweight everyday carry knife. Its smart design and quality materials make it a tool you can count on.
Choosing Your Perfect Benchmade EDC Knife: A Comprehensive Guide
A Benchmade EDC (Everyday Carry) knife is a fantastic tool for many tasks. It’s a reliable companion you can carry daily. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at Benchmade EDC knives, a few things stand out.
- **Blade Shape:** Different shapes are good for different jobs. A drop-point blade is common and versatile. A tanto blade is strong and good for piercing. A sheepsfoot blade is safe for cutting materials without accidentally slicing yourself.
- **Blade Steel:** This is what the blade is made of. Better steel means it stays sharp longer and is tougher.
- **Locking Mechanism:** This is how the blade locks open. Benchmade uses excellent locks. The Axis Lock is very popular because it’s strong and easy to use with one hand.
- **Handle Material:** This is the part you hold. It should feel good in your hand and provide a good grip.
- **Size and Weight:** You want a knife that’s not too big or heavy to carry around all day.
Important Materials
The materials used in a Benchmade knife make a big difference in how well it performs.
Blade Steel
Benchmade uses many kinds of steel. Some popular ones are:
- **CPM-S30V:** This is a great all-around steel. It holds its edge well and is tough.
- **CPM-M4:** This steel is very strong and can handle tough tasks. It might need a little more care to prevent rust.
- **20CV:** This steel is excellent for edge retention and corrosion resistance. It’s a top-tier choice.
Handle Materials
Handles are often made from:
- **G10:** This is a strong, lightweight material that feels good in your hand. It doesn’t slip, even when wet.
- **Aluminum:** This is also lightweight and strong. It can be anodized in different colors.
- **Carbon Fiber:** This is very light and strong, giving a premium feel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a Benchmade knife great, and a few can make it less ideal.
What Makes a Benchmade Knife Great
- **Precision Engineering:** Benchmade knives are built with great care. Every part fits together perfectly.
- **Sharpness Out of the Box:** Many Benchmade knives come very sharp.
- **Durability:** They are made to last a long time and withstand hard use.
- **Smooth Action:** The blade opens and closes smoothly, thanks to good design and quality parts.
What Could Be Better
- **Price:** Benchmade knives are an investment. They are more expensive than many other brands.
- **Weight (for some models):** Some larger models can feel a bit heavy for daily pocket carry.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your knife matters. Benchmade EDC knives are great for many things.
- **Opening Packages:** This is a common task for any EDC knife. A sharp blade makes it easy.
- **Cutting Cords or Rope:** Whether you’re camping or just need to cut twine, a good knife handles it.
- **Everyday Tasks:** From opening mail to preparing food on a picnic, your Benchmade is ready.
- **Light Outdoor Use:** For simple tasks in the woods or on a hike, it’s a useful tool.
The Benchmade Axis Lock makes it easy to open and close the knife with one hand. This is very helpful when your other hand is busy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does EDC stand for?
A: EDC stands for Everyday Carry. It means a knife that is good to carry with you every day.
Q: Are Benchmade knives worth the money?
A: Yes, Benchmade knives are known for their high quality, durability, and excellent performance. They are an investment that lasts.
Q: What is the Axis Lock?
A: The Axis Lock is a popular locking mechanism used by Benchmade. It’s very strong and allows for easy one-handed opening and closing.
Q: How do I care for my Benchmade knife?
A: Keep the blade clean and dry. Sharpen it when needed. A little oil on the pivot helps keep it working smoothly.
Q: Which Benchmade knife is best for beginners?
A: The Griptilian series is often recommended for beginners. It’s affordable, durable, and easy to use.
Q: Can I use my Benchmade knife for self-defense?
A: While a knife can be used for self-defense, it’s important to know the laws in your area and to train properly. Benchmade knives are primarily tools.
Q: Are Benchmade knives made in the USA?
A: Yes, all Benchmade knives are proudly made in the USA.
Q: How sharp are Benchmade knives out of the box?
A: Benchmade knives are typically very sharp right out of the box. Many users find they don’t need immediate sharpening.
Q: Can I change the pocket clip on my Benchmade knife?
A: Yes, most Benchmade knives allow you to change the pocket clip to carry it on either side of your pocket or handle.
Q: What is the warranty on a Benchmade knife?
A: Benchmade offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects. They also have a “LifeSharp” service to resharpen your knife for free.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!