7 Benchmade Bugout Alternatives for a Pocket Knife

Best compact size alternative – Zero Tolerance ZT 0022

What makes it a great alternative? – Very compact size with a very strong blade from a high-quality knife brand.

Maybe you look at the Bugout and think it’s just a little bit too big to be a true ‘pocket knife’. If so, you’ll love the ZT0022 by Zero Tolerance.

At a total length of just 12.4cm, it’s an ultra-compact knife that combines high-quality materials to deliver a mighty performance. It really is an awesome piece of engineering and it looks beautiful too!

A carbon fibre handle, 20CV steel and a KVT-ball bearing flipper make it an easy knife to use with its ‘2 finger hold’ and ergonomic handle shape.

Here’s how the specs match up to the Bugout:

Best low-cost alternative – SOG Tactical FF25-CP

What makes it a great alternative? – Good quality pocket knife for those on a budget and can’t afford a Bugout.

A kay critisism of the Bugout is the price. At $135, it’s a serious investment for those that need a knife in their pocket for tackling small tasks. The Tactical from SOG offers a good level of performance for a fraction of the price.

The SOG is slightly bigger than the Bugout in most departments but means you get even more knife for your money. That difference in price is mainly felt in the blade material with the 9Cr18MoV much softer than the S30v of the Bugout.

For those that like tactical black designs, you’ll also like the Tactical in favor of the Bugout’s colorful look and feel. One of the best Benchmade Bugout alternatives we’ve found in terms of lower cost alternatives.

Check out the key specs of the sleek looking SOG Tactical:

Best for bigger hands – Spyderco Tenacious C122GP

What makes it a great alternative? – Slightly larger knife with a wide G10 handle that easy to hold for larger hands.

If you struggle with smaller pocket knives because of your larger hands, you should have a look at the Tenacious model by Spyderco. It’s famed for its wide and easy to use handle that’s made from high-quality G10 and is moulded for extra finger support.

At 19.5m overall length, it’s slightly longer than the Bugout with the majority of that length heading into the handle. The knife itself is made from 8Cr13MoV steel which is slightly weaker than the Bugout, but the knife comes in at around half the price.

Here’s how the Tenacious specs line up vs the Bugout:

Best light weight alternative – Boker Plus Urban Trapper

What makes it a great alternative? – If you need something simple that’s truly lightweight, the Boker Plus is a great alternative to the Bugout for a fraction of the cost.

While the Bugout is known for its light weight, if you instead need something that’s super simple and even lighter, let us introduce you to the Urban Trapper by Boker Plus.

At just 45 grams, it’s one of the lighest pocket knives you’ll find on the market but still packs a punch thanks to its 7.4cm blade and 440C steel. The knife also comes in a range of handle options including G10, carbon fibre, Micarta and the cocobolo wood shown above.

Here’s the Urban Trapper’s stats:

Best for blade quality – Benchmade Freek 560BK-1

What makes it a great alternative? – Bigger, stronger knife with huge blade real estate – like the Bugout, but on steroids!

If you look at the Bugout and just want a bit more, another knife by Benchmade might be for you. The Benchmade Freek (actually known as the ‘Super Freek’) is the Bugout’s big brother and delivers all of the same components but just makes them bigger.

A massive 9.1cm CPM M4 blade is hidden within a smooth and click G10 handle that’s got loads of size to give you maximum power. Double thumb stud opening and Benchmade’s famous Axis lock round of a seriously beefy package that offers the best blade performance of all the knives we’ve seen.

One of the best Benchmade Bugout alternatives we’re found for blade quality. Here’s how the Freek compares to its little brother:

Summary

The Benchmade Bugout is one of the most popular pocket knives on the market thanks to its mix of solid performance and light weight. Hopefully you found this article on various Benchmade Bugout alternatives helpful.

But as always when it comes to knives, there’s a range of factors that may not make it the perfect knife for you.

Luckily there are a range of great alternatives from the likes of Spyderco, Boker Plus, Zero Tolerance and even Benchmade themselves if you need something a little different.

We’ve just scratched the surface on the possible alternatives, so if none of the above are for you, we recommend you get shopping around. Interested in a more classic alternative? Be sure to check out our post on Buck knives.