Axis Lock

Griptilian® vs Bugout®: Choosing the Best Benchmade Folding Knife for Everyday Adventure

Griptilian® vs Bugout®: Choosing the Best Benchmade Folding Knife for Everyday Adventure

Griptilian® vs Bugout®: Which Benchmade Knife is Right for You?

If you’ve been eyeing off a quality everyday carry knife, chances are you’ve stumbled across two heavy hitters: the Benchmade Griptilian® and the Benchmade Bugout®. Both are built tough in the USA, feature the legendary AXIS® Lock, and are made from premium CPM-S30V steel — but they’re designed with different users in mind. Whether you need a workhorse for everyday tasks or a featherweight companion for your adventures, this comparison will help you pick the right blade for your lifestyle.

Choosing the right Benchmade folder can be tricky — especially when you’re picking between two of their best: the Griptilian® and the Bugout®. Here’s a side-by-side look to help you decide which legend belongs in your kit:

Feature

Benchmade 550-S30V Griptilian Axis Folding Knife Stacked View

Griptilian®

Benchmade 535BK-2 Bugout Axis Folding Knife All Black | Stacked

Bugout®

Best For Heavy everyday use, work, outdoor tasks Ultralight everyday carry, hiking, travel
Blade Steel CPM-S30V Stainless Steel CPM-S30V Stainless Steel (Cerakote® coated on black versions)
Blade Length 88 mm (standard) 82 mm
Open Length 205 mm 189.5 mm
Handle Material Nylon or Grivory® (Black version) CF-Elite™ (graphite black, lighter and stronger)
Locking Mechanism AXIS® Lock AXIS® Lock
Weight 107–110 grams 51 grams
Blade Style Options Drop Point, Sheepsfoot (part-serrated options available) Drop Point
Carry Style Deep carry, ambidextrous clip Ultralight deep carry, ambidextrous clip
Made In USA USA

Key Takeaways:

  • Griptilian® is your tough-as-nails workhorse. If you're using a knife heavily for trade work, camping, or harder jobs, you’ll appreciate its solid feel and chunky reliability.

  • Bugout® is your featherweight go-anywhere hero. Perfect if you want a knife that’s barely noticeable in your pocket but big enough to tackle real tasks when you’re hiking, travelling, or just living life.


Pro Tip:
Both knives feature Benchmade’s legendary AXIS® Lock, so no matter which way you swing — you’re getting smooth, strong, ambidextrous locking action every time. 🔥

No matter which one you choose, you're getting legendary Benchmade performance — and a knife that's ready for a lifetime of adventures.

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