Benchmade 484-1 Thumb Studs Question

KBA · Dec 7, 2015

I had the Benchmade 484 Nakamura once and really enjoyed the knife. My only complaint was that the thumb studs would catch my jeans and open the knife. A few times I was cut slightly and I had a few jeans pockets sliced.

Did they change the new 484-1 at all to fix that? I sure would like to try the s90v version.

Sorry if this question has been posted before and I missed it.

Thanks

Mister X · Dec 10, 2015

I too noticed that so I took off the thumb studs and open the knife either with two hands or by flicking it while pulling back on the Axis lock (saw this done on a Benchmade 275). It made slicing cardboard boxes a bit easier since you can use the full edge on a downward push cut. Note; the studs are two different sizes of Torx fasteners.

highestpoint · Dec 12, 2015

This is one reason I have been holding off on buying one. I really love everything about the knife minus this.

I wonder if anyone has tried swapping them out with any other thumb studs..

dalefuller · Dec 12, 2015

I'm just the opposite. The studs are one of the things I really like about my 484. They remind me of the Al Mars I used to have, a mini-SERE and a Nomad. My hands are old, desensitized (can't feel things very well), and stiff. Those thumb studs make the 484 easy for me to use.

But... they are removable and there should be other BM studs or aftermarket studs from a knife supply company that will fit and will make your 484 just what you want it to be. It's a really nice knife from BM and you should enjoy using it once you get it to your likin'.

jschu22 · Jan 8, 2016

I just picked one up and the studs are very significant. I read a review of the knife on Amazon where someone requested some lower profile studs from BM and I gave it a shot as well. After a phone call and a few emails, I have a couple of options on the way. Amazing customer service from them.

AmosPaul · Jan 8, 2016

I have been carrying the 484 for two weeks now and have not had any problems with the studs catching.

method_burger · Jan 11, 2016

Ive had mine for about 3 months. (a g10 version) and best thumbstuds ever! I carry it in the rear pocket and never had any catching issues, unless I intentionally try to. But in light of this, I can 'wave' out the knife by angling the knife when I pull out of pocket. Its not 100% success but its a nice option when I need to cut something immediately

Cursum Perficio · Jan 11, 2016

Only once have I had the 484 blade get popped open by the stud catching on pants when pulling out the knife. I've read about others having the issue, but it usually doesn't happen to me.
Still, once is a warning sign I suppose.
I might try swapping the studs off another BM to see what it's like, but I think a screw to replace the male stud so a stud is only on one side would be better. I like the stud itself, it works well.

jkarp_53 · Jan 11, 2016

Give the knife a slight twist when pulling out of the pocket. Works for most of my models with the larger studs; never a problem with the smaller 'standard' versions.