BM AFCK question (10 year old knife)

J

J.Davey

Joined
Feb 10, 2004
Messages
1,620
Okay, I have a BM AFCK that I bought 10 years ago. The knife is still going strong (although I had to put superglue on the handle bolts because this is old and had no nuts like 'newer' models), but I have one problem. When the blade is closed, it is right up against the 'liner lock' side of the handle. The blade doesn't catch at all when closing, but when I open it, I can hear the blade rub against the liner towards the blade tip. Is this just due to wear and tear? I've taken the knife completely apart and cleaned everything, but I can't figure out why this is happening. When the blade is open, there is no play at all, and everything appears to be nicely aligned. Any answers would be appreciated!
 
I'd just give benchmade an e-mail and see what they say about it. I think they'll tell you they can fix it, if you are willing to send it.
 
I'm not familiar with this particular model, but most liner locks have a little detent in the liner that rolls on the blade. When the blade is closed, there is usually a little dent in the blade that it rests in to help keep the blade closed. If this little guy was there, and has fallen out, it could make the liner rub more against the blade and act like you descibe.

Either way, i'd send it in to benchmade if it is bothering you.

schiesz
 
The AFCK linerlocks tended to have a little flex in the handle (the g-10 and thin titanium liners are not stiff enough to prevent flex) I believe the later knives with axis locks have thicker titanium liners. It is the force of the tension of the liner against the closed blade that is flexing the handle on the liner side. The tension of the liner is being transmitted into the handle when the knife is closed. Grip the closed knife on the non liner side with the top of the knife facing you (thumbs on center of handle) and flex the handle. You will notice the position of the blade in the handle will change (I suspect the blade is not centered in the handle allready).

There is not much you can do about this besides tightening the pivot adjustment up as much as possible.
 
Actually, the liners and G10 scales are considerably thicker than you see now on most liner locks. A friend has a newer AFCK, and his liners are not nearly as thick as the liners on my old model. The handle on mine is VERY stiff and has almost no flex, even when I apply pressure like I'm trying to break it in half. Also, the detent ball is still there, and the blade rubs at the tip when closed, not by the lock. I have e-mailed BM in the past (a couple years ago) about it, but was told they could refurbish it for, I believe, $25 (being an older and well used knife). It isn't a big enough issue for me to pay 1/4 of what I originally paid for it. Basically, I thought it might have been gradually forced into its current condition from the pressure applied during the billion times it has been opened over the last 10 years.
 
that is a frustrating problem. i had a knife or two that did the same, but it seemed more like the problem was that the liner was so strong, it was pushing the plade to the opposite side.i had a carnivore & it was off to one side, & that has the rolling lock,no liners,couldnt figure that one out,either.you may try using bronze washers if they arent in there now?
 
If you can get it apart try cleaning it, there maybe some lint or lube build up or both making it go off center, if you can not get it apart spray gunscrubber in the pivot area followed by compressed air, wear safety goggles and then a light lube may help.

Good luck
Helle
 
I read a post dealing with the blade being closer to one liner than the other. The gist of it was to (1) unloosen the pivot screw about 1/2 turn, (2) open the knife and apply pressure on the side of the blade and push it towards the liner it is closer too. (3) close blade and check it for centering and then tighten the pivot to your desired tightness. I used this method on an old BM LL I used to have and it worked real well.

The idea about the bronze washers is a very good idea.
 
Cutter, I've tried what you suggested. Nothing. I think I might have to try the bronze washers (mine has the old teflon washers).
 
Bronze washers will heal a lot of problems , Benchmade does a pretty good job on refurbing old product , send it to the spa.

Chris
 
Call benchmade and ask them what they will do. They have the best customer service. Unlike spyderco they stock parts for their older knives. A friend just had an 9 year old knife's blade replaced for $25.
 
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