Why Upgrade Your Benchmade Bugout Scales to Aluminum?
If you’ve been rocking a Benchmade Bugout, you know it’s already a marvel of lightweight EDC engineering. But what if you could amplify its ruggedness, fine-tune its tactile feel, and elevate its corrosion resistance—all while keeping the weight featherlight? Enter the world of Benchmade Bugout scale swap aluminum options from Aimfront. In this article, you’ll learn why aluminum is the tactician’s choice in scales and how to execute a seamless swap.
The Aluminum Advantage: Strength Meets Lightness
Aluminum scales strike a remarkable balance between strength and weight, making them ideal for a knife designed to disappear in your pocket. Compared to other materials like titanium, G10, or carbon fiber, aluminum offers:
- Exceptional weight-to-strength ratio: Strong enough to withstand daily abuse without the titanium price tag or weight penalty.
- Corrosion resistance: With Type III hard coat anodizing, Aimfront aluminum scales shrug off moisture and sweat like a champ.
- Tactile versatility: Bead blast or tumble finishes let you customize grip texture to your liking.
- Precision fit: Machined with tight tolerances to ensure a perfect fit on your Benchmade Bugout 535 or Mini Bugout 533.
Unlike G10 or carbon fiber, which can be brittle or less uniform, aluminum delivers predictable durability and a premium feel that matches your everyday carry’s rugged personality.
Meet Aimfront’s Aluminum Scale Lineup for Your Bugout
Aimfront specializes in aluminum scales tailored specifically for popular knife models, including Benchmade’s full-size and mini Bugouts:
- Aimfront aluminum Bugout 535 scales: Full-size scales that keep your Bugout featherweight but add a rock-solid chassis.
- Aimfront Mini Bugout 533 aluminum scales: Scaled-down strength and style for the Mini Bugout without compromise.
Each set is crafted with Type III hard coat anodizing for durability and designed with tight tolerances to ensure zero rattle and perfect ergonomics. Plus, they’re Cerakote compatible if you want to get artsy with your finish.
Step-by-Step: How to Swap Benchmade Bugout Scales with Aimfront Aluminum
- Gather your tools: You’ll need a Torx T6 driver, a clean workspace, and your Aimfront aluminum scales ready to install.
- Remove the original scales: Unscrew the handle screws on your Bugout 535 or Mini Bugout 533 and gently separate the scales from the liners.
- Clean and inspect: Wipe down the liners and screws, checking for any wear or damage—this is a perfect time to swap out screws if you want a fresh look.
- Position the aluminum scales: Align the Aimfront scales carefully with the liners and lockbar, ensuring perfect fitment.
- Secure the screws: Tighten each screw gradually in a crisscross pattern to maintain even pressure and avoid warping.
- Final check: Open and close the blade a few times to ensure smooth action and no binding.
Congratulations! You’ve just enhanced your Bugout’s aesthetics and performance with a swap that’s as satisfying as a perfectly sharpened edge.
Comparing Aluminum to Other Scale Materials
Sure, titanium is the shiny knight in armor of EDC scales, but it arrives with a hefty price and a bit more weight. G10 and carbon fiber boast style points but can be less resilient to impacts and don’t offer the same corrosion resistance as anodized aluminum. Micarta? Great for traditionalists, but it can swell or degrade under harsh conditions.
Aluminum from Aimfront offers a sweet spot: it’s rugged, light, corrosion-resistant, and customizable. Its thermal conductivity also helps dissipate heat from extended use, an overlooked feature when running your EDC through tough tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will swapping to aluminum scales add significant weight to my Bugout?
Not at all. Aimfront’s aluminum scales maintain the Bugout’s ultra-light profile, adding only a minimal weight increase that’s more than compensated by the gains in strength and durability.
Can I anodize or Cerakote Aimfront aluminum scales myself?
Yes, Aimfront scales are designed with Type III hard coat anodizing and Cerakote compatibility in mind, giving you the freedom to customize finishes without sacrificing durability.
Are the Aimfront scales compatible with both full-size and mini Bugouts?
They are model-specific. Aimfront offers dedicated aluminum scales for the Benchmade Bugout 535 (full-size) and Mini Bugout 533. Always choose the correct set to guarantee fit and function.
Do aluminum scales affect the knife’s locking mechanism?
No. The locking mechanism remains unchanged, as the scales attach to the liners without interfering with blade lockup or deployment.
Wrap-Up
Swapping to aluminum scales from Aimfront is a brilliant way to upgrade your Benchmade Bugout. It’s a no-nonsense, high-performance choice that blends technical excellence, rugged durability, and style. Ready to make your Bugout even better? The perfect balance of featherweight strength is just a scale swap away.
Recommended Aimfront gear
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Aimfront Aluminum Bugout 535 Scales
For the full-size Benchmade Bugout, these aluminum scales deliver rugged durability and a perfect fit without adding weight, upgrading your EDC with tough, corrosion-resistant style. -
Aimfront Mini Bugout 533 Aluminum Scales
If you’re running the Mini Bugout, these scaled-down aluminum scales offer the same strength and premium feel tailored to your smaller carry, ensuring top-tier performance and fit.
Useful tools & maintenance gear
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Wiha 71570 6 Piece Torx Bit Set - T5-T10
A Torx T6 driver is essential for removing and reinstalling Bugout scales, and this set covers the needed sizes with precision and durability. -
Raiseek knife work mat
A dedicated knife work mat provides a clean, organized surface for scale swaps, protecting both your knife and your workspace. -
Knife Pivot Lube - KPL
After scale installation, applying pivot lube ensures smooth blade deployment and maintains the locking mechanism’s performance.