3rd party Omega springs -any good?

I is my understanding that their clip policy changed because of
“people abusing the policy” which includes selling the clips on EBay.

I recently got some new clips and was told by Customer Service if it’s a direct replacement clip there is no charge up to five clips per year. If you want to change the type of clip that your knife has then there’s a five dollar fee. For example, changing from a split arrow clip to a deep carry clip.

I received two replacement clips
and a set of screws for a full size Griptilian at no charge. They did however, charge me for a deep carry clip for my 531.

Very reasonable policy if you ask me.
 
Just wanted to bump this back up - ironically I broke my first omega spring this week.

So couple of items of note - this was for a bugout, may vary by model, but I don't think so... I didn't even know it was broken at first. I went about a day of playing with it before I noticed it was broken. I was comparing it to the new mimi bugout and was slightly surprised that my fullsize was feeling more "spongy" in the action... then I looked close and realized that a spring was broken.

So this demonstrated to me that an axis lock can function fine on a single spring... at least in the short term. And yes, it will put more wear onto the opposite spring, but if I'm out hiking or hunting and break a spring, I'm less worried knowing that it still functions until I can make it home... so that is good as an experiment.

The bad was that this is a 2 month old knife, and tho I do play with it a lot, it still broke pretty early IMO.

So on to the third part springs. I had 2 sets of the Etsy Omega springs just waiting for such an occasion... I replaced the springs in the bugout and here are my thoughts:

I definitely like them... I prefer them to factory... they are stiffer... by a good 30-50% I would say, but what this does is really improve the detent and lock up of the knife. I like what it did to the bugout enough that I changed out the factory springs on my custom mini crooked river to the new springs as well (those who are wondering, the mini CR uses the same springs as the bugout). Both my bugout and my mini cr had extremely good actions beforehand (the custom shop mini cr has the best axis lockup and action of any Benchemade I have tried... except maybe the Anthem... but it is different and smoother then the anthem) but after the spring upgrades, they were both able to be tuned to be completely drop shut (holding the knife slightly off vertical, pulling axis lock, and falling all the way shot without any wrist action) while at the same time having 0 side to side or up and down blade play... as well as improved detents.

Maybe it is due to the G10 vs metal bolsters, but I feel like the bugout is slighty stiffer then the mini crooked river with the new springs... bugout is probably that 40-50% stiffer axis as opposed to maybe 20-30% stiffer on the mini cr.

I'll try and update this if I ever have one break... but in the meantime, I'm quite happy with the springs and will buy some more to have on hand.

I did drop a few drops of lube on the scales where the springs will rub in an effort to cut down on friction.

As always YMMV - but I like em :)
 
rileybassman1 said:
Just wanted to bump this back up - ironically I broke my first omega spring this week.

So couple of items of note - this was for a bugout, may vary by model, but I don't think so... I didn't even know it was broken at first. I went about a day of playing with it before I noticed it was broken. I was comparing it to the new mimi bugout and was slightly surprised that my fullsize was feeling more "spongy" in the action... then I looked close and realized that a spring was broken.

So this demonstrated to me that an axis lock can function fine on a single spring... at least in the short term. And yes, it will put more wear onto the opposite spring, but if I'm out hiking or hunting and break a spring, I'm less worried knowing that it still functions until I can make it home... so that is good as an experiment.

The bad was that this is a 2 month old knife, and tho I do play with it a lot, it still broke pretty early IMO.

So on to the third part springs. I had 2 sets of the Etsy Omega springs just waiting for such an occasion... I replaced the springs in the bugout and here are my thoughts:

I definitely like them... I prefer them to factory... they are stiffer... by a good 30-50% I would say, but what this does is really improve the detent and lock up of the knife. I like what it did to the bugout enough that I changed out the factory springs on my custom mini crooked river to the new springs as well (those who are wondering, the mini CR uses the same springs as the bugout). Both my bugout and my mini cr had extremely good actions beforehand (the custom shop mini cr has the best axis lockup and action of any Benchemade I have tried... except maybe the Anthem... but it is different and smoother then the anthem) but after the spring upgrades, they were both able to be tuned to be completely drop shut (holding the knife slightly off vertical, pulling axis lock, and falling all the way shot without any wrist action) while at the same time having 0 side to side or up and down blade play... as well as improved detents.

Maybe it is due to the G10 vs metal bolsters, but I feel like the bugout is slighty stiffer then the mini crooked river with the new springs... bugout is probably that 40-50% stiffer axis as opposed to maybe 20-30% stiffer on the mini cr.

I'll try and update this if I ever have one break... but in the meantime, I'm quite happy with the springs and will buy some more to have on hand.

I did drop a few drops of lube on the scales where the springs will rub in an effort to cut down on friction.

As always YMMV - but I like em :)
Click to expand...

I just replaced the springs in my
531 with the ones made by Etsy.
I’ve been unknowingly running with only one good spring in that knife for about two years. Maybe even three.

Cost of the springs was about the same as shipping my knife to Benchmade.

I found these springs a little more difficult to install than OEM parts but, I cannot really tell if they are any stronger than the ones from Benchmade.

Time will tell.
 
I'm ready with piano wire in three diameters and 2 pre-made flea-bay sets n small n large, but nothing has broken on any of the families Benchmades...
 
I'm drawing up a grail out of my 940-1501, and have though about mounting a pair or just one inside the carbon fiber scale... I'm also thinking they can continue living in their box. First world problem for sure. :cool:
Criteria for next state is legal fix blade carry, even concealed.
 
rileybassman1 said:
Just wanted to bump this back up - ironically I broke my first omega spring this week.

So couple of items of note - this was for a bugout, may vary by model, but I don't think so... I didn't even know it was broken at first. I went about a day of playing with it before I noticed it was broken. I was comparing it to the new mimi bugout and was slightly surprised that my fullsize was feeling more "spongy" in the action... then I looked close and realized that a spring was broken.

So this demonstrated to me that an axis lock can function fine on a single spring... at least in the short term. And yes, it will put more wear onto the opposite spring, but if I'm out hiking or hunting and break a spring, I'm less worried knowing that it still functions until I can make it home... so that is good as an experiment.

The bad was that this is a 2 month old knife, and tho I do play with it a lot, it still broke pretty early IMO.

So on to the third part springs. I had 2 sets of the Etsy Omega springs just waiting for such an occasion... I replaced the springs in the bugout and here are my thoughts:

I definitely like them... I prefer them to factory... they are stiffer... by a good 30-50% I would say, but what this does is really improve the detent and lock up of the knife. I like what it did to the bugout enough that I changed out the factory springs on my custom mini crooked river to the new springs as well (those who are wondering, the mini CR uses the same springs as the bugout). Both my bugout and my mini cr had extremely good actions beforehand (the custom shop mini cr has the best axis lockup and action of any Benchemade I have tried... except maybe the Anthem... but it is different and smoother then the anthem) but after the spring upgrades, they were both able to be tuned to be completely drop shut (holding the knife slightly off vertical, pulling axis lock, and falling all the way shot without any wrist action) while at the same time having 0 side to side or up and down blade play... as well as improved detents.

Maybe it is due to the G10 vs metal bolsters, but I feel like the bugout is slighty stiffer then the mini crooked river with the new springs... bugout is probably that 40-50% stiffer axis as opposed to maybe 20-30% stiffer on the mini cr.

I'll try and update this if I ever have one break... but in the meantime, I'm quite happy with the springs and will buy some more to have on hand.

I did drop a few drops of lube on the scales where the springs will rub in an effort to cut down on friction.

As always YMMV - but I like em :)
Click to expand...

I too purchased the omega springs via Etsy seller and im quite happy with them (knock on wood)*

I've had them in my 535 for roughly 3 months and I do agree, they're bit stiffer which I do like. Im admittingly fidgety and constantly playing with the knife so they springs didn't take long to break in. maybe a week.

Prior to buying the Etsy springs, my 535 was sent back twice to Benchmade for service, for broken omegas. I purchased the Etsy versions simply because I didn't trust Benchmade's anymore. Maybe they've resolved the issue since, maybe it was a bad run of material on the springs but I couldn't bring myself to be without my 535 for that long again.

Oddly enough, my 556 still have their OEM springs and they're tension feels very similar to the Etsy versions.
 
I’ve had the Etsy springs in my 531 for just over a month.

To me the Etsy springs are very stiff but that could be because I went so long just using one spring.
 
Last edited:
Hey all, I found this post while searching the web for info on how 3rd party omega springs hold up.

I just ordered some from Etsy that will be here soon, because my brand new BHQ Exclusive 20CV Bugout broke an omega on the clip side. I admit I was flipping it quite a lot in order to break it in & get better action. I was shocked when it happened, although maybe I shouldn't have been because I've heard of others having this problem.

I have other Benchmades that I've also flipped quite frequently, like my 940 & 940-1, with no issues. I'm hoping this is a fluke.

Anyway, I was wondering how the Etsy springs, or in case I buy them in the future, eBay springs compare long-term. I'm glad to hear at least someone say they're good. I guess ill find out soon enough. I went ahead & ordered 2 sets just in case they don't last as long as I'm hoping for.

I know this is an older thread, but if anyone reads this & has any further insight, I'd appreciate it.

I hardly ever get on here but I'll have to try to rectify that; this is only like my 2nd post ever, lol. Anyway, nice to meet y'all!
 
Oh & one more thing: I have an Anthem in the mail coming to me, so hopefully that'll be at least one Axis lock that has a spring I won't have to worry about!
 
rileybassman1 said:
Just wanted to bump this back up - ironically I broke my first omega spring this week.

So couple of items of note - this was for a bugout, may vary by model, but I don't think so... I didn't even know it was broken at first. I went about a day of playing with it before I noticed it was broken. I was comparing it to the new mimi bugout and was slightly surprised that my fullsize was feeling more "spongy" in the action... then I looked close and realized that a spring was broken.

So this demonstrated to me that an axis lock can function fine on a single spring... at least in the short term. And yes, it will put more wear onto the opposite spring, but if I'm out hiking or hunting and break a spring, I'm less worried knowing that it still functions until I can make it home... so that is good as an experiment.

The bad was that this is a 2 month old knife, and tho I do play with it a lot, it still broke pretty early IMO.

So on to the third part springs. I had 2 sets of the Etsy Omega springs just waiting for such an occasion... I replaced the springs in the bugout and here are my thoughts:

I definitely like them... I prefer them to factory... they are stiffer... by a good 30-50% I would say, but what this does is really improve the detent and lock up of the knife. I like what it did to the bugout enough that I changed out the factory springs on my custom mini crooked river to the new springs as well (those who are wondering, the mini CR uses the same springs as the bugout). Both my bugout and my mini cr had extremely good actions beforehand (the custom shop mini cr has the best axis lockup and action of any Benchemade I have tried... except maybe the Anthem... but it is different and smoother then the anthem) but after the spring upgrades, they were both able to be tuned to be completely drop shut (holding the knife slightly off vertical, pulling axis lock, and falling all the way shot without any wrist action) while at the same time having 0 side to side or up and down blade play... as well as improved detents.

Maybe it is due to the G10 vs metal bolsters, but I feel like the bugout is slighty stiffer then the mini crooked river with the new springs... bugout is probably that 40-50% stiffer axis as opposed to maybe 20-30% stiffer on the mini cr.

I'll try and update this if I ever have one break... but in the meantime, I'm quite happy with the springs and will buy some more to have on hand.

I did drop a few drops of lube on the scales where the springs will rub in an effort to cut down on friction.

As always YMMV - but I like em :)
Click to expand...
This is really helpful! Thank you!
 
sabre cat said:
I wonder if Benchmade’s spring production is in house.
Click to expand...

Good question, I have no idea.

I know Microtech has theirs done by a company specializing in springs because they say they want to leave springs to the experts to make sure they're they best quality & longevity. But I don't know whether Benchmade does the same.
 
OMG I was just messing with the pivot tension on my 20CV Bugout, flipped it open & closed with the one remaining spring maybe 30-40 times, & the 2nd spring broke.

Whoopsy!

I'm actually glad in a way, as this gives me an opportunity to try a full set of the Etsy omegas without a crappy extra BM spring laying around, LOL.
 
Does anyone happen to know exactly what product on Amazon I should buy to make my own?

I found some .020 gauge memory jewellery wire for $6.66 (HELL yeah!) & I'm about to say screw it & order it. Not much to lose.

I do have the Etsy springs in order but why wait to make my own?
 
An update to my last post: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/3rd-party-omega-springs-any-good.1712427/#post-19559127

Almost to a year, the homemade Omega springs in my regular 940 broke. I put the OEM springs in that I got from Benchmade a year ago (kept as spares) and sent a request to Benchmade for another set, that is now in transit. Since both the OEM and homemade springs last around the same amount of time, I'll just get replacement springs from Benchmade.

I will of course still make some springs to keep as spares, just in case Benchmade stops sending out replacements, or if the pandemic has hit them especially hard financially and the unthinkable happens.
 
sabre cat said:
I is my understanding that their clip policy changed because of
“people abusing the policy” which includes selling the clips on EBay.

I recently got some new clips and was told by Customer Service if it’s a direct replacement clip there is no charge up to five clips per year. If you want to change the type of clip that your knife has then there’s a five dollar fee. For example, changing from a split arrow clip to a deep carry clip.

I received two replacement clips
and a set of screws for a full size Griptilian at no charge. They did however, charge me for a deep carry clip for my 531.

Very reasonable policy if you ask me.
Click to expand...

I really like my Benchmade knives but I change the stock pocket clip for an aftermarket or have a sheath made,Benchmade has about the worst pocket clips out of any company from what I have found.

There pocket clips are so weak and and do not hold well at all,I got 2 Contego's in M390 and 2 DLTtrading Griptillians in M390 exclusive to them and on the 2 Contego's the clips were not even pressing against the scales and would slide right out of your pocket if you were laying down,Benchmade needs to take a page out of Spyderco's playbook when it comes to making great factory pocket clips
 
sabre cat said:
I wonder if Benchmade’s spring production is in house.
Click to expand...

It wouldn't surprise me if their spring's aren't made in house because I know they claim to make all of their hardware in house such as bolt's and screws.

They have cnc wire benders that make short work out those kinds of tasks's and I'm sure for Benchmade if they could keep it in house it would be better.

 
wade7575 said:
I really like my Benchmade knives but I change the stock pocket clip for an aftermarket or have a sheath made,Benchmade has about the worst pocket clips out of any company from what I have found.

There pocket clips are so weak and and do not hold well at all,I got 2 Contego's in M390 and 2 DLTtrading Griptillians in M390 exclusive to them and on the 2 Contego's the clips were not even pressing against the scales and would slide right out of your pocket if you were laying down,Benchmade needs to take a page out of Spyderco's playbook when it comes to making great factory pocket clips
Click to expand...

I am more impressed with Benchmade’s pocket clips than the Spyderco clips I have used.
 
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