Featherweight EDCs: Benchmade Bugout vs WE Banter
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ค. 2021
- When it comes to EDC pocket knives ready for work that won’t let you down, these two stand out from the crowd.
Benchmade Bugout: kcoti.com/3f1dFEy
WE Knife Co. Banter: kcoti.com/3ykV39O
You can get knives that are really small these days. There’s also heavy-duty folders. Blending the line are these two unobtrusive lightweight designs that offer a hand-filling grip and premium steel.
Also check out aftermarket handle scales for the Benchmade Bugout: kcoti.com/3ybR4MM
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It was Ben Banter that got me into knives... he spoke so well about the Civivi Elementum, that I had to buy one! Before that I had the Bugout. And then I bought the Banter because I was really proud that he was able to mass-produce a knife (just like you DCA!). Truly, get those three knives as your first foray into a collection, if you're now starting out. You'll learn a lot about what construction, materials, mechanisms and design. The Banter is my go-to for everyday tasks, the Bugout for more "tacti-cool" applications. As a knife-guy, I love the Bugout customization options; as a knife-nerd, I love the Banter especially with the Space Kitten scales! The Banter is just a fun, wonderful, renegade knife. The Bugout is your corporate persona. Ideally there is space in your pockets for both of them. :)
I have both. I would take the Banter any day over the bugout. I have a hard time getting over the cheap feel of the bugout. Wether thats the case or not the banter feel like quality and that's what I want in my pocket. I know most people choose bugout but if you haven't held both you can't really say in the matter.
me too -- have both -- banter is much more substantial than the cf-elite or carbon fiber bugout. Worse, I've had a bugout with spring failure within 6 months, and two osborne (940-1 and 940-2) with spring failures within 4 months ... I love the simple robust (for a bearing folder) design of the Banter -- Ben done good :)
You know what' be really cool? Do more of these versus videos except have it in a tournament style. The winning knife should be a giveaway knife to your loyal subscribers!!!
Haha that would be awesome,but to bad I would them all because I been loyal for some time now hehe! Jk
If I ever got gifted a knife from them I’d talk it up so much they’d get like 30 new subscriptions at least, I approve this idea 💡
Great video. I made this exact decision about 2 wks. Love the axis lock in my 940, but love the action on my elementum (figured the banter would be even better). Plus I'm a fan of the designer of the Banter too. In the end, I went with the bugout because of blade length, lock type, and aftermarket options.
You didn't mention that the Omega springs on the Bugout can, and do, break, whereas the liner lock on the Banter should last as long as the knife itself.
I've seen way too many people reporting this. That and it seems you need to replace the scales with something more solid to make the knife feel "premium", adding to an already premiumish price. No thanks. The Bugout smells like a fad to me, for those who can't be bothered to know what they actually like, but wanna be seen with something recognizable.
I always hear about that but have never had one break myself and I'm always fidgeting with my Benchmades. Maybe I just have good luck.
@@801tb Probably, lol. I was watching Farmer E today and he opened a few packages, fidgeteted with it for 10 minutes then went to see family in Northern Norway and, you guessed it, the Omega spring broke.
@@kerryrwac bummer. Hope mine stay strong
@@801tb I've got several Benchmades. Same boat. I know they can but, have never had a omega spring break.
The question I am asking myself since the birth of the Banter !!! Thanks for the video !
Just got my Banter in the mail, and I've gotta say WOW. This knife is really smooth. It's not very flashy or showy, but the nice counterpoint to that is: it doesn't look intimidating, either. Actually, my wife likes it so much, I may get her one of Civivi's Baby Banters so she'll have one that can fit into her pockets. (That 5th pcoket in women's jeans is virtually non-existent.)
All that, and I'd still have to say - if you're stuck deciding between these two, you can't go wrong with either. They're both great options, and they're both popular for a reason. The Bugout has been on my wish list since I really got into knives, and the only way I know it's a good product is because of the hype it has behind it and (more importantly) I have another Benchmade that was given to me. Both Benchmade and WE knives are great brands that deliver a great product. So, if you can't decide which one to go with, flip a coin to decide which to get FIRST, and end up getting both in the long run.
Nice to see a new head to head. Seems like it's been a bit since the last one. Hopefully we can look forward to more of these, in addition to and not in lieu of the AQ. Thanks David!
I do not own a mini bugout but I do have the other two. With a flat grind hey are great slicers but for my sausage hands the Banter handle is a bit short for me. As a collector I love them both but the Banter is on my end table and Bugout is in my pocket most often. I like the bugout with an axis lock as well, and being on washers is a plus too. I prefer washers over bearings if it is smooth and the Bugout is certainly smooth. I am looking forward to getting the tiny banter soon.
Both are great, I went with the Benchmade bugout. Lightweight, better ergo’s for my large hands, outstanding aftermarket to customize, that axis lock and warranty just put it all ahead. All that and made in USA!
Never fund our enemy, china.
I've been watching your show for about a year and had never heard of the Banter. When the prices are that close I'd always buy the American Made product. I consider the Bugout to be a little small so the banter wouldn't even pop up on my radar. Great show as always!
Well, the former DCA equivalent over at their corporate rival BladeHQ did design it.
the Bugout is my all time favorite EDC knife. Second would be the Civivi Elementum. I love the looks of those two knives over the Banter. It is a lot of fun customizing the Bugout, The Bugout is an awesome knife
Owned Both,sold the bugout.
The axis lock isn't as reliable with those damn springs,and Benchmade QC is all over the place.
Two years later,still using and loving the 20CV banter. Two friends who had the bug out have had springs fail more than once and the S30V chip.
I don't regret my decision.
Spyderco Lightweight Para 3 is the correct answer.
Ewwwwww
Carrying it right now! Bugout full black out version. Black blade, handle, screws…etc. It has some carbon fiber in the handle that solves the flex problem between the scales. I have to say I still prefer my Benchmade 940 as far as inspiring design for EDC. However, black Bugout with black pants is total stealth. Thanks DCA.
I bought the bugout black cf. and added aimfront scales. As a lefty the axis lock and reversible clip win. I find the washers super smooth weather I flic or slow role. The flick is snappier than Hogue mini mk II. But gouge is soooo smooth on the closing action. Both Houge and bugout are winners!
I got them both, and i love them both, great knives.
I've found the Bugout to be a great knife for slicing tomatoes.
Love the "WIUG" engraving.
I've heard the designer of the Banter is a weird duck. 😁
Yeah but that fact adds to the appeal of it.
@@christopherrubino3614 oh, so it's fact now? Not just hearsay? 🤣😉 Thanks for the support, my friend.
Got ‘em both. Take the Banter over the Bugout any day of the week. Although I have some Titanium crossfade scales coming for the Bugout so we’ll see if that changes my mind.
the banter won for me. i carry my knife for use at a manufacturing job and the flex of the grivory on the bugout didn't instill a ton of confidence in me(although, i am sure it is just fine) and i wanted to stay with stock scales. so, i went with the banter. i have been plenty happy with it.
Hi David! Thanks because this is an important comparison video. I have had my eyes on the Banter because I don't own one. The Bugout wins because it gives you a better grip! I will probably buy the Banter but for collection purposes in the black color.
I have several EDC knives. Kershaw Buck and SAK. I bought the mini bugout and was a little underwhelmed but the longer I carried it and learned about it the Mini Bug out is my EDC knife almost 100 percent of the time
I have my modded 20cv bugout with the new flytanium crossfade scales and red hardware and I love it 😍. And I bought the banter and loved it so I bought it twice
I have said many uncomplementary things about the bug out on various forums. I recently joined a gym that does not want me to wear jean shorts. So I went to some quick dry Ocean Pacifics. The AD-10 just doesn't work here. I pulled my bug out out and took it apart. I cleaned it. I polished the washers on a DMT benchstone, fine. I lubed it and put it back together. The action is amazing. It falls open and falls shut with no help at all from my wrist. My opinion of this knife is has gone way up. It still won't be EDC material but it will be certainly every other day in the gym material. I don't know if I ever would have picked up the banter. My whole reason in purchasing the bug out was the innumerable wonderful reviews that it has received. I am still not starry eyed about it but it has certainly found a good use for me.
The correct answer is to have one of each.
Dont have either, but probably plan to get both at some point. I think the Banter will be bought first. I like a more substantial construction. Not concerned with the durability of the bugout, just prefer the feel of a more solid handle at the expense of weight increase.
Love my bugout and NEED a banter knaf.
I own both of these and the Banter definitely wins for me I carry it pretty often haven't had to mess with it at all it just works and feels good. Maybe with upgraded scales the Bugout might feel better but I was never impressed by really anything it does. The screws sometimes loosen up on me, I'm a lefty and I still prefer the pocket clip on the Banter, it doesn't feel very solid either but it's fun to play with the Bugout is just decent in my opinion.
I got a banter then i got my brother in law a banter. Couldnt help myself....bought my co worker one too so he wouldnt botrow mine.
@@wesleymadsen4357 If you all carry a Banter on the same day is that like women when they wear the same dress? Or did you get them all in different colors?
@@Phattydumpz different colors. But i dont see my brother in law often. He has a knife flicking addiction so i pissed my sister off by buying him one.
I want the blade hq jade one but its never in stock
@@wesleymadsen4357 any chance I could borrow your banter ;)
Both are great knives but I think Ka-Bar Dozier is the better option if I had to choose.
Interesting. D2 or Aus8?
@@matthewadler1329 of course d2 lol I would hope
Dozer in D2 is an awesome worker for 30$.
@@matthewadler1329 I prefer AUS8 because it is stainless but D2 is a great option. I like stainless in all knives even if D2 requires little maintenance. I don't do much bushcraft so I don't use rods to light a fire. Also Ka-bar uses paint for the D2 blade version which I don't like. It's easy to sharpen, it's a very light and sturdy work knife, a good knife for the price.
Love the look of the Banter very kephart looking.
Hey DCA! There are lots of aftermarket scales etc.for the banter! Been looking recently at aftermarket scales and the new green micarta.
The Bugout is my jam... I have one gripe with it though, the spacers and the thumb-stud are super soft and scratch very easy. Also, I wish they used recessed screws on the clip. That said, I would pick the Bugout over the Banter every time because of the axis-lock.
You probably never handled a banter?
Bugout beats it, the banter to me feels cheap for some reason! The bugout is awesome, I guess you never Handel a bugout! ^
@@f4nunez612 I have owned a banter, but sold it again. I didn't like the ergonomics of it (though I'm looking forward to the baby-banter) and especially not a fan of the liner lock. Despite its flaws, the Bugout is the closest thing to the perfect edc knife (for me and my edc use). Really looking forward to the 2nd gen Deka.
Got myself a 20cv/g10 bugout, and it's replaced every other knife in my rotation. The g10 makes it feel so much more stout, and it all comes together in what is for me, the perfect package.
@@Cjbrachio same I got one in s90v and carbon fiber and a custom made in m4 steel and g10 they are a best of a light weight knife! I don’t know how you can’t like it! I guess the ones that do be getting them pot metal springs and steel from DHgate or wish!
Lol I just so happen to be carrying both a banter and a bugout today.
My man
Don't own the Banter yet, but do own the carbon fiber version of the bugout, which doesn't flex at all. Yes, had to pay more for it, but don't like flex in my knives given how large and strong my hands are. It's a "feel" thing for me. I like SOLID handles to grip onto. Banter looks to be a bit too short for me without having a finger choil to choke up on. I'll be honest, I am really liking the new Nymble from EMPEDC as well as the CRKT Pilar 3, both which have awesome choils to make them fit better for larger hands like mine!
Hey KnifeCenter! Have you guys thought about doing a series where you go through standout knives in specific budget ranges, such as “Standout Knives that are 0-25$” or any price range like “75-100”, “100-125” or stuff like that. Just a suggestion for something I personally would enjoy.
I have a bugout but think the best EDC knife I have found to carry is the Spyderco pm3 lightweight
I was planning to get both
Bugout all day long. Love axis style locks and prefer pb washers over bearings.
Hhp mU
@@huyang7374 hhhhhhpppppp mmmuuuuuu
Were you referring to the Peanut Butter or Lead washers? Lol
@@jamesR1990 Lol!
@@jamesR1990 I think that every time I see pb lol but they’re phosphor bronze!
Bugout, American made and awesome warranty which wasnt mentioned.
Warranty? Until you TRY to make a valid claim, then "B/M" sucks like a flushing commode!
Murica
And the $30 butterfly tax with a recent track record of poor quality control that they're still trying to reverse...
The WE wont break,therfore no need for warranty although you still get one
Well done, Ben would be proud , I prefer the banter, better materials lower price
Bugout I own 5 of them one is a custom made and I always at least have one on me, I do own a banter but I always grab the bugout!
I am not clear what role an ultralight knife fills.
I don't run anymore due to knee injuries. When I did a CRKT Stiff Kiss or a Arclite Cuda was my companion
I love s30v as well but prefer s35vn, edge retention seems damn near identical but s35vn is a little easier to sharpen for me. Not a dramatic difference by any means though.
S30V and S90V are both tough for me sharpen. It drives me nuts.
@@rickalan259 they definitely take more time to raise a burr (especially s90v) on than more traditional steels. What kind of stones are you using?
I absolutely love my Benchmade Bugout, but would like to pick up a Banter.
Alright DCA, question for ya. Any mid 3” pocket knives that have a bottle opener built in (but not necessarily a multi tool)? Because obvious reasons.
My preference would be a Banter with a reversible pocket clip, but barring that the Bugout is a fine lightweight EDC.
Awsome review!
I don't particularly care for either of these knives... Excellent presentation Dave, you have shown the pluses & minuses of each knife quite well... I'm more into USA knives these days & avoid the Asian stuff for the most part, except for the Japanese knives & swords as I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Japanese steel!
Bill on the Hill...
PS: I'm still loving my Spyderco Para Military II btw!
i like the banter... simple..durable ..
Both are great, but I prefer the Hogue deka. Great vid DCA!
I own both but prefer the Banter. The Banter feels solid and better quality. I prefer the Banter blade steel S35vn. The Bugout is a solid EDC choice as well. The Bugout just feels delicate compared to the Banter. The Banter is ultra smooth to open and drop shut.
Are you sure it’s s35vn? How was it actually processed? Makes a big difference. Can never trust the Chinese.
@@talisikid1618 I've got to engage you on this one. You clearly don't like China or the Chinese, as indicated by your many responses to many comments here. That's fair. But I have to ask: have you shared a meal with someone Chinese? Have you swapped pictures of your kids with friends in China? I can't condone the Chinese government, but many of the humans who live in China are brilliant, kind, loving people. I try to avoid casting a wide net of judgment, and I hope others offer me the same concession as an American.
What do you think about the Terminus XR LTE in carbon fiber scales compared to the bugout?
banter allday i have the black and blue versions!!
I don't own either one too small for me. I carry a Spyderco Native Chief for my EDC. Today I received the Bestech Swordfish in S35vn which will be my new EDC.
@j k trying something new for a change. I like the Swordfish lines but not the blade steel until they came out with the S35vn. So I figured let's give it try.
DCA, you forgot to mention the fact that Benchmade has a custom knife shop on their website. This Benchmade custom shop allows you fully customize your Bugout with various different blade steels including S90V and various types of different handles materials including carbon fiber or titanium scales. Obviously buying a Benchmade Bugout with S90v and titanium scales would cost a hell of a lot more than any WE Banter, but the Benchmade custom shop at least gives you options!!!
Nothing wrong with these, but personally I prefer something sturdier. A 5oz, 6oz or even a 9oz folder has never seemed cumbersome in my pocket so to me at least it's a non issue.
The Bugout all day everyday. I have the 535 GRY version and I just love it. Fun fact : The WE banter is designed by Ben Petersen who previously worked for blade hq and CRKT. There sre still loads of youtube vids with Ben reviewing knives for blade HQ. Keep up the great work David, always looking forward to your vids. Thank you sir!
Why pick just one?
I will take my LT Wright Frontier Valley fixed blade or Lionsteel B35 as my EDC over any folder , There are many excellent small fixed blades that cost less for EDC and reliable and tough . I wish knife center would show more small fixed blades for EDC carry, LT Wright, Smith and Sons , Lionsteel , Viper Koi, White River Knives M1 Caper, Bark River small fixed blades. Just to name a few good ones.
I like small fixed blades as well. You didn't mention it, but I carry the TOPS C.A.T quite often.
Not practical in most cases. Pocket knives are almost always practical.
I have 2 Bugouts. The original blue 535 and the black 535bk=2 with a set of Rockscaledesign titanium after market scales. Waiting for WE to release the green micarta variant of the banter. If they do that, then I’ll give the banter a try.
It's coming! We're working on the proto now. Just doing a bunch of environment testing with it to avoid the problems with the original round. Fun stuff.
@@benbanters Yay 🙌 happy to hear the good news 😁
I vote Bugout all day, I have had both and sold my Banter within about a week or so. Have had a couple Buyouts still got the grey blade green handle one, need that CF/S90V version.
No.1 USA Made(most important in my book, but rest of list is reasons even if Banter was not Chinese) No.2 Banter just feels weird in hand, Bugout is a little small but I still get a full grip with my XL/XXL hands No.3 Bugout has better detent and it's an Axis lock so that tells ya how weak the Banter detent is No.4 more blade length No.5 can't beat Benchmade's LifeSharp anything breaks they will take care of you.
Exactly. No reason to consider Chinese stuff. Better quality from European or American companies. And a few other places, like Japan.
You can't forget about the Spyderco lightweights
The Bugout just looks a bit more aesthetically pleasing to me. Plus I am kind of done with liner locks at this point.
You will love the bugout!
Boat anchor in my pocket ?
I like the idea.
Surprised at how much I like the Banter.
Both! Can´t choose.
There is a smaller version of the banter also. I named it the S O B.
Which steel is better for EDC? 20cv or s90v?
Love my 535-3
Easy have both 😀
Looking at a woman's EDC. Banter on list. I'm looking for a unobtrusive one that can fit in smaller jeans pocket comfortably. Any others that fit the bill?
Forget Benchmade, as far as I'm concerned, gimme the WE product, at least until THEY screw me on a warranty claim too! Benchmade has such a convoluted process that I gave up, threw the wreckage of my two week old Bugout away, and had a friend weld a tang on the blade. Two simple wooden scales later, I had a nice little caping knife! Food for thought, but a word to the wise, if their warranty was like ESEE's, they'd still have me as a "sold" customer for life, not an adversary!
@WE Knife Co., are ya listenin'...???
Love My Bugout
Almost every knife I own is a axis locking knife, the bugout hasn’t ever been my thing. But I can see why someone would like it, also SOG has a great axis lock. Currently all I’m carrying is Kershaw launch models except my SOCP folder.
Ok but what about the Banter vs the Nordsmith Skipjack?😉
Bugout is a very good knife but the banter and the para3 gets all my pocket time.
Haven't picked up the Bugout since the Banter. Now I have 2 Banters,so Banter. Lol
Banter is an excellent little knife
Didnt the banter just come out? And why isn't the para 3 lw included here?
th-cam.com/video/phTw850rDUA/w-d-xo.html
Own both and love both but I have an EDC preference for the Banter myself. The Banter was designed to be a solid yet non-threatening EDC that one could pull out anywhere.
Should have made it here then.
@@talisikid1618 Why does that matter? The Bugout is assembled in the US but the steel is not.
@@scottpoole2182 100% agree both are fine knives. I plan on owning both.
Hooray, 12 minutes! (but only 2 knives)
WE Banter doesn't even make my top 5 edc knives. It's a bit cheaper, but still over $100. LW Para 3, mini bugout in CF Elite, mini Osborne, Rat2 in D2, Delica are my top five, honorable mention to Mini Grip custom with the spidey hole (but you're going to drop some bucks for that). Yeah the action is going to be better on the Banter with the ball bearings, but...there's a trade off. Phosphor bronze is THE choice for tactical/survival kind of folders (fixed being ideal for those purposes). For me, a ball bearing knife is more of a gentleman's/suburban kind of appeal. Banter is a pretty good knife, just do you really wanna drop $100 bucks on a liner lock? When in the same range, you have AXIS and Compression, or even a tri-ad in the Code 4 or mini recon 1?
Two awesome knives. For me Banter is the winner.
Currently have the banter in black. Imo it feels more robust than the bugout because the handle **doesn't flex** like the bugout and it's a smigde heavier
dude, there’s no reason you should be using the bugout so hard you feel it flex. in no circumstances will you be able to tell they flex, because you are going to snap your blade in half first.
@@jaydenmc4661 to each his own, I guess. I don't like featherweight knives or plastic handles
Coming from a Kershaw Skyline, nothing has been able to dethrone the Benchmade Bugout as my current favorite lightweight 3" EDC. Not the Civivi Elementum, and not the WE Banter.
When does the baby Peterson launch?
I think it's fantastic Ben is doing so well!!
Wat?
@@DinoNucci Ben made a deal for civvi to made a baby model that's crazy tiny!!
Edit: I think it's 4 inches Oal.
@@mercuryrising9174
5.46" full length and 3.12" closed. 2.34" blade.
@@jayytee8062 when is it available?
I have both and only had to modify one.. the banter, took my dremel to it so I could close it better, I think the steel is better on the banter than the bugout but I can’t help but double knife them every day,
Comparing apple to orange on this one. The proper comparison is the mini vs banter. You can't compare a 3.25" blade to 2.9" blade, there are so many in between to choose from.
I prefer my Banter personally, but if you must buy USA, the mini or full bugout is perfect.
Never buy from the enemy. Anywhere but China.
@@talisikid1618 I can't argue that logic. What I can say though is, our 🇺🇸 companies need to offer the same or better quality for same or better price. Alot of the high quality knives are being made by Reate as the oem and sold by a 🇺🇸 company.
Banter all day every day. Ben is also my hero.
What about Mini Bugout vs Baby Banter?
I think the bugout wins although I love the banter.
"elementum my dear Watson"............................
CIVIVI Knives Elementum
"All Day Carry".. the WE knifes little brother ....
Love the elementum
I have both and I’d have to go with banter all day. Benchmade is more fidget friendly but it came dull and off center.. put new titanium scales on it... still off center.
Banter came incredibly sharp and centered. Feels much sturdier on the lock as well.
Doubt it.
I don't care who's winning because I have both 😎
What happened to Saturday's Knife FAQ?? Is the series over?
They posted a note saying that those past Saturday they were not posting a video but it would return the following Saturday
David was a bit under the weather and needed to take a couple days to recuperate. We'll have the KniFAQ back on its regular schedule next Saturday!
Banter is just so much more stout. Love benchmade but you could run over a banter and it would be perfect still. That Bugout? Maybe, maybe not.
Guess you never owned one or watch dbk bushcraft haha they Baton with a bugout! Yes they smack it with a damn log into another log and then throw it 5x into the tree, held up and came out solid!
@IPC W. yea and if they approve it it must be pretty good!
@@knifeaddict1014 Never owned one and never have seen dbk? The blade is fine to bang. The handle is what is suspect. I know you can pinch the scales together!
@@GuillotineStare it’s a light weight knife!! And it will hold up to some pretty tough stuff! And you can easily swap scales!
I’ve wanted a Banter and a Bugout but one USA and another is China and I like the Axis lock over the other. And for $20 more I think you got a lot more blade! Great vid as always
I do not know why I'm watching this video I have both of them jaja
If fifth pocket/coin pocket carry is what you're looking for, consider the baby banter. It will fit in any coin pocket. The perfect secondary to the full size banter.