Benchmade 537BK-07 Bailout

The Benchmade 537BK-07 Bailout is a light tanto folding knife with a handle in Burnt Copper anodised 6061-T6 aluminium and a blade in CPM-MagnaCut. The blade is 85.9 mm long with a plain edge and is 2.29 mm thick, the knife weighs 77 g and measures 119.9 mm closed. It is made for everyday carry and for tasks where the knife is exposed to moisture.

With the 537BK-07, Benchmade introduced CPM-MagnaCut to the Bailout series. The handle has a diamond texture and copper-coloured anodising, and the hardware is black oxide. The fully plain edge sets it apart from its sister model, the 537SBK-07, which has a partially serrated blade – choose this one if the knife will mainly be used for clean cuts.

CPM-MagnaCut, Burnt Copper aluminium and AXIS lock

Five features that make the MagnaCut Bailout a tough everyday knife:

• CPM-MagnaCut (60–62 HRC): A newer stainless powder steel in which chromium carbides have been removed from the microstructure. This gives a toughness close to non-stainless tool steels combined with better corrosion resistance than S30V – and the steel is relatively easy to sharpen for its hardness.
• Tanto blade with plain edge: The reinforced tip and straight front edge give strength when piercing and cutting hard materials, while the plain edge gives clean cuts and is easy to sharpen.
• Cerakote coating: A ceramic coating that protects the blade flats against wear and gives a matt surface. Together with the corrosion resistance of MagnaCut, the blade is well equipped for wet conditions.
• Diamond-textured 6061-T6 aluminium: Aluminium gives stiffness at low weight, and the diamond texture gives more grip than smooth metal. The handle is only 10.41 mm thick.
• AXIS lock and Mini Deep Carry clip: The crossbar lock works the same from both sides, so the knife is Ambidextrous and can be opened and closed one-handed. The clip keeps the knife deep in the pocket.

Maintenance and safety

• Wipe the blade after use, and give the AXIS lock and pivot a drop of knife oil now and then.
• Do not use the knife as a pry bar or screwdriver – the reinforced tanto tip still sits on a 2.29 mm blade.
• Keep your fingers clear of the edge when folding the blade, and guide it all the way closed with the lock pulled back.
• Check the regulations in your country before carrying the knife in public.