Keepers Updated September 16, 2026
535 Bugout

Is it worth it?

535 Bugout

Benchmade · $200

80Keeper

Yes. It scores 80, which makes it a Keeper: built and backed to last.

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We score it again October 1.

Where the 80 comes from

Warranty25/30

Limited lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship, as long as the knife hasn't been modified or misused.

Build22/30

S30V steel in a light plastic handle, with lock springs that can eventually wear.

Track record15/20

Started as Bali-Song in 1979 and has been Benchmade since 1987.

Repairable18/20

LifeSharp sharpening and tune-ups are free, plus a $20 shipping kit.

Image: benchmade.com

Numbers checked September 16, 2026. See the main source.

Find it on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Keepers earns from qualifying purchases.

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All 27 things we scoredEvery Keeper

Hear about the next Keeper.

One short email when something new makes the list: an album to play, a game to buy, a film to watch, a thing that lasts. Nothing else.

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How the score works

Things

  • Warranty, 30. What the company will actually fix or replace, read from their own policy.
  • Build, 30. Materials and construction, and whether there's anything to wear out.
  • Track record, 20. How long the maker has been making this well.
  • Repairable, 20. Whether you can get it fixed instead of replacing it.

A Keeper is our bet on what lasts. Some releases show it right away: the reviews, the players and the people behind them all point the same way, the way they did for Elden Ring. For albums, games, films and shows, 85 or above is a Keeper and 75 to 84 is worth your time. Things need 80. We score everything again as time goes by, and a Keeper that fades loses the label. Nobody pays to be here or pays for a score. Every score links to where its numbers came from. Each one has a link to find it on Amazon, and as an Amazon Associate, Keepers earns from qualifying purchases.