Benchmade 707 Sequel - Any problems with the black handle finish?

WrayH

WrayH

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Have any of you BM 707 owners/users encountered any unusual/unexpected/unacceptable wear or finish irregularities on the black surface of the knife's aluminum handle that developed from daily or frequent carry and use. Some wear marks from daily carry and use and the occasional scratch are expected. The type of finish problem that I am interested in is one for which you can think of no logical reason and makes you think "What the hell?"

This question is presented here as a favor to my local B&M dealer. He knows that I use internet sources for most of my purchases, but is a likeable guy that is an enthusiast and enjoys talk and discussion about knives as much as we do. He is not computer literate and I agreed to try to develop some information to help him with a problem.

He has a good customer who has purchased a number of knives in the past with no problem or complaint. This customer works for USPS in some unspecified mid-level position which calls for more or less regular daily light use of his knife. A few months ago he bought a BM707 Sequel from my B&M guy, but within a couple of weeks returned it due to (as described to me) irregular, blotchy spots in the finish (not the G10 inserts), some of which went completely through the finish to metal. There is no indication that his work involves chemicals or any other than light to moderate normal knife use such as occasional cardboard, twine, tape, etc.

He was given a new BM 707 as a replacement and now, a couple of weeks later, the same condition has recurred. Benchmade has not been much help and my B&M guy doesn't have a good answer to give his customer.

He (and I) would appreciate the benefit of your collective experience and insight. Thanks.
 
I've had mine for a while now with no problems, and I used it everyday in commercial construction (I'm back in school now). It gets some scuffs and such, but nothing major. I haven't worn it all the way through.
 
Wray, I don't have a 707, but I have a number of aluminum BMs, from my old Crawford and Brend up though my 921 Switchback. What you're describing is new to me. I'm had the standard aluminum problems - over time, the black gets worn off the corners, gets banged up my keys and change, etc.

But I've never had your friend's problem, or heard of it. Something weird is going on. Either some kind of chemical thing - does the guy have any other Al-handles knives that are fine? does he have mutant sweat? does he live in New Jersey? :) or a batch of 707s went out with bad anodizing, it sounds like.

Sorry that's not really helpful.
 
I would want to know what else the guy was carrying in his pocket with the knife. Almost any coating will wear off given the right circumstances. Sounds like the customer should stick to uncoated handle materials.
 
If Benchmade would replace the current scales with full G10 scales like the 705 had this problem wouldn't be happening and the knife would look better as well.
 
Thats the main reason for my dislike for alu scaled knives, corners are the first to go. Dont even drop the knife on pavement!! But I agree with mrd74, a full g10 scale wud be the best for edc. Else your friend shud look at the mini griptillian 556 MDP. Nearly the same shape with the same blade thickness of 440C instead of 154cm. Much more durable FRN scales thats not scared of some puny coins or keys!!

Actually yhe HA3 coating on the 707 is quite hard and will wear off bronze keys and coins which are much softer materials. Try to rub off the tarnishing on the black coating with a pencil erasor. If the black coatings worn off then sorry, nothing can be done to restore short of recoating the entire scale.
 
Wray,

I don't have any experience with that particular knife in question. But, suffuce it to say that coated surfaces are like gorgeous women who cook & clean - a strictly temporary situation.
 
Thanks to each of you for contributing your thoughts and experience. You have pleased me, personally, with your helpful responses and have helped my local B&M guy immensely by giving him practical user input.

I took a printed copy of your responses to him and he is grateful to you all for your assistance. He has now indicated that a responsible party at Benchmade is very interested and has promised to resolve the problem without loss to either him or his customer.

This has been an excellent example of the practical value of Blade Forums and the good nature and helpfulness of you BF members. You are appreciated!
 
I'd like to pull this one up from the dregs to see if there has been any resolution of the problem? Was Benchmade able to come up with an explanation?

Now that these have been out a little longer, anybody else have any cents they want to add in here? I'm looking at picking a 707 up in the near future.
 
I've had mine for about a month and have had no problems with it. A very smooth-opening knife, nice size, sharp(ouch!) tip and blade.
 
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