Now I might just be a bit weak but I find it a bit tough to open the blade far enough on my Benchmade Apparition for the AO to kick in and open the blade the rest of the way. I tried to oil the Optimiser rod but that didnt seem to have much effect. Any tips?
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Benchmade Apparition AO toughness
- Thread starter big beans
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2004
- Messages
- 1,500
Oil won't help. It's not friction that holds the blade closed, it's spring tension — the same spring that also forces the blade open.
I own other assisted-opening knives, including a couple that open a lot easier than the Apparition, but they make me a bit uneasy. I have had them open up on me while in my pocket. I don't recommend the experience.
That tension is there for a reason: you do NOT want the Apparition to open when it's in your pocket. Trust me on this!
If the tension really bothers you, maybe you should remove the AO spring, and try it as a manual opener instead?
I own other assisted-opening knives, including a couple that open a lot easier than the Apparition, but they make me a bit uneasy. I have had them open up on me while in my pocket. I don't recommend the experience.
That tension is there for a reason: you do NOT want the Apparition to open when it's in your pocket. Trust me on this!
If the tension really bothers you, maybe you should remove the AO spring, and try it as a manual opener instead?
big beans said:
BB -
I had/have the same problem with my Apparition.
I sent mine back to Benchmade and it came back better but still very stiff. I emailed their customer service staff and never received a response. They did return my $5 check uncashed which was nice of them. I would rather they had kept it and fixed the opening mechanism. I can't open it one handed.
The repair suggestion I hear the most in this forum is to pull out the Optimizer bar and reseat it. It seems that the bar has to be in just so, not too far in or out and it has to be in the proper position for the beveled end to work properly.
I think it is sad that anyone should have this problem with such an expensive knife.
I noticed that Benchmade has never released another knife with this same locking system so it is my guess they know there is a problem. The honorable thing would be for them to issue a recall and have everyone with a super stiff Apparition return it for replacement or repair. I'm not holding my breath.
Here is how Benchmade explains this locking system-
The knife mechanism is essential to any folder. It is what provides the means to lock the folding knifes' blade open when you go to use it. There are almost as many mechanisms and variations of mechanisms on the market as there are individual knife designs. It all comes down to several key features to look for in a locking mechanism, they are ease of use (even under non-ideal circumstance), reliability to be certain it will not fail inadvertently, and strength relative to the knife application. Benchmade features a variety of locking mechanisms, several of which are patented and exclusive to Benchmade. No cheap novelties here though, just solid lock up function backed by the best quality in the business.
OPTIMISER® SYSTEM
A patented Benchmade exclusive, which gives the user the option to choose between assisted opening and manual opening of the blade. A steel spring-bar running the length of the inside handle spine is secured in place and contacts a surface area of the blade tang. As the blade is closed the spring is tensioned against the blade tang, then as the user rotates the blade open to a 30-degree angle the spring-bar is engaged and continues the blade to its full, locked open position. The huge advantage to the Optimiser® design over similar concepts is that it must first be opened to a 30-degree angle or beyond in order for the assisted opening to engage, which allows the user better control of the blade. This feature is also an effective self-safety to prevent unintended blade discharge while carrying, or in the event the knife is severely jarred or bumped. Another exclusive benefit of the Optimiser design is that it permits the user to easily remove the spring-bar to create a non-assisted opening knife. The Optimiser functions equally smooth as either an assisted, or manual open blade. This actuation system is adapted to a locking-liner mechanism design for the actual locking mechanics.
Please note that this lock will require slightly more pressure to open than some of the other locking mechanisms. This is normal as it is a safety feature built into the Optimiser locking mechanism.
(Example: Model 670 Apparition)
Here is what the Apparition looks like.
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BM670P
It is a good looking and handling knife. I think BM needs to cut a deal with Ken Onion on the design of assisted opening devices however. There are gobs of these Apparitions for sale on our favorite auction site from about $75 and up. Great price if the knife works as touted!
Thanks guys, and yeah I have been using it as a manual opener, but not using the AO spring just seems like a waste to me. This is only my 2nd experience with an AO knife, the other, the kershaw leek is such a joy to use too. If anyone else has any other suggestions let me hear them.