Benchmade originally started in California in 1979 as Bali-Song, then changed their name to Pacific Cutlery Corporation in the early 1980s. The company changed their name to "Benchmade" in 1988. In 1990 the company moved to Clackamas, Oregon. In 1996, the company moved to a 144,000 square foot facility in Oregon City, Oregon. Benchmade became known primarily as a manufacturer of butterfly knives, or balisongs, and they continue to be manufactured under their registered trademark name "Bali-Song". Benchmade's original Bali-Song design by Jody Samson was awarded Blade Magazine's Knifeof the Year Award in 1979.
The result of overwhelming feedback, the Bugout has been scaled down in the form of the new 533 Mini Bugout. The Mini Bugout has a 2.82" S30V Coated Blade with White handles.