BM Quality Opinion Survey

I have two Benchmade Auto Spikes that are two to three years old. They are excellent in every respect, however, I had to return one that had bad blade slop. It's replacement was excellent.
I have two AFO's. One is an excellent example, the other is a working knife. The black-T stuff completely covered the serrations. They wouldn't cut shoe lace out of the box.
I've sharpened them to a satisfactory working edge, but this AFO has become a camp knife. No show/all go.
I have three 3500's. Two are excellent. One is another working knife.
Both my Leopard Cubs are superb and were purchased maybe three years ago.
So, out of my experience I can say that two of Benchmade models were VERY Impressive (Cub and Spike). The rest would be a bona-fide rip off at MSP. I got the 3500's for $100-$110, and the AFO for around $125. At those prices, the quality was very reasonable. However, I get a chuckle out of the MSRP vs quality delivered.
The AFO is a good camp knife. It's butt ugly with all the scuffs of use.
My REKAT Pioneer has been through MUCH more demanding chores and has held together better than ANY Benchmade. The Pioneers (old style) sold for $70-$90 and were the best bargains in the collection with regard to use.
I'm kinda holding back on the entire Benchmade line until I see something worthwhile. In the meantime, you can get more bang-for-your-buck with numerous other competing brands.
Just my opinion.
Bill
 
I've got a few, and I really dont think that they are worth the price. I just havent had a lot of luck at all with them. A friend of mine has the 830S and after only 2weeks of carrying it, he got the clip hung up on his lazy-boy and while getting up all 3 of the screw studs were yanked right out, Had to put the clip on the other end.
I,ve got a 975SBT that I need to send back because of a VERY loose lock.
Maybe I just have bad luck with them ?? But I have moved on to others for now.

~Keith~
 
The 3 mini-AFCK's in M2 steel that I've purchased (2 as gifts) are all excellent, so streaky quality control by BM cannot be proved by me.

AJ
 
I own several Benchmade knives. My only complaint is a less than sharp edge on one of their autos.
 
I've been incredibly lucky with Benchmade I guess, I can't figure out what everyone complaining about! I've got a bunch of Benchmades and no complaints. I've been beating the hell out of my 840 since the test posts, and it just won't fail.

My only complaint so far has been about the edge, which has been too thick. However, I think plenty of users would be happy with the edge, it's always been shaving sharp -- just too thick to really perform the way I want. Since that's the case with almost every factory folder I buy, I overlook it. I probably should be complaining about it more, though.

Benchmade does see this threads, I've talked to them about it. You guys are doing an excellent job of elaborating about problems you've seen -- it's best when users cite specifics instead of general unhappiness. Those guys are reading, so keep up the good work and be specific!

Joe
jat@cup.hp.com
 
Well, I guess I'm lucky too. I have (and carry) two AFCKs - left and right handed - and I just love them. I've even tested their liner locks, and they stood firm. The only thing I did was reprofile the edges, but I honestly don't expect a factory new blade to have the exact edge I like (which is pretty thin).
Previously, I owned three Balisongs (still got one), and they too were fine.

Regards,

Leo Daher
 
I have a Leopard Cub that after doing some handi-work on it is very nice . From the factory it was not all that sharp (put my own edge on it now it is VERY sharp ), played with the pivot screw a little ( now it opens VERY fast and smooth ), it seems to lock up pretty tight and has passed the "tap" test . I also removed the clip , as I carry it in my pocket for a very flat profile. Overall its not too bad for a $60 knife.
 
anyone who isn't convinced of benchmade's quality needs to try a 710 axis lock first. imo, this knife is worth more than the money it costs. and i mean retail price. imo, it is better than microtech and many others which cost much more.

marco
 
i own a bm 975 970sb and a 830s

all great knives. no play or flaws exept the big hole in the 830s blade.

on lock probs on any of them.

 
My BM 800 AFCK came with a reasonably sharp but thick edge, however the grind was very uneven especially towards the tip.
My BM 830 Ascent was the same, grind was not as bad as the AFCK but it did not have a real tip. It didn't appear to be broken but was just rounded. From some of the comments I have seen here the Ascent has a pointy tip, is this correct?
 
I have an Axis Lock coming in (soon, I hope) from the Knife Outlet. I will try to get on here and post how it turns out, since it is mail order.
I expect the Axis to be good, because I also have the medium size Eclipse, and it has been pretty much flawless.
 
I have been unusually satisfied with all of my Benchmades purchased. From the first 970 to my newest Axis. I have some twenty of the Benchmade line including(hanging my head)the discontinued bali-song.

I think a large part of my satisfaction is due in large measure to dealing with only reputable and knowledgeable dealers who scrutinize each knife before they ship it to me. I have not had to return any Benchmade knife for any quality related issue.

Quality is an interesting issue. The more units that you sell, normally, the more units that are returned. Benchmade is producing many more knives than they have ever produced,so it stands to my reason that they would have more coming back-although the percent could actually be lower.

I have percieved that they are keenly interested in serving their customers and in improving their products and I for one will continue to patronize any company with those attributes with new products at fair prices.

Daniel
 
I own one full and two mini strykers, a leopard and leopard cub, a minspike , an afck, a 350, 2 panthers, four of the old monarchs, an eclipse(original), and two Mel Pardue gents, one micarta and one pearl. My only problem with any of them was the lockup on the pearl gent. I realized it before I bought it but it was a one of salesman's sample that I don't intend to carry and I got a great price on it . I rotate my carry blades( I own a pile of spydercos and cold steel as well as lots of other goodies) so the only ones that I have really used extensively are a Monarch, the Eclipse and a Panther. I have had no problems whatsoever and I'm pretty picky. On the other hand I recently picked up a EDI Genisis and being that I'm a lefty tried to move the clip to the other side. The holes were not threaded! Overall I'm impressed with the knife and this is a minor thing but it makes you wonder where else they might have cut corners that is not readily apparent.

Phantom4
 
Must be beginner's luck. I picked up the Stryker, Sentinel, small Ascent and, yesterday, the Pinnacle. They are all good quality for their prices.

The small Ascent has a rough, slightly uneven grind. Heck, it's a cheapy and the lock holds.

The Pinnacle is very well done, from my perspective. Smooth opening. The lock is stonger than anything I have now. I don't have a Sebrenza to compare it to. The integral lock is hard to disengage with the thumb. So I quarter turn the knife to the left, press down on the handle with my thumb and lift on the lock with my index. A little inconvenient but I can close it one handed. The blade is definitely sharp out of the box. I dropped if two inches over my cordura gym bag (new) and it sliced a 2 inch opening. And this was not a point entry. It sliced at the blade belly. That's sharp.

No problems yet with BM from me.

sing
 
I have four Benchmades: A Panther, AFCK, 830s, and 350bt. The Panther was and is flawless, except it wasn't too sharp out of the box. I fixed that, and now the edge is more "bitey." The AFCK rubs the liner big-time, the blade curves to the right, and it could be sharper(even the serrations). However, lockup is solid. The 830s Ascent is VERY sharp. It rides in the pocket well...my only complaint is slight play in the locked position...not really that big a deal. I recently got myself a Pardue 350bt. I don't detect any problems at all, and the blade's a lot sharper than it looks. I plan on getting an 820sbt, as I am starting to prever small, lightweight knives for daily carry. Informative topic!
 
I have a Benchmade Gent, Leopard Cub, Mini-AFCK, M-2 Mini-AFCK, and most recently, the Pinnacle. My Leopard Cub and Pinnacle did not have symmetrical grinds. Since the Pinnacle has a recurve edge, it has been something of a pain to reprofile the edge. To me those are minor problems that they could improve on, but it doesn't bother me too much. I love all of my Benchmades and they have otherwise been built superbly and have not had any lockup problems. I wouldn't hesitate to buy the next model that appeals to me.

Alan
 
I personally consider every liner-lock folder a quality liability, but the best two liner locks I have ever owned, including eight or ten of the best customs, are the Benchmade AFCK and CQC7s. I did have a hard time for a while finding a Sentinel with a lock that I wanted to buy, but it is just as well because the 710 came along and cured me of the desire to own one.

I generally do not consider the Ascent line to be the equal of the Endura '98, but my 830 has been a good and reliable cutting tool.

You have to look at the whole spectrum of the product line. There are some there that I don't care for much, and there are some that are among the best folding knives your money can buy for any price, the M-2 AFCK and the 710 Axis lock. The new improved Stryker is excellent too. I reserve judgement on the Pinnacle since it is not my personal cup of tea.

I have lost count of how many Benchmade knives I have owned - somewhere between twenty and thirty, I think - but I have only had to send two in for customer service, and one was for a stripped screw which was my fault but they did the work for free anyway. I don't know where most people buy thier knives, but where I buy mine, if I have a legitimate quality problem, I return it to the dealer, and he pays the return shipping.

Harv
 
WOW!
I guess I must be lucky after all! (contrary to popular opinion.) I've bought BM knives since the Dark Ages of the very early 80s and NEVER had a problem. I've had the
BM SR_71 (neat little dagger, concave on one side)
BM Kuzan Oda Tanto (Decent Fixed Blade)
BM Production Balisong. (useless design, but good quality and fun knife.)
AFCK
and I just ordered an 812 Mini AFCK. I've never had a complaint with any BM product. Some of them I've damaged through serious abuse or misuse, but that's MY problem not Benchmade's. I've been carrying my AFCK for almost three years now and the only defect or sign of wear is that one of the little Butterfly Logo Roundels popped off and dissapeared a couple of months back. Annoying, but not enough of a problem to send it back for repair. I'm anxious to get the 812. I'll let you know if it's a stinker when I get it, but I doubt that it will be.


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I cut it, and I cut it, and it's STILL too short!

 
Just rec. my Axis today. Dull, dull, dull.
Oh yea the logo seems to be on crooked too.
Slight blade play that I will take care of at work tomorrow. |Been trying to sharpen the blade edge to no avail. Although now it will scrape hair.(barely) I think I am about done with the higher end folding knives. If people weren't so paranoid about fixed blades that is what I would carry. A small one mind you.
The Axis has great fit and finish on the liners and the handle slabs though. One more thing I didn't post under the Axis up above is that when I flick the knife open hard like right now in a panic type thing the lock well locks up so tight I have a hard time disengaging it. Anyone have that happen to them? thanks
 
I've got a few, well maybe more than a few bali-songs and a fair number of current BM models. Hard to beat.

Realistically speaking, there are very few knife manufacturers on their quality level. Look around. Certainly less than 10. It is very hard to consistantly build very high knives. Occasionally you will find one that isn't perfect. Pobody's Nerfect. That is what guarantees are for. That is why the company name and origin is important on a product.
sal
 
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