benchmade sucks?

[einsteinjon]

It seems I'm late to this thread but...

I agree with those that BM isn't worth the money. I have owned a good dozen or so different Benchmades and only have one now. It is a 550HG Griptilian. The only reason I still have it is it was my first "good" knife. To be fair, I never tried the gold class, but I think those are too pricey for what I could get instead.

The main reason I don't care for Benchmade is because I feel the quality is lacking. All of the folders I've had (most of the dozen) had some degree of blade play. The G-10, and even titanium in one instance, had an inferior fit and finish to other comparably-priced knives. The edges didn't really impress me either. The majority of them seemed to be a bit toothy. I will say that their FRN is pretty darn good for FRN, but it's overpriced.

While I do appreciate the USA-made aspect to their knives, and the fact that they have a lifetime warranty, you can get this from other makers for a much better overall value.

 

[Siggyhk]

Well, I've added my opinion to threads more ridiculous than this, so...
I'm not sure how much experience the OP has with knives, but I suggest getting more. Benchmade is at the top of the pile as far as I'm concearned. I'm not sure what knives people feel are so much better for the money. I don't know of a Kershaw or Spyderco that blows away are comparitively priced Benchmade. In fact, I think the opposite is generally true. -I guess there's alot of opinion involved there though.
From my experience these knives have no play that can't be fixed inside of about 30 seconds. Maybe I'm just naturally gifted with a torx driver though. I've never noticed an uneven grind on a Benchmade, but in fairness, I don't inspect/worry too much about that. If they came sharper, that'd be nice, but it's not something I'm worried about either. To each their own, I guess.

 

[cziv]

I've never noticed an uneven grind on a Benchmade.

That's one of the primary gripes with Benchmades, followed by the others you mentioned. I have 2 perfect exmaples - a 940 and a 710. I've sold the rest and moved on.

 

[einsteinjon]

Well, I've added my opinion to threads more ridiculous than this, so...
I'm not sure how much experience the OP has with knives, but I suggest getting more. Benchmade is at the top of the pile as far as I'm concearned. I'm not sure what knives people feel are so much better for the money. I don't know of a Kershaw or Spyderco that blows away are comparitively priced Benchmade. In fact, I think the opposite is generally true. -I guess there's alot of opinion involved there though.
From my experience these knives have no play that can't be fixed inside of about 30 seconds. Maybe I'm just naturally gifted with a torx driver though. I've never noticed an uneven grind on a Benchmade, but in fairness, I don't inspect/worry too much about that. If they came sharper, that'd be nice, but it's not something I'm worried about either. To each their own, I guess.

I refrained from stating a brand opinion so as not to turn my post into an alleged "fan" thing because so many "Benchmade or something else" threads turn into Benchmade vs. Spyderco. But in my opinion, Spyderco's quality and value are much better than Benchmade. I started out a few years ago as indifferent, and after trying many of each brand, my opinion is a preference for Spyderco.

I'll also say that Chris Reeve knives are a lot better, but this isn't a fair comparison since I've never tried a Benchmade Gold Class.

 

[cziv]

Spyderco has consistant centering problems - as many as - "can't find the sweet spot" on adjusting the play on Benchmades. Would you agree? I own both and these two problems seem to be unique to each company. Sad really for such nice and ffordable knives.

 

[Vanguard41xx]

For me its been opposite. Spyderco needs to learn about QC from BM and Kershaw. Its luck of the draw.... I've sent back 4 spydercos to the factory after getting it NIB. One i sent back 3 times and still have an issue with it. Finally gave up on it.

Were they Golden, Colorado, or Over Seas?
Of the ten Spyderco knives I own, NONE of them have any issues. Even the Chinese made knives came with nice F&F.


Anyways, I do not own any Benchmade knives. I do like some of their designs, but I have ever pulled the trigger on one. I feel more drawn to Spyderco, Kershaw, and Buck. I might try out one eventually, but after seeing mixed reviews, I might hold off for a while.

 

[A.P.F.]

Spyderco has consistant centering problems - as many as - "can't find the sweet spot" on adjusting the play on Benchmades. Would you agree? I own both and these two problems seem to be unique to each company. Sad really for such nice and ffordable knives.

I concur. I love my Spyderco collection, but the centering is not consistent.

 

[RevDevil]

Spyderco has consistant centering problems - as many as - "can't find the sweet spot" on adjusting the play on Benchmades. Would you agree? I own both and these two problems seem to be unique to each company. Sad really for such nice and ffordable knives.

Both of my $200 TSEKs, $130 Rift, and Both $190 710s had blades way more off center than any Kershaw or Spyderco I've ever owned. Just sayin.

 

[cziv]

Both of my $200 TSEKs, $130 Rift, and Both $190 710s had blades way more off center than any Kershaw or Spyderco I've ever owned. Just sayin.

Can't argue that. I've had my share of diappointments with both.

 

[Alann45]

But in my opinion, Spyderco's quality and value are much better than Benchmade. I started out a few years ago as indifferent, and after trying many of each brand, my opinion is a preference for Spyderco.

:thumbup:
My purchasing got much less annoying when I moved away from BM. I've been quite happy with Sypderco and Kershaw/ZT.

I'll also say that Chris Reeve knives are a lot better, but this isn't a fair comparison since I've never tried a Benchmade Gold Class.

Have only one Gold class. Damascus blade and CF with a tad of bronzing to the clip and screws..oh, and a very nice display box. It was one of the least expensize Golds and barely worth the discounted price.....and I had to return the first one for exchange.
IMHO, the Golds are way overpriced. They just use more expensive materials and make them like any other BM. I don't see any extra effort put into the production of the Golds.
In a recent thread on the Kershaw 777, folks were sort of shocked at the price and someone pointed out if it was a BM Gold it would be $1200 or more.

Spyderco has consistant centering problems - as many as - "can't find the sweet spot" on adjusting the play on Benchmades. Would you agree? I own both and these two problems seem to be unique to each company. Sad really for such nice and ffordable knives.

Guess I've just been lucky. The 15 or so Spydies I have had no centering problems. Really no problems at all.

 

[texas gun person]

In my opinion they are good knives, but are overpriced for what you get much of the time. The name "Benchmade" puts the price a little higher.

 

[cziv]

In my opinion they are good knives, but are overpriced for what you get much of the time. The name "Benchmade" puts the price a little higher.

100% agreed! You know what ticks me off? Every darn Spyderco (made anywhere) requires hours of my time in blade centering. You talk about some voided warranties at my house!

I even had the last one checked by the dealer before sending it and it was perfect. Within a couple of days it was pushed tightly up against one side and had to be completely torn down and messed with until I finally got it to center. Maybe I could be a service provider? Liner locks, framelocks, midlocks - lined, unlined models you name it and I've centered it.

Then I always read (and have no reason not to believe) "I have insert any number here Spydyercos and every one has been perfect!" :grumpy:

 

[Alann45]

100% agreed! Then I always read (and have no reason not to believe) "I have insert any number here Spydyercos and every one has been perfect!" :grumpy:

I think I recall you posting on this before and we swapped similar messages. Like you, I have ZERO reason not to believe you.
I can understand it making you grumpy and it just seems so odd that we could have such totally opposite experiences dealing with the same brand, and it aint like we're talking about just a couple of knives for either of us.

Maybe you're just not supposed to buy Spydies? Kershaw has some nice items.

 

[cziv]

I think I recall you posting on this before and we swapped similar messages. Like you, I have ZERO reason not to believe you.
I can understand it making you grumpy and it just seems so odd that we could have such totally opposite experiences dealing with the same brand, and it aint like we're talking about just a couple of knives for either of us.

Maybe you're just not supposed to buy Spydies? Kershaw has some nice items.

Well, I don't want to give a total mis-represntation. I have 4 Spydercos left and all are dead centered. I only had to take 2 of them apart to achieve this. A centered, 100% F&F Spyderco is a heck of a knife - to be sure!

 

[unit]

Then I always read (and have no reason not to believe) "I have insert any number here Spydyercos and every one has been perfect!" :grumpy:

"Never" say "Always"

Seriously though. I attribute a lot of these types of statements to people attributing "perfection" to a situation they never really considered. As a person that cares little about centered blades I might accurately state that my blade centering perfectly meets my approval

To claim ANY blade is "perfectly" centered is suspicious at best. Sort of like when someone says they "gave it 110%", or this thing is "awesome". Simply put, it is a misuse of the terms.

I know exactly what you mean though. My Spydercos seem to drift all over the place with use. The only serious exception I can offer is the Gayle Bradley...Mine seems to be VERY nearly-perfectly centered in spite of what I do or how carelessly I re-assemble it.

 

[cziv]

Guess I've just be lucky. The 15 or so Spydies I have had no centering problems. Really no problems at all.

Here ya go, as always. How about "so far I always read......"

 

[Nimick]

wow, from the sound of this thread it seems like they all suck. not a single manufacturer can get things together and produce a on center, evenly ground blade within a decent price point.

good thing I only buy customs these days and I don't have those problems. (which doesn't count all the kershaws, spydercos, benchmades, tops, bucks, bokers, and schrades that I own that never had any of those problems.)

the laguiole I own is a little off-center. (damn frenchy's need to learn how to make a knife)

ETA:

I lied, I took another look at my LB7, and the grind is a little off center. Cuts just fine (like the rest of them).

 

[unit]

Here ya go, as always. How about "so far I always read......"

(face palm)

I know what you mean....as "always"

 

[unit]

wow, from the sound of this thread it seems like they all suck. not a single manufacturer can get things together and produce a on center, evenly ground blade within a decent price point.

I am not sure I would say any of the manufacturers suck...but I sure would not say ANY knife is "perfect" either.

I have had very few that were unacceptable. And an occasional blem/defect is something any manufacturer is capable of. Some seem to get a little more extreme in their reaction to imperfection than others though...

 

[Tostig]

A lot of folks are saying BM's are overpriced , for what ya get.
I agree , to a point.
I would not agree if I did not have such a problem with buying a "premium production" knife with multiple issues right out of the box. I would not mind laying down the cash , if the knife was as perfect as possible , out of the box. Once someone can get past their own ( and I hate to use the term ) fanboyism and see that their favorite company does release too decent an amount of knives to the public that have issues such as uneven grinds , loose pivots , blade play in all directions they will have an easier time of discussing these issues and perhaps the "powers that be" will listen a little and correct these glaring issues that often get ignored. Far be it to even bring them up on a public forum lest everyone jump all over you for being a 'hater' , that's not what it's about , in my opinion.
I have total confidence in Kershaw since none of them I have bought has had any issue , not to mention that if I need a part , they send it to me with no questions and free of charge. I don't have to send my knife in several times to 'get it right' , I don't have to send it in to have replacement parts added , I don't have to worry about voiding my warranty if I take it apart on my own and try to fix their mistakes.
That's why my money goes to the guys that do it the best , for me.

Tostig