Benchmark’s Bugout Vapor Knife is even better than the original

Benchmade’s bugout Used to be Our favorite backpacking knife Since it was released in 2017, and for good reason: It’s a featherweight everyday carry that punches well above its weight class. Our testers have consistently praised everything from the slim design and axis lock to the anti-rust blade coating, which has made it the benchmark’s top seller with over 1 million units sold. The brand is keeping the OG in its lineup, but last month released the new Bugout Vapor, essentially version 2.0, which weighs less at 3.69 grams and has an upgraded blade and handle.

bugout vampire

weight: 1.72 ounces

blade length: 7.48 inches

Blade Material: Magnacut Stainless Steel

Pros
+ very light
+ extremely thin
+ Durable MagnaCut blade
+ Great ergonomics for the size

Shortcoming
– expensive

what’s that for: People looking for everyday gear who don’t mind cost and weight conscious adventurers

One of the biggest upgrades over the original Bugout is the new MagnaCut steel blade, a material we’ve been seeing more frequently on high-end knives over the past few years. MagnaCut is a metal made from fine grains of steel welded together that is extremely tough, completely corrosion resistant, and holds an edge better than the S30V steel found in most knives. In short, Magnacat means longevity. exchange? A $175 premium over the original.

The dimensions of the Vapor Blade are almost the same as the original, at 3.25 inches long and .08 inches thick. The Vapor also has gimping – a serrated ridge on the top of the blade that provides better finger grip.

In addition to weighing just 1.72 ounces, the Vampire’s profile is extremely thin: 33 percent thinner than the original Bugout at just 7.16 millimeters. The knife still has an AXIS lock, but it is built with a torsion spring to fit the smaller form-factor and provide better longevity than previous versions. While I could always feel the original Bugout in my pocket while hiking, the Vapor is practically unnoticeable: I would often poke my hand in my pocket to make sure it was there.

The new lightweight anodized aluminum grip has no flex, providing better control and blade stability than the original plastic handle. Also, the entire length is covered with indented scales on both sides, whereas in the original only 60 percent is covered. You can see and feel the difference.

I tested this blade every day for an entire month straight, using it for everything from cutting thick, moldy carpet from my storage shed to thinly slicing fresh morels (don’t fear, I washed it between uses.) My hardest task? Cutting thick rubber floors that would bend comparable blades.

It’s a great everyday carry for small tasks or larger missions, and is ideal for outdoorsmen who want ultralight, ultra-durable performance. (Benchmade’s lifetime cleaning, oiling, and adjustment service adds to its appeal.) While the original Bugout is still an excellent knife, the updated Vapor sets a new high-water mark in its size and weight class.