Benchmade Emissary

RamZar

RamZar

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Mar 3, 2013
Messages
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I bought one of the gray aluminum handle Benchmade 470 Emissary in October 2011. Really liked the 3" blade, narrow profile and even the AXIS assist. It's kind of like a small 943 but with assist.

Problem was that after a short time of carrying it the gray on the aluminum handle started to look extremely worn, scratched and faded. Anybody else encounter this issue?

I'm looking at it again since KnifeWorks has it for just $126.95!

Is this problem still apparent in the 470-1 Emissary with black handle?

470



470-1

 
I have a black one I carry daily. I have had no issues of scratching or fading.
Send to BM and they will fix for you.
 
Puinsai said:
I have a black one I carry daily. I have had no issues of scratching or fading.
Send to BM and they will fix for you.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I'll contact them but their warranty says: "Warranty does not cover normal wear". Of course, the wear and fading is abnormal.
 
With a smooth anodised coating it's going to show wear no matter what. Similar to flat Ti scales I would rather see a texture of some kind; which would last a lot longer in the looks department. I'd give Benchmade a call to discuss the problem.
 
link2derek said:
Worn, scratched, and faded = very cool, IMHO. Is it just me...?
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I'm with ya, blade scuffs/chips, handle scuffs or nicks are a sign of a working tool. You should see my 940 after opening probably 100 beers with the handle :)
 
I have the 470-1, first week I had it we had an emergency pet situation and I dropped it into the pocket I had my keys in it.

It developed wear that looks like worn Titanium (light surface scratches, its not terrible. At the time I was unhappy, so I contacted Benchmade and they said the only way I can get a handle replacement is if I pay $75 and send it in.

At this point, the surface scratches give it some character and it doesn't look terrible at all.

That's also a great price on a BM, especially since their price-hike policy
 
You know, I had an original Grey Emissary and when I saw that KW had them for the pre-MAP prices, I jumped on it. But now that I've got it, I realize why I got rid of mine in the first place. I think I'm just not a 3" blade kind of guy. I liked the Mini-Barrage I had, but got rid of most of my other 3" blades.

I held it up next to my 943 and since I'm not much of an assisted-opener fan (especially on an Axis-lock), I just put it back on the shelf and threw the 943 in my pocket. I do like how ergonomic the 470 is, and I love where the safety-lock switch is located.

Maybe I'll throw it up in the trade-forums or something. Right now I've got it sitting on a shelf while I'm trying to talk myself into actually carrying/using it (but so far, it just sits).
 
I talked to a guy on another forum when considering whether or not to buy the Emissary and he had the same complaint. This was the newer model 470-1 with darker scales. He showed me pictures of it, but you can't really see any wear from photos. I ultimately decided it didn't bother me as this will be an EDC knife and won't stay new forever. I pulled the trigger on the Emissary from KW for $126 shipped, which is a fantastic deal.
 
Meety Peety said:
I talked to a guy on another forum when considering whether or not to buy the Emissary and he had the same complaint. This was the newer model 470-1 with darker scales. He showed me pictures of it, but you can't really see any wear from photos. I ultimately decided it didn't bother me as this will be an EDC knife and won't stay new forever. I pulled the trigger on the Emissary from KW for $126 shipped, which is a fantastic deal.
Click to expand...

Yeah, there's no denying how good that price is compared to MAP.
 
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