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Oregon City Today
By the People, for the People
Benchmade's Beloved Bugout Gets Upgraded with Bombproof Steel
The iconic EDC knife now features Elmax super steel and a Cerakote finish for enhanced performance.
Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:47pm
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Benchmade, the renowned Oregon-based knife manufacturer, has unveiled a fresh take on its popular Bugout and Mini Bugout EDC knives. The new models feature a blade made from Elmax super steel, known for its exceptional edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Additionally, the blades are coated with a Cerakote finish, providing extra protection against wear, abrasion, rust, and chemicals. While retaining the classic Bugout design elements like the drop-point blade and grivory handle, the new versions also sport a unique Taiga Green handle color inspired by the boreal forests.
Why it matters
The Bugout has long been one of Benchmade's most beloved and successful EDC knives. By upgrading the blade material and adding a protective Cerakote coating, Benchmade is ensuring the Bugout remains a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday carry enthusiasts who demand high-performance and durable tools.
The details
The new Bugout (535TN-2601) and Mini Bugout (533TN-2601) feature a slightly shorter 3.2-inch blade compared to the previous 3.24-inch version, while the Mini Bugout maintains its 2.82-inch blade. Both knives are incredibly lightweight, with the Bugout weighing 1.85 ounces and the Mini Bugout weighing 1.5 ounces. The handles have been updated with a new Taiga Green color, inspired by the boreal forests. The most significant change is the replacement of the classic CPM-S30V steel with the Elmax super steel, known for its exceptional edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Benchmade has also applied a Cerakote finish to the blades, providing additional protection against wear, abrasion, rust, and chemicals.
- Benchmade unveiled the new Bugout and Mini Bugout models on January 28, 2026.
The players
Benchmade
An Oregon-based knife manufacturer known for its innovative and high-quality EDC and outdoor knives.
Elmax
A super steel produced by Böhler-Uddeholm, valued for its edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
Cerakote
A ceramic-based coating that provides additional protection against wear, abrasion, rust, and chemicals on knife blades.
The takeaway
The updated Bugout and Mini Bugout from Benchmade showcase the brand's commitment to continuously improving its iconic EDC knives. By incorporating Elmax super steel and a Cerakote finish, Benchmade has enhanced the performance and durability of these already popular models, ensuring they remain top choices for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday carry enthusiasts.
