484 Nakamura thumbstud fix

TechDoc

TechDoc

Joined
Feb 26, 2014
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474
The only complaint I have about the new 484 Nakamura is that the thumb studs protrude a little further out then I like. This has caused the outside one (the one I don't use to open the blade) to snag on my pocket a few times and partially open the blade. I've cut myself a little one of these times.

Many BM thumb studs use a larger diameter screw but this one has the same size and threading as the thin scale & pocket clip screws. So using a spare backspacer screw from another knife I was able to do this. Even though it isn't flush it still is a big improvement.

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Well done! I've nicked myself a few times on the partially-opened blade on my 484. It confuses me as to why they decided to put these tall, grabby joints on a knife that sees them so far from the handles.
 
I used a stop pin from a SOG Twitch II, it's the same dia. as the hole in the blade so I peened the center of the stop pin and pressed it in. I've been going back and forth between the studs and this set up. Haven't made my mind up yet. Just thought I'd add this to the mix.
 
My 484 is so smooth and free-falling that I considered removing the studs altogether. Not very "public friendly" though.
 
Just noticed this thread and am interested in Nakamura but don't like the idea of it opening when I'm digging it out of my pocket. I've had occasions where I have gotten nicked pretty good on axis assist knives when they have deployed in my pocket because I forgot to use the axis lock.

Do you know how I might be able to get a back spacer that has the proper thread size/diameter to accomplish what you accomplished tech doc?

Thanks
 
I just found this thread, and have opened my 484 twice in my pocket in the past week or so. I have never had this problem with another axis lock, so it has to be the studs. Will Benchmade send out thumb studs like they do clips?
 
Ernie1980 said:
I just found this thread, and have opened my 484 twice in my pocket in the past week or so. I have never had this problem with another axis lock, so it has to be the studs. Will Benchmade send out thumb studs like they do clips?
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My understanding is that the studs on the 484 are different than on most other Benchmade knives and you can't replace them with "regular" studs.

So unfortunately Benchmade would have to acknowledge the issue and machine lower profile studs that fit the knife and I suspect that probably won't be happening anytime soon which is what makes tech docs fix all the more relevant.
 
Don't see any further follow-up in this thread, so I emailed Benchmade directly asking them about the size of the stud and if a smaller one is available, now just waiting on their response.
 
Man I just bought the 484-1 and my first complaint was wow the thump stud are very long and ugly .
 
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Don't bother waiting for email responses, which are famous for being slow. Call them at 800-800-7427.
 
I am so shocked you have experienced slow email responses from BM. They have been nothing short of fantastic every time I contact them. Free thumb studs, axis bars, clip screws, etc on multiple occasions. They even pay shipping. I would never let them re sharpen one of my knives back to their ridiculous angles but part/warranty service is super.

The benchmade customer service has made be a constant repeat customer.
 
Many of us, myself included, have experienced slow email responses. Yet it's not a biggie - BKC is huge, and I think a lot depends on who you and I write. I prefer the gift of voice, always liked calling a real person as a result. As far as parts requests and LifeSharp/Warranty services, there's no one in the business that does it better. That's why I still buy their products and will always do so.
 
If anyone figures out a smaller thumb stud fix be sure to post it here. I really like this knife except the bid studs. Mine works so well I wouldn't mind almost nothing sticking out.
 
It's not just the 484, my mini grip has partially opened many times, bit me once.
If there were a tip down option...
Been meaning to grind down the weak side thumb stud, just haven't got around to it yet.
 
TechDoc said:
The only complaint I have about the new 484 Nakamura is that the thumb studs protrude a little further out then I like. This has caused the outside one (the one I don't use to open the blade) to snag on my pocket a few times and partially open the blade. I've cut myself a little one of these times.

Many BM thumb studs use a larger diameter screw but this one has the same size and threading as the thin scale & pocket clip screws. So using a spare backspacer screw from another knife I was able to do this. Even though it isn't flush it still is a big improvement.

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Click to expand...

Hey TechDoc, thanks for your post, and know its a while back, but is there any chance you could tell me what knife that back spacer screw came off of that would fit the nakamura thumb stud? I called Benchmade and tried to get them to send me a screw but they say every knife has different screws and they need a model number of the knife the screw came off… ? Any help would be much appreciated. 484-1 is my favorite knife and EDC, but I have to be so careful getting it in and out of my pocket it drives me crazy!
 
Hawkphoto said:
Hey TechDoc, thanks for your post, and know its a while back, but is there any chance you could tell me what knife that back spacer screw came off of that would fit the nakamura thumb stud? I called Benchmade and tried to get them to send me a screw but they say every knife has different screws and they need a model number of the knife the screw came off… ? Any help would be much appreciated. 484-1 is my favorite knife and EDC, but I have to be so careful getting it in and out of my pocket it drives me crazy!
Click to expand...

Bump.. Just curious if anyone had had found a solution for the 484-1 thumbstud replacement question..?
 
My 484 has been on "time out" since it sliced me while withdrawing from my pocket. I finally swapped out the off side thumb stud as recommended in this thread, which was so simple to do, it made me feel foolish for not doing it sooner. Simple change which moves this knife way back up into my list of favorites.

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Pretty stoked. :thumbup:
 
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