Over the last few years, Ronnie Fieg has been stepping out of his comfort zone in the fashion realm to deliver a wide range of limited edition collaborations. On top of producing Kith edition BMW cars, the company has also increasingly tossed its hat into the EDC ring — first with its collab with TAG Heuer last year, and now with Benchmade, which it’s partnered with to create the Kith for Benchmade Bugout 535 — or 535BK-2501.
The Basics
Based on Benchmade’s new-for-2025 bolster-equipped Bugout model, the BKC x Kith 535BK-2501 spans 7.46” overall and weighs in at around 2oz.
A Product With An Edge
Mated to the 535BK-2501’s custom handle is a 3.24-inch long, 0.09-inch thick drop point blade. Deployed via a dual thumb-stud setup, the Kith for Benchmade Bugout’s blade sports a top-shelf Böhler M390 super steel construction cloaked in a cobalt (black) Cerakote finish. The showside of the blade features a standard Benchmade logo while its offside boasts an M390 stamp and Kith’s Kith and Kin logo—further distinguishing it from the regular Bugout. It’s unclear why Benchmade opted for an M390 construction over the CPM S90V steel used on the production “Bolster Bugout” but we’re definitely not complaining…because M390!
A Well Handled Collab
What really makes this limited edition EDC knife so special is unquestionably its handle. Using Benchmade’s new bolster-equipped model as its basis, the Kith for Benchmade knife features a steel liner cloaked in aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum scales. Not only are these scales anodized, but they’ve also been machined with a custom Kith logo pattern—giving the knife a unique and eye catching appearance while also enhancing traction and grip. Fitted with ambidextrous AXIS locking mechanism, the handle also gets a black lanyard hole spacer, a black bolster, and matching black hardware throughout.
Packaging A Good Idea
The entire American-made knife also ships in a special edition Benchmade x Kith box with a custom foam insert — rather than using a regular Benchmade box. Sure, this is a small detail, but it nonetheless further elevates an already elite product.
Why We Love It
There’s just something inherently cool about seeing two lauded brands come together for a collaboration like this that we really appreciate. Additionally, unlike many other knife collabs — such as the Supreme edition Bugout — the Kith 535 is far more than just a unique colorway or a logo slapped onto the handle. The amount of time and effort required to set up the Kith-pattern machining on this knife’s handle must have been extensive, and the end result not only looks incredible, but finds an interesting way to use Kith branding while simultaneously bolstering grip. What’s more, the super limited edition nature of this knife makes it all the more attractive in our eyes, too.
Spec Sheet
Brand: Benchmade
Collaborator: Kith
Model: Bugout 535BK-2501
Overall Length: 7.46”
Blade Length: 3.24”
Blade Thickness: 0.09”
Blade Steel: Böhler M390
Lock Type: AXIS
Handle Material: Aluminum
Manufacturing Origin: USA
Production: 50 Units (Limited Edition)
MSRP: $395
Pricing & Availability
The Kith for Benchmade Bugout 535 is available now with pricing set at $395. With production limited to just 50 units worldwide, the BKC x Kith 535BK-2501 is practically guaranteed to sell out pretty much instantly.
Recap
Kith for Benchmade Bugout 535
Diving even deeper into the everyday carry space, Ronnie Fieg taps Benchmade for an exclusive, super limited edition run of custom-handled, super-steeled Kith Edition Bugout EDC knives.
