Anybody seen this before??

[killgar]

You can send Benchmade a message at Benchmade.com. That's the only way to find out for sure. Let us know what they say if you do.

 

[jhyde7585]

I'm curious as well, I've seen these before on benchmades ive owned

 

[Benchmade]

The markings are determine the type of steel the blades are prior to laser marking. Standard production models do not have these markings. Hopefully that helps answer the original question.

 

[aquaman67]

The markings are determine the type of steel the blades are prior to laser marking. Standard production models do not have these markings. Hopefully that helps answer the original question.

And so M4 Griptilian blades with different numbers of holes - those are from different batches - maybe even from different years? Is that correct?

 

[Benchmade]

And so M4 Griptilian blades with different numbers of holes - those are from different batches - maybe even from different years? Is that correct?

aquaman67 you would be correct. Different batches from most likely different years depending on when we changed up our "piercings key".

 

[spketch]

Thanks for clearing up the mystery definitively. It's nice to know for sure.

 

[foldingknifehq]

I'm glad they came and actually cleared that up - wouldn't have been the first time reading about something unsolved like this and getting left hanging!!

 

[Kyle_4]

I was going to post up the email response...but the Benchmade mod cleared it up. I understand the logic behind it, but how does every other knife company avoid this? And if it needs to be done, can't it be done cleaner than what was done? Looks terrible IMO.

 

[sh00ter01]

I was going to post up the email response...but the Benchmade mod cleared it up. I understand the logic behind it, but how does every other knife company avoid this? And if it needs to be done, can't it be done cleaner than what was done? Looks terrible IMO.

It's in a hidden spot and has no effect on function, does it really matter what it looks like? Do the aesthetics of a disassembled pocket knife matter to you when making a purchase?

Not trying to be a jerk, just trying to give you some insight into why they probably don't spend much time or care when making the holes.

As for how/why other companies avoid it; they may still mark their blades but in the finishing process the marking is removed, or maybe their process for blanking to heat treat is different and it's deemed unnecessary to mark at all.

 

[Jens Schuetz]

It looks unusual and the only reason could be that making holes is cheaper or faster than scratching or etching some number or other sign into the steel.
Anyways it's hidden and doesn't harm function. So no biggie for me.

 

[Kyle_4]

It's in a hidden spot and has no effect on function, does it really matter what it looks like? Do the aesthetics of a disassembled pocket knife matter to you when making a purchase?

Not trying to be a jerk, just trying to give you some insight into why they probably don't spend much time or care when making the holes.

As for how/why other companies avoid it; they may still mark their blades but in the finishing process the marking is removed, or maybe their process for blanking to heat treat is different and it's deemed unnecessary to mark at all.

I'd be willing to bet that multiple HOLES in a blade would now be the weakest point on a blade.

 

[PropThePolecat]

I'd be willing to bet that multiple HOLES in a blade would now be the weakest point on a blade.

They're not holes, but indentations. And if they weakened the construction, then we'd had seen loads of broken blades seeing how some users abuse their knives.

 

[crom]

"I'd be willing to bet that multiple HOLES in a blade would now be the weakest point on a blade."

Right, because we see so many Spydercos broken at that huge hole in the blade....

 

[sh00ter01]

I'd be willing to bet that multiple HOLES in a blade would now be the weakest point on a blade.

I wouldn't, as they're in the portion of the blade that has the thickest stock. The tip and edge will always be the weakest point on a blade as they're the thinnest.

 

[Kyle_4]

They're not holes, but indentations. And if they weakened the construction, then we'd had seen loads of broken blades seeing how some users abuse their knives.

They are holes, I took the picture. They go completely through the knife...

 

[PropThePolecat]

They are holes, I took the picture. They go completely through the knife...

I see. Never the less, they are so close to the pivot, that I cannot imagine the blade strength being compromised.