Benchmade’s Bugout Vapyr Knife Is Even Better Than the Original

Benchmade’s Bugout has been our favorite backpacking knife since it was released in 2017, and for good reason: It’s a featherweight everyday carry that punches way above its weight class. Our testers have perennially praised everything, from the slim design and axis lock to the rust-proof blade coating, features that have made it Benchmade’s top seller with over 1 million units sold. The brand is keeping the O.G. in its lineup, but last month released the new Bugout Vapyr, essentially version 2.0, that weighs 3.69 grams less and has an upgraded blade and handle.

Bugout Vapyr

Weight: 1.72 oz

Blade Length: 7.48 in

Blade Material: MagnaCut Stainless Steel

Pros
+ Very light
+ Extremely slim
+ Durable MagnaCut blade
+ Great ergonomics for the size

Cons
– Expensive

Who It’s For: Folks looking for an everyday carry who don’t mind the 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 often on high-end knives in the last few years. MagnaCut, a metal made from fine particles of steel fused together, is extremely tough, absolutely corrosion resistant, and touts better edge retention than the S30V steel found in most knives. In short, MagnaCut means longevity. The tradeoff? A $175 premium over the original.

The Vapyr blade has nearly the same dimensions as the original, at 3.25 inches long and .08 inches thick. The Vapyr also has jimping—that serrated ridge along the top of the blade that provides better finger grip.

In addition to weighing only 1.72 ounces, the Vapyr’s profile is extremely slim: 33-percent thinner than the original Bugout at just 7.16 millimeters. The knife still features an AXIS lock, but it’s made 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 Vapyr is practically unnoticeable: I often caught myself brushing my hand against 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. Plus, the entire length is covered with indented scales on both sides compared to only 60-percent covered on the original. You can see and feel the difference.

I tested this blade every day straight for a full month, using it for everything from cutting thick, moldy carpet out of my storage shed to thinly slicing fresh morels (fear not, I washed it between uses.) My toughest task? Cutting thick rubber flooring that would have bowed comparable blades.

This is a great everyday carry for small tasks or big missions, and ideal for the outdoorsperson who wants ultralight, ultra-durable performance. (Benchmade’s lifetime cleaning, oiling, and adjusting service adds to its attraction.) While the original Bugout is still an outstanding knife, the updated Vapyr sets a new high-water mark in its size and weight class.