Benchmade QC issues?

Makael

Makael

Loving wife, kids and life.
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I keep reading about these issues Benchmade keeps having. But no pictures, just references like some rumor going around. Does anyone have some pics of these issues Benchmade is having?

I think Benchmade makes a great product. Personally I havent seen anything that would be abnormal for any manufacturer. Experienced nothing myself.
 
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My personal experience with BM has been kind of spotty... I know when I'm buying one that it may be a crap shoot. I sent a 940-1 back a couple week ago with side to side blade play and a pretty horrible grind from the factory. I didn't take any pictures but the grind was pretty uneven and not even close to being sharp. Big ole burr down the whole edge... but I sent it in and Benchmade is replacing the blade rather than just sharpening it which would make it pretty thick behind the edge pretty quickly.

That being said, I just received a 551-1 on Monday and it's perfect. In general, I'd like to say that they're QC issues are overstated but I don't think that that's the case. I've had quite a few with some pretty bad f&f issues and I'm not super nitpicky. However, I do believe that there are probably some people on the internet who base their opinions primarily on others' opinions without having any personal experience. I wouldn't say the Benchmade QC issues are overstated, but there are probably some people spreading that word around without much personal experience (like a lot of things on the internet for that matter.)
 
I think their biggest issues seems to be blade centering more than anything else I've seen.
 
cashville said:
My personal experience with BM has been kind of spotty... I know when I'm buying one that it may be a crap shoot. I sent a 940-1 back a couple week ago with side to side blade play and a pretty horrible grind from the factory. I didn't take any pictures but the grind was pretty uneven and not even close to being sharp. Big ole burr down the whole edge... but I sent it in and Benchmade is replacing the blade rather than just sharpening it which would make it pretty thick behind the edge pretty quickly.

That being said, I just received a 551-1 on Monday and it's perfect. In general, I'd like to say that they're QC issues are overstated but I don't think that that's the case. I've had quite a few with some pretty bad f&f issues and I'm not super nitpicky. However, I do believe that there are probably some people on the internet who base their opinions primarily on others' opinions without having any personal experience. I wouldn't say the Benchmade QC issues are overstated, but there are probably some people spreading that word around without much personal experience (like a lot of things on the internet for that matter.)
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I think you nailed it.:thumbsup: Your statement is probably right on the money. yes they have issues like everyone but I believe its bandwagon effect.
 
I only have two full size Grips and one mini Grip to base my experience off of, but all three came in a nice box with a nice carrying bag (nice touch), had perfect centering, and even grinds.

The only weird thing was all three had loose pocket clips. After Loctite the wiggle was gone. Overall I was very satisfied with the quality.
 
I've had good BMs and bad ones. Most had the notorious up/down blade play and some didn't. Some had good edge grinds and some were horrible. Most were uncentered and I can usually center every folder I get, but not with BMs in my experience. Although the last KW Contego I picked up was pretty much a perfect knife. Shocked me really...
 
I have two Benchmade knives. No problems with either of them. I did call their support department once with a question and they answered it for me on the phone to my satisfaction.
 
I bought a 551-1 a week ago. Its edge grind is uneven. Tried to take pictures for you but couldn’t get any that display the issue well.

Of the five Benchmades I’ve bought, two have had edge grind issues. My first 940 went back. Think I’ll live with the 551-1.
 
I only have one benchmade, a 940-2. It came with a blemish in the g10 near the axis lock.
It can be seen here.
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It was a gift from my wife so I'm ok with it.
 
I never had an issue with any of the ones I bought, granted it's not a huge number. All came centered or close enough to where it didn't make a difference. That's one thing that doesn't really concern me, I won't lie, I do check when a new knife shows up, but a couple tenths off is no big deal.

The major problems like sloppy blade grinds or severe blade play has yet to touch a Benchmade I've bought. So maybe I'm lucky in that respect. Either way I wouldn't hesitate to buy one that interests me. I predict a customized mini Crooked River in my future..
 
I've owned many Benchmades over the years and yes I've had a few with slightly off center blades but show me any manufacturer that don't. I had a Sebenza once with a slightly off center blade and as everyone knows those knives are legendary for superior quality and perfection. Out of all my Benchmades I've only owned one with a spec of rock lock and it wasn't a deal breaker. The amount was so minuscule that I never paid it any attention. The axis lock was still solid as rock and very dependable. Their customer care is unbeatable. They'll send out pocket clips and failing sheaths without charge. Everytime that I have called them concerning a new pocket clip they send it and new screws free of charge unlike some manufacturers. Without a doubt Benchmade is my favorite brand of production knife.
 
I only own two Benchmade folders. Both were just about perfect from my point of view. Both were purchased in retail stores (one at a knife store and the other at Sportsman Warehouse). I did take a look at them before I purchased, but I tend not to look for up-down movement on a blade (as I don't expect it) and not super picky about blade centering. I don't want a blade to rub the liner however. I mostly pay attention to the edge, visual appearance, and general function. So, I have no complaints so far.
 
I have two benchmades and have had no complaints with either. Have a shoki and a valet. Had a mini grip that I gifted after use. No complaints with that one either.

I am more of a spyderco fan in this price point but no complaints with my benchmades as far as fit and finish. Nice knives in my limited experience.

Edit: A bugout is on the short list. I can buy one locally and might want to pre inspect based on these repots and pay these sales tax.
 
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I have had around 20-30 Benchmades. It is like rolling dice, had to buy the (940-1501) 3 different times before I was happy with the fit and finish. I love Benchmade for a lot of factors, however, to say their QC issue is coming from a bandwagon effect is false. There have been countless videos and threads with evidence of this, also speaking from my own personal experience. Not wanting to sound negative, just laying out the facts from my observations thus far.

But hey, how bout that blade replacement perk.;)

Last note: the 940-1501 I decided to keep doesn’t get carried yet. I have to put a better edge on it first. Factory grind is too obtuse when considering the already thick blade stock. Since I wind up with my own edges on all my knives anyways, I could overlook it.
 
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I have a handful of Benchmades that are a bit older ... from a couple Mini Grips from Cabelas maybe 15 years ago and a few others that are great knives .. ...

I hadn't bought any for few years but I tried a 940 and a Valet and the 940 was badly off center I couldn't get it corrected ... even sent it in they improved it but it went back after a week ... the Valet had what seemed to be an oversized pivot hole ... had play up and down side to side ... BM replaced it but the replacement was off center and that just kind of turned me off ...

I think they have some great knives I think they went through some issues but hopefully they have gotten it back up to past quality.
 
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