Benchmade Bedlam 860 impressions

I got one of these a couple of weeks back and it is a great knife. A bit on the big size but very comfortable in the hand. Yes it does have the same crappy clip as the Rukus series but oh well.

I give it a thumbs up
 
Hey thanks for the info LEGION 681. I'll get on to Emerson about the Persian run. Another knife I'd love to see Emerson make is a fixed blade version of the Persian. It wouldn't be something completely off the wall for them as they already make a fixed blade version of their famous Karambit.
 
Okay, a quick update on my 860. This is my first axis lock so I wasn't sure if it was defective or not when I received it last week but I knew something wasn't quite right with the lockup. After doing some more research and looking at how this should function via some youtube videos I definitely have a defective knife.

When I hold the knife horizontally with the blade facing downward and pull back on the axis lock the blade stays in place - based on every video of every axis lock knife I have seen (including the 860) the blade should swing loose from the handle. I tried to loosen the pivot screw but even when I loosened it so much that I get substantial side to side play in the blade it is still too tight to fall from the handle.

Additionally, I am still having lock up issues. Most times I deploy the blade and lockup is tight. But sometimes (maybe 10 - 20% of the time) the lock does not fully engage and I get up and down blade play.

After everything I have heard about the axis lock I am very disappointed. I expect much better from such an expensive blade.

To be clear, I am not knocking Benchmade too hard and have not been turned off by them on my first knife purchase. I am absolutely positive that I just got a dud. I have arranged with the retailer to exchange it for another 860. I will report back for anyone interested after I receive the replacement.

My fingers are crossed because I really love the design of the blade.
 
sheepdog229 said:
Okay, a quick update on my 860. This is my first axis lock so I wasn't sure if it was defective or not when I received it last week but I knew something wasn't quite right with the lockup. After doing some more research and looking at how this should function via some youtube videos I definitely have a defective knife.

When I hold the knife horizontally with the blade facing downward and pull back on the axis lock the blade stays in place - based on every video of every axis lock knife I have seen (including the 860) the blade should swing loose from the handle. I tried to loosen the pivot screw but even when I loosened it so much that I get substantial side to side play in the blade it is still too tight to fall from the handle.

Additionally, I am still having lock up issues. Most times I deploy the blade and lockup is tight. But sometimes (maybe 10 - 20% of the time) the lock does not fully engage and I get up and down blade play.

After everything I have heard about the axis lock I am very disappointed. I expect much better from such an expensive blade.

To be clear, I am not knocking Benchmade too hard and have not been turned off by them on my first knife purchase. I am absolutely positive that I just got a dud. I have arranged with the retailer to exchange it for another 860. I will report back for anyone interested after I receive the replacement.

My fingers are crossed because I really love the design of the blade.
Click to expand...

How is the replacement?
 
Okay so my Bedlam arrived two days ago. As with all benchmade products the quality is great I was conceded that the serrations would be too much as to interfere with clean slicing. However they are just enough to help out if you are slicing rope but only occupy the first quarter of the blade. I am very pleasantly surprised I highly recommend it.
 
I've had the bedlam with a black blade and traded it, and got the satin finish plain edge instead. I absolutely love this knife. carried it for a few months now and am very satisfied with it!
 
I did receive a replacement 860 and the lockup and blade deployment is better than the first. I think the blade is still a little tighter than other Benchmades I have seen in videos but it isn't a big deal for me. When I deploy the knife via the thumbstud, lockup is 100%. When I flick it out via the axis lock deployment method, the lock doesn't fully seat - this gives the blade up and down play. When this happens, I wiggle the blade up and down with my fingers and I hear the lock click into place and then lockup is 100%.

These are not huge deals for me but worth noting for anyone looking to buy this knife. It might bug some people.

The only real negative about the knife is the weak pocket clip. When gripping the knife I can feel the clip giving in under my palm - and I am not white knuckling the knife. I haven't felt clips bending in under my grip on any other knives I've handled. Again, not a deal breaker for me but could definitely be improved. I ordered a replacement clip from BM and it is standing by in anticipation of a clip failure.

Sorry I can't post any pics - I'm not a paying member. I can tell you it sticks up out of my pocket a good inch mostly due to the glass-breaker (skull crusher) pommel. I wish it was a little more low profile as I don't like to draw attention with big knives sticking out of my pocket. Not a huge deal however as I usually carry it in my waist band anyway.

Overall, this is one bad ass knife and I don't regret the purchase. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a quality, mean-looking, hard-use tactical knife. Just know that it is a black class working knife and not gold class perfection.

Regards
 
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