Why don’t I care about benchmade’s pricing? Cause I won’t buy em! I won’t pay that much for subpar quality.

In 2019 I bought a bugout for $98 shipped from BHQ with s30v. I remember thinking that it was a little overpriced for low quality plastic scales and a blade coating that was very chippy and easy to scratch. Now, seeing the basic model go for $176+ is absolutely insane to me and makes zero sense. I get that biden screwed up our economy but at this point, they are just price gouging and it’s not even for great quality. Benchmades quality has gone severely downhill in the last few years from grinds to heat treats to overall fit and finish. It’s extremely hard to stand by and say buy American, when the commie made knives have a better fit and finish with better materials for way cheaper. Us as customers really need to hold these companies accountable and make our needs known.

I definitely feel that Benchmade's prices are pretty ridiculous at this point, but if it's a design that I really like, I'm still willing to pay the price. The Bugout is the one exception, mainly because I know that I'll need to get aftermarket scales for it.

Dude when I come across your videos on KZfaq it’s like seeing an old friend! Cheers man, keep ‘em coming!

Great video! I am happy to pay higher prices for USA made knives, however, some of Benchmade’s newer offerings seem to be lacking the justification for the price. Apples to apples, USA made knives will cost more based on labor rates and economies of scale but if the company is cutting cost by using less than premium materials, then the higher cost seems less justified. 🤷🏼‍♂️

Been a while since I've seen your channel glad to see you're still around. Definitely agree on the pricing is getting crazy hope they fix their issues beforehand.

There used to be an amazing Army/Navy store about one hour from my house. They had an amazing knife section with everything from Victorinox to CRK Sebenza's and even a few super expensive customs. Three times a year, they would have a Benchmade knife sale in which their prices would be the same as most online knife retailers. I personally liked going there to physically handle and inspect a Benchmade knife before buying that knife so I could make sure its quality control/fit&finish was perfect👍 Unfortunately the owner was in his early 70s and his kids didn't want to continue the business, so it closed in late 2018😔

Manufacturers set the price of their product based off a number of factors (material & labor costs to name a couple) and it’s up to the consumer to determine if there is value in that product at that said price. I own several Benchmades and have had good experiences with them and will continue to buy them, as long as there’s a model that interests me. Part of the value, for me personally, is the fact they’re USA made. That being said, they’re definitely lower on my list of US manufacturers because I don’t see the same value in them as Spyderco, Hogue, ProTech, TRM, American Bladeworks to name a few. I don’t see the same quality as Les George, Hinderer, Demko or Chris Reeve, even though their prices in some cases are in that same range. Bottom line is, spend your money however you want. Nobody ever said on their deathbed, “I wish I hadn’t bought that knife”.

You’re spot on. Prices are up everywhere and made in America 🇺🇸 in this day and age and with our economy is going to cost 💲 more. Then supply and demand adds to that even more. I know retail very well, and the prices that I’m seeing are a product of what is happening in our nation and around the world. The prices are through the roof and are extremely expensive, but as you’ve stated so is food / gas ⛽️/ utilities/ clothing / homes, everything is, it doesn’t mean it’s ok, but this is the way things are. It’s as you’ve stated knifes are just luxury items, we don’t have too have them or actually truly need them it’s just a matter of want for some and some will pay whatever they are willing to, to have what they want. I can’t myself buy tons of knifes but I try to make every purchase count. I have a few Spyderco’s / Benchmades / Traditional’s and then I’m enjoying RoseCraft’s because of there great value / fit & finish. And I’m a Opinel nut 🌰 so can’t go wrong with those under $30. I probably buy maybe 2-3 good size purchases per year to get what I truly want, and then throughout the year I purchase much more reasonable knifes under the $65 dollar range and I’m good with that. I wish I could buy more but I can’t and I totally understand why the American 🇺🇸 made and manufactured in USA 🇺🇸 made knifes / products are so expensive. Our regulations / wages / materials cost so much more here and it’s going to carry over to the consumer and that’s just business. Yes some I’m sure are being a little greedy but again that’s always going to exist. I will gladly pay 💰 extra if that’s what I truly want if I’m able to afford it, if I can’t, then I move on. And for those that can afford and are willing to pay 💰 extreme amounts good on them. These are as you stated luxury items so that’s going to cost extra in this time / economy. I don’t like it but I understand it. Thanks for the video Randy !!! ❤️👍

I agree with all your points! I do struggle with GEC though love there knives just wish they were more available at the release price.

My bugout was so uncentered, it rubbed the scale. The edge was toothier than a 5 dollar bj, and the omega spring broke after a couple of months. Great first impression Benchmade 😂

Hi, amigo. Hope all is well with you and yours. Enjoyed the ramble - good one - you bring up a lot of thoughtful points. Even though I feel Benchmade generally makes a very good product, I'm not a big fan and have only a few as they are among many others at #3 on my fav manufacturers list. When I learn any manufacturer has something new to offer, I research it to decide if I might purchase. Price is among the important factors but generally falls behind the steel and other materials used in the overall design/appearance. If the price is in the Sebenza ballpark, the other factors have to be pretty dang impressive before I decide if I want to save up the bucks to purchase. Very rarely do I allow myself to get caught up in the hoopla of a new offering and hop on the gotta have it now bandwagon. An example, even though it doesn't fall into the big bucks category, is the GB2. I lusted for one at the get-go, but FOR ME the prob with the detent makes me glad I didn't make the jump. I realize this is probably not a deciding factor for most but for me, I would have been holding my breath waiting for a fail which would have ruined my experience using the knife. Which brings me to point of all this. I feel people need to remember that using a knife that has been sharpened and cared for - to skillfully accomplish whatever task is being done - it is a very personal and rewarding experience. How the person gets there is up to the individual. Whether or not the person decides to spend a fairly large sum of money, and with whichever manufacturer (CRH, Spyderco, Benchmade, whoever), to accomplish that experience is up to the individual. If they don't want to spend the big bucks, just don't do it. It's like walking down a road and finding a puddle in the middle of the path - decide to walk around it or through it. Don't blame the puddle for being there.

If those guys think knives are expensive, try getting into watches or cars! My "entry level" luxury watch was $4,000. And that's the bottom floor of luxury watches, sky is the limit.

I recently went to the Benchmade Factory Store in Oregon City.. bought my Griptilian for $160.. it was expensive.. but I wanted the blade shape that I could not find in the local knife stores. Benchmade has costs, Oregon has a Tired minimum wage system and factory sits in the highest area

I’m glad somebody said it. I’m good with paying to play. I know what I like and buy what I like. I will say GEC scalpers can get F’d!

You used to find knives that had 4inch S30V blades, G10 handles with 420J2 steel liners for $150 retail. An example would be the 5.11 branded Fox knives XPRT. I got it for a great deal of $39.99 marked down from $159 in 2012, and it’s been fantastic to this very day. Knives will always be worth a certain amount for me, and if they pass that amount into crazy land, I’ll never buy them. Yes my knife is made in Taiwan, but guess what what helped make Benchmade American knives? Chinese milling machines, laser engraving machines, storage bins for parts, tables etc… and who knows what else they would never reveal to the public. If I want to be Mr. Patriotic American I just carry a Buck 110.

benchmade once had the rights to the axis lock... i feel like that was a massive part of them being somewhat special... now that everyone else can use it... theyre just badly overpiced...

I don’t care where a knife is made. If I like it, and if I believe it’ll get work done, I’ll get it. I ain’t spending near $200 on some tin foil and plastic. Which is what a Bugout is. I spent $200 on the 535BK-2, and it gets outperformed by my $65 Taiwanese made Cold Steel Air Lite in every way imaginable. It’s just as light, tougher and the heat treat on Cold Steels AUS10A is near equal to the mediocre heat treat on BMs S30V.

I do like the bugout though . It’s been a nice one to carry

I ain't buying knives.

I like what I have and haven’t really wanted anything for a while except that damn kunwu Padre I just pre ordered and am already noticing an increasing checking account instead of where did a thousand bucks go this month ? “ oh , yeah , those 3 knives you bought 😂. Honestly , I d be ok with a simple $20 Queen wharncliffe

I have many Benchmades but I haven’t gotten a new one in years because of the price hike.

Made a lot of good points. As long as there's customers out there paying the high prices, the prices won't go down! Everyone in the US is dealing with high prices. The knife market isn't exempt.

Great video

GEC and the reason why it's so hard to get em is they don't make a lot of them and yes that's the knife world, people buy them knowing this and resale,it's just the way it is.Gotta pay to play.

I’ve purposefully sold every benchmade I’ve ever owned and happy I have. 😊

I haven't bought a benchmade in years and don't plan to anytime soon. There are good value american made knives nowadays you just have to know where to look. Companies like trm and American blade works come to mind.

Ive thought the same about GEC drops lately...literally the second they drop they are gone. No chance to grab one even if you are all ready to go. At this point its kind of ended my interest in GEC. As for benchmade...no thanks. I have a few and like them, but not worth what they are charging these days...hopefully they learn the hard way.

I think a large part of that price increase is because you have companies trying to dig themselves out of financial hole caused when the global economy stalled during the covid crisis. Metal prices are also high and the cost of labor is increasing because of inflation. Dont forget also that we havent recovered from the global supply chain issues. I dont imagine machining and milling parts are as easy to come by and it might equate to less production at higher unit cost versus higher production at lower unit cost.

Can a knife manufactured in the US go for the same price as in Asia? No. Are some of the Benchmade prices ridiculously high? Yes. I guess nobody would complain if Benchmade had prices that are moderately higher.

Benchmade is a luxury brand and luxury brands prey on peoples' emotional desire to have possessions that are somewhat exclusive. For some people, a higher price is subconsciously appealing to them. If people just want a good S30V EDC knife, they can find those for 100. Off the top of my head, the Buck 112 Slim Pro TRX is 100 bucks, made in USA with a lifetime warranty and good heat treat. Benchmade has probably discovered that they can make more money taking advantage of wealthy knife collectors, whereas a brand like Spyderco seeks to offer knives for everyone at all price points. Social media probably helps Benchmade sell luxury knives because people get hooked on showing off their knives on Instagram and the like, and get jealous when they see others showing theirs off.

I Love me some Spyderco and Benchmade knives,Love supporting American companies,workers and products,but the pricing per materials,workmanship and customer service needs to be within reason for me to pull the trigger.I hope they don’t price themselves out of reach for a lot of consumers,good talk Randy👍

Have only been in the pocket knife hobby/addiction for about 2 years. While I've 50 ish knives(seven of those are garbage sentimental pieces from throughout my life), I've not pulled the trigger on a Benchmade. Almost did on a mini Crooked. Not a cost thing, just haven't had one speak to me. Hell, my first purchase was a zt 0350(still carry it around the yard).

No hate if Benchmade wants to sell what people will pay for, just like no hate for overseas companies selling the same or better quality knives for a fraction of the price. People will do what they want to do.

I have been collecting spyderco and benchmade for over 30 yrs… over this time the Chinese manufacturers have really stepped it up imo. In the last year I’ve got a 940, two freeks, two bugouts among others and none of them have really seen any pocket time. Last month I got two kizer varatas that run comparable to the bugout $… other than it being a frame lock and non cpm, S35, benchmade should be embarrassed. The varatas is currently my fav in my collection… I’m also looking to downsize a little what I would consider vintage models of spydies & bm without the eBay tax or hassle. Would you have recommendations to maximize my return on a multitude of pieces?

I think if they switched the bug out to g10 or to aluminum and then maybe upped the price a little it would make it worth it to me. I think they should do that with all of their polymer handled knives

I feel like it was a jedi mind trick benchmade had over me. I was never impressed by its feel in hand and when using to cut. Griptilian was the only knife I actually carried, but I had them all. Got em all stolen, and never replaced them.

I have purchased many benchmades. Every time, I can't believe what I've spent, swear I'll never do it again. I never regret the knife, I'm head over heals for their knives. Just a little sore

Cost = Value? Not so sure with benchmade. See too many issues with their knives. Only will buy knives i can put my hands on from them (Benchmade). Narrows, the price did not matter, I handled one and it was probably one of the worst knives i handled design wise. It is for you to decide.

I commented and thumbed up! I'm gonna keep my Benchmade lol .....Love the video bud. I'm not "happy" to pay extra but in the real world, if I can attain it and its something I'm after, the price will probably get paid or the secondary market will give me an opportunity to at least trade for it. In the case of something like the Narrows, I was one of the biggest critics on the pricing of that knife...but in hindsight, I didnt even want the knife. I wouldnt have paid $130 for it so I think I was a little over critical. I mean, I dont HAVE to buy it, right? Cool ramble bud.

Benchmade and spyderco is where I started when getting into knives and love them. Now I'm into knives costing $500-1000k!.....the hobby sucks you in quick! Just snagged a couple striders $$$....

Conclusion: If want it buy it. If not don’t. Why cry about it.

Its funny. I post a BM s30v bugout with g10 scales by knives plus with gold standoffs, thats basically new, and ask 160 shipped, and no-one wants it. Crazy. They are like 230 . The knife game is crazy now

Sharp video I’m still gonna buy Benchmade and Spyderco but I also like WE and Reatte quality has no borders. I live not far from where Benchmades are made and Oregon state taxes and labor laws make running a business super expensive. That said $600 for a bailout is ridiculous just because it has titanium scales not even anything special just flat non textured titanium scales..

Made in America means nothing to people who aren't American. Spydercos made in Taiwan are the best ones in my opinion. Nonetheless, I have 2 Benchmade mini-Griptilians which I love which I got at good prices. Personally, I don't care where a knife is made.

Long vid bro, But I watched it all and you made some great points I'm a collector myself benchmade, spyderco, pro-tech ect... and I will throw down the coin for USA made knives, Just because want to.

Benchmade; you can buy better, but ya can’t pay more. Their quality is fukt, and their prices are ridiculous. Y’all are welcome to it. I’ll keep buying from their FAR superior American competition. Ymmv

American collector here- dont care About country of origin. Actually, my usa made knives are some of the lowest quality knives in my collection. Crk (i have 6) is mid tier anymore. The real stars currently are coming from south africa and Russia. Also- benchmade average wage is 18 dollars an hour in Oregon, one of the more expensive states in the union. I get your "point", but frankly this isn't a well thought out defense of benchmade pricing

I own 14 Bugout 535's and will possibly buy more. Would I like to get them at a lower price, yes, would I like to get them if they are made cheaper, no. The Bugout 535 is a knife that feels like it was made just for me, blade length, blade shape and handle shape just fit period. When you find something that feels like it is custom built just for you would you buy it? I would and did!

Great points. People will legit buy 3 civivis for $200, say US made knives are too expensive, then complain about lack of variety in the knife world. MF all you buy are chinese budget knives with g10 scales and d2 steel with either a button lock or flipper liner lock. Of course you don't have variety. I'm not going to support the slave labor of chinese knives.

I personally won't pay benchmade prices but I'll buy them used for the right price. I think Benchmade's QC is mediocre and doesn't justify their prices. Last year I got a Bugout in really good condition for 60$ and then I went and bought AWT scales for it. Pretty nice knife now but its the only Benchmade I own.

Benchmade recently released the Redoubt, which has a grivory handle and CPM-D2 blade for $180.00. But you can get both the American made Hogue Deka and American made Kershaw Bel-Air, each with a magnacut blade for $149.99👍 There are several American made knives that are similar to the Benchmade Bugout that offer better materials, better quality control/fit&finish, at a much better price point👍

I don't buy benchmade or spyderco. I don't carry traditional no more. Ive lost so many and better designs nowadays. I don't understand why people defend benchmade? Personally im more then happy with my coldsteel knives and kershaw.

Deka is magnacut dude. Jesus. New watcher here.. you gotta do better

Benchmade uses stack metallurgy. Their heat treatment for multiple steels are either terrible or decent. M390, 3v, s90v and 20cv are terrible. Crueware is great. S30v and m4 are decent.

Didn't this American made company get into some controversy about them donating to anti 2a politicians? If they did/do, then why would I as an American, ever give them a dime.

Canadian knives like Grimsmo are insanely expensive they need a/more budget brands that's all I know

“Butterfly Tax”