First, I admit I was a high school kid back in the day when we all had heavy lock-back knives with leather sheaths, so the Benchmade Bailout took a bit to grow on me. But now I understand its role, capabilities, and quality.

A few months ago, Benchmade unveiled the Taiga Green Bailout, a limited-time color scheme. They sent one over for review, but this analysis truly applies to the Bailout in general, or at least the ones with aluminum handle scales.

Benchmade Taiga Green Bailout by the Numbers

• Specs for the Taiga Green Bailout include:
• Open length: 8.09 inches
• Closed length: 4.69 inches
• Blade length: 3.38 inches
• Blade thickness: .09 of an inch
• Handle thickness: .41 of an inch
• Handle material: 6061-T6 anodized aluminum
• Blade style: Tanto
• Clip position: Tip down

Benchmade’s AXIS Lock

Any Benchmade Bailout is truly a one-handed knife, for both opening and closing. The proprietary AXIS Lock crossbar lock leaves you with several options for deploying the knife.

I see the trendy knife guys online use a thumb-flick against the thumb stud to deploy the blade, but that’s not really for me. It might impress some in knife circles to do the thumb-flick or the off-side flick, but I prefer to keep a solid grasp on the scales – meaning four fingers, with my thumb maintaining contact while I pivot the blade open via the thumb stud.

For most Benchmade owners, the ease of flicking open with the AXIS lock is perfectly fine after a little practice. Some knife owners suggest loosening or adjusting the pivot pin and screw on crossbar-lock knives, but in my book, Benchmade knows more about making knives than I do, so I made no adjustments.

But once the Bailout loosens up a bit, just pulling back on the AXIS lock to free the blade makes for easy deployment with a quick wrist flick. I do find myself doing that at times, just out of simplicity.

When it is time to close the blade, just pull back again on the AXIS Lock, and a flip of the wrist in the proper direction will close the knife, again, one-handed. I often go for this approach, but with a light action, meaning the knife closes smoothly, with the blade actually slowing down as it gently settles back into its resting spot.

Quality Blade, Grind, and Scales

The Benchmade Bailout variants come in assorted blade steel choices, with mine featuring CPM-S90V Stainless Steel (59-61HRC). It seems to be holding an edge well, but that is the reputation of any Benchmade. The thin blade and grind angle definitely make it a "slicer."

At first, I didn’t know how to approach its tanto blade. However, I have found that the leading edge of the blade, albeit a short cutting surface, has been great for detailed work and small cutting tasks. The longer portion slices through whatever task smoothly and easily.

I did do a slight ceramic rod touch-up on the leading edge of the tanto, simply because when testing with paper cuts, it just didn’t seem to slice through as slickly as I would like. That minor touch-up was on a WorkSharp Guided Field Sharpener, my go-to for sharpening every knife I own, large or small. The same sharpener is also offered under the Benchmade brand, but as far as I can tell, the two are identical in every feature and sharpening angle. Well, other than color. The Benchmark-branded one is blue.

The 6061-T6 anodized aluminum scales on the Taiga Green Bailout are super lightweight, yet retain strength and stiffness. You can also get a Bailout in Benchmade’s proprietary Grivory scales, but I have not tried any of those.

Lightweight Carry Option

Okay, I admit, at first the Taiga Green Bailout just felt almost too slim, too lightweight. But, Benchmade is known for lightweight carry knives, like the Bailout and Bugout. So, they do it well.

So, just how lightweight is it to carry, beyond just knowing it only weighs 2.7 ounces?

Many times, I have left the house with it clipped inside the collar of my t-shirt. Yes, it is light enough to carry easily like that, and the deep-pocket-carry clip is superb.

Some clips might snag a little when you try to slide it into your pocket, but not the Bailout. It slides in and clips easily without having to work it over the pocket's cusp like some clips. Once clipped in, the Bailout is secure.

It has also excelled in both front- and back-pocket carry, while always feeling locked into place. And, again, at just 2.7 ounces, you have to remind yourself that you are carrying it.

One place this knife really shines is in a bellyband holster. Typically, a good bellyband gives you accessory spots for spare mags and other items. My Bailout slides right into one of these smaller pockets that is too tight for a spare mag but just right for a knife.

Put it on or in your kit, on a vest, in a bag, in a pocket — just wherever you want to stash a Bailout; it will work.

I did add a very short snake-knot paracord lanyard. The Bailout has a deep-carry clip, so my short, under-2-inch lanyard works well for easy pocket retrieval.

Benchmade: Taking Care of You for Life

The team at Benchmade stands behind their products, and the company touts itself as providing you with a knife for life. Several things come into play here.

First, Benchmade offers free lifetime sharpening of any of their knives. That’s right. Send them your knife; they will sharpen it and then send it back.

On its website, Benchmade explains: “We don’t just build knives for life, we help you maintain them for life, too. LifeSharp is our lifetime warranty and maintenance program available to all owners of authentic Benchmade knives. Whether your knife needs a fresh edge or a full tune-up, we’ll clean, oil, sharpen, and adjust it to factory specifications.”

You may have also noticed in that statement that Benchmade provides a lifetime warranty, another key part of their customer care.

Should You Try the Benchmade Bailout?

After maybe two months with the Benchmade Taiga Green Bailout, yes, I would recommend it for any officer or anyone wanting a good everyday carry (EDC) knife.

Here are a few reasons why:

• USA-made in Oregon
• Quality materials and workmanship
• Good blade geometry to make it a slicer, yet durable
• Good edge retention
• AXIS Lock for one-handed operation, both opening and closing
• Aluminum scales for stiffness and durability (on the one I have)
• Ease of carry – thin and lightweight
• Great customer support for life

So, check out the Benchmade website to see all the Bailout versions available with different blade steels, scale materials, and colors. Some also have a glass breaker, but mine does not. Or find a retailer and get your hands on one.

You’ll feel the quality, despite the lack of heft.