Benchmade Mini Bugout & Ripp's Garage Tech Ultem Scales
The Benchmade Bugout has established itself as the go-to knife for many throughout the years with its slim and lightweight design. Given its popularity and great reviews, I knew that’s where I wanted to start for my Everyday Carry (EDC) system in 2024. I opted for the smaller version, the Benchmade Mini Bugout.
(Pictured with the Savage Tactician Hoist 30 oz Tumbler)
I chose the Mini Bugout to keep my EDC lightweight and minimal, but knew the genetics of the bigger Bugout were all there. The first time I held it, the size shocked me, and I worried that it would be too small. That all went away after carrying it for a couple of weeks. It disappears when clipped into the smaller watch/coin pocket of my pants, with its deep-carry pocket clip. A quick flip of the thumb, and I’m ready to use the small, but practical blade.
Now, with a well-made functioning tool in my EDC system, I also wanted to change things up and step foot into the Ultem knife scales world. Ultem is a high-performance thermoplastic, used in aircraft and medical components, among other industries. The most visual attribute of Ultem is the semi-transparent amber/honey color that comes through in the sun.
(Pictured with the Savage Tactician Saint Sticker)
For this, I turned to Ripp’s Garage Tech, a small machining shop in Wisconsin that makes knife accessories, EDC pens, and Knife Skins. I purchased their Mini Bugout Ultem scales in the fluted pattern and installed the scales. The machining is fantastic. Smooth edges, great tolerances, and the pattern provides adequate grip for such a small knife. I look forward to trying out Ripp's Garage Tech for my completely bland Spyderco Para 2 and seeing how I can transform it.
I couldn’t be happier with how things turned out with the Benchmade Mini Bugout mixed with Ripp’s Garage Tech Ultem scales. Follow along to see how I’ll combine this with other components of my EDC system to kickstart 2024.
AJ Manglona
Sgt, USMC (Ret.)