Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Benchmade Shootout, one of the top contenders in the world of everyday carry (EDC) knives.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the features, pros, and cons of this elite EDC knife, comparing it to other popular Benchmade knives and providing an honest assessment of its performance and value.
Key Takeaways:
- The Benchmade Shootout is a sub $300 OTF knife that has gained recognition in the EDC community.
- Its lightweight design, excellent steel choice, and overall build quality make it a top contender in the EDC knife market.
- The Shootout features a CF-Elite handle, reversible deep carry pocket clip, and carbide glass breaker.
- Users have praised its ease of use, hand-filling grip, and smooth action, making it suitable for everyday tasks.
- Compared to other OTF knives, the Shootout stands out with its unique features and superior performance.
Key Features and Design of the Benchmade Shootout
The Benchmade Shootout is packed with impressive features that set it apart from other knives in its class. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this knife a standout choice for EDC enthusiasts.
CF-Elite Handle
One of the standout features of the Benchmade Shootout is its CF-Elite handle. This material provides exceptional strength and durability while keeping the knife lightweight for everyday carry. The CF-Elite handle also offers a comfortable and ergonomic grip, ensuring that you can use the knife for extended periods without fatigue.
Reversible Deep Carry Pocket Clip
The Shootout comes equipped with a reversible deep carry pocket clip, allowing for versatile carry options. Whether you prefer tip-up or tip-down carry, this knife has you covered. The deep carry clip ensures secure and discreet placement in your pocket, so you can confidently take it with you wherever you go.
Carbide Glass Breaker
In emergency situations, having a glass breaker can be a critical feature. The Benchmade Shootout incorporates a carbide glass breaker into its design, providing you with a tool that can shatter windows and help you escape from a trapped vehicle or other emergency scenarios.
Superior Blade Steel
The Shootout’s blade is made of CPM CRU-WEAR stainless steel, a premium steel known for its exceptional performance. With a superior Rockwell hardness rating, this blade offers excellent edge retention and toughness, ensuring that it can handle various cutting tasks with ease. Additionally, the blade features a flat earth PVD coating, providing added protection against wear and corrosion.
Lightweight and Easy to Carry
Weighing in at just 2.8 oz, the Benchmade Shootout is incredibly lightweight, making it effortless to carry every day. Its compact size and slim profile also contribute to its ease of carry, allowing you to slip it into your pocket without bulk or discomfort.
When comparing the Benchmade Shootout to other popular Benchmade knives like the Bugout, Griptilian, Mini Griptilian, and Freek, it’s clear that this knife stands out from the crowd. Its unique features, such as the CF-Elite handle and carbide glass breaker, coupled with its outstanding performance and top-notch blade steel, make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and versatile everyday carry knife.
Performance and User Reviews of the Benchmade Shootout
Users have praised the Benchmade Shootout for its exceptional performance and functionality. They have found it to be an easy-to-use EDC knife with a hand-filling grip that ensures a comfortable and secure hold. The smooth action of the Shootout adds to its overall user experience, making it a pleasure to deploy the blade.
Many users have reported that the Benchmade Shootout performs exceptionally well in everyday tasks, such as cutting boxes and general utility use. Its versatile design and craftsmanship make it a reliable companion for various activities.
One standout feature of the Benchmade Shootout is its choice of blade steel, CPM CRU-WEAR. This high-quality steel offers excellent edge retention and durability, ensuring that the blade will stay sharp and efficient through extended use. Users appreciate the added confidence and reliability this provides.
“The Benchmade Shootout is a beast. It’s incredibly sharp, has great balance, and feels solid in the hand. The CRU-WEAR steel is fantastic! It holds an edge excellently and is easy to maintain. I’ve used it for everything from slicing fruits to cutting rope, and it never disappoints.” – John D.
While the Benchmade Shootout has received positive reviews, there are a few concerns that users have raised. Some users have commented on the blade shape, finding it less versatile for certain tasks. Additionally, a few users have mentioned minor imperfections in the finish on the blade and handle.
However, despite these minor concerns, the overall consensus is that the Benchmade Shootout is a high-performing EDC knife that meets the expectations of its users. Its reliable functionality, ease of use, and well-crafted design make it a popular choice among EDC enthusiasts.
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Comparing Benchmade Shootout to Other OTF Knives
When it comes to comparing the Benchmade Shootout to other OTF knives, the Shootout definitely holds its own. Known for its superior build quality and attention to detail, the Benchmade Shootout offers a range of unique features that set it apart from the competition.
One popular brand in the OTF knife market is Microtech. While Microtech has a strong following, the Benchmade Shootout brings its own set of advantages to the table.
- The CF-Elite handle of the Shootout is both lightweight and durable, providing a comfortable grip and enhanced maneuverability.
- The inclusion of a carbide glass breaker in the Shootout adds extra utility and versatility, making it a practical choice for everyday carry.
- The blade steel used in the Shootout, CPM CRU-WEAR, is known for its exceptional performance in terms of edge retention and durability, giving it an edge over other OTF knives on the market.
With its combination of unique features and high-quality craftsmanship, the Benchmade Shootout stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking a top-tier OTF knife.
Disclaimer: The image is for illustrative purposes only and may not depict the actual product mentioned in the section above.
Pros and Cons of the Benchmade Shootout
When considering the Benchmade Shootout, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision. This section will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of this high-quality EDC knife.
Advantages of the Benchmade Shootout
- Ease of use: The Benchmade Shootout is designed for effortless operation, allowing for quick and convenient access to its blade.
- Lightweight design: Weighing just 2.8 oz, this knife is a breeze to carry, making it ideal for everyday use without weighing you down.
- Superior blade steel: The Shootout features a CPM CRU-WEAR stainless steel blade with excellent edge retention and durability, ensuring a cutting tool that will stand the test of time.
- Overall build quality: Benchmade is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, and the Shootout is no exception. It boasts a robust build that can handle demanding tasks.
- Hand-filling grip: The ergonomic design of the Shootout ensures a comfortable and secure grip, allowing for precise control during use.
- Smooth action: The deployment and retraction of the blade are smooth and reliable, facilitating seamless operation and quick access.
- Deep carry pocket clip: The Shootout comes with a reversible deep carry pocket clip, providing discreet and secure storage.
Disadvantages of the Benchmade Shootout
- Blade shape: Some users may find the blade shape less versatile for certain tasks compared to other knife options.
- Finish on the blade and handle: A few users have reported concerns about the finish on the blade and handle, noting potential wear and tear over time.
- Polymer handle material: The polymer handle material can be a matter of personal preference, as some individuals may prefer alternative materials.
- Price point: The Shootout falls into the higher-end price range for EDC knives, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.
By considering both the pros and cons of the Benchmade Shootout, you can make an informed decision about whether this EDC knife aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
Benchmade Shootout vs Benchmade Bugout: A Comparison
When comparing the Benchmade Shootout to the Benchmade Bugout, you’ll find some key differences worth considering. The Shootout offers an OTF (Out The Front) mechanism, a different blade shape, and a glass breaker, while the Bugout is a manual folding knife with a distinct handle design. Your personal preference and intended use will ultimately determine which knife suits you best.
| Benchmade Shootout | Benchmade Bugout |
|---|---|
| OTF mechanism | Manual folding |
| Different blade shape | Distinct blade shape |
| Glass breaker | No glass breaker |
| Unique features | Distinct handle design |
Both the Benchmade Shootout and Bugout have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Shootout’s OTF mechanism allows for quick deployment, while the Bugout’s manual folding design offers simplicity and ease of use. The blade shape and handle design of each knife provide different ergonomic experiences.
If you value the convenience and speed of an OTF mechanism, as well as the utility of a glass breaker, the Benchmade Shootout may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a manual folding knife with a distinct handle design, the Benchmade Bugout might be more suitable for your needs.
Remember, both knives are made with Benchmade’s renowned quality and craftsmanship. It’s important to carefully consider your personal preferences and the specific tasks you intend to use the knife for before making a decision.
Benchmade Shootout vs Benchmade Griptilian/Mini Griptilian/Freek: How They Stack Up
When comparing the Benchmade Shootout to the Benchmade Griptilian, Mini Griptilian, and Freek, you’ll notice distinct differences in terms of mechanism, blade shape, and handle design. The Shootout sets itself apart with its OTF (Out The Front) mechanism, which allows for quick and effortless deployment of the blade. In contrast, the Griptilian, Mini Griptilian, and Freek are manual folding knives that require manual manipulation to open and close.
Another notable difference is in the blade shape. The Benchmade Shootout features a spear-point blade, which offers a versatile and efficient cutting edge. On the other hand, the Griptilian, Mini Griptilian, and Freek come with a drop-point blade shape, known for its durability and versatility in various cutting tasks.
The handle materials also contribute to the distinctive characteristics of each knife. The Shootout boasts a CF-Elite handle, providing a lightweight and ergonomic grip. Meanwhile, the Griptilian, Mini Griptilian, and Freek offer a glass-filled nylon handle, known for its durability and reliability.
As for user preferences, both the Benchmade Griptilian and Mini Griptilian have gained a loyal following for their robust build quality, smooth deployment, and versatile blade shapes. The Freek, with its unique handle design and excellent grip, has also garnered positive reviews among outdoor enthusiasts.
Ultimately, when considering the Benchmade Shootout versus the Benchmade Griptilian, Mini Griptilian, and Freek, you should take into account your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize quick and effortless deployment with an OTF mechanism, the Shootout may be the optimal choice for you. However, if you value a proven design with a manual folding mechanism, along with a drop-point blade shape, the Griptilian, Mini Griptilian, or Freek might be better suited to your needs.
Conclusion: Is the Benchmade Shootout Worth It?
In conclusion, the Benchmade Shootout proves to be a high-quality and lightweight everyday carry (EDC) knife that offers unique features and exceptional performance. Its CF-Elite handle, reversible deep carry pocket clip, and carbide glass breaker set it apart from other knives in the market. The choice of CPM CRU-WEAR stainless steel for the blade ensures superior edge retention and durability.
However, it’s important to note that the Benchmade Shootout may not be suitable for everyone. With a price point above $300 and specific design choices such as the blade shape and the finish on the blade and handle, it may not align with everyone’s preferences and budget.
When considering whether the Benchmade Shootout is worth it for you, take into account your personal preferences, intended use, and budget. If you value high-quality craftsmanship, innovative features, and a reliable EDC knife, the Benchmade Shootout is definitely worth considering. However, if you have a limited budget or prefer a different design, there are other options available in the market.
FAQ
What are the key features and design of the Benchmade Shootout?
The Benchmade Shootout features a CF-Elite handle, a reversible deep carry pocket clip, and a carbide glass breaker. Its 3.51″ blade is made of CPM CRU-WEAR stainless steel with a superior Rockwell hardness rating and a flat earth PVD coating.
How does the Benchmade Shootout compare to other popular Benchmade knives?
The Benchmade Shootout stands out with its unique features and performance when compared to other Benchmade knives like the Bugout, Griptilian, Mini Griptilian, and Freek.
What is the performance and user reviews of the Benchmade Shootout?
Users have praised the Benchmade Shootout for its ease of use, hand-filling grip, and smooth action. The CPM CRU-WEAR steel ensures excellent edge retention and durability. However, some users have raised concerns about the blade shape and the finish on the blade and handle.
How does the Benchmade Shootout compare to other OTF knives?
The Benchmade Shootout holds its own with its superior build quality and attention to detail when compared to other OTF knives on the market.
What are the pros and cons of the Benchmade Shootout?
The pros of the Benchmade Shootout include its ease of use, lightweight design, superior blade steel, and overall build quality. However, some potential drawbacks to consider are the blade shape, the finish on the blade and handle, and the polymer handle material.
How does the Benchmade Shootout compare to the Benchmade Bugout?
The Benchmade Shootout offers an OTF mechanism, a different blade shape, and a glass breaker, while the Bugout is a manual folding knife with a different handle design. Both knives have their strengths and weaknesses, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use.
How does the Benchmade Shootout compare to the Benchmade Griptilian/Mini Griptilian/Freek?
The Benchmade Shootout differs from the Griptilian, Mini Griptilian, and Freek in terms of mechanism, blade shape, and handle design. The Shootout’s OTF mechanism sets it apart, and its blade shape and handle materials provide a unique user experience. The Griptilian, Mini Griptilian, and Freek have their own advantages and fan bases, so it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing between these models.
Is the Benchmade Shootout worth it?
The decision to purchase the Benchmade Shootout depends on your personal preferences, intended use, and budget. Consider the features, pros, and cons discussed in this review to make an informed decision.