Watch Out, Benchmade: This More Affordable Carbon Fiber-Handled EDC Knife Is Coming for the Mini Bugout

Vosteed’s Mini Psyop matches that bestseller’s looks and (some) features for less than half the price.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published December 16, 2024

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Updated December 16, 2024

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If imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery, Vosteed is flattering the hell out of Benchmade right now.

Because at a glance, the Guangzhou, China-based brand’s Mini Psyop is a near carbon (handled) copy of the Oregon City, Oregon knifemaker’s oh-so-popular Mini Bugout — especially when it comes to the fancier carbon fiber-handled versions.

That being said, the two knives are not exactly the same. Here’s what’s different, for better or worse, about the Mini Psyop.

vosteed mini psyop hero — Vosteed’s Mini Psyop looks super-similar at a glance to Benchmade’s Mini Bugout.

Fraternal twins?

To properly spotlight the differences between the American knife and its Chinese rival, it may help to see them side by side, so let’s start with that image.

As you can see, the Mini Psyop (or MP for short) has a similar blade shape, blue thumb stud, locking mechanism, carbon fiber handle and blue accent near the lanyard hole.

bugout psyop side by side — Viewed side by side, the two knives are clearly similar but not the same.

On the offside, the MP — designed by Geoff Blauvelt, founder of Tuffknives — also has a pretty similar pocket clip. The overall shape of the knife is not that different, either.

The differences emerge as you look closer and dig into the specs. Right off the bat, we can see that the blade shapes are not that similar. While both are drop points, the MP’s has a fuller belly, which ultimately lengthens the edge and likely improves slicing ability.

vosteed mini psyop closed — The Mini Psyop sliding lock mechanism and pocket clip largely mimic the Mini Bugout’s.

Additionally, while the Mini Bugout (or MB) employs Benchmade’s patented Axis lock, the MP possesses a similar-but-not-the-same Crossbar lock.

Both are quite reliable, but I would give the edge to the MB not only for the pedigree of this mechanism but also for Benchmade’s trademark precision machining, which is tough to beat.

From a weight standpoint, the MP is just slightly heavier, 1.77 ounces versus 1.62 ounces. While both knives have the exact same overall length, 6.49 inches, the MB’s blade is slightly longer: 2.82 inches versus 2.69 inches.

The blade steel difference probably plays the biggest role in what is ultimately the biggest distinction between the two knives: the price. While the carbon fiber-handled Mini Bugout costs $320, the Mini Psyop is a relative bargain at $139.

Probably the second biggest difference is the blade steel. The MP employs Elmax, a well-regarded material valued for its wear resistance, corrosion resistance and edge retention.

The MB, meanwhile, boasts CPM-S90V super steel. While it’s not quite MagnaCut, this material is highly respected and generally only found in knives at or a near the top of the line.

While it is known to hold an edge much longer than Elmax, S90V is a bit high maintenance, being brittle and difficult to sharpen. It’s also not as corrosion resistant.

vosteed mini psyop off side — The Mini Psyop’s Elmax blade is quite respectable and reliable for everyday use.

If you need something ultra-sharp and precise, S90V is what you want, but some would argue Elmax is a better, more balanced option for everyday use.

Even so, the blade steel difference probably plays the biggest role in what is ultimately the biggest distinction between the two knives: the price. While the carbon fiber-handled Mini Bugout costs $320, the Mini Psyop is a relative bargain at $139.

So beyond all our analysis, your wallet may have the final word on which you choose to pocket. Caught in the middle? We might suggest a third option: The James Brand’s The Carter (Carbon Fiber + Stainless), which just about splits the difference at $199.