benchmade mini ritter & large m-390

BellaBlades said:
Mobile Fire Lord,
All this talk and I did mine.
Washers and all, what are the pin holes in the blade for under the washer.
I have seen them before. Is it a lazer test or RC test.
Matt
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The pin holes might be a way to mark the blades before they are actually ground, heat treated, lasered, etc. It keeps the steels identified as it gets manufactured.
 
Klutz said:
My mini came in covered in oil and with side to side blade play. It's as if it's loose but the pivot is tight. I haven't had time to do anything with it yet. My work schedule is crazy right now. I should have trusted my instincts, based on past experiences and stayed away.
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Don't get all nostalgic on me...;)

Just call Knifeworks, explain the situation, and I'm sure they'll have you send it back for either a refund or replacement.
 
RevDevil said:
The pin holes might be a way to mark the blades before they are actually ground, heat treated, lasered, etc. It keeps the steels identified as it gets manufactured.
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IIRC, there was a thread a year or so back on those holes, and that was confirmed by Benchmade (holes = steel ID).
 
I ordered a black Mini last week. We were gone hunting, and when we got home, I was sicker than a dog, but Tuesday it was here waiting for me... It sucks getting a new knife and not even feeling good enough to fondle and enjoy it :D

Brief summary: It is perfectly centered, the blade grind is even, and it has a very good edge. There is no grittiness in the pivot, zero blade play, and it is just as smooth as all of the rest of the Minis I have...One thing I noticed that I thought was weird is that the box has no filler panel for the knife to sit it. Every other one I have has that including my Custom. It certainly isn't a crisis because I don't buy it for the box, just thought it was odd.

I'm starting to warm up to the Stonewash finish on the blade. I've had so many others, that I have become accustomed to the standard finish. I didn't care for it at first, but I'm starting to like it the more time I spend fondling it. Not bad, just different.
 
After MFL's comments I did check both of my oranges (regular and mini) and found them both clean inside, though a little generously oiled.

I don't recall any of Benchmade knives that have come in those silver/gray/goldish boxes having the foam inserts, for what little that's worth. :)

Stonewash finishes vary so much, both by maker and by steel. Strider and Emerson do the best stonewash finish (IMHO/YMMV). S35VN doesn't seem to take a very noticeable stonewash from any maker, which isn't surprising, given the ease with which it polishes up.
 
JNewell said:
After MFL's comments I did check both of my oranges (regular and mini) and found them both clean inside, though a little generously oiled.

I don't recall any of Benchmade knives that have come in those silver/gray/goldish boxes having the foam inserts, for what little that's worth. :)

Stonewash finishes vary so much, both by maker and by steel. Strider and Emerson do the best stonewash finish (IMHO/YMMV). S35VN doesn't seem to take a very noticeable stonewash from any maker, which isn't surprising, given the ease with which it polishes up.
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For the record, it was one out of 50 or so Benchmade I have encountered. Also BKC rep have been communicated with me regarding this issue and I'm happy with the outcome. It must be some oversight, and I am still strong proponent, enthusiast of BKC product.

Now, stonewash on pivot surface is one of those "YMMV" situation. I have polished for smooth action.
 
Benchmade denied my email request today for a set of silver hardware for my small Ritter. Their reason was that's not how the knife came and that it would make it a custom. I'm very disappointed since I've heard others in the past say they've sent in knives with blade swaps for service and had no issues. In my opinion the orange Ritter should have had silver hardware from the factory.
 
MobileFireLord said:
I always try to be fair and objective. As much as it pains me to say this, but here is my constructive criticism.

I have received 552-1401 the other day. I went through all checks and test. Unfortunately, there were M390 shavings covering the pivot. The pivot was covered with rather excessive oil.

I have carefully removed shavings, but it does not swing well. I need to remove cover, and practically fully disassemble them. Sure enough, phosphor bronze washer has circular scratch and covered with oil mixed with metallic powder.

I would like to think I have hit the jackpot (negative one) and hoping for it to be a rare condition. I have already disassembled and clean. polish the washer and inside of liner. Needless to say it is one of the most disappointed in assembly QC.

Don't get me wrong, I still love AXIS lock and design, philosophy of BKC, but this loss of attention to the detail is very displeasing.

Hope you all have received clean and well centered blade.

(Edit:) BKC rep has been talking with me about this. I am glad they have acknowledged and I'm sure it will be well taken care of.
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Noticed on my large orange that it's very gritty when I open it, however if I keep the axis lock pulled down there is no grit. Makes me wonder if there are shavings in mine also. I'll have to take it apart and check
 
Klutz said:
My mini came in covered in oil and with side to side blade play. It's as if it's loose but the pivot is tight. I haven't had time to do anything with it yet. My work schedule is crazy right now. I should have trusted my instincts, based on past experiences and stayed away.
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So dramatic. Wipe the oil off and tighten the pivot. It'd be the end of the world if you had to use a tool and take it apart, I know. Who has ten minutes... Benchmade is a solid company, even if a screw comes loose.
 
Arrived some days my big order from Knifeworks.

2 Ritters and 2 Mini Ritters in M390 and S30v. Covering all colors available.

Now I have a Grip and a Mini Grip in each steel I want. And another custom mini is comign soon in D2...
Cannot be more happy.

My knife thirst is going to be endiong for a while... :) Naaaaaaaaaaaaa
Well I just miss some custom scales...
 
Could be the grittiness just a different feeling caused by the stone wash of the blade?
I had also some grittiness, but in two days of use it is disappeared leaving room for that famous slick BM feeling...
 
jtoler_9 said:
Noticed on my large orange that it's very gritty when I open it, however if I keep the axis lock pulled down there is no grit. Makes me wonder if there are shavings in mine also. I'll have to take it apart and check
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If the grit goes away with the axis bar pulled back then it's the axis bar rubbing on the stone wash of the blade tang. It'll go away with use or you can speed up the process like MFL did and wet sand it smooth. This is exactly what I'll do when I pull it apart to replace my scales.
 
mostho said:
Could be the grittiness just a different feeling caused by the stone wash of the blade?
I had also some grittiness, but in two days of use it is disappeared leaving room for that famous slick BM feeling...
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My large is a little rough, not really gritty. It has no metal shavings inside. I think your diagnosis is right on.
 
Lightly sanded mine with 2000 grit sandpaper & it's a big difference from when I first got it. So noticeably smooth. Do your Ritters a favor & you'll know what you missed....enjoy it more!
 
Flipped my large several times last night and I noticed it did get much better. I love this model and steel.
 
calypso699 said:
Benchmade denied my email request today for a set of silver hardware for my small Ritter. Their reason was that's not how the knife came and that it would make it a custom. I'm very disappointed since I've heard others in the past say they've sent in knives with blade swaps for service and had no issues. In my opinion the orange Ritter should have had silver hardware from the factory.
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If you're really dead set on the silver hardware you could figure out exactly what it uses and probably find it elsewhere.
 
fetzer85 said:
If you're really dead set on the silver hardware you could figure out exactly what it uses and probably find it elsewhere.
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Or just lightly sand off the paint. I have a full sized Ritter S30V that has been EDC'd for over 5 years and most of the screws are almost silver by now.
 
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