After being reserved exclusively for their $1,300 Gold Class Necron balisong — a fitting tribute to the company’s butterfly knife origins — Benchmade is bringing Monarch Damasteel to the people. Well, the Custom Bugout program, at least. For those keeping score, this is the first time this proprietary steel has appeared on anything remotely practical for daily carry.
A Heritage Play with Modern Performance
Monarch Damasteel is not just another pretty pattern. Damasteel AB in Söderfors, Sweden developed this exclusive blend specifically for Benchmade, combining RWL34 and PMC27 steels through their powder metallurgy process. The result is a flowing pattern that mirrors Benchmade’s butterfly logo while delivering serious corrosion resistance, edge retention, and toughness. It’s essentially a 21st-century take on Damascus steel’s ancient lineage that dates back centuries.
The aesthetic alone justifies attention. Those rippling lines across the 3.24-inch drop-point blade aren’t stamped or etched; they’re structural, built into the steel’s composition during manufacturing, while transforming this workhorse folder into something you’ll actually want to show off.
Why the Bugout Still Dominates
Since 2017, the Bugout has occupied this rare sweet spot in the EDC landscape. It’s light enough (1.85oz) to hide in your pocket yet substantial enough to handle real work. The AXIS lock remains one of the smoothest, most reliable mechanisms Benchmade’s ever developed, and the ergonomic handle accommodates both precision cuts and extended use without fatigue. Add reversible deep-carry clip positioning and you’ve got a knife that’s pretty darn perfect regardless of your carry preferences.
The Custom program takes that already versatile platform and makes it something personal. Beyond the Monarch Damasteel blade option, you can spec your Bugout with Grivory, G10, titanium, or carbon fiber handles in various colorways. The program basically lets you build the exact knife you’d want if you were commissioning a custom maker.
Spec Sheet
Model: Custom Bugout
Blade Steel: Monarch Damasteel (RWL34 and PMC27)
Blade Length: 3.24″
Overall Length: 7.46″
Closed Length: 4.22″
Blade Thickness: 0.09″
Handle Materials: Grivory, G10, Titanium, or Carbon Fiber
Lock: AXIS Lock
Clip: Reversible Mini Deep-Carry
Weight: 1.85 oz (base configuration)
Made: Oregon, USA
Pricing & Availability
The Custom Bugout with Monarch Damasteel starts at $410 when paired with Grivory handles, or $470 with G10. If you’re feeling ambitious, titanium handles push the price to $610, though that combination will outlast most of your other gear. You can access the Custom program directly through Benchmade’s website. For those preferring a more aggressive blade shape, the Custom Bailout also offers Monarch Damasteel, starting at $300.
Recap
Benchmade Custom Bugout with Monarch Damasteel
Benchmade’s bringing their exclusive Monarch Damasteel—previously only available on a $1,300 balisong—to the Custom Bugout program, giving you Swedish-made patterned steel with serious performance credentials on an already stellar EDC platform.
