Disappointed in Bugout edge

[TAmo]

A while back I had a few extra bucks and chose to get the Bugout. I wanted a tricked out one, so I went to the benchmade site and did a custom build.
With the titanium scales and lazer etching on the blade the knife kicked the crap out of 400 dollars.
When I received the knife I was shocked at how poorly the edge, I wrote to the company and expressed my dissatisfaction and they offed to try and make it better.
I chose to sharpen it myself. (wicked edge sys). I know have it to a scary sharp.

Is this how they ship all their knifes?

 

[TAmo]

I have tried to attached pictures but not with success.

 

[Makael]

A while back I had a few extra bucks and chose to get the Bugout. I wanted a tricked out one, so I went to the benchmade site and did a custom build.
With the titanium scales and lazer etching on the blade the knife kicked the crap out of 400 dollars.
When I received the knife I was shocked at how poorly the edge, I wrote to the company and expressed my dissatisfaction and they offed to try and make it better.
I chose to sharpen it myself. (wicked edge sys). I know have it to a scary sharp.

Is this how they ship all their knifes?

Why would you think they ship all their knives not as sharp as you can produce with your wicked edge? I’m a believer they ship them sharp, just not as sharp as enthusiast want them.

 

[Makael]

And they did offer to take care of it. Which is great.

 

[toker]

I chose to sharpen it myself. (wicked edge sys). I know have it to a scary sharp.

Is this how they ship all their knifes?

I don't know of any big manufacturer that puts a great edge on their blades. I usually use every new knife I buy for a few days to see how the factory edge performs. After that, I'll reprofile the edge to the angle I prefer on the Wicked Edge and go on with life. IMO, there's no benefit to wondering why a company that produces thousands and thousands of knives will spend more than a few minutes on a grinder putting on a working edge.

 

[Makael]

I don't know of any big manufacturer that puts a great edge on their blades. I usually use every new knife I buy for a few days to see how the factory edge performs. After that, I'll reprofile the edge to the angle I prefer on the Wicked Edge and go on with life. IMO, there's no benefit to wondering why a company that produces thousands and thousands of knives will spend more than a few minutes on a grinder putting on a working edge.

That sums it up perfectly.

 

[Silent H]

It seems that lately they've been shipping knives with very aggressive, toothy, low grit edges. They're not as refined as say Spyderco's edges, but they're great for rope, cardboard, wood etc. Essentially, good working edges for what most people use their knives for, but perhaps not the best at slicing paper. I usually strop my new knives to refine the edges a little, which helps out a lot.

One thing I have noticed, even though the edges seem to be coming out at a lower grit, the edge bevels on my recent purchases seem to be much more consistent at about 20 dps, which is a huge improvement over the way it has been for the past few years.

 

[TAmo]

I tried to send pictures but were to large here is the knife before and after. The black is the sharpe ink that I have not removed.

 

[TAmo]

I guess I am spoiled to knives manufactures like Kizer or Reote that sell a knife that is very sharp and a nice clean edge.

 

[soc_monki]

Benchmade is hit and miss. My custom Crooked River has an amazing edge on it. Very low angles, was very sharp when I got it. My 940-1 was ok, but was kind of recurved (have since fixed it). Super Freek was a bit more of a chisel grind, no big deal, I fixed it too. The sharpeners are human. As long as it's not a stupid obtuse angle or they sharpened half the blade away I don't mind. They can't be as consistent as Spyderco and their robot sharpened edges.

 

[Makael]

I guess I am spoiled to knives manufactures like Kizer or Reote that sell a knife that is very sharp and a nice clean edge.

I’ve had great luck with Benchmade, Buck, Reeves, Behring, Ruana, Spyderco, Medford etc. all employ great people and stand by their products. Not saying others do not. Just supporting those who support me.

 

[TradTrapper]

I can’t tell if situation described by the original poster and this thread in general is real or not. Maybe it’s all a figment of my imagination.

If the Benchmade custom shop can’t put a top quality edge on a custom built knife that cost > $400 something is seriously wrong with this company.

On the other hand, the poster took the time to complain to Benchmade and this forum, but instead of returning it to them to correct, redid the edge himself? One of the major advantages of buying a Benchmade is their Lifesharp service & warranty.

Then half the posters essentially excuse a $400 custom knife coming with a poor edge is somehow acceptable.

Nothing makes sense about this entire thread.

 

[toker]

If the Benchmade custom shop can’t put a top quality edge on a custom built knife that cost > $400 something is seriously wrong with this company.

It doesn't sound like the edge that Benchmade is putting on the knife is any different than any other company.

On the other hand, the poster took the time to complain to Benchmade and this forum, but instead of returning it to them to correct, you redid the edge yourself? You did this knowing one of the major advantages of buying a Benchmade is their Lifesharp service & warranty.

You have to pay for shipping and be without your knife for a week or two. I sent in my Benchmade Kulgera for service when the Omega springs broke. They sharpened it and sent it back. I immediately used my Wicked Edge and put on a better edge. There is not factory edge that I've seen that is better than the job I can do. Nor do I expect them to be better since I probably spend more time refining the edge to the way I want it than it takes them to sharpen several knives on a belt.

 

[TradTrapper]

It doesn't sound like the edge that Benchmade is putting on the knife is any different than any other company.


You have to pay for shipping and be without your knife for a week or two. I sent in my Benchmade Kulgera for service when the Omega springs broke. They sharpened it and sent it back. I immediately used my Wicked Edge and put on a better edge. There is not factory edge that I've seen that is better than the job I can do. Nor do I expect them to be better since I probably spend more time refining the edge to the way I want it than it takes them to sharpen several knives on a belt.

Completely different. A shockingly poor edge vs. your personal custom edge. If I’m seeing the above photo correctly, that looks like ink marker on the grind like a novice would use when they are learning to sharpen.

 

[toker]

Completely different. A shockingly poor edge vs. your personal custom edge. If I’m seeing the above photo correctly, that looks like ink marker on the grind like a novice would use when they are learning to sharpen.

I misread the OP if that black sharpie is from the factory. That's definitely a lot different than a working edge.

 

[TAmo]

The sharpie marks are from myself.
I considered sending it back, but I prob would not be happy with it unless I did it myself.
My point was this knife was $390, and I expected an edge that reflected that the price they charged.

I think what happens is they have a pile of blades S390V that they use weather it's a plastic handle knife or with titanium scales.
I would blame management for not having a way to insure those expensive knifes get some TLC.