These two American knives sit at opposite ends of the folding-knife world. The Buck 110 is a heritage lockback — heavy, brass-and-ebony, and about $65. The Benchmade Bugout is a modern ultralight EDC — 1.85 ounces, premium steel, one-hand AXIS lock, and around $200. Both are genuinely made in the USA and backed for life, so the choice is really heritage-and-value versus lightweight-and-modern.
Buy the Buck 110 if you want an American classic with unbeatable value and do not mind the weight. Buy the Benchmade Bugout if you want the lightest, most refined everyday-carry folder with premium steel and one-hand deployment, and the price does not scare you.
It depends on how you carry: the Buck 110 (4.7) is the classic, rugged value winner, while the Benchmade Bugout (4.6) wins for modern, ultralight everyday carry.
Best for Buck 110
A classic, rugged lockback at a great price — ideal for hunting, the outdoors, and traditionalists.
Best for Benchmade Bugout
An ultralight, modern one-hand EDC knife with premium steel and an AXIS lock.
Side by side
| Buck 110 Folding Hunter | Benchmade Bugout 535 | |
|---|---|---|
| Made in America Review Score | 4.7 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Price | ~$65 | $200 |
| Weight | 7.2 oz | 1.85 oz |
| Blade steel | 420HC | CPM-S30V |
| Lock / opening | Lockback, two-hand | AXIS, one-hand |
| Made in | Post Falls, Idaho | Oregon City, Oregon |
American Manufacturing, compared
Buck Knives
- Family-owned since 1902, fifth generation
- Made in Post Falls, Idaho; 110 in production since 1964
- Forever Warranty (unconditional lifetime)
Benchmade
- Made in Oregon City, Oregon, in-house
- Premium American CPM-S30V steel
- Limited lifetime warranty + free LifeSharp sharpening
The key differences
Price and value. The Buck costs roughly a third of the Benchmade. For pure value in an American-made knife, nothing here beats the 110.
Weight and carry. The Bugout is a featherweight one-hand folder with a deep-carry clip; the Buck is a heavier, two-hand belt-sheath knife. If daily pocket carry matters, the Benchmade wins easily.
Steel. Benchmade’s CPM-S30V holds an edge longer than Buck’s 420HC, though the 420HC is tougher to chip and easier to resharpen. Both makers will service the blade for life.
Read the full reviews
Final Recommendation
Buy the Buck 110 if you want a classic, durable American knife at an excellent price. Buy the Benchmade Bugout if you want the lightest, most modern everyday-carry knife and will pay for it.
Read the full reviews
Dig into the details with our independent, scored reviews, or explore each maker:
Reviews: Buck 110 review · Benchmade review
Brands: Buck Knives · Benchmade