# Benchmade Bugout 535 vs CRKT Pilar: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Benchmade Bugout 535 (Benchmade) and CRKT Pilar (CRKT) among pocket knives. CRKT Pilar is the cheaper of the two at $24.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Benchmade Bugout 535 | CRKT Pilar |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $200 | $24.99 |
| Brand | Benchmade | CRKT |
| Blade length (in) | 3.24 | 2.67 |
| Blade steel | CPM-S30V | 8Cr13MoV |
| Lock type | AXIS lock | frame lock |
| Opening mechanism | dual thumb studs, ambidextrous manual opening | flipper, IKBS ball-bearing pivot |
| Blade shape grind | drop point, flat grind | drop point, stonewash finish |
| Handle material | Grivory (glass-filled nylon) | stainless steel |
| Closed length (in) | 4.22 | 4 |
| Weight (oz) | 1.85 | 4.2 |

## Key differences

- Blade length (in): Benchmade Bugout 535 3.24 vs CRKT Pilar 2.67
- Blade steel: Benchmade Bugout 535 CPM-S30V vs CRKT Pilar 8Cr13MoV
- Lock type: Benchmade Bugout 535 AXIS lock vs CRKT Pilar frame lock
- Opening mechanism: Benchmade Bugout 535 dual thumb studs, ambidextrous manual opening vs CRKT Pilar flipper, IKBS ball-bearing pivot
- Blade shape grind: Benchmade Bugout 535 drop point, flat grind vs CRKT Pilar drop point, stonewash finish
- Handle material: Benchmade Bugout 535 Grivory (glass-filled nylon) vs CRKT Pilar stainless steel
- Closed length (in): Benchmade Bugout 535 4.22 vs CRKT Pilar 4
- Weight (oz): Benchmade Bugout 535 1.85 vs CRKT Pilar 4.2

## Sources

- Benchmade Bugout 535: https://www.benchmade.com/products/535 (benchmade.com, verified 2026-08-11)
- CRKT Pilar: https://crkt.com/pilar (crkt.com, verified 2026-08-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/pocket-knives/benchmade-bugout-535-vs-crkt-pilar/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Benchmade Bugout 535 ($200) vs CRKT Pilar ($24.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/pocket-knives/benchmade-bugout-535-vs-crkt-pilar/
License: CC BY 4.0.