Bugout | Carbon Fiber
The Benchmade Bugout 535-3 represents the premium end of the ultralight EDC category, combining high-performance materials with a proven minimalist platform. Built with CPM-S90V stainless steel and a carbon fiber handle, it delivers enhanced edge retention and structural rigidity while maintaining an ultralight carry profile.
Designed for daily use, the Bugout balances cutting performance with portability. The AXIS® lock system provides secure, ambidextrous operation, while the drop-point blade supports a wide range of utility tasks. This configuration is purpose-built for users who want maximum performance in a lightweight, pocket-friendly form.
• Benchmade LifeSharp Service Factory sharpening, cleaning, oiling, and adjustments for the life of the knife
"A prudent person foresees danger ahead and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. - Proverbs 27:12"
CPM-S90V Stainless Steel
High wear resistance and edge retention for extended cutting performance
Carbon Fiber Handle Construction
3K twill carbon fiber provides rigidity and strength with minimal weight
Ultralight Carry Platform
Weighs just 2.02 oz for minimal pocket footprint
AXIS® Lock Mechanism
Ambidextrous lock system with consistent, secure engagement
Drop-Point Blade Geometry
Versatile profile for slicing, general utility, and controlled tip work
Mini Deep Carry Clip
Allows discreet, low-profile pocket carry
The numbers, flat and honest.
| Blade Length | 3.24 in (8.23 cm) |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 7.46 in (18.95 cm) |
| Closed Length | 4.22 in (10.72 cm) |
| Blade Thickness | 0.09 in (2.29 mm) |
| Weight | 2.02 oz (57.27 g) |
| Steel | CPM-S90V (59–61 HRC) |
| Lock | AXIS® Lock |
| Handle | Carbon Fiber 3K Twill |
| Blade Finish | Satin |
| Clip | Mini deep carry (tip-up) |
| Handle Thickness | 0.41 in (10.41 mm) |
| Blade Steel | CPM-S90V (59–61 HRC) |
| Blade Style | Drop-point |
| Blade Color | Silver |
| Handle Material | Carbon Fiber 3K Twill |
| Handle Color | Black |
| Lock Mechanism | AXIS® Lock |
| Opening | Manual |
| Pocket Clip | Mini deep carry, tip-up |
| Ambidextrous | Yes |
| Lanyard Hole | Yes |
| Sheath | None |
| Origin | USA |
WHY YOU’RE BUYING FROM STAY READY.
We aren’t the Amazon of survival. We’re a small, opinionated shop that carries gear we’d stake our own lives on — and we back every piece with real support.
Curated
Every brand we carry has been vetted in the field by our team. If it doesn’t pass our 30-day use test, we don’t stock it.
Authenticated
Factory-direct from authorized dealers. No grey-market, no refurb, no knockoffs. Your warranty is real.
Supported
Real humans on phone, text, and email — seven days a week. We carry this gear ourselves and we stand behind it.
American
HQ in California. Orders ship from our US warehouse. US-based customer care.
AMERICAN-MADE TACTICAL KNIVES
From a California machinist's frustration with butterfly knives in 1979 to Oregon City's 144,000-sq-ft factory.
Benchmade was founded by Les de Asis — a California machinist fed up with poorly built butterfly knives in 1979. The company started as Bali-Song, became Pacific Cutlery, and settled on Benchmade in 1988. In 1996 production moved to a 35,000-sq-ft facility in Oregon City, Oregon, since expanded to 144,000 sq ft. Benchmade builds precision-machined knives and rescue tools with a substantial cut of revenue going to military and law enforcement. Les de Asis stayed actively involved until his death in 2020; the company is now run by his family.
- Founded in 1979 by Les de Asis in California (as Bali-Song)
- Renamed Benchmade in 1988
- Headquartered in Oregon City, Oregon since 1996
- Precision-machined knives, pens, and rescue tools
- Major OEM for military and law enforcement
Answers, straight up.
Product-specific questions on the left. Shopping with SRO on the right. Both open-ended — hit us if we missed one.
How long does shipping take?
Most orders process within 1–3 business days from our warehouse. From there: 5–7 business days economy, 2–3 business days expedited, or overnight if you need it fast. Free economy shipping on orders over $150 (contiguous US). Alaska, Hawaii, and Pro Eagle / freight items are quoted at checkout. You’ll get a tracking number and link the moment your order ships.
What’s your return policy?
30 days from the day your order arrives. Gear has to come back unused, with all original tags, stickers, and packaging intact. For standard items we’ll send a prepaid return label and deduct return shipping from your refund. Oversized or freight returns are on you, unless the item showed up damaged, defective, or wrong — in which case we cover it.
Refunds hit your original payment method within 10 business days of approval.
What can’t I return?
Final-sale items, gift cards, food and drink products, personal-care items, anything customized or engraved, briefs (hygiene), and hazardous materials. If you’re not sure whether something qualifies, email us before you order — we’ll tell you straight.
Do you ship outside the contiguous US?
Yes. Alaska, Hawaii, and US territories ship on freight-quoted rates calculated after checkout. International orders are available worldwide at variable rates; duties and import fees are the customer’s responsibility. EU customers get a 14-day cancellation window per EU consumer law, on top of our standard return policy.
My package arrived damaged — what now?
Email info@stayreadyoutdoors.com within 7 days of delivery with your order number and clear photos of the damage (product + packaging). We’ll replace, refund, or ship a return label on us — no back-and-forth. Damaged, defective, or wrong-item claims never cost you shipping.
Can I talk to a human before buying?
Yes. Email info@stayreadyoutdoors.com — we answer every message ourselves, usually within a few hours during business days. We carry this gear, we use this gear, and we’d rather talk you out of a kit that doesn’t fit your mission than sell you the wrong one.
Do you offer a military/first-responder discount?
Yes. Active-duty and veteran military, police, fire, EMS, and medical first responders get 10% off every order. Verify through GovX at checkout — one-time, secure, and reusable across thousands of brands. Discount applies automatically once you’re verified.