Avoid BM Pinnacle with narrow lock bar?

Aux

Aux

Joined
Jan 29, 2003
Messages
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A local dealer has a couple Benchmade Pinnacles with the later design narrow lock bar. Is this any reason to avoid them?

The blades exhibit no play when open. The odd thing is that while the locks are not difficult to open, the lock bar does wiggle a bit under the thumb when open, almost like the cutout compresses as well as allowing the lock bar to move outward to release.

I have not owned a frame lock yet, so I am unsure if this is a problem, or just an effect of the design.
 
I have one of that design that I've been beatin on for about 4 years now. Its a heck of a knife considering the price and everything. As long as the lock up is solid and the tab doesn't go more than halfway across the tang already I'd say its a good buy.
I'm not sure what you mean by the tab wiggling. I can squeeze mine and make it wedge in tighter, but it doesn't seem to "wiggle" or be loose :confused:
I've really put this one through hell though, and have been impressed with how its held up. Holds an edge really well too, and no problems with chipping or anything.
 
Squishy might be a better term ;) Hard to describe.

What I felt was the lock bar could be pressed toward the back/spine side of the handle, when unlocking. Imagine trying to press a liner lock down in between the scales.

This was felt _only_ with my thumb on the lock bar, not through any play or movement when attempting to move a locked open blade. The lock still seemed solid.
 
Aux,
Seems I understand what you are talking about – very slight, barely noticeable locking bar movement under tight grip pressure, right? If so – don’t worry, you are just tightening your lock artificially with your finger pressure. I’m sure this shouldn’t cause any problems.

pinn_01.jpg

BM Pinnacle is very sturdy and reliable piece. I have one and it would be my first-choice folder going into deep wilderness because it is simple – there are nothing to break, nothing to clog, nothing to rust and so on. What a pity that they have discontinued this one!
I would be happy if they would issue Pinnacle 2 with a small bit wider blade, straight (no recurve!) edge and ambidextrous thumb stud.
 
My user Pinnacle is the older style with the wide lock bar, but I've handled a few of the newer kind. I never noticed the phenomenon that you mentioned, but I can see how it could happen, I wouldn't really worry about it too much.

IIRC, they changed to the newer style to improve lock strength (the locking "triangle" is bigger and can handle larger loads.)
 
My current "dilemma" is which to buy first: A BT Pinnacle, or an Axis TSEK. I need a good, durable utility blade. I like the lock and feel of the TSEK, but appreciate the simplicity of the Pinnacle.
 
The pinnacle was discontinued quite awhile ago. I don't think they're too easy to find new anymore. Might take that into consideration.
 
Originally posted by Aux
A local dealer has 2 at a decent price.
Click to expand...

Plain or partially serated? I've been looking for some time for a plain edged model and have just about given up.

T.
 
I don't know but just guess my Pinnacle is the latter version, judging from the black, plastic stop pin. I tried to push in the lock bar by thumb toward spine, it moved a hair. I had even not noticed the lock bar could move, and don't see any problems with it. Well the lock bar is tempered and softened to work as a spring, it should move to any direction with enough pressure.

In terms of numbers of parts, Mono-Lock is simpler than Axis lock, which I like. Mono-Lock, as liner lock, is a more delicate locking system lock than Axis lock, as it depends on lock bar spring tension, precise lock bar length, blade tang surface where lock bar engages, grip pressure, etc. while the Axis lock is a just a bar in the way for the blade to close.

Nothing under the sun is perfect... you can choose any one and will be pleased with your choice.... or you can buy both, write comparation to the forum, and please many forumites including me....
 
BM should bring back the 750. Even though this knife is discontinued there continues to be interest in it.
 
Can someone tell me the specs on the Pinnacle?
Blade length, length closed, weight, blade steel, blade thickness, and handle thickness?

WrongFriend, are you sure that your Pinnacle has a black PLASTIC stop pin?


Thanks,
Allen.
 
All of the hardware is blackened STEEL pocket clip, pivot pin, stop pin,screws.
There is no plastic other than the back spacer.

Specs on it
4.75" closed, 3.6" blade, 7/16" thick across handle. Blade is 1/8" thick ATS34 or 154CM, pretty sure its ATS but not positive. Don't know exact weight. I'd guess that its in the neighborhood of 4-5 ounces, it carries well. I don't even notice it in my pocket.
 
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