Benchmade or Spyderco

[DMG]

hey, woah no need come at me that aggressively. I think, it’s well known that BM’s QC is not the best in the world for few years now and yes at post #22 and #146, i explained my case. That being said, i just own 2 BMs and both of them have some inconsistencies.... nothing deal breaker and no im not bashing on the company and i still enjoy both of them.

If you feel just that the fact, that owning just 2 knives that has some inconsistencies isn’t sufficient to call a company QC lacking, you’re right. But, my point in that post you’re referring, was how he/she know BM QC issues are behind now? Was there a statement from them or it’s just anecdotal? That was all i was asking and not claiming BM QC was lacking.

Edit: Here was my fix for the Anthem off centering if you want to know what was my metric i used. The “Can’t leave anything alone” Thread

I am not coming at you aggressively. I am asking questions.

We don’t have JD Powers or Consumer Reports for knives. We have people complaining on the internet which I trust almost as much as gas station sushi. If we never measured their QC issues, how can we know if they are real? Or awful? Or improving?

Go to any car forum. People post when their car breaks when it shouldn’t. The other 99.9% aren’t posting to tell us “day 749 of Hyundai ownership. Still no problems”

 

[JParanee]

Spyderco all the way

 

[Velitrius]

We don’t have JD Powers or Consumer Reports for knives. We have people complaining on the internet which I trust almost as much as gas station sushi. If we never measured their QC issues, how can we know if they are real? Or awful? Or improving?

Go to any car forum. People post when their car breaks when it shouldn’t. The other 99.9% aren’t posting to tell us “day 749 of Hyundai ownership. Still no problems”

Then step it out further...

Other Members will parrot that .1% who posted that they had a reliability issue with the Hyundai... whether they owned one themselves or not.

OP: "What do you folks think of the Hyundai Tiburon?" Forum Parrot: "They have reliability issues. Everybody knows that."

 

[DMG]

Then step it out further...

Other Members will parrot that .1% who posted that they had a reliability issue with the Hyundai... whether they owned one themselves or not.

OP: "What do you folks think of the Hyundai Tiburon?" Forum Parrot: "They have reliability issues. Everybody knows that."

Absolutely. The less truthful the tale it, the louder it is parroted for some reason.

 

[Grizzm@n]

I think they both make great knives.

I started out with the Endura over 20 years ago (have 3 now) and saw little reason to buy anything else until less than a year ago. I've recently picked up a couple Endelas and a Police 4 Lightweight. None of them have had any issues, with only basic maintenance. After the pandemic ends, I plan to try one with a compression lock. The Spydie hole may be a bit unorthodox, but it works really well for me.

My first Benchmade was a Super Freek, and it's spent a lot of time in my pocket. My other Benchmades are custom Grips and a custom Mini Grip, all with M4 and G10. None of them have had any issues, with only basic maintenance. I handled pretty much every Benchmade manual model in this size range, and didn't notice any issues with any of them.

 

[Kmikaz3]

We have people complaining on the internet which I trust almost as much as gas station sushi.

Absolutely. The less truthful the tale it, the louder it is parroted for some reason.

Based on my experience with my 2 BMs and not from some youtubers or Instagram posts... these two needed some refinements out of the box, but that doesn’t make them bad knives. Once, i gave them the love they needed, they’re excellent knife.

Why would sabre cat said BM’s QC problems was behind now then? But i don’t see the point on argumenting with you as you seem pretty set on it regarless, so we can agreed to disagree and move on or take this as a grain of salt.

On topic, what brand i like, i liked them both but based on my experience, when you buy them you need to give them some love before they became a wonderful knife. My Spydercos were all great out of the box.

 

[psquared]

I’ve owned both brands since the mid 90s. As a collector I’d say I prefer Spyderco to Benchmade as I own significantly more Spyders than I do Butterflies.

On the flip side in the 4 years that I have been tracking my daily carry, I have consistently carried Benchmades more often than Spydercos.

There you have statistical support for the correct answer - get both. Actually the real answer is buy what you want, not what we like.

Personally I’ve never needed either company’s warrantee service and I’ve experienced less than perfect finishing / bevels / sharpening / blade centering from both. Nothing has ever been that bad that it needed to go back to the factory.

 

[Viper84]

I'm a much bigger fan of Spyderco. I like that many of their knives actually cut well. They just seem more slicey. Maybe it's because a lot of Benchmade blades are thicker or wedge-like.

Also the QC issues I've seen with Benchmade are very annoying compared to what I've seen with Spyderco. Below is a ridiculously bad factory bevel on a Benchmade I got recently. I know it can be re-profiled, but I shouldn't have to do that with a new knife, and if I send it to Benchmade it is likely that they'd put it on a belt grinder and remove way too much metal trying to fix it.

 

[vwb563]

I’d be on the fence on this topic. I’ve owned many of both over the years. Never had an issue with any out of the box. They both build high quality knives. I’m my experience they exhibit about the same level of quality control. Spyderco gives more choices when it comes to different lock types and steels. Most Benchmades are gonna have the Axis lock and it is a very good and dependable lock. Most all Benchmades are gonna have thumb stud opening compared to Spyderco’s hole in the blade if that makes a difference to you. In my experience Benchmade is more customer service friendly in that anytime I’ve called to order replacement pocket clips Benchmade has always sent me the new clip and screws for free where Spyderco has never failed to charge me around $9 for new clips and screws. Not a big deal but worth mentioning. I once sent in an old Benchmade that I had carried many many years for service. It was an assisted opening model and the assist had stopped working years prior. Once both omega springs had finally broke I sent it in for service. It came back about 4 weeks later fixed and working like a new one. They had replaced the assist mechanism, cleaned it, put on a newer style pocket clip, and sharpened it for me all at no charge other than what it cost me to send it to them. I’ve always been very appreciative of how far Benchmade goes for its customers. I’ve never had to send a Spyderco in for service which also says something right there. Either one you buy will serve you well and will be a good choice.

 

[sabre cat]

Based on my experience with my 2 BMs and not from some youtubers or Instagram posts... these two needed some refinements out of the box, but that doesn’t make them bad knives. Once, i gave them the love they needed, they’re excellent knife.

Why would sabre cat said BM’s QC problems was behind now then? But i don’t see the point on argumenting with you as you seem pretty set on it regarless, so we can agreed to disagree and move on or take this as a grain of salt.

On topic, what brand i like, i liked them both but based on my experience, when you buy them you need to give them some love before they became a wonderful knife. My Spydercos were all great out of the box.

My earlier comment about Benchmade’s QC is based upon numerous factors.

First, I am not seeing as many complaints here on the forums as in days past. As a matter of fact, I am finding that more people are speaking up about the lack of issues with the BM knives they purchase.

Second, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. We have sniveled enough around here that a Benchmade employee noticed and made comments about steps BM has taken to correct QC issues. I think his name is Jimmy, one of our Mods.

Third, my personal experience with BM products. I don’t remember seeing obvious problems with any new in the box Benchmades I have ever examined. However, I’ve had issues with used items.

Two of my used knives came with sloppy edge grinds. So, someone could consider those factory issues if they wanted. I don’t if it is very minor and will be corrected with normal maintenance and light sharpening.

Blade centering is my major complaint with any knife company. Centering has been a problem for Benchmade in the past and does seem to continue somewhat.

Why is it that a budget knife from overseas will have perfect blade centering and yet Benchmade fails often enough for us to take notice?

The answer may be in the knife’s scales. I have a used 551 that came to me with perfect blade centering. I swap scales and the blade is off. I change back to the original scales and the knife is perfect again.

I have a second used 551 with centering problems. I do know for a fact that this knife was disassembled by the previous owner. Maybe it is time to try swapping scales.

As for my Spyderco knives...the D’Allara 3 arrived new in the box with the pivot installed backwards.

The Tenacious I purchased new quickly became gritty and rough to open with little use.

The Clip-it rescue that I use is still going strong despite the poor treatment it has received by three different owners.

It should be remembered that both Benchmade and Spyderco are production knives built to a certain price point. As Bladeheads, could we have unrealistic expectations for today’s production knives?

 

[Londinium Armoury]

I bought 2 Benchmade knives in 2020, they both came perfect from the factory, perfectly centered, good grinds, no flaws or fit and finish issues, perfect action. Just wanted to add my little bit of user experience, I was very happy with the quality of my Benchmade products. After recieving my Mini Presidio II I was very impressed with it and it made me want to buy another Benchmade knife.

 

[Kmikaz3]

I guess i was the unlucky bloke out there, maybe this year will be my year on a perfect BM then. Been eyeing a 20cv Bugout or a Mini Freek as user.

My earlier comment about Benchmade’s QC is based upon numerous factors.

First, I am not seeing as many complaints here on the forums as in days past. As a matter of fact, I am finding that more people are speaking up about the lack of issues with the BM knives they purchase.

Second, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. We have sniveled enough around here that a Benchmade employee noticed and made comments about steps BM has taken to correct QC issues. I think his name is Jimmy, one of our Mods.

Third, my personal experience with BM products. I don’t remember seeing problems with any new in the box Benchmades I have ever examined. However, I’ve had issues with used items.

Two of my used knives came with sloppy edge grinds. So, someone could consider those factory issues if they wanted. I don’t if it is very minor and will be corrected with normal maintenance and light sharpening.

Blade centering is my major complaint with any knife company. Centering has been a problem for Benchmade in the past and does seem to continue somewhat.

Why is it that a budget knife from overseas will have perfect blade centering and yet Benchmade fails often enough for us to take notice?

The answer may be in the knife’s scales. I have a used 551 that came to me with perfect blade centering. I swap scales and the blade is off. I change back to the original scales and the knife is perfect again.

I have a second used 551 with centering problems. I do know for a fact that this knife was disassembled by the previous owner. Maybe it is time to try swapping scales.

As for my Spyderco knives...the D’Allara 3 arrived new in the box with the pivot installed backwards.

The Tenacious I purchased new quickly became gritty and rough to open with little use.

The Clip-it rescue that I use is still going strong despite the poor treatment it has received by three different owners.

It should be remembered that both Benchmade and Spyderco are production knives built to a certain price point. As Bladeheads, could we have unrealistic expectations for today’s production knives?

Appreciated the well rounded answer without any snarkiness

 

[Londinium Armoury]

I guess i was the unlucky bloke out there, maybe this year will be my year on a perfect BM then. Been eyeing a 20cv Bugout or a Mini Freek as user.

If you can get to know the owners of a reputable retailer it helps a lot, ones who can open up and check if the knife is in good order before sending it to you. I'm lucky to be on good terms with the workers at the UK's leading folding knife supplier, so I can call them up and have a chat about the knives.

 

[- SpyderMan -]

I bought 2 Benchmade knives in 2020, they both came perfect from the factory, perfectly centered, good grinds, no flaws or fit and finish issues, perfect action. Just wanted to add my little bit of user experience, I was very happy with the quality of my Benchmade products. After recieving my Mini Presidio II I was very impressed with it and it made me want to buy another Benchmade knife.

My experience resembles yours with the two Benchmade’s I purchased in 2020.

 

[Kmikaz3]

If you can get to know the owners of a reputable retailer it helps a lot, ones who can open up and check if the knife is in good order before sending it to you. I'm lucky to be on good terms with the workers at the UK's leading folding knife supplier, so I can call them up and have a chat about the knives.

I do know one reputable here in Canada, asked them for a perfect centered Anthem before sending it to me, they say they'll do their best to get one but nothing is promised and if i'm not happy with it, i'm well welcomed to return it. Still received an off centered one, so i guess that one was their best. So, i ended up tinkering with what i got. Still love the Butterfly logo Knives.

My take is, BM does improved their QC lately, based on you folks experience lately and the knives i received was an old batch when QC was questionable.

 

[Londinium Armoury]

I do know one reputable here in Canada, asked them for a perfect centered Anthem before sending it to me, they say they'll do their best to get one but nothing is promise and if i'm not happy with it, i'm well welcomed to return it. Still recieved an off centered one, so i guess that one was their best. So, i ended up tinkering with what i got. Still love the Butterfly logo Knives.

I don't know this for sure it's just based on user reports and from what people online have said, but there were reports in around 2017-2018 of QC issues coming out of Benchmade. If that is the case there might still be some of those batches in stores. From what I can tell the reports seemed to dry up around 2019-2020, maybe this was the end of the QC issues and things are getting better over that rough patch.
Again this is all based on other peoples reports online, I have never experienced any of it myself and my products all came perfectly good.

 

[Kmikaz3]

I don't know this for sure it's just based on user reports and from what people online have said, but there were reports in around 2017-2018 of QC issues coming out of Benchmade. If that is the case there might still be some of those batches in stores. From what I can tell the reports seemed to dry up around 2019-2020, maybe this was the end of the QC issues and things are getting better over that rough patch.
Again this is all based on other peoples reports online, I have never experienced any of it myself and my products all came perfectly good.

Yes, my thoughts exactly.

 

[sabre cat]

I don't know this for sure it's just based on user reports and from what people online have said, but there were reports in around 2017-2018 of QC issues coming out of Benchmade. If that is the case there might still be some of those batches in stores. From what I can tell the reports seemed to dry up around 2019-2020, maybe this was the end of the QC issues and things are getting better over that rough patch.
Again this is all based on other peoples reports online, I have never experienced any of it myself and my products all came perfectly good.

My experience as well.

 

[BD_01]

I don't know this for sure it's just based on user reports and from what people online have said, but there were reports in around 2017-2018 of QC issues coming out of Benchmade. If that is the case there might still be some of those batches in stores. From what I can tell the reports seemed to dry up around 2019-2020, maybe this was the end of the QC issues and things are getting better over that rough patch.
Again this is all based on other peoples reports online, I have never experienced any of it myself and my products all came perfectly good.

I had a rough go with BM around that time, 2017 & 2018. So much so that I gave up on them completely.

I was sincere a few pages back with my comment about hoping they are now on-point with QC. The reports of satisfied customers make me happy, even though I remain too skeptical to buy sight unseen.

Although I’ve had vastly better luck with Spyderco, I do have one that was a dud (from Taichung, no less—I generally LOVE Taichung Spydies) and I didn’t have the greatest experience with Golden on the issue.

So, while I prefer Spyderco>>>>Benchmade, I have no illusion that they’re perfect.

 

[Krooked Willow]

I recently purchased my first Spyderco. I’m blown away by the quality. Selling other brands to buy more!