Benchmade Shoki 480/480-1 users NEED SOME FEEDBACK pls.

O

ovidiucotiga

Joined
Jun 14, 2012
Messages
51
Hi guys,

I want to buy a 480-1 for EDC in light use conditions.
I read a lot about the knife, designer, steel, lock...bla-bla.(by reading I mean 2-3 weeks research:)))

Bottom line it's a great looking knife...but I have doubts about the nak-lock...(many people complain about it)
(Yes i know it hasn't a pocket clip and i dont care:) i like it like that!)

This is what i'm asking:

-How long u own your BM 480/480-1?
-Was the lock ok from day 1?
-How often you use it?
-How is the lock holding up in terms of vertical blade play and lock failure?

Personal opinion about the knife.

Thanks!
 
I have owned a 480-1 for about a month and absolutely love it!

The nak lock has been solid from day1. The knife has been a light user, so I can't speak for hard use.

The blade has a slight amount of vertical play but it is solid side to side.

Among my other small knives are a Sage 1, a Chaparral, a Leek and a Flash 1. The jewel-like Shoki is my favorite.

-- Dan
 
Thanks for the feedback. I made this exact topic on the manufacturer's forum and the conclusion there was that it's a matter of luck.
Many users say if u get a god one it stays god and a bad one has to be send to BM until they get it right.

I watched some pictures of the lockup on several Shokis and I saw that the liner engages the blade diffrently: some partialy engaged had vertical bladeplay and lockup failure but not all...so this could well be a problem of liner spring tension or bad fitting.

In time due to adeshive wear this tipe of lock is going to have issues, especialy in moderate to hard use imo. I guess that the fact that titanium and m390 have a huge diffrence in terms of wear resistance and toughness may also play an important role.
The m390 steel at 60-62HRC is going to wear of that thin liner in time resulting blade play and possible lock failure.
Grade 5 titanium aloys have relatively low wear resistance, even when coated.
The Ti-6Al-4V can only go up to 40HRC(acording to Carpenter website).
And the "springiness" of the Ti isn't taht great.

This makes you wonder if titanium is realy lock quality material when you want a piece to last over time:(
This is wher i researched Ti-6Al-4V:
http://www.cartech.com/techarticles.aspx?id=1580
Looking forward to some more oppinions.
Thanks.
 
Last edited:
Personally, in this category, I'd go with the Spyderco Gayle Bradley Air over the shoki. The m4 on the Air isn't stainless though, so that may be an issue for you.
 
No more m4 for me...great performer but i've had rust issues.
m390 is at least as god and no rust worries.

Don't quite like the design on the air...and the price is almost 2x:)

Sorry but i'm not asking for sugestions on anoter edc knife...just feedback on the 480-1:)
 
ovidiucotiga said:
Sorry but i'm not asking for sugestions on anoter edc knife...just feedback on the 480-1:)
Click to expand...
I bought one. Did you?
Mine is fine. I don't have any complaints about build quality, symmetry, blade play etc. It is not the perfect knife for my hand, but I like it.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top