Benchmade’s Hardest-Working, Tactically Inspired EDC Knife Just Got Some Well-Deserved Upgrades

Thanks to gorgeous, function-forward new materials, this ultralight, underrated all-star now looks as fantastic as it performs.

Black folding knife with a textured carbon fiber handle, a visible gold-colored spring mechanism, and a matte black blade marked "S90V." The knife is placed on a speckled stone surface.

By Steve Mazzucchi

Published September 24, 2025

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For all the hype surrounding Benchmade’s Bugout — even on this very website — I continue to have a soft spot for its less-ballyhooed sibling.

Between its tactical-leaning tanto blade and ultralight handle, the Bailout is admittedly overqualified for EDC use, but like a suburban Tacoma, that’s part of the charm.

Between the black Cerakoted blade and carbon fiber handle, the newest Bailout is as darkly dazzling as they come.

Photo by Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

For their part, even the knife’s Oregon City, Oregon-based makers seem to be recognizing what a banger it is.

Benchmade kicked off summer with two new treatments — and now, as we bundle up for fall, the brand flashes quite possibly the best-looking, most overqualified Bailout yet.

Meet the new Bailout Carbon Fiber Black Tanto (537BK-10).

Upscale ingredients

Worth noting right off the bat, Benchmade did not throw the equivalent of a tux on this workhorse folder just for looks.

Each of the materials introduced on this particular iteration offers not only head-turning form but dependable function.

Close-up of a folding knife with a textured black carbon fiber handle, featuring bronze-colored hardware and a black blade marked "S90V." The knife is resting on a speckled stone surface. — This knife isn’t at all shy to shout out its blade steel, and it shouldn’t be.

First off, the blade is made of S90V, prized for its durability, edge retention and corrosion resistance — just the qualities you need in a dependable daily carry knife.

Furthermore, the beautiful black finish on that blade comes courtesy of Cerakote, which adds yet more resistance to wear, abrasion, corrosion and chemicals.

Folded pocket knife with a textured black handle, featuring a copper-colored clip and accents, resting on a rough beige surface. The blade is partially visible with the marking "A065. — The Bailout is the rare knife that looks just about as good folded as it does deployed.

(For the record, another upcoming Bailout, 537-09, boasts an M390 stainless steel blade with no such coating.)

Meanwhile, the equally eye-popping handle honors the Bailout’s ultralight tradition.

Black folding knife handle with a textured carbon fiber pattern, featuring a bronze-colored pocket clip, bronze pivot screw, and a visible bronze spring mechanism near the blade. The blade is partially visible and marked with "S90V." The knife is placed on a rough, beige stone surface. — The copper hardware adds a touch of class to a rugged AF knife that would still fit right in on a mahogany desk.

Made of lean, mean carbon fiber, it helps the overall weight stay well under 2.2 ounces.

As for the dark copper hardware? OK, fine, that’s just for show, but damn if it doesn’t look lovely.

Faithful function

Even with its glow-up, the Bailout’s not forgetting where it came from, as it still offers everything other variants do, if not more.

At a generous 3.38 inches, that tanto blade is adept at piercing and puncturing — take that, annoying clamshell packaging — and no slouch when it comes to slicing and chopping, either.

The Axis Lock is such a surefire winner, Benchmade uses it on nearly all of its folding knives.

Photo by Jack Seemer for Gear Patrol

Deploying smoothly via ambidextrous user-friendly thumb studs, the blade snaps into place courtesy of Benchmade’s patented and powerful Axis Lock.

Of course this adds the benefit of easy retraction, simply pull down on the two sides of the crossbar and give your wrist the slightest flick to bring it home.

Rounding out the features are a lanyard slot at the back of the handle as well as a reversible mini deep carry clip.

Close-up of a folding knife handle with a textured black carbon fiber grip, a bronze-colored metal pocket clip attached with two screws, and part of a black blade marked "S90V" visible. The background is a rough, light brown surface. — The mini deep carry pocket clip helps this beauty fly under the radar when needed.

No wonder — a knife this excellent merits multiple carry options, don’t you think?

The Benchmade Bailout Carbon Fiber Black Tanto (537BK-10) will be available for purchase on on October 7 for $400.

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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