BM/HK-14210 or 14205

[Johnny11758]

I picked up a 14205 recently and noticed that when you flip the blade closed, it collides with on of the spacers in the back, and the blade was being notched, slowly but surely, by this. Have any of you noticed this? It's strange though, as it doesn't sit on the spacer, it just collides with it, then backs off and sits clear. (I hope I'm explaining this OK)... Anyway, I sent it back for an exchange, but I wonder if the first-production run is just a little flaky...

Your not alone. I ordered a 14205 on Monday from an Internet vendor who today wrote to me:

First off my sincere apologies for taking so long to contact you- I was trying to fix the problem before you knew there was one. However, I seem to have failed. You recently ordered an H&K 14205 from us. However our most recent batch had a problem where the blade hit the spacers in the handle producing a small indentation on the blade- not an acceptable "feature."

 

[ohmyheckinslc]

Very interesting... I sent mine back to the vendor who promptly sent me another one without the flaw... It's an excellent knife, I really like it... though that's not to say that there aren't things that I'd change... I guess it's hard to find one's opinion of perfection in somebody else's design.

 

[dalefuller]

GOTBCI...

I have a 14210 coming tomorrow (Fri). I waffled for a couple of months on whether I wanted the 210 or the 205. Both the Benchmade and the BritishBlades forums have good reviews, pix, and comparisons of these 2 models.

I finally decided on the 210 because I carry a mini-Grip as EDC and it's just about perfect for me. The 210 and the mini-Grip are roughly the same dimensions. I've tried EDCing a regular Grip, but it's just too large for my usual day-to-day uses.

I have quite a few 154CM knives. It's a great steel IMAO. My 154CM blades sharpen up as well as anything I have and they hold a good edge while still being fairly tough. And they perform well whether I polish the edge or leave it "toothy". In fact, for my work EDCs, I really prefer 154CM, VG-10, or D2.

 

[enderwiggin]

I have the 14210 and really like it. I think of it as sort of an upgraded Griptilian. The blade shape is a little out of the ordinary, but still very useful and surprisingly functionally designed. 154cm is a fantastic steel, but does require occasional touch-ups as opposed to S30v or D2.

However, I've had my 14210 and Griptillian for some time now. Both see use fairly often. I haven't had to sharpen either yet, occasional touch-ups on a kitchen Steel work wonders.

As far as defects go, I was lucky enough to get a 14210 without any. Great knife! I'd write more, but I'm afraid I'd just be repeating what's already been posted by others, even more than I already have.

 

[GOTBCI]

Im currently in a holding pattern do to back order of 205's,recent 411 shows theres a problem with the blade striking the pins when closing the 205 and dinging the edge.

The way Im understanding it is the first releases are working fine and the more recent offerings are showing this closeing issue.

Could it be a tolerence issue missed by BM's QC ? Blade width just a hair outta spec ? or maybe an issue with assembly.(something a consumer could tweak to correct?)
Just a bad batch that consumers will have to sort thru in order get get a properly operating tool.

Its pretty well understood BM is "covered up" and their way behind in getting product to market.

With the intro of the "red class" and product issues like the HK 205 it seems BM is slowly turning away from its roots How much longer will it be before we see Frost wood scales on Blue and Black Class BM's ?

T/