Benchmade Bugout 535 vs Benchmade Griptilian 551
Benchmade Bugout 535 ($175) vs Benchmade Griptilian 551 ($165) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right folding knife.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Benchmade Bugout 535 | Benchmade Griptilian 551 |
|---|
| Price | $175 | $165 |
| Weight | 56g | 116g |
| Steel | S30V (CPM-20CV upgrade) | — |
| Lock | AXIS locking | AXIS lock (ambidextrous) |
| Weight | 56g | 116g |
| Blade | 3.24" drop point | 3.45" S30V |
| Handle | VERSAFLEX / Carbon fiber | Noryl GTX |
| Origin | USA | Oregon City, OR USA |
| Opening | — | Stud + hole (ambi) |
Pros & Cons
Benchmade Bugout 535
- 56g ultralight
- AXIS lock ambidextrous
- USA made
- LifeSharp service
- Deep pocket clip
- $175 entry
- S30V needs regular sharpening
- Some samples have blade play
Benchmade Griptilian 551
- AXIS lock ambidextrous genius
- S30V solid everyday steel
- Made in Oregon USA
- One-hand opening both hands
- Lifetime warranty Benchmade
- $165 for a plastic handle
- Noryl GTX not sexy
- AXIS lock is more complex to maintain
Benchmade Griptilian 551 is the better value at $165. If weight matters most, Benchmade Bugout 535 carries lighter at 56g. Both are part of our curated folding knife index — tap through to check current pricing.