By most standards, I haven't been in the hobby for long, but this is my take on things (apologies in advance for the long post):
Benchmade is not Spyderco; and if we're being honest, Spyderco does a good job of spoiling us knife aficianados with
tons of designs and nearly as many sprint runs in exotic steels not many other modern folding knife manufacturers seem to be using. One can make the argument that Spyderco is setting the bar in this regard and form their own opinions as to how Benchmade (and other companies) compare.
Having said all that though, it would seem to me at least that Benchmade has taken a lot of steps in directions that they haven't previously before. From knives like the Crooked River/Mini Crooked River, to the Bugout to the Anthem and others, they've put forth a lot of extremely well received designs in the last couple years that have kept them moving along and into new territory (at least for them) imho. They made their first integral and in doing so, redesigned the AXIS lock (which I find to be superior to the traditional Omega spring set up). They introduced a modern slip joint in the Proper Family, etc.
While I do agree that perhaps they could make their limited editions "more special" by upgrading from the prevalent S30V, there are a variety of Benchmade dealer exclusives already making use of more premium steels, not to mention the availability of almost total customization through their custom shop for select models.
I'm not oblivious to the problems and issues that some (more than some on BF?) seem to have with them (QC issues - which I've been lucky to have no major first hand experience with, their overwhelming love of S30V, their cost relative to similar specced knives from other manufacturers and other things that may escape my mind atm) and in no way am I trying to discredit those critiques as likely, they can help the company to do better in the future.
At the end of the day though, every company has weaknesses. Benchmade has theirs. However, I find that as an American company making their knives in-country at a single manufacturing facility (afaik), they continue to put out products that are unique and unlike other designs elsewhere and compelling enough for me to come back time and again, which is likely one reason as to why I own so many. Another reason being that while they may have their issues with sub par blades leaving the production floor, they stand behind their products like few others in the industry seem to (again, in my admittedly limited experience). Everytime I've seen someone report a problem with their Benchmade here, two things usually seem to happen; the first being a quick response from
B
BKC Customer Service
inviting whomever to give them a call and a chance to make it right, followed by a report back from the individual later stating they were happy how things were resolved.
Cypress
I don't expect myself, or anyone else for that matter, to really change your mind on this topic, and I respect that. In fact, as I alluded to before, I agree with a lot of your criticisms. But I really don't think you're making too much, if any progress in your quest to see the changes you seek, by posting in just about every Benchmade thread concerning a new exclusive they're announcing, with what essentially amounts to "NO MORE S30V"! I think by now, those at Benchmade who need to know this have heard the message by now loud and clear. It's just my supposition, but I believe that in this case, the more you saturate them with this messenge, the more they're going to dismiss it, or start to tune it out as it just being a vocal few.
Of course, I could be completely wrong, but as always, that's just my $0.02.
