Benchmade---new factory edge?

[paulhilborn]

Hi guys/gals, first post for me in the Benchmade forum. I have a question but before I ask I just want to give some insight on myself and my knife history.

Been carrying a knife of some sort for over 40 years---mostly a traditional of some sort all my life. Because of my love of knives I've ventured into all areas of knives throughout my days, fixed, more modern knives, neck knives, knives in glove boxes, on computer desk, in tackle boxes---knives knives knives---we all share a passion to some degree.

I admire all different locking mechanisms, blades steels, methods of carry and the like.
I always carry a carbon steel bladed traditional of some sort---that's not to say I don't carry a modern once in a great while. I've had many Spyderco, Benchmades, Cold Steel, Kershaw, Zt and many others I'll forget to mention.

When it comes to putting/keeping an edge on a knife I will put my ability against any one else---not boasting but I know what I can accomplish when it comes to putting an edge on a knife---I can get carbon to slit hair.

Here's the question: Is Benchmade putting a new/different type edge on their knives as of late?

I'll describe what I believe is a factory edge on a 950 RIFT I just picked up off the "For Sale" forum.

VERY TOOTHY!!! but EXTREMELY SHARP!!! when sighting down the edge you can see a strong resemblance to a "jagged" type edge and approx every 1/8 of an inch is a high rise---similar to that on a screen of a heart monitor. ^...^...^...^ aside from the pictures below this is the best computer illustration I can give

Several years ago I suffered nerve damage to my hand and it's gotten worse with time so the AXIS LOCK is a joy to use---I've had a full size Grip, Barrage, 710, 14205 and many other Benchmades before but NONE with an edge like this---it's impressive to say the least.

Hope these pictures will help illustrate the edge?

This simply is the SHARPEST factory knife edge I've ever encountered.

I had the knife sitting on my work bench (spine down) as I was about to sand some of the "hot spots" down on the G-10 covers and the backside of my knuckles literally glanced the edge of the blade and it drew blood.

Impressed!!!

Paul

 

[ryxlyx]

They're doing a much better job w/ edges these days than they were a couple years ago, when edges were hit/miss and some were pure embarrassments. Not just sharper, but w/ a broader taper. They'll still vary knife to knife, but I've heard no complaints of late.

 

[338375]

My S30V mini grip from the Customize a Grip program is the same way. Maybe not quite as bad, but it is sharp. Very sharp

 

[paulhilborn]

Thanks for the reply ryxlyx.

Mike, it certainly isn't a pretty edge at all---at first I thought I'd reprofile it but I am so taken by how sharp this blade is. Will see how well it performs at work.

Paul

 

[jkarp_53]

They're doing a much better job w/ edges these days than they were a couple years ago, when edges were hit/miss and some were pure embarrassments. Not just sharper, but w/ a broader taper. They'll still vary knife to knife, but I've heard no complaints of late.

Agreed, and welcome to the Forum Paul. Benchmade sharpens their blades by hand, and something went wrong; for awhile there were complaints of dullness out of the box from all corners - and yes, that's changed with upgrades to both staff and equipment. The last round of knives to come to my home all were 'scary' sharp and seem to stay that way for a long time. Another advantage to that toothy edge is it makes touching up a breeze. Use your 950 in good health! :thumbup:

 

[P_Meticulous]

They're doing a much better job w/ edges these days than they were a couple years ago, when edges were hit/miss and some were pure embarrassments. Not just sharper, but w/ a broader taper. They'll still vary knife to knife, but I've heard no complaints of late.

I have to agree with ryxlyx on the matter, lately I've seen the edge quality drastically improve on my blades.. (I've bought an assortment of at least 5 M4 blades from them this year, and they all came hair whittling sharp).. I don't know if its the new heat treat on the M4 mixed with improved employee performance but its working.

In the past, it was hit or miss - usually miss with my orders.. Sometimes the edge was laughable.. I'm glad it's better now - they still need to improve on some centering issues (you would think it shouldn't be a problem on Gold Class, but it is - and nobody should have to expect centering issues when ordering a gold class..

 

[Cardiackid]

I received a new M4 Mini Grip about one month ago. The edge was exactly as you described, very toothy but very sharp.