Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife

The Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife immediately strikes you as a serious tool designed for the outdoorsman. Inspired by the popular Bugout, the Taggedout promises a lightweight, yet capable, companion for hunting and wilderness adventures. With its hi-visibility orange handle and a CPM-154 blade, it’s clear that Benchmade aimed to create a reliable and easily spotted tool for demanding tasks.

I was on the hunt for a new hunting knife, specifically one that wouldn’t weigh me down on long treks. My old fixed blade, while trustworthy, was proving to be a burden after miles of hiking. The Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife‘s slim profile and lightweight design caught my eye as a potential solution.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was how incredibly light it is. The Grivory handle feels substantial enough to provide a secure grip, yet contributes to the knife’s overall featherweight feel. The satin finish on the CPM-154 blade is clean and professional, and the action is smooth right out of the box thanks to the Benchmade Axis lock.

I considered the Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight and the Gerber Strongarm before settling on the Taggedout. The Para 3 LW is known for its ergonomics but I wanted a longer blade. The Gerber Strongarm is a solid fixed blade, but I was set on lightening my load with a folder. The Taggedout seemed to offer the best balance of weight, blade length, and quality.

My initial impression is one of excitement tempered with a bit of caution. The light weight makes me wonder about long-term durability, but the reputation of Benchmade and the CPM-154 steel gives me confidence that this knife will perform. It feels like a purpose-built tool ready for serious use.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real test of the Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife came during a week-long elk hunting trip in the Colorado Rockies. I primarily used it for food preparation around camp and some basic wood processing for fire starting. The hi-visibility orange handle proved useful when I accidentally dropped it amongst some fallen leaves – easy to spot!

The Taggedout performed admirably in the mixed conditions of the Rockies. We experienced everything from dry, sunny days to cold, damp evenings, and the CPM-154 blade held its edge well even after processing several meals and feathering sticks for the campfire. The Grivory handle provided a solid grip, even when my hands were wet.

The Axis lock is incredibly intuitive and easy to use, even with gloves on. I found myself quickly becoming comfortable opening and closing the knife one-handed. There was a slight learning curve in getting used to the thin profile of the handle, especially when applying significant pressure during wood processing, but it wasn’t a major issue.

The only slight surprise was the initial stiffness of the Axis lock. It loosened up considerably after a few days of use, but it did require a bit more effort than I expected at first. Otherwise, the Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife performed exactly as I had hoped.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple camping trips and general utility tasks, the Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife is holding up exceptionally well. There are no signs of blade play or loosening of the handle scales. The CPM-154 steel has proven to be very resistant to corrosion.

The blade has only required minimal touch-ups to maintain a razor-sharp edge. I’ve noticed some minor cosmetic scratches on the satin finish, but this is to be expected with regular use. The Grivory handle still looks and feels like new.

Maintaining the Taggedout is a breeze. A quick rinse with water and a wipe down with a dry cloth after each use is usually sufficient. I’ve also applied a small amount of lubricant to the Axis lock mechanism to ensure smooth operation.

Compared to my previous hunting knife, the Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife is a significant upgrade in terms of weight, portability, and ease of maintenance. While my old knife was a tank, this knife performs just as well but without all of the extra bulk. It has exceeded my expectations, becoming an indispensable tool in my outdoor kit.

Breaking Down the Features of Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.5 inches. This provides a good balance between cutting power and packability, suitable for a variety of tasks.
• Closed Length: 4.63 inches. Compact enough for easy pocket carry.
• Overall Length: 8.13 inches. Comfortable in hand, providing sufficient reach for most cutting tasks.
• Blade Material: CPM-154 (58-61 HRC). Known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness.
• Blade Shape: Drop Point. Versatile blade shape suitable for various cutting tasks, from slicing to piercing.
• Handle Material: Grivory. A lightweight and durable polymer providing a secure grip.
• Lock Type: Axis Lock. Ambidextrous and exceptionally strong, providing secure blade lockup.
• Weight: 2.1 oz. Incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for backpacking and long treks.
• Blade Thickness: 0.09 inches. Thin blade stock that makes for excellent slicing ability.

These specifications are vital for the Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife‘s performance. The CPM-154 blade ensures a long-lasting edge while the Axis lock provides reliable and safe blade deployment. The lightweight Grivory handle material ensures that this knife is a joy to carry, not a burden.

Performance & Functionality

The Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife excels in its intended role as a lightweight hunting and utility knife. It cuts precisely and efficiently, thanks to the thin blade stock and high-quality steel. The Axis lock provides a secure and confident lockup.

Its strengths lie in its lightweight design, excellent blade steel, and ambidextrous operation. One area for potential improvement might be the handle thickness, which could be slightly increased for enhanced comfort during prolonged use. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a lightweight folder.

Design & Ergonomics

The Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife features a clean and functional design with a focus on weight reduction. The Grivory handle provides a secure grip, and the hi-visibility orange color is a welcome safety feature. The thin blade stock allows for excellent slicing performance.

The Axis lock is exceptionally user-friendly, even with gloves on. There’s a slight learning curve in getting used to the thin handle profile, but it’s generally comfortable to use. The ambidextrous design makes it suitable for both right- and left-handed users.

Durability & Maintenance

The CPM-154 blade is highly resistant to corrosion and wear. The Grivory handle is also very durable and impact-resistant. With proper care and maintenance, the Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife should last for many years.

Maintenance is simple: keep the blade clean and lightly oiled, and periodically lubricate the Axis lock mechanism. Disassembly is relatively straightforward for thorough cleaning if needed. The high-quality materials and solid construction contribute to its long-term durability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife comes with a standard Benchmade box and product literature. Aftermarket accessories, such as deep-carry pocket clips, are available to further enhance concealability. There are no other major customization options, but the knife is well-designed as-is.

The included pocket clip is functional, though some users might prefer a deeper carry option. The knife is compatible with some aftermarket pocket clips designed for similar Benchmade models. The focus is on functionality and lightweight design, rather than extensive customization.

Pros and Cons of Benchmade 15535 Taggedout Folding Knife