Benchmade 535SL-13 Bugout AXIS Lock Knife Crater Blue

The Benchmade 535SL-13 Bugout runs Benchmade's iconic ultralight folder with a Crater Blue 6061-T6 anodized aluminum handle and a 3.24-inch CPM-S90V drop point blade in Cerakote Crushed Silver. Same proven AXIS® Lock mechanism, same 4.22-inch closed footprint, with a full-aluminum body for operators who want maximum rigidity in the lightest serious EDC platform Benchmade builds.

Key Features

• CPM-S90V super-steel blade: 3.24-inch drop point, 59-61HRC, Cerakote Crushed Silver finish.
• AXIS® Lock: Benchmade's ambidextrous crossbar lock. Fully ambidextrous, easy one-handed open and close.
• 6061-T6 anodized aluminum handle: Full-aluminum body, Crater Blue color.
• Mini deep carry pocket clip: Tip-up, black, black oxide finish.
• Lanyard hole.
• 2.52 ounces total weight.
• Made in Oregon, USA.
• Benchmade lifetime warranty with free LifeSharp service for the life of the knife.

Why It Matters in the Field

The 535SL-13 takes the standard Bugout platform and rebuilds the handle in full 6061-T6 anodized aluminum — no scales, no inlays, just a milled aluminum body. The result is a Bugout with the most rigid handle treatment in the lineup and a Crater Blue colorway that's identifiable without screaming for attention.

CPM-S90V is the same super-steel blade that runs across Benchmade's premium tier. As a powder-metallurgy stainless, S90V holds an edge longer than CPM-S30V or 154CM and resists corrosion better than most stainless steels in this class. The Cerakote Crushed Silver finish adds a layer of corrosion and abrasion resistance over the steel itself — a meaningful spec for operators carrying through humid, coastal, or maritime environments.

The AXIS® Lock runs ambidextrously: the crossbar pulls back on either side of the handle for either-handed deployment and closing. At 2.52 ounces and 4.22 inches closed, the 535SL-13 is among the lightest serious EDC folders on the market.

Specifications

Why tacticaledge.com Carries It

Benchmade Bugouts are EDC industry standards. The 535SL-13 brings full-aluminum rigidity, S90V super-steel, and a Cerakote-finished blade in a 2.52-ounce package, all backed by Benchmade's lifetime warranty. For operators who EDC daily and want a serious folder that disappears in the pocket, it earns the spot.

FAQ

How does the 535SL-13 differ from the standard 535 Bugout?

Same mechanism, same overall dimensions. The 535SL-13 upgrades the handle from Grivory to full 6061-T6 anodized aluminum (no scales) and steps up the blade from CPM-S30V to CPM-S90V with a Cerakote Crushed Silver finish.

How does it differ from the 535-09?

Both are upgraded Bugouts with S90V steel. The 535-09 has an aluminum frame with Richlite scale inlays in Ash Gray and Redstone, with a stonewash polish blade. The 535SL-13 has a full aluminum body in Crater Blue with a Cerakote-finished blade. Choose based on the handle treatment and blade finish you prefer — performance is comparable.

What is the AXIS® Lock?

Benchmade's proprietary crossbar lock, introduced in 1998. A spring-loaded bar engages a notch in the blade tang to lock the blade open. To close, pull the bar back from either side of the handle and pivot the blade. Ambidextrous, fast, and one of the most refined lockup mechanisms on the market.

How does CPM-S90V perform with a Cerakote finish?

S90V is already corrosion-resistant; Cerakote adds a hard, abrasion-resistant ceramic coating over the steel. The combination is well-suited to humid, salt-air, and high-friction carry environments.

Does it ship to APO/FPO addresses?

Yes. tacticaledge.com ships free to all APO and FPO addresses.

What is LifeSharp?

Benchmade's free in-house re-sharpening service. Send the knife in and Benchmade will sharpen it back to factory edge, clean it, oil it, and adjust it as needed — for the life of the knife.

Is the 535SL-13 legal where I am?

The 535SL-13 is a manual folder, not an automatic. Folder laws vary by jurisdiction; the customer is responsible for verifying state, county, and municipal regulations before ordering.