There was a time when I considered myself a knife collector and if you ask my wife she would probably say I do still collect knives. But, these days rather than collect knives based on what’s hot or new on the knife market, the knives in my collection reflect my outdoor adventures.

I’ve been using and carrying the Benchmade 533 (Mini Bug Out) for just over 2 years now. It was a gift from a buddy for my birthday. The knife goes with me to the hunting camp and out on the Gulf of Mexico spearfishing. I love the orange handle scales because no matter where you put it down, you can find it. Although, I don’t condone putting it any place other than back in your pocket after use, but should it hit the floor of the swamp or the Gulf of Mexico it is definitely easy to find and this Mini Bug Out has seen the bottom of both of those terrains.

The knife is ultralight and small in size but that makes it an unassuming beast. The CPM-S30V steel holds a great edge and with a blade length of 2.82” it is able to accomplish most any quick task needed. Is it an end all tool? No. But it gets most jobs accomplished and to be frank I don’t know any tool that is great at everything.

Specifications:

Overall Length: 6.49”

Blade Length: 2.82”

Closed Length: 3.704”

Weight: 1.5 oz

Steel: CPM-S30V (58-60 HRC)

Handle Material: Grivory

Lock: AXIS

It sees a lot of salt water time. I’ve tried other knives with “non-corrosive steels”, but I’ve rolled and chipped the edges on those knives during use. I’d much rather have a knife with good edge retention over one with soft steel that “won’t rust”. Every time I use the 533 in an outdoor environment I give it a good bath with soap and water, a thorough drying, and a coating of Clenzoil.

But even with thorough maintenance, my Benchmade has still succumbed to the harsh Florida environment. There is always a small rust spot that forms on the edge, one that has developed just above the edge, and rust has developed around the thumb stud. A quick strop takes care of the rust spot on the edge and after 2 years of use, I will disassemble the knife very soon to polish the blade around the thumb stud. The collector fanboys would probably shutter at the thought of saltwater exposure, but it’s my tool and it gets used and carried regularly. It can be counted on when I need it, and It always performs well.

This is not a complaint. I understand there is not a perfect knife on the market for every situation. This post is actually more of a bragging post. I love this little knife. It gets carried for EDC (Every Day Carry), as well as, for all of my outdoor adventures. Besides if it’s good enough for Mark Healy (professional surfer and spear fisherman), it’s good enough for me. And as the Benchmade slogan goes… It’s mine for life.

Make it your Absolute Intent to be better today than you were yesterday.