Benchmade Bugout vs Griptilian: Which is Worth Your Money?

Technology and innovation have been kind enough to hand us things that would make our lives easier.

There’s something for everyone in every sphere of need. From dear ol’ ax to cutlass to saws, to knives and to our primary focus; Pocket Knives that have the tendency to get even smaller, we are talking about the Folding Knives.

And not just any Folding Knife. We would be talking about Benchmark products; Benchmark Bugout and Griptilian.

We’d weigh their importance and help you decide exactly which is a great pick, their variant, pros and cons, aesthetic value, and striking features.

These knives rear their pointy heads to perfection. For your dress up where every ounce counts, these Benchmark pointy heads are your go-to for all ultra-lightweight carry.

One overwhelming fact is that each(Benchmark Bugout and Griptilian) have an equally petite version of themselves, indeed, there’s one for every hand size.

With a FUNCTIONAL (emphasis on functional, since most knives claim to have what they don’t actually have) axis lock, this gives a seamless switch to open and close the knife easily.

And this functional axis lock makes the folding knife open securely and this also gives it the capacity for ambidextrous use.

We’d take a look at our top pick for both products and proceed to examine the variety under each product.

The Griptilian 551 is our top pick. It gives a taste of different knife edges in one; The tanto, with a partial serration and a plain edge. For this obvious reason, it’s our top pick in the Benchmade Griptilian.

Reviews: Benchmade Bugout Vs Griptilian Compared

ProductDetails
1. Benchmade Bugout

  • Overall Length: 7.46"
  • Blade: CPM-S30v Coated stainless steel blade
  • Handle: Glass-filled Grivory handle
  • Axis lock mechanism
  • Weight: 1.85oz
  • Blade length: 3.24"
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2. Benchmade Griptilian

  • Overall length: 8.07"
  • Blade steel: S30V(58-60HRC)
  • Blade length: 3.45"
  • Blade thickness: 0.115"
  • Handle Thickness: 0.64"
  • Handle material: G-10
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1. Benchmade Bugout

Benchmade - Bugout 535 EDC Manual Open Folding Knife Made in USA, Drop-Point Blade, Plain Edge, Satin Finish, Blue Handle

This lightweight beauty, with its ambidextrous ability, takes the knife games to a new level.

Pointy enough to make stabbing statements and with a belly large enough to accommodate it’s slicing prowess. It’s your ultimate all-purpose knife. With no hassles, it pops out of its sheath thanks to its axis lock mechanism.

This also comes in a mini version.

Specs

  • Overall Length: 7.46″
  • Blade: CPM-S30v Coated stainless steel blade
  • Handle: Glass-filled Grivory handle
  • Axis lock mechanism
  • Weight: 1.85oz
  • Blade length: 3.24″
  • Handle thickness: 0.42″
  • Blade thickness: 0.090″

Pros

  • All-purpose knife
  • Lightweight
  • Ultra Sharp and can easily be sharpened
  • Ambidextrous handle
  • Deep carry pocket clip can be reversed
  • Durable

Cons

  • May be too small to be handled by big palmed humans.
  • Pocket clip paint clips off easily

Bottom Line

This is an easy lightweight carry on. Equipped to last you through many cuts. It’s an easy favorite. Big palms may make it’s using clumsy.

Rating – 4/5 stars

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2. Benchmade Griptilian

Benchmade 551 Griptilian Plain Drop-Point Satin Finish Knife (Black Nylon Handle)

Just like every Benchmade drop point, this versatile piece is a standard product. It seamlessly does the stabbing cuts and also it’s hair shaving sharp for slices.

Recent development has had Benchmade replace it’s initial plastic handles with G10 material. This gives it a sturdy, steady feel while keeping it lightweight and easy to carry.

Like the other Benchmade models, there’s a Mini Griptilian version.

Specs

  • Overall length: 8.07″
  • Blade steel: S30V(58-60HRC)
  • Blade length: 3.45″
  • Blade thickness: 0.115″
  • Handle Thickness: 0.64″
  • Handle material: G-10
  • Axis Lock mechanism
  • Weight: 4.13oz

Pros

  • Lightweight but with a sturdy feel
  • Deep carry pocket clip can be reversed
  • Ambidextrous handle
  • Ideal for slicing and for everyday activities
  • Axis lock mechanism ensures smooth open and closing of the knife
  • Durable
  • Sharp and easy to sharpen

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Pocket clip paint clips off easily

Bottom Line

Even though Benchmade Griptilian is in the category of lightweight carry, Griptilian still struts a sturdy feel. Ambidextrous use and versatility best describes it.

Rating – 4.5/5

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About Benchmade

Benchmade is a knife-manufacturing company that started out in California in 1979. It was first named Bali-Song, after the knife style balisong for which it initially became famous for.

Since branching out to produce all other types and styles of knives, and after some changes in ownership, the company is now known as Benchmade with its headquarters now established in Oregon City.

But throughout all these decades, Benchmade has built its reputation as a knife maker that creates high-quality US-made blades.

Benchmade Bugout Vs Benchmade Griptilian: Which Do You Get?

Although both products can as well perform seamlessly the same duties, their differences still abound.

The cost of purchase for the Griptilian is high, unlike the Bugout. While if you prefer a balance of lightweight but with a sturdy build (hello to the big guys) you should go for Griptilian.

For one not bothered with sturdiness, Bugout is the choice. Its feather-light weight and efficiency would be extremely satisfying. But some find that this overall lightness was at the expense of toughness and sturdiness.

Below are some points to clear your misgivings about any of the knives and help you narrow your knife choice to the one perfect for you:

  • Benchmade offers a free replacement of parts as long as the knife is in use. And free blade resharpening. For my fellow DIYers, you can check this tip up to see how you can retain the sharp edge.
  • Benchmade Bugout and Griptilian make knife use easy for an amateur or a professional knife user.
  • Both are lightweight without compromising their individual capabilities.
  • Ambidextrous use is available on both products
  • Griptilian rakes up the extra costs but it gives you the exact value for every dime spent. Its balance and sturdiness are worth every penny.
  • Aesthetically, Griptilian comes up with a refreshing look, unlike Bugout.

Major Differences Between Benchmade Bugout Vs Griptilian

  • Bugout knives have an overall length of 7.46 inches, whereas Griptilians are a little bit longer at 8.07 inches.
  • Bugout knives have flexible polymer handles, whereas Griptilian’s handles are made with G10 material, which is sturdier.
  • Bugout’s build may be a tad flimsy, whereas Griptilian is more likely to endure hard use.
  • Bugout’s price point makes it an easily affordable knife, whereas Griptilian is a bit more high end.
  • Bugout sports a very simple, fuss-free aesthetic, whereas Griptilian looks way more stylish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a lightweight knife with sturdy stability, Griptilian is the better option. But for lighter weight, easier carry, and a little more affordability, Benchmade Bugout does a better job.

But whichever you pick, you can rest assured you are getting a knife that is lightweight, versatile, and would prove a shrewd buy should you decide to purchase either.

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