Benchmade Drops a Surprise Super EDC Knife Collab with Another Legendary Brand

Benchmade’s iconic, fan-favorite Bugout folder gets a serious stylistic and material upgrade that’s sneakily functional.

Closeup of Benchmade BKC x Kith Bugout 535BK 2501

By Sean Tirman

Published March 3, 2025

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Benchmade has released some beloved knives throughout its lengthy history, but the Bugout is among its biggest fan favorites. As it brilliantly blends function and style, it’s easy to see why so many adore it.

Now, another surprising (and exceptional) chapter in the rich history of that EDC knife has been written. Legendary lifestyle brand Kith has teamed up with Benchmade to launch one of the Bugout’s most exclusive, high-end versions.

Allow me to introduce you to the BKC x Kith Bugout 535BK 2501.

Benchmade BKC x Kith Bugout 535BK 2501 on gray background — The Bugout’s beloved silhouette remains while getting some serious stylistic and material upgrades.

Bugging way out

Trying something new with a fan-favorite product is always risky, especially with EDC knives. Thankfully, Benchmade and Kith clearly knew what they were doing when they approached this collaboration.

The knife’s iconic silhouette and size remain intact. Instead of messing with what people love about it, the two brands have chosen careful cleverness in their upgrades and stylistic flourishes.

Instead of messing with what people love about [the Bugout], the two brands have chosen careful cleverness in their upgrades and stylistic flourishes.

At a distance, this version of the Bugout looks quite subtle — almost like a blacked-out version. But a closer inspection reveals its secrets.

The handle, for instance, is engraved with a checkerboard-like pattern of Kith’s logo. Furthermore, the blade features a Benchmade logo on one side (next to the thumb stud) and Kith’s Kith & Kin logo on the other.

These stylistic upgrades lure the eye and invite closer inspection without sacrificing any of what made this EDC mainstay so great.

Benchmade BKC x Kith Bugout 535BK 2501 closeup on gray background — Kith’s engraved logo on the handle adds plenty of grip and stylistic flair.

No compromises or sacrifices

Of course, the upgrades aren’t just stylistic. There are also some material changes and some sneaky functionality built in.

For instance, the aforementioned handle pattern is engraved into the knife’s anodized aluminum scales, adding grip. As such, wielding it is safer and more secure.

The knife steel also gets a major upgrade. Instead of the base model’s S30V steel, this one sees Böhler M390 super steel swapped in.

But that’s not all. The blade has a gorgeous, blacked-out cobalt cerakote finish that adds texture, depth and even more durability than the steel already offers.

The knife also still features Benchmade’s legendary AXIS lock, its signature lanyard hole and ambidextrous thumb studs for deployment.

Benchmade BKC x Kith Bugout 535BK 2501 knife on grass next to fishing grear and wood — This is one of the most premium and exclusive Bugouts ever created.

Available now

The BKC x Kith 535BK-2501 is priced at an eye-watering $395 apiece.

However, since only 50 were made and they’re of exceptionally high material quality and unmatched style, they’re almost guaranteed to sell out immediately.