BM745 Mini-Dejavoo a Favorite?

Elite_KG

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Aug 7, 2012
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So I mistakenly posted a WTB thread here a week ago looking for a Mini-Dejavoo. I found one a few days ago and now it is on it's way.

I am a bit curious if anyone regards this knife as as their favorite EDC for a production knife. Or is tip-down carry and soft detent deal breakers for most.

Let me know your thoughts....

Thanks!
 
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I have no issues with the detent; my 745 is (one of my favorites) and rock solid. I don't read many negatives about this knife and its larger brother, the 740. I like the fact that it's a liner lock and not yet another Axis offering.
 
It will be my first BM that is a liner lock and a non- thumbstud knife. This knife is atypical from the style I generally gravitate to. Not exactly sure why I like it. It hepls that it is a 3-incher; perfect size in my opinion for the EDC role.
 
It's definitely one of my favourites - I have a satin PE and a coated combo edge - both are great knives. The detent is possibly weaker than some other knives but I'm happy to tighten the pivot a touch so the blade can't fall freely. My concern, if I have one, is how easily the liner lock disengages - usually there is a little bit of stickiness or resistance to being unlocked, these have none (and a VERY small amount of up and down play). I know this sounds weird after people complaining about locks being too sticky.

It's the perfect size knife for me - I get all my fingers comfortably on the handle without being forced into a grip. S30V is fine as an everyday steel in my book, smooth G10 that doesn't shred pockets, flat grind .... it has a lot going for it!

If these got reintroduced or offered as a LE of some sort, I'd be in.
 
These were, with modifications, true to Bob Lum's original designs. The latter 741 and 746 models were even closer to the customs, with the signature spoon-like pocket clip. Yet by adding the Axis lock to the mix, it makes the Deja's even more attractive to me. Agreed, If there was a limited offering I'd be all over it as well.
 
I jist got the knife today. It had some pocket lint and the bkade wasnt centered well; it didnt rub. I stripped it down, cleaned it up, adjusted the lock amd polished the face. After oil, and a bit of tweaking, it locks up perfectly and the blade is dead center.

PSquared, the lock may be able to be tuned to engage tighter and possibly eliminate the blade play. I noticed depending on how you reassemble, you can tweak the lock-up. Or send it to Benchmade. I dont like any balde-play.

Couldnt be happier with how it turned out. I really like the design and the size. I need to sharpen it a bit. I plan to make a black G-10 and brass back spacer. It should compliment the the knife well; match the pivot and pivot washer.

It is a really nice little package of a knife. I'll be stuck on this one for a while. I do believe an axis lock would put this thing near phenomenal. I would definately buy ine in axis. It would likely kick-out most everything I carry. My M390 BM707 is hard to kick-out of my pocket.

Thanks for all the responses!
 
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I only have 3 Benchmades, a Barrage and both Dejavoos. I carry the mini-Dejavoo the most, and is one of my favorite overall knives despite being tip down.
 
The Mini Deja-Voo is one of my favorites, ergonomics are right up there, geometry is second to none, I must admit to being reluctant to carry it though as it cannot be easily replaced. To me, hands down one of the most beautiful knives I own.
 
Update: Finished the custom layered brass, G-10, and stainless backspacer with added brass pivot washer to match.



 
I hardly ever use the regular Dejavoo, but tend to use the Mini a lot.

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I woukd agree that a knife if this design becomes a bit too large if over ~3" size.

I was able to tune the lock-up to allow for blade centering and bent the lock bar over to increase the detent pressure. I think I have pretty much solved all the initial quality concerns many had of this production; without gimmicks like paper wedges I might add. I couldnt bring myself to jerry-rig my knife.
 
Update: Finished the custom layered brass, G-10, and stainless backspacer with added brass pivot washer to match.


That's really funny... I did the same thing. I love the knife (even more because my son gave it to me) -but I didn't like the way the backspace stuck-out.

I recreated mine in black micarta and ivory (was glad to have a small supply from piano keys I've replaced over the years). I have to admit, the work was a bit of a chore. This was my third attempt. The tolerances on the piece were really tight... very little room for error. I'd welcome anyone's thoughts..

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My only gripe with the knife was the crappy liner lock. It was not done well compared to the other liner locks in the BM lineup, past and present.
 
I tuned my liner lock and it is much better than originally presented.

I do like the black/white. It would look killer with a white pivot accent to match! Looks good though.
I got mine in the first attempt, but I have made a few things knife related that gave me a little experience going into it.
 
I tuned my liner lock and it is much better than originally presented.

I do like the black/white. It would look killer with a white pivot accent to match! Looks good though.
I got mine in the first attempt, but I have made a few things knife related that gave me a little experience going into it.

By tuning the liner lock do you mean just bending it? Also really nice backspacer, any chance you'd make one for me?
 
By tuning I mean you can loosen the screws and the pivot screw and apply pressure on the liners in opposite directions. Push up on one and down on the other (kinda like forcing a square to a rhombus shape). This will/can improve early lock-up and help adjust blade centering. Tighten the screws snug with pressure still apllied to the liners. Snug the pivot and inspect blade centering. Repeat if needed. It is somewhat trial and error.

If you send me your knife, I could make a similar back spacer. And tune the knife during reassembly.

I have many colors of g-10 that I can use. Orange, white, blue, black, grey, yellow, etc.

You can e-mail me at axeanic"at"aol.com (@ = "at").
 
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