Product Description

The Benchmade Bailout 537BK-10 is the performance-maximum configuration of the Bailout platform — CPM-S90V with a DLC coating in a tanto profile, carbon fiber handle, built for buyers who want the longest-lasting edge available in a production AXIS Lock folder and are willing to maintain it on a diamond hone to get it.

The blade is CPM-S90V, a Crucible Particle Metallurgy stainless with significantly higher vanadium content than M390 or CPM-S35VN. Higher vanadium means harder carbides, greater abrasion resistance, and an edge that holds longer under sustained cutting use than any conventional production stainless. The tradeoff is sharpening: CPM-S90V won't respond efficiently to a ceramic rod — it needs a diamond hone or a fine diamond benchstone to touch up. The DLC coating adds a hard, low-friction, near-zero-reflectivity surface that protects the blade between maintenance cycles and gives the 537BK-10 its all-black tactical identity. The tanto profile concentrates tip mass for penetration tasks. Carbon fiber handle scales deliver rigidity near aluminum levels at a fraction of the weight — keeping the Bailout in the ultralight carry tier despite the premium material spec.

Ships same or next business day from Knifeworks in Columbia, Louisiana.

• Blade Steel: CPM-S90V, DLC coated — maximum wear resistance and edge longevity among production stainless steels; high vanadium content outperforms M390 in sustained edge retention
• Sharpen with a diamond hone — CPM-S90V's hardness requires diamond abrasive or fine ceramic progression; a standard sharpening rod will not efficiently restore the edge
• Blade: 3.40" tanto profile, flat grind, plain edge, DLC black — reinforced tip for penetration; DLC adds near-zero reflectivity and surface protection
• Lock: AXIS Lock — ambidextrous deployment and close, one-handed operation, rated beyond liner lock strength
• Handle: Carbon fiber — rigid, woven texture, ~2.70 oz carry weight; same lightweight advantage as the 537-09 M390 variant
• 537BK-10 vs. 537-09 (M390): Same platform — CPM-S90V (maximum edge longevity, harder to sharpen) vs. M390 (premium but sharpenable on ceramic); DLC black vs. stonewash
• Dimensions: 8.05" overall, 4.65" closed, 3.07" edge length, 0.107" blade thickness
• Warranty: Benchmade LifeSharp warranty — free lifetime sharpening, blade replacement, and mechanical repair