Whether you’re gearing up for everyday carry (EDC) or need a lightweight blade for weekend adventures, Benchmade has you covered. Renowned for precision engineering, premium steels, and the patented AXIS® locking mechanism, Benchmade knives deliver top-tier performance and durability for any task. Below, we’ve narrowed down our top three Benchmade picks for 2025—each offering a unique balance of weight, strength, and carry comfort.
1. Benchmade 535 Bugout
Designed for the modern outdoorsman, the 535 Bugout is all about ultralight performance. At just 52g, it disappears in the pocket yet packs a punch with its CPM-S30V stainless steel blade and durable Grivory handle scales. Dual thumb studs and the ambidextrous AXIS® lock ensure smooth, one-handed deployment and reliable locking under load.
Blade Length: 3.24″ (8.23 cm)
Blade Steel: CPM-S30V, 58–60 HRC
Handle: Blue Grivory with anodised aluminium spacers
Weight: 1.85 oz (52.45 g)
Overall Length: 7.46″ (18.95 cm)
Lock: AXIS® Lock, reversible deep-carry clip
2. Benchmade 535-3 Bugout
For those who want the Bugout’s ultralight profile but crave a bit more premium flair, the 535-3 ups the ante. It swaps out Grivory for milled carbon-fibre scales and upgrades to a CPM-S90V super-steel blade, delivering even better edge retention and corrosion resistance. Weighing just 57g, it remains one of the lightest carbon-fibre-handled knives on the market.
Blade Length: 3.24″ (8.23 cm)
Blade Steel: CPM-S90V, 59–61 HRC
Handle: Carbon fibre with anodised aluminium backspacer
Weight: 2.02 oz (57.27 g)
Overall Length: 7.46″ (18.95 cm)
Lock: AXIS® Lock, mini deep-carry clip
3. Benchmade 945 Mini Osborne
A scaled-down tribute to Warren Osborne’s classic 940 design, the 945 Mini Osborne features a sleek reverse-tanto blade in CPM-S30V steel and vibrant green anodised aluminium handles. At 57g, it offers a compact carry that doesn’t sacrifice cutting power—perfect for those who want a slip-joint alternative to the Bugout’s utilitarian styling.
Blade Length: 2.92″ (7.42 cm)
Blade Style: Reverse Tanto, Satin finish
Blade Steel: CPM-S30V, 58–60 HRC
Handle: Green anodised 6061-T6 aluminium
Weight: 2.0 oz (56.7 g)
Overall Length: 6.76″ (17.17 cm)
Lock: AXIS® Lock, reversible mini split-arrow clip
Conclusion & Next Steps
Benchmade continues to set the standard for premium everyday carry knives, combining precision engineering, high-quality materials, and practical design. From the ultralight performance of the 535 Bugout to the upgraded materials of the 535-3 and the compact versatility of the 945 Mini Osborne, each model reflects a different approach to EDC without compromising reliability.
Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your preferences – whether that’s minimising weight, upgrading to premium materials, or opting for a more compact carry. Whichever you choose, Benchmade’s consistent focus on performance and usability ensures you’re getting a knife designed to perform in real-world everyday situations.