Benchmade Bugout 535BK-4 v. Original Benchmade Bugout model 535... is newer model worthy of the hype?

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Heffeb

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Benchmade Bugout 535BK-4 v. Original Benchmade Bugout model 535... is newer model worthy of the hype? Personally, I can't answer this question because I only own the original Benchmade Bugout 535, blue scales. I can't imagine it being better than the original model, but can anyone speak to this? Does anyone own both models? If so, is the 535BK-4 almost worth twice the original model? If anyone has any thoughts on this subject, I'd love to hear about it.
 
Candidly, it's the same knife, just made with more premium materials. Most people will generally see M390 as an upgrade over S30v, and of course, the same can be said for the milled aluminum scales over the original ultralight grivory. Your mileage may vary and the cost assessment will be entirely up to you, but there ARE objective reasons why it's more expensive.
 
Quiet said:
Candidly, it's the same knife, just made with more premium materials. Most people will generally see M390 as an upgrade over S30v, and of course, the same can be said for the milled aluminum scales over the original ultralight grivory. Your mileage may vary and the cost assessment will be entirely up to you, but there ARE objective reasons why it's more expensive.
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Thanks!
 
I have a 535, a 535-3, and a 535BK-4, and the -4 is my favorite of the three although the -3 is close. The added heft and rigidity of the aluminum scales just feels better and it's a great looking design. But I love the original Bugout for what it is--a utilitarian superlight EDC. I bought my -4 from BHQ in Nov 2021 when it was on sale for $190. I wish I had bought two now. I even got a DLC bladed one which was just icing on the cake.
 
"497,760 BUGOUT® COMBINATIONS" according to the Benchmade web site.

I have two of the Grivory S30V versions with combo blades, and one aluminum plain-edge M390.

The aluminum scales sure are pretty, but I wonder whether they would get scratched or bent if I dropped the knife on concrete. The Grivory scales flex a bit, but they are real hard to break, and so far mine are scratch proof.

I view M390 as more of a sidegrade rather than an upgrade. M390 has better corrosion resistance than S30V, but for me, that advantage is outweighed by the combo blade available with S30V.

There have been reports of poor quality control with the 535BK-4. I bought mine locally for $205 and it was perfect, but I would be hesitant to get one by mail, especially at the current price.

I use the Grivory S30V knives for farm chores and sometimes I carry the aluminum M390 knife when out and about.
 
Just got one I love it I did a blade swap with the cf ,so now it have the s90v on and the cf has the black m390
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Has anyone seen the 535BK-4 with black aluminum? Mine has black side plates with the same pattern as the silver aluminum and the same black M390 blade with a red knob.
 
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The Benchmade Bugout 535BK-4 boasts some upgrades over the original 535 model. The 535BK-4 features M390 steel, considered tougher and more corrosion resistant than the original's S30V steel. Additionally, the aluminum handles on the 535BK-4 provide a more premium feel and increased durability compared to the Grivory scales of the original.

However, the original Bugout is known for its exceptional lightness. If weight is a major concern, the original might be better. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether the upgraded materials and feel of the 535BK-4 justify the higher price tag.
 
All US makers are moving upscale because the low and middle of the market is being aggressively dominated by You-Know-Who Inc. I wonder how long it will be before B’made only has Gold level offerings available?
 
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