# Benchmade Bugout 535 vs Kershaw Leek 1660: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Benchmade Bugout 535 (Benchmade) and Kershaw Leek 1660 (Kershaw) among pocket knives. Kershaw Leek 1660 is the cheaper of the two at $94.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Benchmade Bugout 535 | Kershaw Leek 1660 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $200 | $94.99 |
| Brand | Benchmade | Kershaw |
| Blade length (in) | 3.24 | 3 |
| Blade steel | CPM-S30V | 14C28N |
| Lock type | AXIS lock | frame lock |
| Opening mechanism | dual thumb studs, ambidextrous manual opening | SpeedSafe assisted opening, flipper/thumb stud |
| Blade shape grind | drop point, flat grind | modified wharncliffe, hollow grind |
| Handle material | Grivory (glass-filled nylon) | 410 stainless steel |
| Closed length (in) | 4.22 | 4 |
| Weight (oz) | 1.85 | 3 |

## Key differences

- Blade length (in): Benchmade Bugout 535 3.24 vs Kershaw Leek 1660 3
- Blade steel: Benchmade Bugout 535 CPM-S30V vs Kershaw Leek 1660 14C28N
- Lock type: Benchmade Bugout 535 AXIS lock vs Kershaw Leek 1660 frame lock
- Opening mechanism: Benchmade Bugout 535 dual thumb studs, ambidextrous manual opening vs Kershaw Leek 1660 SpeedSafe assisted opening, flipper/thumb stud
- Blade shape grind: Benchmade Bugout 535 drop point, flat grind vs Kershaw Leek 1660 modified wharncliffe, hollow grind
- Handle material: Benchmade Bugout 535 Grivory (glass-filled nylon) vs Kershaw Leek 1660 410 stainless steel
- Closed length (in): Benchmade Bugout 535 4.22 vs Kershaw Leek 1660 4
- Weight (oz): Benchmade Bugout 535 1.85 vs Kershaw Leek 1660 3

## Sources

- Benchmade Bugout 535: https://www.benchmade.com/products/535 (benchmade.com, verified 2026-08-11)
- Kershaw Leek 1660: https://kershaw.kaiusa.com/leek-black.html (kershaw.kaiusa.com, verified 2026-08-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/pocket-knives/benchmade-bugout-535-vs-kershaw-leek-1660/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Benchmade Bugout 535 ($200) vs Kershaw Leek 1660 ($94.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/pocket-knives/benchmade-bugout-535-vs-kershaw-leek-1660/
License: CC BY 4.0.