Benchmade 537GY Bailout – Ultralight CPM-3V Tanto Folding Knife
The Benchmade 537GY Bailout is a tanto folding knife built for people who count every ounce. At 2.05 oz with a 3.38" CPM-3V blade, it carries like a much smaller knife while holding up to work that would fold a lighter-duty folder. The gray Cerakote finish cuts glare and adds a layer of corrosion protection to a steel chosen for toughness rather than stain resistance.
Benchmade built the Bailout around the AXIS lock, a fully ambidextrous crossbar mechanism you can open and close with either hand without putting a finger in the blade path. Dual thumb studs, a black Grivory handle and an aluminum pommel round out a package aimed at wildland fire crews, search and rescue teams and anyone assembling a lightweight everyday carry kit.
Key Features
- 3.38" CPM-3V tanto blade, 58-60 HRC, plain edge
- Gray Cerakote blade finish for reduced glare and added corrosion protection
- Ambidextrous AXIS lock with DLC-coated titanium locking bar
- Black Grivory handle with aluminum pommel, 2.05 oz total weight
- Reversible mini deep-carry pocket clip, tip-up left or right
- Made in Oregon City, Oregon, USA
Specifications
- Model: Benchmade 537GY Bailout
- Blade steel: CPM-3V, 58-60 HRC
- Blade length: 3.38"
- Blade thickness: 0.090"
- Blade shape: Tanto, plain edge, gray Cerakote
- Handle: Black Grivory with aluminum pommel
- Lock: AXIS lock, manual opening with dual thumb studs
- Closed length: 4.71"
- Overall length: 8.07"
- Weight: 2.05 oz
- Origin: Made in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CPM-3V blade on the Benchmade 537GY Bailout stainless?
No. The Benchmade 537GY Bailout uses CPM-3V, a high-toughness tool steel that is not stainless and will spot or rust if it is neglected. Wipe the blade dry after use, particularly after contact with moisture, salt or acidic material, and keep a light film of oil on it in storage. The gray Cerakote coating protects the flats, so the sharpened edge is where bare steel is exposed and needs the most attention.
What is a tanto blade good for?
A tanto grind puts a lot of steel behind a strong, flat-ground tip, which suits piercing, scraping and prying-adjacent tasks that would risk snapping a finer point. The tanto blade on the Benchmade 537GY Bailout is a working profile for rescue and utility cutting rather than a fine slicing shape.
How does the AXIS lock work?
The AXIS lock on the Benchmade 537GY Bailout uses a spring-tensioned steel bar that rides in slots in the handle liners and drops behind the blade tang when the knife opens. Pulling the bar back releases the blade, so the knife opens and closes one-handed from either side with your fingers clear of the edge path.
What is LifeSharp?
LifeSharp is Benchmade's lifetime factory service. Send your Benchmade 537GY Bailout to Benchmade and they will sharpen the blade, replace worn hardware where possible and return it to working condition, free of charge for the life of the knife.
Where is the Benchmade 537GY Bailout made?
The Benchmade 537GY Bailout is designed and manufactured at Benchmade's facility in Oregon City, Oregon, USA.
Is Going Gear an authorized Benchmade dealer?
Yes. Going Gear is an authorized Benchmade dealer, so the Benchmade 537GY Bailout ships as a genuine factory product with full manufacturer warranty and LifeSharp coverage.
