2017 Price Increase(s)

[dynamicmoves]

I got three ritter grips recently.
Two of them were perfect (one large and one mini). The third was slightly off center and had some side to side play. I was able to fix it without too much hassle by playing with the pivot. This was a second mini.

I haven't noticed a QC difference between Benchmade and other modern folder companies at this price point, but my sample size isn't as large as some on here.

 

[Stays Sharp]

They'll always be worth it to some people. That's great. Having different opinions is just that. If you're not willing to have an open mind in threads like this, motivated by defending a brand that you really really love and not understand that not everyone is the same as you... Things can lead to an ironic outcome when someone throws out the word "trolling".

 

[jkarp_53]

Having been in, (for myself) and worked for, (other employers) business' that relied on strictly enforced quotas, I am reminded that these are very hard working people building a product that day in and day out must be hard. Cost of living what it is, I have only in many purchases been unhappy with a knife once. Whatever happened during the build it wasn't right. What they (BKC) did, was offer anything in the current catalog, and built it for me to my specs. They didn't have to do that, and the knife is still in my collection; and even if it's not a 'Limited Limited' it's still special. I am fussy, and have sent a number in for warranty service, and at this writing have no issues with any of mine. And If I do I know where to send them. I may not like prices increases, never do, but it's more of a universal complaint we all have, (or most of us...) Cheers!

 

[Zhuzhufd]

Zhuzhufd & corey, if you were to return each knife with an issue to get repaired, how much time would have been lost? i assume they cover shipping? i know ive heard quite a few times customers had to re-send knives they didnt fix correctly the first time too (not uncommon with other brands also, but heard it happen the most with benchmade, of the major brands). 30% of them would be alot of lost time of your life. im sure if you had the day off every time it rained it wouldnt be a big problem, but still... the time added up would be depressing to say the least.

I've never sent any of my Benchmade knives in for warranty services. For centering issues, I usually do the best to adjust myself. I have requested multiple pocket clips and handle screws (because I have stripped more than a few disassembling the knives) from Benchmade. Can't complain about their warranty services on these parts. It's no questions asked free and fast shipping. They did told me recently that they do not send omega springs (anymore or never?), you'd need to send in the knife if your spring broke. Anyways, my experience with their warranty services has been pretty good. And I think part of their "higher" price can be justified by the warranty services (but ZT's warranty ain't bad either) at least as compared to some of the overseas produced brands.



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[jazub]

Yea, you're right. I remember coming into this sub forum just after MAP happened and not understanding what the fuss was about. I think anytime you change someone's perceived value without offering more you can get some backlash combine that with some spotty QC here and there and you get this. I've been apart of this forum off and on for a while; whenever I'm carrying a Benchmade I post it. Benchmade was my first "high end" knife and I will always have a soft spot for them.

Maybe once the new models come out and we can actually see them some of the harsh opinions will change; after last years new models with upgraded scale materials and the use of 20cv I can understand how some fans are disappointed.

Time will tell if they do well and if they don't Benchmade will introduce something else.

Yeah, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I personally am not amazed by the new lineup but it doesn't offend me either. I guess I'm too busy to have a ton of emotion in it. I hope the new line is well received because I like the company in general -and I wish ZT and Kershaw and Hogue, etc, the best as well. :thumbup:

 

[BMCGear]

Yeah, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I personally am not amazed by the new lineup but it doesn't offend me either. I guess I'm too busy to have a ton of emotion in it. I hope the new line is well received because I like the company in general -and I wish ZT and Kershaw and Hogue, etc, the best as well. :thumbup:

Oh yea, I want Benchmade to do well. The new items aren't really what I'm interested in but their may be some down the line that I am. I was looking at a Presidio this morning; just concerned about major pocket shredding.

 

[Shooter.762]

I only own 3 Benchmades, I am a ZT guy. I have handpicked my Benchmades at the shop and have had zero problems with centering or play.
I have an Arvensis fixed which I like as well as my ESEE 6 with TKC scales and a custom sheath and an HK 14715 in D2 and a 275 Adamas.
They are perfect but the Adamas is a ton smoother, it's smoother than any of my ZT's to be honest.
I love the older stuff and I think they have cheapened the line and increased margins out of survival, the competition is fierce in the knife industry..
I just won't buy because of the price hike, I'm a tightwad anyway though, I don't buy anything unless I get a deal on it, paying full retail makes my soul hurt..
There are many other knife companies out there and i like Benchmade but I will spend elsewhere at these prices and the ugly designs.
Their simplicity and long standing line is what made them special, 2017 just ruined that for me.

 

[pbcg]

Yeah, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. I personally am not amazed by the new lineup but it doesn't offend me either. I guess I'm too busy to have a ton of emotion in it. I hope the new line is well received because I like the company in general -and I wish ZT and Kershaw and Hogue, etc, the best as well. :thumbup:

My thoughts as well. Not all that excited about this years releases but I'm not angry about it either. They've had an off year before and come back and hit it out of the park. Still hopeful to see what the mid-year releases may bring.

 

[jkarp_53]

My thoughts as well. Not all that excited about this years releases but I'm not angry about it either. They've had an off year before and come back and hit it out of the park. Still hopeful to see what the mid-year releases may bring.

I agree with this. Yes a lot of surprises in the discontinued knife camp, but that's not new news. Side note: Tough winter for many of us...storm approaching the SE corner of Virginia, anywhere from 8 to more inches of snow tomorrow (Saturday.) Brisk business at our local hardware store selling shovels. End note, thanks.