Benchmade 2023 SHOT Show Special Bailout

The Benchmade 2023 SHOT Show Special Bailout started a yearly tradition for me. Every year around September, the SHOT Show Special knife of that year gets discounted by 50% or more, and I buy one. I wish I had some of the SHOT Show Special knives from 2022 and prior, but I wasn't into collecting as much back then. I certainly wasn't into knives that cost as much as a limited edition Benchmade at that point. Nonetheless, I have the 3 models from 2023-2025. As far as I've seen, there was no SHOT Show Special for 2026. It looks like I'll get to keep a little money in my pocket this year. The goofy colors are definitely polarizing, but I love them.

As for this knife itself, it made me realize that I'm definitely a Bailout guy. This was my first Bailout of 3 that I now own. I have a standard model in grivory, a more 'tactical' version in M4, and this one. All are super thin with the same great tanto blade shape. This one sets itself apart by being fantastic to look at. Its satin 3V blade looks so bright with the anodized orange aluminum scales and blue accents. This knife just shines in any light. I've seen a lot of people complain about the anodized peaks on the scales wearing away with handling/carry. I'd consider it more of a feature than a glitch. Like all the other SHOT Show Specials with their obnoxious color choices, it's just a matter of opinion. You either love it or hate it. I love this one…