Benchmade mini-skirmish review

[AlonzoMosely]

This is the first review I have posted on bladeforums. I purchased a Benchmade Mini-Skirmish in November. There were two problems with the knife. First, it was difficult to open because my thumb would slip off of the chamfered opening hole. Second, the knife would open in my pocket because the detent mechanism was too loose. I sent it to benchmade, and they sent back a new knife with a warranty note that the lock was defective. I did not again use the knife until today. I used the knife today to open a cardboard box (no staples, just packing tape) from Sierra Trading Post. I then used the knife to cut the plastic air bags used by STP as packing filler. I then used the knife to cut through the thread attaching the tag and extra buttons to an Orvis jacket I ordered. The knife now has a chip in the blade. This is the worst POS knife I have ever owned, and I own or have owned everything from a $10 Opinel to a $400 Sebenza and a $400 Microtech OTF, and dozens of knives in between. I hated Spydercos at first, but I have a new appreciation of them now because, as ugly as they are compared to benchmades, the blades do not chip, they do not open in my pocket, and they are less expensive.

 

[longbeachguy]

Sorry to hear that. My 635 is very stout, has easy action, and an effective detent mechanism. I did have an issue with the pivot screw loosening, but some blue loctite fixed that. I've heard some others who had complaints about the blade coming into contact with the standoffs, but I didn't have that problem either. I've done a lot of heavy duty cutting with mine and never had any chips, and I maintain the edge at 15 degrees per side. I guess I got lucky.

I wouldn't write off Benchmade, especially if this is your first one. Personally I've owned probably close to a dozen and never had a bad one. Same with Spyderco incidentally.

 

[mongomondo]

Ouch. Maybe Benchmade discontinued it for good reason...

 

[knivesandguns]

Alonzo, sent ya a visitor message...

 

[lambertiana]

Perhaps the chip is from the blade hitting the middle backspacer pin. That is the case with my son's 635. And I agree with you about the opening hole - the chamfer makes it hard for me to open.

 

[Socom Elite]

The 635 is one of my favorite edc's. It is a monster. I have heard of the older ones having an issue hitting the back spacer. I don't think spyderco makes anything as tough as the 635. BM has great customer service they will take care of you. Where on the blade is the chip

 

[tjsulli790]

This is the only performance complaint I've heard about the BM 635. I've heard the about the slick opening hole before but that's it.

"Ouch. Maybe Benchmade discontinued it for good reason... "

The Skirmish line was a great set of knives, lots of good knives get discontinued.

 

[ROBB]

I agree with the opening hole, I don't know why they chamfer it. I've got the limited edition version and sometimes I think about taking a dremal and putting it in the hole. I've never used my 635 but I've used many other BM's and never had a problem with any of them. Send it back until you are satisfied.

I don't think spyderco makes anything as tough as the 635.

Spyderco makes folders just as tough if not more. Try the Manix, or the ATR, or Chinook, Persian, etc.

 

[M2HSSR-910SBK]

The hole is a little slick. But once you get used to it, it works fine. I have had 3 different skirmish's. Every one has been a tank. As for the chip in the blade, I have had that problem as well. The first edge put on by the factory seems to be too steep for the grind and the steel. S30V that BM uses has a different Heat treat then say a CRK. It chips a little easier. I alway put a micro bevel on the edge on my skirmish's. IE: 20* than a 25* micro bevel. This strengthens the edge and has prevented any more chipping IMHO of course.