Benchmade Liner-Lock Position

[TT2Toes]

Where should the liner-lock position be on a new folder?
On most of my liner-lock folders I have noticed that the liner lock is usually positioned near the closest side of the blade-butt (as in the attached pic, Fig. 2) when new. However, my new Benchmade 814 came out of the box, with the liner lock being seated about half way across the blade-butt (Fig. 1).

I had always assumed that liner-locks should initially seat near the closest side of the blade-butt, and as wear occurred the contact position would move toward the center (or toward the far side) of the blade-butt.

If it starts at the mid-position, and as wear occurs then moves toward the far position, isn’t this moving toward the weakest point of contact?

I inquired at Benchmade, but they are not willing to sell me a new liner lock piece, so I can fit it to my individual preference. They recommend I send them the knife to check it for warranty repair/replacement.

What is the opinion of blade-forumites? Should liner-locks on new knives seat at the closest side of the blade-butt or midway? Or, does it not make any difference?

TT2Toes

 

[jonmok]

i dont know if this helps, but i got my mini afck used (812), and the liner lock position is in the middle where you say yours is, but still locks up tight.

 

[UnknownVT]

and just a personal preference -

I like my liners to be just over 1/2 way - for the sheer confidence in lock-up.

I do understand about the wear thing -
but I'd much rather preserve my fingers, over preserving the knife.

Some "evidence" - for example Chris Reeve's Sebenzas are made/spec'd with the frame-lock at 75% coverage.....

 

[RH]

Almost every CRKT I've had looked like Fig. 2, which was cause for worry personally. Never had one fail, but I was not confident and sold/traded them away. Now the only liners I have in my collection is one CRKT Mirage (sentimental reasons), and my nice new Delta Z's, which all lock up rock-solid like Fig. 1.

 

[chopper]

benchmade linerlocks have a concave tang. sounds and looks like it is just fine. i wouldn't worry about it if there is no blade play and if some developes, send it in, life time warranty. hope this helps.

 

[boobar]

I have had a Benchmade 640 mini spike for about 5 years now and it has been my EDC ever since I bought it. Right out of the box the liner lock was positioned almost all the way to the right, past where your fig. 1 shows the liner lock on yours. I have not had one bit of trouble with it in 5 years. The lockup on mine has never gotten any worse, it is still as solid today as it was 5 years ago. I would say if you have a solid lockup don't worry about it and if it gets bad on you send it back to Benchmade, I am sure they would be happy to fix it for you.

 

[brownshoe]

I have a Benchmade full size Spike. It locked like figure 2 when new, but move almost all the way over within a few months. It's sat there now for 4 years and never moved again. Don't worry about liner position, in reality there is very little wear. For some knives, liners can move due to changes in stop or pivot pins not due to lock wear. Sometimes liners move because the pivot screw has loosened and the blade becomes a little loose. When this happens, tightening the pivot sometimes will return the liner lock to its original position.

 

[TT2Toes]

Guess I'll just chill out and not worry about it. The blade locks just fine, real solid, no play.

I really like the knife and have gotton pretty attached - - so I was reluctant to send it off for repair/replacement. Your (everyone's)advice helps allay my concerns.

I'm sold on the 154CM crucible steel too. I hope Benchmade stays around for a long, long time.

TT2toes