There’s not a lot better than a small and compact pocket knife that can tackle a range of meaty tasks. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, the Benchmade Bugout is a knife that has many fans. But unfortunately, it’s not for everyone. Whether you find the knife too big, too small, too heavy or too light, the good news is there’s a wide range of Benchmade Bugout alternatives on the market.
In this article, we’re going to pick out the best of those alternatives to give you 6 alternative options to the popular Bugout blade.
Let’s get started!
At a glance:
- American-made S30V with flipper tab – Gerber Fastball
- Best low-cost alternative – SOG Tactical FF25-CP
- Best compact size alternative – Zero Tolerance ZT 0022
- Best for blade quality – Benchmade Freek 560BK-1
Why look for a Benchmade Bugout alternative?
Finding the perfect knife is like finding the perfect pair of jeans. You’ll try a range of different knives, some of which will be too big, some too small, some too long, some too short, some too heavy or some too light.
Whilst the Benchmade Bugout is a popular all-rounder, it’s not suited to every hand size and it’s also quite expensive, making it unattainable for those that have a tighter knife budget.
The Bugout’s feather-light weight is a big selling point for some. But for those that need a knife with a bit more power, a heavier option may be better for them!
7 Alternatives to the Benchmade Bugout
Here we go then – if you’re looking for Benchmade Bugout alternatives for a range of different scenarios, here are our top 6 pocket knives.
Fast opening, American made – Gerber Fastball
- Durable Pocket Knife: The Gerber Gear Fastball knife is precision-engineered with a high carbon S30V Wharncliffe blade for unmatched edge retention
- Lightweight Pocket Knife: This slim, foldable knife has a lightweight design with a 3-inch blade and an easy-off Liner Lock release
- Smooth Safety Knife: Our survival knife also features B.O.S.S. Tech for consistent, ball-bearing driven “lightswitching” operation, making it a…
- Versatile Carry: Equipped with a 3-position pocket clip, this foldable knife offers adaptable carrying options and a black oxide coated blade for…
What makes it a great alternative? – Same great S30V steel, American made, extremely fast ball-bearing deployment, lightweight (2.7oz), slightly cheaper
The Gerber Fastball is designed for a similar audience to the Bugout, providing a high quality lightweight EDC for a cheaper price.
They use ball-bearing technology to make sure the deployment is fast and slick, and a finger flipper tab makes opening even easier.
The Fastball uses the same quality steel (S30V) as the Bugout, and is similar in both overall length and blade length.
If ease of opening is high on your priority list, you’ll love this knife. The combination of the flipper tab and ball bearings makes it feel really nice to use.
Here’s how the Gerber Fastball matches up to the Bugout:
| Benchmade Bugout | Gerber Fastball | |
| Full Length (cm) | 18.8 | 18 |
| Blade Length (cm) | 8.2 | 7.6 |
| Blade Shape | Drop Point | Wharncliffe |
| Blade Material | S30V | S30v |
| Weight (g) | 55 | 76 |
| Handle Material | Grivory | Aluminum |
| Lock Type | Axis Lock | Liner Lock |
| Price ($) | $135 | $100 |
| Perfect For | Light All Rounder | Light Strong EDC |
Best for power – Spyderco Paramilitary 2
- Robust Yet Lightweight Build – Weighing just 3.8 ounces with an overall length of 8.26 inches, the Para Military 2 combines durability with…
- Superior Blade Performance – Features a 3.45-inch full flat-grind CPM S45VN stainless steel blade for exceptional edge retention, precision cutting,…
- Ergonomic G-10 Handle for Comfort – The black G-10 handle is contoured for an optimized grip, ensuring comfort and control during prolonged use….
- Excellent Compression Lock System – Spyderco’s innovative Compression Lock provides rock-solid locking strength with one-handed ease. It ensures…
What makes it a great alternative? – Similar high-quality to the Bugout with a thicker, stronger blade for taking on tougher tasks
Jump onto any knife forum, ask around about the best pocket knife and the Spyderco PM2 will come up a hell of a lot. For those that find the Bugout a little bit light and thin, the PM2 delivers all the power you could need thanks to its 4mm thick blade and 111 grams of weight – both of those stats are double that of the Bugout in a similarly sized package.
A G10 handle, compression lock system and handy thumb-hole round off a knife that punches well above its weight. It is the perfect companion for those that need to take on tough tasks day-to-day.
Here’s how the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 matches up to the Bugout:
| Benchmade Bugout | Spyderco PM 2 | |
| Full Length (cm) | 18.8 | 21 |
| Closed Length (cm) | 10.7 | 12.2 |
| Blade Length (cm) | 8.2 | 8.7 |
| Blade Shape | Drop Point | Drop Point, Leaf Shape |
| Blade Material | S30V | S45v |
| Blade Thickness (mm) | 2.25 | 4 |
| Weight (g) | 55 | 111 |
| Handle Material | Grivory | G10 |
| Lock Type | Axis Lock | Compression Lock |
| Price ($) | $135 | $150 |
| Perfect For | Light All Rounder | Powerful Pocket Knife |
Best compact size alternative – Zero Tolerance ZT 0022
- This is the smallest knife ZT has ever made; and it’s an impressive piece of engineering; Ultra-Premium materials, extraordinary styling
- Designed by custom knife maker Tim gal yean, the 0022 takes on its cutting duties with effortless finesse and style
- Under-2-inch blade is CPM 20CV steel for superior hardness, corrosion resistance, toughness, wear resistance, and excellent edge retention; blade…
- The 0022’s handle features a Carbon Fiber front scale with stonewashed titanium back; deep finger contours ensure a secure grip for optimal comfort,…
What makes it a great alternative? – Very compact size with a very strong blade from a high-quality knife brand.
Maybe you look at the Bugout and think it’s just a little bit too big to be a true ‘pocket knife’. If so, you’ll love the ZT0022 by Zero Tolerance.
At a total length of just 12.4cm, it’s an ultra-compact knife that combines high-quality materials and delivers mighty performance. It really is an awesome piece of engineering and it looks beautiful too.
A carbon fiber handle, 20CV steel and a KVT-ball bearing flipper make it an easy knife to use with its ‘2 finger hold’ and ergonomic handle shape.
Here’s how the specs match up to the Bugout:
| Benchmade Bugout | ZT 0022 | |
| Full Length (cm) | 18.8 | 12.4 |
| Closed Length (cm) | 10.7 | 7.5 |
| Blade Length (cm) | 8.2 | 2.3 |
| Blade Shape | Drop Point | Clip Point |
| Blade Material | S30V | 20CV |
| Blade Thickness (mm) | 2.25 | 3 |
| Weight (g) | 55 | 50 |
| Handle Material | Grivory | Carbon Fibre |
| Lock Type | Axis Lock | Frame Lock |
| Price ($) | $135 | $200 |
| Perfect For | Light All Rounder | Compact & Strong |
Best low-cost alternative – SOG Tactical FF25-CP
- QUICK ACCESS POCKET EMERGENCY KNIFE: The SOG Escape is a quick open tactical knife that serves well as a rescue knife for SWAT team, paramedics, and…
- FIRST RESPONDER RESCUE KNIFE: Features a cord-cutting groove for cutting cords, lines and seatbelts; includes a glass breaker, wire stripper, and…
- ONE-HAND OPEN + LOCKBACK: Use the thumbstuds to access this assisted opening knife; lockback mechanism secures the blade while deployed.
- SPECS: 3.4 inches long black stainless steel knife features a partially serrated clip point blade; 4.8 ounce lightweight utility knife and EDC knife…
A key criticism of the Bugout is the price. At $135, it’s a serious investment for those that need a knife in their pocket for tackling small tasks.
The Tactical from SOG offers a good level of performance for a fraction of the price.
The SOG is slightly bigger than the Bugout. That difference in price is mainly felt in the blade material with the 9Cr18MoV much softer than the S30v of the Bugout.
For those that like tactical black designs, you’ll also like the Tactical in favor of the Bugout’s colorful look and feel. This is one of the best Benchmade Bugout alternatives we’ve found in terms of lower cost alternatives.
Check out the key specs of the sleek looking SOG Tactical:
| Benchmade Bugout | SOG Tactical | |
| Full Length (cm) | 18.8 | 20.8 |
| Closed Length (cm) | 10.7 | 12.2 |
| Blade Length (cm) | 8.2 | 8.6 |
| Blade Shape | Drop Point | Clip Point |
| Blade Material | S30V | 9Cr18MoV |
| Blade Thickness (mm) | 2.25 | 3.3 |
| Weight (g) | 55 | 136 |
| Handle Material | Grivory | Anodized Aluminum |
| Lock Type | Axis Lock | Lockback |
| Price ($) | $135 | $55 |
| Perfect For | Light All Rounder | Strong & Cheap |
Best for bigger hands – Spyderco Tenacious C122GP
- Game Changer – Being tenacious means you are persistent and cohesive. It’s being tough and tireless in achieving your best performance; all worthy…
- Superior Blade Steel – The 3.39″ 8Cr13Mov stainless blade is leaf-shaped and ground flat from spine to cutting edge for non-stop cutting performance.
- A Secure Grip – It has a black G-10 laminate handle, Ergonomically milled with prolonged fatigue-free cutting in mind.
- Easy-To-Use – The blade’s shape coupled with an oversized Spyderco Round Hole and textured spine jimping allows you to open the blade and position…
What makes it a great alternative? – Slightly larger knife with a wide G10 handle that is easy to hold for larger hands.
If you struggle with smaller pocket knives because of your larger hands, you should have a look at the Tenacious model by Spyderco. It’s famed for its wide and easy to use handle that’s made from high-quality G10. It is also molded for extra finger support.
At 19.5m overall length, it’s slightly longer than the Bugout with the majority of that length heading into the handle. The knife itself is made from 8Cr13MoV steel which is slightly weaker than the Bugout. That said, the knife comes in at around half the price.
Here’s how the Tenacious specs line up vs the Bugout:
| Benchmade Bugout | Spyderco Tenacious | |
| Full Length (cm) | 18.8 | 19.5 |
| Closed Length (cm) | 10.7 | 11 |
| Blade Length (cm) | 8.2 | 8.5 |
| Blade Shape | Drop Point | Drop Point |
| Blade Material | S30V | 8Cr13MoV |
| Blade Thickness (mm) | 2.25 | 3.1 |
| Weight (g) | 55 | 117 |
| Handle Material | Grivory | G10 |
| Lock Type | Axis Lock | Liner Lock |
| Price ($) | $135 | $55 |
| Perfect For | Light All Rounder | Great Handle |
Best light weight alternative – Boker Plus Urban Trapper
- Extremely low profile and slender design
- Cocobolo wood handle scales
- Made with refined materials such as VG-10, titanium and an IKBS hinge which result in an incomparable pocket knife for demanding users
- Blade length: 3 ½ in. Overall length: 7 ¾ in. Weight: 1.8 oz
What makes it a great alternative? – If you need something simple that’s truly lightweight, the Boker Plus is a great alternative to the Bugout for a fraction of the cost.
The Bugout is known for its light weight. However, if you need something that’s super simple and even lighter, let us introduce you to the Urban Trapper by Boker Plus.
At just 45 grams, it’s one of the lightest pocket knives you’ll find on the market. However, it still packs a punch thanks to its 7.4cm blade and 440C steel. The knife also comes in a range of handle options including G10, carbon fiber, Micarta and the cocobolo wood as shown above.
Here’s the Urban Trapper’s stats:
| Benchmade Bugout | BP Urban Trapper | |
| Full Length (cm) | 18.8 | 17.7 |
| Closed Length (cm) | 10.7 | 11.2 |
| Blade Length (cm) | 8.2 | 7.4 |
| Blade Shape | Drop Point | Trailing Point |
| Blade Material | S30V | 440C |
| Blade Thickness (mm) | 2.25 | 1.75 |
| Weight (g) | 55 | 45 |
| Handle Material | Grivory | Cocobolo |
| Lock Type | Axis Lock | Slipjoint |
| Price ($) | $135 | $50 |
| Perfect For | Light All Rounder | Light & Simple |
Best for blade quality – Benchmade Freek 560BK-1
- HIGH-QUALITY: The CPM-S30V stainless steel blade is extremely well-balanced, offering superb edge qualities and rust resistance. The Grivory and Versaflex dual durometer handle offers strength, comfort, and grip.
- WELL-DESIGNED: Benchmade’s AXIS lock is exceptionally strong and fully ambidextrous. The Freek 560 is a manual knife that can be opened and closed with either hand.
- ALWAYS READY: The 560’s quick, one-handed opening makes it easy to hold and use. The reversible pocket clip offers ultimate accessibility.
- VERSATILE: The Freek 560’s drop-point, utility blade style and all-around functionality make it ideal for everyday carry.
What makes it a great alternative? – Bigger, stronger knife with huge blade real estate – like the Bugout, but on steroids!
If you look at the Bugout and just want a bit more, another knife by Benchmade might be for you. The Benchmade Freek (actually known as the ‘Super Freek’) is the Bugout’s big brother. And it delivers all of the same components, but in a bigger scale.
A massive 9.1cm CPM M4 blade is hidden within a smooth and click G10 handle that’s got loads of size to give you maximum power. The Freek offers a double thumb stud opening and Benchmade’s famous Axis lock round. It all comes in a seriously beefy package that offers the best blade performance of all the knives we’ve seen.
One of the best Benchmade Bugout alternatives we’re found for blade quality. Here’s how the Freek compares to its little brother:
| Benchmade Bugout | Benchmade Freek | |
| Full Length (cm) | 18.8 | 12.3 |
| Closed Length (cm) | 10.7 | 20.3 |
| Blade Length (cm) | 8.2 | 9.2 |
| Blade Shape | Drop Point | Drop Point |
| Blade Material | S30V | CPM M4 |
| Blade Thickness (mm) | 2.25 | 2.9 |
| Weight (g) | 55 | 120 |
| Handle Material | Grivory | G10 |
| Lock Type | Axis Lock | Axis Lock |
| Price ($) | $135 | $200 |
| Perfect For | Light All Rounder | Big Blade Pocket Knife |
Benchmade Knife Alternatives – Final Words
The Benchmade Bugout is one of the most popular pocket knives on the market thanks to its mix of solid performance and light weight.
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.
Hopefully you found this article on various Benchmade Bugout alternatives helpful. 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.