Benchmade's QC Problems.

[KnivesanDefense]

My 2 cents. I have been selling Benchmade even before they put their name on their kinves, the AFO being first. I have sold a lot of the Reflexes and the Mini Reflexes. Alot of them. And I can not tell you how many I have had to send back because of broke spring. I still have my customers coming back to me to get their Mini Reflex spring replaced a second and third time. But I still sell them. I like the little knife.

I have been selling Pro-Tech Automatic knives ever since they have been on the market. I have not had one to come back to be sent back because of a broke spring.

I have been selling Microtech Knives from the beginning. I have had to send a few OTF back. But not one Automatic knife.

 

[JNewell]

Think about it...if broken omega springs were an issue, wouldn't Benchmade have done something about this, to keep from going broke with warranty claims? There is a huge echo chamber effect at places like this. It's just the nature of the medium.

 

[BMCGear]

Congratulations on your new Benchmade purchases. Don't forget to return and give us a report after you've had a chance to play with them.

Thank you! I got them today.

Upon opening the knives I have to say, I was very impressed with the packaging. The silk they sit in is a nice touch. Opened the Griptilian first. The knife definitely feels and looks cheap. I worked the Axis lock a couple of times and I don't see what the fuss is about honestly. I keep hearing that its so "robust" but I honestly don't get why. They feel cheap. I would much prefer a liner or frame lock. Other than not liking the lock or handle its a well made knife. Blade is straight and grinds seem to be even. Worth $100.00? Not to me. My USA made Kershaws feel equal to this. Although the steel may not be considered as good.

The Rift: I LOVE this knife's design. However I don't like the axis lock (at all) and I don't like the gripping on the handles; its just not very comfortable to me. The blade design is LOVELY though. Grinds look pretty even.

This post isn't meant to bash Benchmade. A lot of people love their knives but my initial impression is that they are not for me. I hate the feel of the axis lock. Quality seems ok but they are pricey. Being able to send them in for repair and blade replacement should warrant the price though.

 

[BMCGear]

P.S.

I ordered a fixed blade Benchmade that should be here tomorrow. Still excited about it as there's no axis lock.

 

[loonybin]

Thank you! I got them today.

Upon opening the knives I have to say, I was very impressed with the packaging. The silk they sit in is a nice touch. Opened the Griptilian first. The knife definitely feels and looks cheap. I worked the Axis lock a couple of times and I don't see what the fuss is about honestly. I keep hearing that its so "robust" but I honestly don't get why. They feel cheap. I would much prefer a liner or frame lock. Other than not liking the lock or handle its a well made knife. Blade is straight and grinds seem to be even. Worth $100.00? Not to me. My USA made Kershaws feel equal to this. Although the steel may not be considered as good.

The Axis lock is definitely robust. It's stronger than a liner lock. I agree about the Griptilian feeling cheap (which is why I've never owned one), however, it is tougher than it looks. If it had full liners it would feel better, like its little brother the mini-Grip (which has full liners). The "plastic" is the same kind of polymer plastic that Glocks, XDs, M&Ps, and other polymer pistols are made from, so it is tough.

Here is why people like it:

He does things with the Griptilian that you would usually use a fixed blade for.
[video=youtube;pKol-A0fX7E]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKol-A0fX7E[/video]

especially pay attention from 1:07 on.
[video=youtube_share;u4HHoLgLXg8]http://youtu.be/u4HHoLgLXg8[/video]

The Rift: I LOVE this knife's design. However I don't like the axis lock (at all) and I don't like the gripping on the handles; its just not very comfortable to me. The blade design is LOVELY though. Grinds look pretty even but the blade isn't centered the best. Kind of disappointing the cheaper knife has a more centered blade.

If you're used to smoother contours on your G10 instead of scalloped scales, then it will feel a bit uncomfortable. It took me a while to get used to it, but once I did the Rift quickly became my favorite knife. You can also take some sandpaper and sand the high spots to smooth those scallops, and it may become more comfortable for you. BUT... if you hate it that much, just send it to me and I'll suffer with it on your behalf.

 

[Maniacal Pete]

Weird thread (to me).
I've got at least a dozen Benchmades and none of them have ever jumped out at me as having any QC issues at all.
Maybe I'm just not trying hard enough.

I'm getting a Rift in the mail on Monday, I'll be sure to inspect it very thoroughly...

 

[BMCGear]

The Axis lock is definitely robust. It's stronger than a liner lock. I agree about the Griptilian feeling cheap (which is why I've never owned one), however, it is tougher than it looks. If it had full liners it would feel better, like its little brother the mini-Grip (which has full liners). The "plastic" is the same kind of polymer plastic that Glocks, XDs, M&Ps, and other polymer pistols are made from, so it is tough.


If you're used to smoother contours on your G10 instead of scalloped scales, then it will feel a bit uncomfortable. It took me a while to get used to it, but once I did the Rift quickly became my favorite knife. You can also take some sandpaper and sand the high spots to smooth those scallops, and it may become more comfortable for you. BUT... if you hate it that much, just send it to me and I'll suffer with it on your behalf.

Ok, so when people are calling the lock robust they are talking about strength? I have no doubts about how strong the lock is once locked. I just don't like the feeling of the lock when unlocking it. Watching those vids actually convinced me to go for the grip.

How hard would it be to center the Rifts blade?

 

[cncpro11]

Weird thread (to me).
I've got at least a dozen Benchmades and none of them have ever jumped out at me as having any QC issues at all.
Maybe I'm just not trying hard enough.

I'm getting a Rift in the mail on Monday, I'll be sure to inspect it very thoroughly...

Since the new pricing structure, QC issues have been all the rage.
Uneven grinds and off center blades being the predominant complaint.

 

[Auto_Luver]

If- I were to complain about BM QC it would be about their blade sharpening issue that I have experienced. I have been collecting BM knives for a long time and have received knives that were so sharp that I would cut myself and not even know it until I saw the blood, I’ve also gotten BM knives that were duller than a butter knife.

 

[harris2]

Since the new pricing structure, QC issues have been all the rage.
Uneven grinds and off center blades being the predominant complaint.

Blades that are off-centered, have uneven edge grinds, and not sharp have been a known, and often discussed topic long before the new pricing structure. It has only exasperated the concern from owners who now pay more for the same knife and see no improvement in the quality control deficiencies. What it does demonstrate is that "profit" dictate all decisions at Benchmade and that is counter to the marketing/advertising rhetoric used by them. Yes, we all know Benchmade doesn't receive a higher profit under the new policy, but the end result is still the same to the buyer - increased cost and the same quality control issues remain.

As was clearly stated in an earlier post by a wise poster, there will always be some owners who are so devoted to a specific "brand" that no amount of quality control issues will ever allow them to admit improvement is needed. Posted pictures and testimonials of the same issues by many different owners who do not have an agenda will have no affect on them.

In my case the inconsistent quality control has caused me to reevaluate future Benchmade purchases. It is pathetic that so many $25.00 - $50.00 knives made by other manufactures do not have the quality control issues we are seeing with Benchmade. Yes, the design, materials, and "cool factor" are vastly inferior to Benchmade, but that is not what we are talking about. Until a consistent improvement is seen in Benchmade's quality control my next knife purchase will most likely be another brand. That doesn't mean I'm giving up on Benchmade because I still like those that I own now, and do like Benchmade's axis lock, materials and design. Contrary to what some here may think, I am not anti-Benchmade and I do not have an agenda other than a desire that Benchmade take note of the issues talked about in this forum and decide to improve quality control.

Nothing will ever change if people are silent and nobody brings up the issues. You can be a believer or a non-believer - it no longer matters to me, I have had my say.

 

[salmonkiller]

I could not have explained it any better.t
This post is point on in my book.

Blades that are off-centered, have uneven edge grinds, and not sharp have been a known, and often discussed topic long before the new pricing structure. It has only exasperated the concern from owners who now pay more for the same knife and see no improvement in the quality control deficiencies. What it does demonstrate is that "profit" dictate all decisions at Benchmade and that is counter to the marketing/advertising rhetoric used by them. Yes, we all know Benchmade doesn't receive a higher profit under the new policy, but the end result is still the same to the buyer - increased cost and the same quality control issues remain.

As was clearly stated in an earlier post by a wise poster, there will always be some owners who are so devoted to a specific "brand" that no amount of quality control issues will ever allow them to admit improvement is needed. Posted pictures and testimonials of the same issues by many different owners who do not have an agenda will have no affect on them.

In my case the inconsistent quality control has caused me to reevaluate future Benchmade purchases. It is pathetic that so many $25.00 - $50.00 knives made by other manufactures do not have the quality control issues we are seeing with Benchmade. Yes, the design, materials, and "cool factor" are vastly inferior to Benchmade, but that is not what we are talking about. Until a consistent improvement is seen in Benchmade's quality control my next knife purchase will most likely be another brand. That doesn't mean I'm giving up on Benchmade because I still like those that I own now, and do like Benchmade's axis lock, materials and design. Contrary to what some here may think, I am not anti-Benchmade and I do not have an agenda other than a desire that Benchmade take note of the issues talked about in this forum and decide to improve quality control.

Nothing will ever change if people are silent and nobody brings up the issues. You can be a believer or a non-believer - it no longer matters to me, I have had my say.

 

[HardTripper]

I have my first BM coming any day now, a Griptilian 551. It was kind of a weird purchase for me, I did it as an anti depressant to be honest (tragic death in the family, buying knives makes me feel good). Im going into this with an open mind. I do expect the scales to feel cheap but I wanted easy carry so ill try to appreciate the lightweight nature of it. Honestly if its no good Ill send it back and move on. I hear a lot of talk about a griptilian being over priced and it seems the immediate comparison goes to the endura, I have a few thoughts on this. Being in Canada (the land of great nature and terrible pricing) a Grip is about 100$ and an Endura is about 75$. "Plastic" scales, check. Mid range steel, check. "Hard use" lock, advantage grip. Screw together vs pinned construction, advantage grip. IMO that warrants the 25$ increase, if I didnt have a Manix 2 XL I might be more inclined to get the spydie. I wanted a new knife, screw together construction, decent steel, a lock I havent tried(most of my purchases are about experimenting), and I wanted to spend 100$ or less. I think I made the right choice, time will tell. Ill update this thread if I can remember to.

 

[akula83]

For what it's worth, my D2 710 arrived today in decent condition, the grind is a not even up near the swedge, but it came sharp and centered, it's good for a production knife.

 

[cncpro11]

Blades that are off-centered, have uneven edge grinds, and not sharp have been a known, and often discussed topic long before the new pricing structure. It has only exasperated the concern from owners who now pay more for the same knife and see no improvement in the quality control deficiencies. What it does demonstrate is that "profit" dictate all decisions at Benchmade and that is counter to the marketing/advertising rhetoric used by them. Yes, we all know Benchmade doesn't receive a higher profit under the new policy, but the end result is still the same to the buyer - increased cost and the same quality control issues remain.

As was clearly stated in an earlier post by a wise poster, there will always be some owners who are so devoted to a specific "brand" that no amount of quality control issues will ever allow them to admit improvement is needed. Posted pictures and testimonials of the same issues by many different owners who do not have an agenda will have no affect on them.

In my case the inconsistent quality control has caused me to reevaluate future Benchmade purchases. It is pathetic that so many $25.00 - $50.00 knives made by other manufactures do not have the quality control issues we are seeing with Benchmade. Yes, the design, materials, and "cool factor" are vastly inferior to Benchmade, but that is not what we are talking about. Until a consistent improvement is seen in Benchmade's quality control my next knife purchase will most likely be another brand. That doesn't mean I'm giving up on Benchmade because I still like those that I own now, and do like Benchmade's axis lock, materials and design. Contrary to what some here may think, I am not anti-Benchmade and I do not have an agenda other than a desire that Benchmade take note of the issues talked about in this forum and decide to improve quality control.

Nothing will ever change if people are silent and nobody brings up the issues. You can be a believer or a non-believer - it no longer matters to me, I have had my say.

Benchmade has a Gold Class line of knives that are rumored to be perfect in every way.

Rather than finding the qc pathetic on blue and black class knives which were meant to be beat up, perhaps you could look into those instead. If not, then use and enjoy your $25 - $50 knives in good health.

Btw, aren't you the person that posted on Benchmades facebook page that your New Years resolution was to not buy any more of their knives?

 

[harris2]

Benchmade has a Gold Class line of knives that are rumored to be perfect in every way.

Rather than finding the qc pathetic on blue and black class knives which were meant to be beat up, perhaps you could look into those instead. If not, then use and enjoy your $25 - $50 knives in good health.

Btw, aren't you the person that posted on Benchmades facebook page that your New Years resolution was to not buy any more of their knives?

Thank you. Your analysis and response to my post is a prime example of exactly what it was trying to convey, and don't try to read something into it that is not there; 1) I never stated I would switch to buying $25-$50 knives and 2) I am not a member of facebook, have never used facebook, and never will.

 

[cncpro11]

Thank you. Your analysis and response to my post is a prime example of exactly what it was trying to convey, and don't try to read something into it that is not there; 1) I never stated I would switch to buying $25-$50 knives and 2) I am not a member of facebook, have never used facebook, and never will.

1) you're welcome 2) oh never mind then. When you mention $25 - $50 knives and going after other brands I just assumed, and 3) oops my bad. Well, you and the other guy have more than just your names in common.

 

[338375]

Benchmade has a Gold Class line of knives that are rumored to be perfect in every way.

Rather than finding the qc pathetic on blue and black class knives which were meant to be beat up, perhaps you could look into those instead. If not, then use and enjoy your $25 - $50 knives in good health.

Btw, aren't you the person that posted on Benchmades facebook page that your New Years resolution was to not buy any more of their knives?

Benchmades Gold class knives are so ridiculously priced, that's not even a good option for comparison...

He has a valid point, that has been brought up before by many others. If a $25-$50 knife can come with decent grinds, and a centered blade, there is absolutely no excuse for BM knives costing $100 or more, not to have the same, and or better QC.
The intended use of the knife is a non-issue. It should still come to the customer nicely made, and if the customer decides to beat the snot out of the knife, that is totally up to them.
That would be like buying a new car that already has scratches and dings in it, because it is just going to get beat up anyway...

Something that comes to mind when I think of this topic is Buck knives. For some time, they had some of their knives made overseas. While many complained about this, many also agreed that the workmanship and QC was better than the knives made here in Idaho, and they were sold at a lower price point.
It should be the other way around. It certainly use to be. It wasn't that many years ago that U.S quality was the standard that others were judged by, and the overseas products were known to be junk. As hard as it is to say, the tables have turned. So why is it that an inexpensive knife made overseas, is coming with better QC than a knife made here, at a lower price point ?

 

[JNewell]

Isn't it as simple as this? If people pay more, they expect more.

 

[kreole]

Benchmade has a Gold Class line of knives that are rumored to be perfect in every way.

Rather than finding the qc pathetic on blue and black class knives which were meant to be beat up, perhaps you could look into those instead. If not, then use and enjoy your $25 - $50 knives in good health.

Btw, aren't you the person that posted on Benchmades facebook page that your New Years resolution was to not buy any more of their knives?

I don't think I've seen that rumor. I know the couple I have are the same quality as any of my other BMs, only in different materials.

 

[rajincagin]

Weird thread (to me).
I've got at least a dozen Benchmades and none of them have ever jumped out at me as having any QC issues at all.
Maybe I'm just not trying hard enough.

Same boat here, 'cept I've had hundreds. I do got that new 940cf coming so maybe that will be the one.

an every gold class I've had highly excels in the fit and finish dept, of course, they've all been balisongs.