A couple thoughts about my first Benchmade

G

GRS1959

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Feb 10, 2010
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Received my first Benchmade in the mail today...a 556 Mini Grip. Nice little knife. I love the Axis lock and think it will find it's way into my pocket a lot.

However, I do think it's a little overpriced for what it is. I got it for $65... a good price, but to me, it feels like a $40-$50 knife. F&F is just ok. Probably the worst grind I have ever received on a blade. So uneven from side to side that is practically a left-handed chisel grind.

Will I buy more Benchmades? Maybe...maybe not.
 
Have you talked to their customer service? I'm sure they would not be happy to hear this and would be more than happy make it right
 
Benchmade blade grinds are always a little off in my experience, sometimes worse than usual. But they do make some pretty high quality knives. I was going to buy a mini grip as my first Benchmade, but after trying it out in the store I decided that the 943 was easily worth double the price, and went with that instead. It's still one of my favorite EDC blades.
 
The uneven grind is pretty easy to fix. Not sure it would be worth contacting customer service.
 
I buy my Benchmades fully prepared to reprofile the edge out of the box:D. Not that it really bothers me, as I find my edges to be prettier anyways.
 
Lol i've never had any problems with any of my Benchmades (I own 9 now hehe :D ) I just got a Benchmade Bedlam (Manual Black coated Plain Edge) and the edge isn't great but the grind and the fit and finish are superb, but that's just me :D
 
I love Benchmades and the AXIS lock but to be honest, the griptilian series is just not their best work IMO. I know they have sold a million of them and many people love them but to me they feel cheap in the hand and I hate the plastic feeling grip.

I think if you stick to it and try some other models with G10 and better fit and finish you might be pleased. One of my favorites is the 710. Good luck.
 
I don't (or at least seldom) buy Benchmades. My first BM in 3 years is a preorder from Knifeworks for M390 - for the steel.

That's my vote through action.
 
I guess I'm lucky. I have had several over the years and they have all been (as far as I can tell) flawless. I am no BM fanboy either. Like them but I'm more of a Spydie guy. Like the others said, most knife companies stand behind their products and make them right.
 
Ive liked all the Bms i have had. Used to have 6, but only have 1 now. Just preferred other knives a little more, and ended up selling them off. Great CS if you ever need it too
 
After playing with this Mini Grip for the past 24 hours, I have to say that this Axis Lock is a lot of fun. I can definitely see a higher-end Axis Lock knife in my collection someday.

I have a 18-slot zippered knife bag, and told my wife that my collection will never outgrow this bag. I really don't think that this POS Walmart Gerber should count. I think I'll throw it in my toolbox in the morning, so it doesn't take up a slot. That means that I have 8 empty slots. I think that the next slot is reserved for a GEC slipjoint. One of the seven after that will definitely be another Benchmade. Yes, I have been drinking...
 
Years ago Benchmade knives were very, very good. I bought my first BM axis lock 942 Osbourne somewhere around 1996 (if memory serves me) - and it was a great knife. I still have it - it's pretty beat up - but for years it was the only folder I carried.

Over the years I have watched BM slip in the fit and finish department, which is sad because I was a loyal consumer of BM knives.

Lately I have strayed away - every time I am in the B&M store and handle one I think I might like the fit and finish turn me off. That and the fact that the pricing has gotten a little steep for what they are selling.
 
I love the edge as it comes from the factory

It's so obtuse, it's like an unsharpened knife, and makes it easier to pick an angle I want
 
the minigrip used to be the best value in the industry....it's still a fantastic knife. Even though I have 5+ $200 knives, every time I pick up a minigrip I just "get it."

That said, I think the RAM has the best value crown now though....and that's what I'd buy for a small EDC beater (and what I do buy, over and over again).
 
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