Modding the Benchmade Bugout to feel like a $400 knife
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- In today's video we turn the spectacularly popular Benchmade Bugout into a knife worthy of a $400 price tag!
Knife Pivot Lube - knifepivotlube...
Simichrome - knifepivotlube...
Benchmade Bugout - amzn.to/3zA7QoQ
Flytanium scales - amzn.to/3EQEKp6
Asphalt Trays - asphalttrays.com/
Journey Tool Co - journeytoolco....
Awesome video my friend. I love how smooth these knives can get when you modify it and polish it a bit.
-Dallas
It's a great design for sure!
The first Bugout I bought from BHQ was $150 as "limited edition" blackout. A couple weeks later it was mass sold at $99. Last time I fall for that trick.
I couldn't help but notice you had a minor cut with a slip at 2:34. The knife is now part of your bloodline :D
She has tasted blood.....and now she thirsts for *more* .
Great vid, appreciate your efforts, is it me or does is seem like a $200 + knife would come with at least a few of these improvements and refinements already?
Agreed
Nah , benchmade is mediocre at best
The standard bugout is $140. He added about $70 to it. It’s now far better than any factory bugout.
Good question. It’s not 200 dollars though the stock blue handles is more like $140 and I’ve had several and I’d say worth every penny. You have to understand what the bugout is really made for and what it’s not. Also you need to factor in it’s made in usa with s30v steel and not china with Chinese steel. Also the handles(scales) are milled out plastic and almost entirely liner-less it’s a very VERY lightweight knife for the size. So much so that I originally lost my first one (black cf elite) handle scales because it literally feels like noting is in your pocket
its benchmade man...they hate their customer
I have copper flytanium scales on my buyout and I HIGHLY recommend them! Everyone that sees my knife when I pull it out always ask about it and want to check it out. The patina is looking really awesome after a couple of years of carry. Wish I could share a pic. I also like the weight it adds to the knife. I’m not a fan of the ultra light, poly handle.
What's that maintenance mat you have called?
Well done. I’ve been doing a similar process of the fine polishing of mating surfaces on axis locks for years. I also lightly polish the faces of the liners (& do both sides of the pb washers). Additionally I polish the track of the axis bar on both liners to smooth it up a bit more.
Yeah, it seems like polishing both sides would have to help
Thanks, TH-cam algorithm! I've never owned a pocket knife before but now I kinda want one, haha... Good video!
I don't know why I watched this whole video. I can't afford a benchmade knife. The tools you used to do this cost more than the nicest knife I own.
You could have made this easier for yourself. Just take one scale off put the new on and flip it. You didn't have to disassemble the whole thing
Beat me to it. Smarter not harder.
You should see my 940 osbourne it's been daily carried for 5 years been through the ringer still going strong needs a little love though
Why use a dremel? Why not simply rub the blade's pivot surface across the edge of your cardstock and even surface? Wouldn't that ensure a more even polish?
Great video. Thanks for posting. I thought I missed something as you disassembled the knife but turns out I did not, so I have a question. Is there a reason you did not polish both sides of the bronze washers? Thanks again for a very informative video.
I certainly could have - however the surface of the liners is not particularly smooth and would pretty immediately scratch them up again.
That Bugout looks fantastic. The access to the lockbar is so much better with those scales. Those Asphalt Trays are another fantastic product. Great job.
Thanks! I love it in titanium!
I just followed this guide on my new bugout mini, got it running insanely smooth! Basically zero play, and drop close. I was planning to upgrade to a stainless slider, vs titanium and figured id fully tune it while i was doing the disassembly :)
From other places, it sounded difficult to take apart but the way you did it made it very easy. Got it done without any problems
Sold, and sold! I love knives, but I don't watch a lot of knife videos... this came up in my feed. It was oddly specific... I recently bought a Bugout after finding my Mini Bugout to be just a little small, but I didn't like the color options... instead of waiting, I just bought it in a color I didn't really like... so I haven't been carrying it... then this video shows up! You did a great job selling the lube and polish, and I bought the same scales you have there. Sorry I didn't use your affiliate code for Amazon as I had to buy them from Flytanium directly. Thanks!
Seems like a nice upgrade but I have a feeling those scales would just be too slick. If you could add some checkering that upgrade would be worth it for me
Benchmade really knocked it out of the park. Just have to fix all the problems
Definitely a huge improvement titanium makes everything better in my opinion 👍🏻
Thank you for the detailed instruction. Nice job! I wonder they make the handle in exotic wood likes cocobolo, black wood, etc. BTW, where do you get your drive bit set(model) if you don't mind sharing?
don’t own a bugout but will soon. i’m a spiderco guy. by coworker bought one and i love it. great video and very informative. keep the great vids coming. you got my subscription off this vid👍🤘
We’ll done. I used Chemical Guys Heavy Metal Polish and Starrett 1620 tool and instrument oil which I had on hand and worked excellent. I swapped blades from my 535-3 Carbon and 535BK-4 to get a blackout look on the Carbon (posting a short video for folks to see soon) Applied your techniques. Worked perfect. Both knives are smooth as butter. Thanks!
Cool vid. I’ve got such a love/hate relationship with my bugout. It’s easy to
carry but for the life of me, I can’t get the blade play out. I kind of wonder if these Ti scales would make a difference.
maybe! - I have had really positive results with this setup!
Might be a tad bit late but maybe some new washers
I'm not up on this jargon, what do you mean by play out?
Try the flytainium g10 scales. They DO add thickness which is a down side for me but they make the bug out waaaaay more solid of a knife.
For me personally, I love the bugout BECAUSE it's super thin and light. It's what I carry when I want a low profile and minimal bulk to carry. If I feel like I might need a more hardcore option i have many other knives.
Can the bugout be made to be slicker or stronger or more "premium" feeling? Yeah. But when I went down that road eventually I got to the point that I no longer had a bugout hahahaha
Just my opinion but I say leave it as is and just buy another knife that does what you find lacking in the bugout. More knives is always a good thing
@@nealriordan6802 they likely mean the blade moves slightly when locked, or just not feeling sturdy.
That's an nice upgrade , looks great. I have the Purdue Blue Class 531SBK with G 10 scales in a charcoal ash color , so light to carry but Sharp and very quick in hand. Love Benchmade knives. Great video to Stay 💪🇺🇸👍
This is by far the best video to watch for learning to rebuild a Bugout. Thanks dude, you’re the best.
Glad you liked it!
I watched a few other videos before getting to yours and it seemed like the people in the videos were basically just learning while on camera, wasn’t much help.
Could you use that same rubbing compound to polish the edge of your knife? I’d be more interested in investing in it if it’s multipurpose.
For 140$ the bug out should already look like that… zytel/frn handle is just a rip off in that price range. I don’t even care about the steel.
I'm not a fan either. I actually do like FRN on Spydercos, but it doesn't feel as dialed in on the Bugout.
@@knifepivotlube412 frn/zytel is good stuff but it’s extremely inexpensive to produce. That’s actually one of the best things about it. What benchmade charges is criminal.
Followed this to the letter - with the exception of using Maas polish instead of Simichrome (which is illegal in California!) - and am really blown away with the improvement. I was a teensy bit confused that the sound mine makes when deploying sounds completely different than yours (the video almost has a ratcheting sound!) but the action's so good I don't care!
You should mention that the Bugout's washers are made of phosphor bronze because some people might think that they're just plain bronze and would be unable to successfully mod their knife.
Just bought the bugout 535 bk-2. I can adjust the pivot screw so the action is super smooth, but then I have blade play. Does the coating on the blade on the BK-2 model have an impact on the action? Or should I take this thing apart and polish it as you have done in the video to get the action how I want it?
UPDATE: I decided since it was a brand new knife, I shouldn't have to pay to send the knife in to benchmade to have them make the action smooth, nor should I have to tear it apart to make it smooth and tight myself. I returned the knife to REI and exchanged it for the exact same knife. The action is much smoother with zero blade play. The coating on the blade does not seem to impact the action. Looking forward to putting some flytanium scales on it, eventually. Love this knife.
Any recommendations on washers? I’m looking to upgrade some cheaper knives from nylon. Also, interesting point about the Young’s Modulus of different materials.
I got someone one of these as a gift. Cool video but I’m not sure I want my blade to have a “fall shut action.” The opening looks really smooth and nice though.
Cool. Looks like you just made yourself a slippery knife though XD
I would recommend swapping in some aftermarket omega springs, they last much longer.
I striped a screw on my bugout how do I get it out ?
How is the texture on the Ti scales? After several years of use the fiberglass scales on my bugout have become smooth. Would like some scales with a bit more grip. Thanks.
not very grippy - the titanium is pretty slippery - there are companies that make micarta scales.
Excellent video thank you so much for sharing the detailed information, it's very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
I've wanted one of those knife kits forever they are always sold out. Any idea where I can find one like yours?
oof! its tough. I had to follow Journey Tool Co on instagram and watch carefully for when he had a drop.
Excellent tuto for a well needed upgrade. One question if i may, how long do you feel is the normal life span of an omega spring with medium edc use? They are not readily available here so i don't use my knife as much as i would like. All the best.
As if Benchmade isn't overpriced as is...
Ikr, its also really misleading that this joker said it has "Insane action" just from a scale and thumbstud swap
So you don’t live anywhere cold then ? metal scales freeze to your hands too easy.
True - titanium does feel a lot less heat conductive than aluminum or steel though. I'm in Dallas (not very cold) but on the coldest days I carry Micarta handled options.
Where do I get scales for a discontinued benchmade volli?
That's going to be very tricky. There are a few people out there who do custom work on a one-off basis. Benchmade may also be able to get you original scales if yours are damaged.
This literally costs $400 to put together according to your own links, assuming you don't value your own time.
For that much you can buy something handmade, and already sorted.
Am I missing something?
Great video! I did a similar build, but with Rockscale Design bits! (On my Instagram... Same username!) And, there's KPL on my table right now!
I put the same scales on the same Bugout. I love it!
Right on! I'm loving these - very good access to the lockbar!
Same here. It’s incredibly Butter Smooth. I have the 535-3 also and this one with the Ti scales is crazy smooth.
Great video. Thanks!
Wtf master of knives (lol) nick shabazz makes a point to letting us know that Benchmades are insanely difficult to de and re assemble their knives. Hummm I guess well also personally know there not. Someone should teach the grandmaster actually about knives. Paying most attention to teaching him to actually use them. His reviews are all about aesthetics cause we all know thats what there designed and made to do is look at a show people in pretty sure. And shouldn't that bottle of oil be empty by time you're done assembling that knife???
It looks a bit girly TBH. Bench made are to expensive for American made shit.
I love the video and I just bought some knife pivot lube. I just wish you included centering the blade
I had a quick question, i want to swap my silver axis lock on my griptillian with a black one from a bugout. Is this possible or are they different sizes?
My dads bugout is being sticky; ordered some KPL (the package that contains the 3 containers and the swabs and the stuff used on the washers to try and fix it. Used to be a dealer for benchmade and it’s got me confused. Replaced springs and all; but the axis bar has some grime on it.
benchmade really knocked it out of the park on this design.....except you replaced every single part of the knife minus the blade. bug outs are trash. i bought a bail out and had to get aluminum handles. love it tho
Where do you "bug out" too... the backyard? Yeah, you really need a $400 toy in the backyard.
My bugout has a cerakoted blade, which weight oil would you recommend for the pivot? Also, I seem to get a bit of lock bar stick every now and then. Would applying lube to the surface the omega springs slide on remedy this issue?
Your better off using a pain of glass rather than a tile.
Maybe for a collector or a knife nerd but I'd rather buy a 940 or 945 Osborne and not have to do anything to it
Any chance you'd be interested in selling those blue thumb studs? 🙂
sure! DM me on Instagram - Ill give them to you at no cost
That'd be amazing! Appreciate your content bud! Always informative. Just ordered some kpl light and some simichrome!
@@knifepivotlube412 That's a gimme !
Would you happen to know how that simichrome polish compares to flitz?
Wait did he do the same exact thing as another knife guy? They even used the same exact knifes? I think the other knife guy used this guys stuff for his video
I had some issues with FlyTainium. I purchased the Brass scales for my 940 and they same warped it seemed. I was unable to get a smooth action on my knife because it would pinch one side of the blase when tightened down. I had to put my original aluminum scales back on.
What model Wiha driver is that? can't find it online... Thanks Great Video !
I love the video. I'm definitely going to look into putting those scales on mine. On a side note, please tell me that was runescape music I was hearing, lol.
I put ti scales on my bugout , but it lost the blade centering so I put the carbon fiber scales back on.
This video was worth watching for the steel polish tip alone. Seriously, you did an awesome job on this video. I got a lot out of it, and the production quality is solid. The music was a nice touch. You have my attention, and subscription.
I bought new Bugout with aluminum scales from factory, it's a beautiful knife but action is very stiff out of the box. I loosened up the pivot screw & added some lube. It's better but not able to be opened with a flick. I have all the stuff to do this at home, just need to do it, great video, thanks!
Is that a custom pelican case for your tools? If not, where did you get it?
Are the Flytanium scales available with the clip holes on the other scale for lefties?
Spending $400 on a bugout is a fools pipe dream. The point of the knife is to be ultra lightweight. Just buy the carbon fiber scale version and be done. Ridgid and lightweight Benchmade already did it for you.
Yes! And you can do way better for less money.
There are good and many bad accessory makers too tho so watch out, you can tell the guys like Flytanium are pros.
You spend $400 on this but my Para 3/Ti hex color changing scales and bronze clip for under $280 is as good or way better…
Note: If your not good at this stuff AVOID messing with thumbstud. Change the thumb stud AFTER you damage it.
Because that lame overpriced TI thumb stud is a compromise that will affect value and could have some detrimental effects down the road.(Save the original).
I would just take it off and spin it in a drill press and you can reprofile it with a file to look like new.
Oh BTW, MOST knife companies make their thumbstuds with steel NOT ALUMINUM. So BM did that as a compromise to get the color on it. Shame shame.
That’s ok for Kershaw but not BM
Benchmade is on par with American Kershaw knives. Overrated quality and customer service.
So I take it we can’t lose any of the parts😎great video just playing with ya🤘
Upgrade of a lesser knife. Why? Get a better knife.
Ok where did you get that mat and not driver! I need those in my life!!!
Hey, no knife is worth $400, this is just stupid
Why not just unbolt the scale then bolt on the new scale then repeat on the other side?
I feel like that blade looks identical to the griptilian blade or does it not?
Better give it a decent heat treat also because Benchmade has no idea how to do one.
Save yourself a ton of money and buy a KBar Dozier with the D2 blade. Get it for around 50 bucks and it will perform as well or better than these knives hands down!
I need to try one of those for sure - it seems like a great design.
My shit $10 pocket can still last a lifetime.
If you have to modify it it can’t be great 👍🏻
Great video. Could you please add a link to the bits and driver you use?
little cut action at 2:34. yup, she's sharp
you really don't want to lose anything
I already had to send my 3 month old bugout in for warranty, noticed randomly that 4 screws had dissapeared from the frame.
Oof! Benchmade has good customer service fortunately.
Are those the blasted or Stonewashed scales?
Great video. New sub!
where did you get that work bench
Ну синие бонки теперь не к чему вообще , надо на черные менять
Rad video. Looking forward to future videos from this channel
More to come!
Got to do both sides of the washers
Great Video
Great video of a nice knife.
That was a very good and informative video that applies to many knives , thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Killer video dude!!
I've been doing this polishing (with a 3000 grit ruby stone) to the cheap sanrenmu knives to make them super smooth and it makes sense to do it to a 20-30$ knife.
Where I am, to get a bugout mini it takes a bit over 200$, shipping included. Wanted to splurge and get one, but seeing this made me change my mind, so thanks. I recently got a kizer mini begleiter (arguably a similar knife to the mini bugout), M390, Ti scales, and built to perfection. At half the price I would've payed for the bugout mini. Did not even want to dissasemble it, but could not resist. If you still feel the need to do this to a 150$+ knife, then fck that knife and the brand making it. But that's like my opinion, dude.
Nice video! I am going to have to make the scale upgrade too!
You should!
Wow impressive !
Thank you! Cheers!
...
It looks nice, I’ll give you that. I looked into Flytanium scales for my 940-2 but, one of the main reasons I buy Benchmade is “Made in America”. I couldn’t bring myself to put Chinese scales on it.
Cool video thanks KPL
Thanks Mark!!!
How to make a benchmade feel like a premium knife part II: replace it with a premium knife.
Hey Ryan, I carry a Milwaukee fastback utility knife. I prefer the compact version for convenience. I would love to see if you could mod it to spring assist. There seems to be no spring assist models available that have replaceable utility blades. Keep up the great content! 👍🏻