PASSION APO Spotting Scope—Compact Power & Exceptional Clarity
German Precision Optics’ Passion APO is a high-performance compact spotting scope designed and…
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Is the pen mightier than the sword? That’s a debate to be had another time, but in this product spotlight we get to examine not one but two implements, a pen and a knife, both made by legendary knifemaker Benchmade.

From what we can tell, the running theme of these two tools is heavy use of aluminum. This aluminum-bodied pen and aluminum-handled knife pairing suits everyday carry (EDC) usage with its stylish looks and utilitarian design.

The black Longhand pen is engineered to provide a comfortable and secure grip and is conceals a Benchmade Axis style bolt-action pen deployment lever. Depress the bolt handle and the pen quickly extends from the 6061-T6 aluminum housing. Retracting the ballpoint is just as easy.

Looking just as sleek is its companion, the Bugout folder knife is another item that seems perfect for EDC in your pocket or briefcase. This latest iteration of Benchmade’s iconic Bugout knife features a Cerakoted M390 steel blade and a detail-laden milling pattern cut into its beautifully machined 6061-T6 aluminum handles.

The plain-edged, drop-point-style blade measures almost three-and-a-quarter inches long and its mini-deep carry pocket clip is reversible for tip-up carry.

Both tools are made with the quality that we’ve come to expect from Benchmade. The use of aluminum is welcome as we always like the lighter weight and durability that it offers.

Pen
Benchmade 1120-1 Longhand
MSRP: $160
Knife
Benchmade – 535BK-4 Bugout
MSRP: $275
URL: benchmade.com
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© 2025 UN12 Magazine
© 2025 UN12 Magazine
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