Benchmade 537SGY-03 Bailout

The Benchmade 537SGY-03 Bailout is a light, slim folding knife with a black handle in anodised 6061-T6 aluminium and an 85.9 mm tanto blade in CPM-M4 with a Tungsten Gray Cerakote finish. At 77 g, 119 mm closed and with a handle only 10.41 mm thick, it is made to be carried all day – outdoors, in a hunting vest or as EDC in the pocket.

The Bailout series is all about the strength-to-weight ratio: a thin aluminium handle with a diamond-patterned surface and a hard tool steel. The 537SGY-03 is the understated version, where grey Cerakote and a black handle give a uniform, matt look.

CPM-M4, tanto blade and AXIS lock

Five features that make the Bailout a light knife with an unusually hard blade:

• CPM-M4 powder steel (62–64 HRC): A high-speed tool steel with high wear resistance and good toughness. The hardness is above S30V (58–60 HRC), so the edge holds up well under hard use – on the other hand, M4 is not stainless and needs more care than a stainless steel.
• Tungsten Gray Cerakote: A ceramic coating that protects the blade flats against moisture and wear. It partly compensates for the steel not being stainless, but the edge itself is unprotected.
• 85.9 mm tanto blade, 2.29 mm thick: The tanto profile gives a strong tip and an angle in the edge that works well on hard materials such as packaging, rope and plastic.
• Black anodised 6061-T6 aluminium handle: Aluminium gives stiffness at low weight and can be made thinner than an equivalent handle in G10 or polymer. The diamond texture gives a firmer grip than smooth metal.
• AXIS lock and Mini Deep Carry clip: Benchmade's crossbar lock works the same from both sides, so the knife is Ambidextrous, and the blade can be opened and closed one-handed. The Mini Deep Carry clip lets the knife ride deep and discreetly in the pocket.

Maintenance and safety

• Wipe the blade after use, and give the edge a thin coat of oil – M4 is not stainless, and the edge is not covered by Cerakote. 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 tanto tip is strong, but a 2.29 mm thin blade is made to cut, not to twist.
• 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.