Blade play

[Chubbleton]

Generally, how much blade play do you allow in any direction, when buying a knife, and deciding it's quality? I am of course talking about folders, and more in specific, Benchmade knives, but any knife will do.
Thanks!
Chubbleton

 

[James Muehlner]

I never want any blade play up and down, except sometimes in a lockback. I can live with a little bit of side to side play if the pivot is loose for flicking, but not if it's tight and still has play. For example, my 806 is tightened just to the point where the detent will still pull the blade closed upwards, and has loosened a bit from there. If you grab the blade and the handle you can feel a little bit of play side to side but it dosen't bother me much.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

I will tolerate a tiny amount of vertical play in a lockback. Even some of the best lockbacks around will often display some movement. Oddly enough, every once in a while you may find one that does not have any vertical play. I expect all other lock designs to be free of play. (Liner, Frame, Axis, Compression, Intergal Compression, etc)