bad benchmade first impression

[mrdabble]

I am really big Kershaw fan.
To the tune of 9 of them ATM
So I've decided to expand my horizons a bit
I ordered up a griptillian for work, but I also wanted something classy and with a little bang, found the 943 at a sporting goods store.

Well its been two days now and it hasn't seen any use other than showing it off, and when it is folded the blade rattles not terribly, but significantly in its handle. I've tried tightening up the screw, which seemed to be already tight but after a twist the blade was being bound, after a twist back the screw felt loose like its not catching anything.

So when the pivot screw is tight the blade won't open smoothly, when loose its LOOSE and the blade functions normally when open but when closed has more play than a kid in a fisher price commercial.

Is this what I should expect from future Benchmades?
I've never had an issue like this with Kershaw so I bring my question here.

On top of all that, i seem to have lost my receipt for the one time i actually went out and physically bought the blade, thinking I wouldn't have to worry about it with the amount I put out for the 943.

Bummer. So now on either have a defective knife that I'll have to wait a month or more to use having to go through the manufacturer, or bench made just isn't all its cracked up to be.

I highly doubt its the latter, so someone confirm my steel is a dud please so I can quit whining and start this damn warranty process

 

[rajincagin]

You already know the answer

 

[flarp]

That definitely doesn't sound normal. If you lost the receipt, you might not be able to return it to the store. You can, however, still send it in to Benchmade's warranty department. They should be able to fix it up.

 

[addylo]

There's been an ongoing gritch session in the BM forum about their quality control going downhill. It sounds like you're seeing an example of what they're talking about.

 

[Cap’n Smudge]

Most dealers (I have dealt with) would trade it out for another example of the same knife even without a receipt. I would try that first. If that ends up not being an option, send it in.
I read a lot on here about BM blades not being centered. I own a few and all are perfectly centered. This is not a case of me not being all that picky. Quite the contrary, I am very picky and very demanding in what I expect and find acceptable. For a long time I would only buy knives in person because of this. But, in the interest of making my money go further, I have bought quite a few knives this past year and half on the internet. I must have wonderful luck or the bad eggs are few and far between.

 

[spketch]

It's possible you have a defective knife, but benchmade pivots have a very narrow sweet spot. Turning the screw as little as 20 degrees or so can make a huge difference. If by making minute changes in pivot tension you still can't dial it in, you should be able to exchange it easily as has been stated. Good luck to you.

 

[loonybin]

Well its been two days now and it hasn't seen any use other than showing it off, and when it is folded the blade rattles not terribly, but significantly in its handle. I've tried tightening up the screw, which seemed to be already tight but after a twist the blade was being bound, after a twist back the screw felt loose like its not catching anything.

If you're giving it a full twist, then no wonder things are rattling. Adjusting the pivot screw on a benchmade is measured in 1/64" turns, or even less. Many times I adjust it based on feel. I can't see the pivot screw move, but I apply just enough pressure that I'm sure it's done something. Only takes me a minute or two to adjust it to where I want.

Or you can send it to Benchmade and take advantage of their top-notch customer service.

 

[treeshaker]

did you first clean the knife ?? did you lube, a good knife requires a break in period, any of them. Sometimes the best take the longest. As for quality, Benchmade is the best, under $200 knife made, period. I own every brand, and they will make it right. Not calling B/S but if what you say is true, call Benchmade at website number and they will actually answer and not only contact dealer, but get your knife right. Do not post here next month about how the blade is not sharp, send it back to benchmade free, you pay postage, wear out a blade or break one, $12 for new one at Benchmade. Just never send an auto Benchmade back. Finally before posting here, I would read the warrenty, the call is free. Unless you work for another brand ?
They are coming out with a new line this year, looks,feels and works like old LoneWolves. Also I searched 40 plus reviews on several sites 90% 5 others 4 , regarding factory sharpness. What store treated you this way ? You pay cash, or credit card. Did you address the store manager ?

 

[Scurvy092]

did you first clean the knife ?? did you lube, a good knife requires a break in period, any of them. Sometimes the best take the longest. As for quality, Benchmade is the best, under $200 knife made, period. I own every brand, and they will make it right. Not calling B/S but if what you say is true, call Benchmade at website number and they will actually answer and not only contact dealer, but get your knife right. Do not post here next month about how the blade is not sharp, send it back to benchmade free, you pay postage, wear out a blade or break one, $12 for new one at Benchmade. Just never send an auto Benchmade back. Finally before posting here, I would read the warrenty, the call is free. Unless you work for another brand ?
They are coming out with a new line this year, looks,feels and works like old LoneWolves.

That is no where near the truth hahahah.

 

[treeshaker]

That is no where near the truth hahahah.

are you kidding, wtf. this is not about how many or how much you got, but that is a very silly response. I have CRKs, Smith Combats, Tim Brittons, Protechs, going on and they all require a break in period. wtf again.

 

[RevDevil]

Simmer down folks, not every comment is a personal attack or should be reacted to as such. Looks like the first impression by the OP was more perception than fact. It happens to people that have never owned a Benchmade before. The knife does need to have some loctite and adjustment for it to be "perfect" according to the perception/preference of some.

 

[Jegred2]

did you first clean the knife ?? did you lube, a good knife requires a break in period, any of them. Sometimes the best take the longest. As for quality, Benchmade is the best, under $200 knife made, period. I own every brand, and they will make it right. Not calling B/S but if what you say is true, call Benchmade at website number and they will actually answer and not only contact dealer, but get your knife right. Do not post here next month about how the blade is not sharp, send it back to benchmade free, you pay postage, wear out a blade or break one, $12 for new one at Benchmade. Just never send an auto Benchmade back. Finally before posting here, I would read the warrenty, the call is free. Unless you work for another brand ?
They are coming out with a new line this year, looks,feels and works like old LoneWolves. Also I searched 40 plus reviews on several sites 90% 5 others 4 , regarding factory sharpness. What store treated you this way ? You pay cash, or credit card. Did you address the store manager ?

I would have agreed with you except for the fact that Benchmade decided to do some price fixing on their products raising the prices significantly. US made kershaw/ZT are a better bang for the $ now with the 30% increase in price and CC issues that Benchmade is having.

 

[Scurvy092]

are you kidding, wtf. this is not about how many or how much you got, but that is a very silly response. I have CRKs, Smith Combats, Tim Brittons, Protechs, going on and they all require a break in period. wtf again.

Most good knives come out of the box pretty much perfect and maybe the get a little smoother as they wear in but by no means is there a break in period where the knife functions like crap and then gets better as you use it.

Yes, those knives do exist, but I don't buy them. Breaking in means you are waiting for the parts to seat/mate/wear in to one another. A properly built knife will have those parts perfectly seated/mated/worn in from the get go.

Just because some makers out there tell you that you have to put up with the knife not functioning right while it 'breaks in' does not mean it SHOULD be that way.

 

[treeshaker]

simply read the paper work or warranty in most knives. Most knives are coated for stg and shipping, as well as in store handeling. Your best knives come with wrenches, cleaning rag,, lockdown , and lube. It is a shame I'm told to not stress this. this is a very simple standard fact about knives. Why do even a lot of vintage knives ship extra bushings. I must seek the treasure.

 

[loonybin]

did you first clean the knife ?? did you lube, a good knife requires a break in period, any of them.

Benchmade knives are shipped from the factory already lubed with Militec-1. There aren't very many lubricants that are slicker (Nano Oil, and WeaponShield are, but I can't think of any others). Benchmade knives don't require a "break-in period." All I own are Benchmades, and none of them -- linerlock or Axis -- have required breaking in.

Sometimes the best take the longest. As for quality, Benchmade is the best, under $200 knife made, period. I own every brand, and they will make it right. Not calling B/S but if what you say is true, call Benchmade at website number and they will actually answer and not only contact dealer, but get your knife right. Do not post here next month about how the blade is not sharp, send it back to benchmade free, you pay postage, wear out a blade or break one, $12 for new one at Benchmade.

Benchmade's #1 thing going for it is their customer service, but best knife under $200? ZT runs right with them and beats them in some categories (evenly ground bevels and sharpness for a couple). I've had the opportunity to test some ZT knives in a couple pass arounds, and the quality of those knives are every bit as good as Benchmade. Blade replacements are $25 for satin finish, $35 for BK coated. What in the world led you to think a blade swap was only $12 ???

Just never send an auto Benchmade back. Finally before posting here, I would read the warrenty, the call is free. Unless you work for another brand ?

That is simply uncalled for. You sound like a rabid fanboy more than an objective knife owner (remember, all I own are Benchmades). He has an issue with his knife that may be factory defect or simple unfamiliarity with adjusting an Axis lock. No need to throw out accusations like that.

 

[addylo]

+1 loonybin. Let's keep a little perspective here folks.

 

[Moxy]

Don't like it? Send it back, and move along.
Benchmade makes excellent stuff, but that doesn't mean their products will please everyone. If you can't figure out how to set it up properly or are too impatient to allow the mechanism to break in; then maybe it's not for you.

I've yet to notice a lack in QC or any supposed price hike. But then again I buy most of my knives on the forums or on eBay (which alot of folks don't like for some reason). I suspect alot of that is group think or judging the entire production off a few bad eggs. No one ever starts a thread praising how great their knife centers, or how free of play it is. When things are done right: silence. But when the guy with unreasonable expectations and no understanding of tolerances or binomial distributions has something to say about his new purchase... well thats what I call "stirring the pot".

Bottom line: If I like it, I buy it and I keep it. If not, I sell it. Simple.

 

[treeshaker]

first I never started this argument, so if someone needs to stop it, pls speak to the correct parties.. I own over 100 benchmades. PM xpressblade here and ask him. I always pay 6/12. Sent back a 100% trashed 9500 and they gave me a new model for $35.00.. You can talk all the talk you wish. If you did not find it strange, buys knife 2 days prior, no recp, they will not take back strange, then bless you. so far I am the only one who told him what to do and how to return knife and even told him about phone # and the fact they would speak directly with him. I said call is free , unless you work for other brand, It's humor sir. Had he told me the store name, I was going to contact Benchmade via cell Monday,and have this addressed. What have you added ? just your jibber. I own over 50 Kershaw and ZT's including the one off pictured in my photo. Been to the plants many times. I get free bags, free boxes, free lube, free sharpening. Maybe because I help and don't judge like you. Don't use a quote from God when you spew hate. Then again that is very common. Common, yep, that's a good choice of words.

 

[Hairlesstwinkie]

I am really big Kershaw fan.
To the tune of 9 of them ATM
So I've decided to expand my horizons a bit
I ordered up a griptillian for work, but I also wanted something classy and with a little bang, found the 943 at a sporting goods store.

Well its been two days now and it hasn't seen any use other than showing it off, and when it is folded the blade rattles not terribly, but significantly in its handle. I've tried tightening up the screw, which seemed to be already tight but after a twist the blade was being bound, after a twist back the screw felt loose like its not catching anything.

So when the pivot screw is tight the blade won't open smoothly, when loose its LOOSE and the blade functions normally when open but when closed has more play than a kid in a fisher price commercial.

Is this what I should expect from future Benchmades?
I've never had an issue like this with Kershaw so I bring my question here.

On top of all that, i seem to have lost my receipt for the one time i actually went out and physically bought the blade, thinking I wouldn't have to worry about it with the amount I put out for the 943.

Bummer. So now on either have a defective knife that I'll have to wait a month or more to use having to go through the manufacturer, or bench made just isn't all its cracked up to be.

I highly doubt its the latter, so someone confirm my steel is a dud please so I can quit whining and start this damn warranty process

it honestly sound likes a defect. Benchmade's warranty turnaround time is about 2-3 weeks. If you can't swap it out from the store then definitely send it in for warranty. Benchmade warranty is one of the best I've ever seen. I've had Benchmades where they were just spot on perfect and a few that are minor headaches. Some I sent to for warranty and they fixed, and some were so minor that I just lived with it. Don't turn away from the brand from just this one experience, you'll miss out on some great offerings.

 

[jla3156]

This defiantly sounds like a defect. I'd send it to bm and get it fixed. I think everyone will agree, break in period or not, if it seems significantly wrong, it probably is. And thats true for any brand.