Benchmade Mini Freek a slight vertical play!

[Hackenslash]

Since posting in this thread (post #6) I just picked up another Griptilian. My other Grip is a BM custom from their web site builder thing that I bought in January (before they removed the Grip from the available models). It has G10 scales, a tanto half serrated blade, and is rock solid. The only way I can get vertical movement from the blade is if I pull back the lock, slowly unfold the blade, and slowly release the lock. This isn’t how I (or probably anyone) would actually open this knife, so I’m not counting this against Benchmade in any way.

The Griptilian I just got in the mail today has their plastic handles and the Sheepsfoot/spydie hole blade. This knife actually does have vertical movement even when flipped open properly. I noticed that if I grip the knife really tight after it is open, then there is no movement, but when I hold just the scales and try and move the blade, it moves up and down a little bit. I realized that there is no movement between the knife blade and the lock interface; it is actually the knife and liner unit moving ever so slightly within the plastic grip itself.

Long story short, I now see what other people are talking about, but this knife is perfect in every other way, so it’s a keeper. My G10 version is also perfect other than two of the screws in the grips slightly sticking past the inside of the liners (not interfering with the blade though). Anyway, I’m still a big fan of Benchmade’s designs and think you get a decent value with some of their off the shelf models.

Thanks for sharing your observations with us. It’s good to see that you’re satisfied with your Benchmade lock-up! Enjoy your knives and have fun with them!

 

[AntDog]

If it doesn’t move when I give it a gentle wiggle in either direction it’s good enough for me. I don’t try to force a knife into having play. A little up and down wiggle for axis locks hasn’t been uncommon in my experience but it isn’t endemic either. Most of the ones I’ve had had no play at all.

I’ve got 3 right near me and one has very slight up and down play, other two don’t. It isn’t near enough to bother me at all.

 

[Yono01]

The interface with the axis and the frame cannot be without a small amount of play otherwise the axis would not be able to disengage. It's part of the design. As long as there is no side to side play and the lock seats down the I wouldn't worry about a little play. Put a little light oil on the sliding channels of the axis and it should be fine. I'd only worry if the lock doesn't seat fully and the axis was able to creep back in use. I have the adamas mini with a little play also.

I think this makes a lot of sense. Because when the blade in open position and i slide the axis button toward pivot and hold it very tight..the play is gone. So this probably caused by a little tolerance between the oval hole and axis button.

Btw..when i got this knife brand new..theres no blade play. But after playing it around for months..then i notice the play.