Benchmade 537FE-02 Bailout Folding Knife

Benchmade 537FE-02 Bailout Folding Knife

The Benchmade 537FE-02 Bailout is an ultra-lightweight yet highly durable tactical folding knife from the Black Class series. Designed with a focus on strength, cutting performance, and minimal weight, it features a CPM-M4 powder steel tanto blade paired with aggressively textured 6061-T6 aluminum handle scales. Built for demanding users, it combines military-inspired styling with practical everyday carry functionality.

Key Features

• CPM-M4 high-carbon tool steel blade hardened to 62–64 HRC

• Tanto blade profile for reinforced tip strength and enhanced penetration

• Durable gray DLC coating for increased wear resistance and corrosion protection

• Lightweight aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum handle

• AXIS® Lock mechanism for strength and ambidextrous operation

• Dual thumb studs for fast, one-handed deployment

• Integrated glass breaker with tungsten carbide tip

• Lanyard hole for cord or paracord attachment

High-Performance CPM-M4 Blade

The knife is equipped with an 86 mm tanto blade made from CPM-M4 tool steel. This high-carbon steel contains significant amounts of molybdenum, vanadium, and tungsten, delivering exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and edge retention. Hardened to 62–64 HRC, it offers aggressive cutting performance and long-lasting sharpness.

The gray DLC coating adds further abrasion resistance while helping protect the blade from corrosion and surface scratches. Due to the hardness of CPM-M4, sharpening requires more effort and is best performed with appropriate tools, but the extended edge retention compensates for the additional maintenance.

Proven AXIS® Lock Mechanism

The Bailout uses Benchmade’s well-known AXIS® Lock system, valued for its durability, resistance to debris, and ease of ambidextrous use. The dual-sided locking bar allows safe and convenient operation for both right- and left-handed users.

Lightweight and Durable Handle Construction

The handle is made from anodized 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, keeping the overall weight to only 76 grams while maintaining structural strength. Aggressive texturing and a widened base enhance grip security during demanding tasks.

The design includes a reversible pocket clip for left or right-side carry, suitable for pocket or tactical gear attachment. At the base of the handle, an aluminum insert with a tungsten carbide tip functions as both a glass breaker and an impact tool, increasing emergency readiness.

Technical Specifications

• Blade Lock: AXIS® Lock

• Blade Shape: Tanto

• Knife Type: Folding

• Opening Mechanism: Thumb stud

• Blade Steel: CPM-M4 carbon tool steel

• Hardness: 62–64 HRC

• Blade Length: 86 mm

• Blade Thickness: 2.3 mm

• Closed Length: 120 mm

• Overall Length: 205 mm

• Weight: 76 g

• Carrying Clip: Yes, reversible

• Corrosion Resistance: Moderate

• Manufacturer: Benchmade, USA

• Model Number: 537FE-02