Double Question - What kind of Benchmade do I have, and how do I service it?

V

VetteVert

Joined
Dec 30, 2003
Messages
7
I'm a n00b here and wasn't sure where to put this post, so please relocate as appropriate.

I have a Benchmade folder that I have had for 6-7 years. I've misplaced the box, and haven't seen it in production for a while. It is roughly 8 3/4" long opened, has a blue anodized frame (which I was told was titanium, but never verified) with black aluminum overlays. The blade is a combo edge that has a black coating as well. One side fo the blade has the butterfly and BENCHMADE U.S.A. on it and the other says ELISHEWITZ U.S. Pat. Pend. It has a belt clip, thumb stud, and (excuse me for not being up on my lingo) a liner or frame lock.

Second Question is how do I service this knife. When I first bought it (the main reason I did buy it), the action was butter smooth. The slightest bob motion with your hand would eject and lock the blade. I carried the knife daily for 3 or 4 years, and dust/lint/grime/age has reduced it's smoothness considerably. When I take down the knife there are two graphite looking disks, one on each side of the blade hole. I have tried cleaning everthing, and even tried some light machine oil, but the smoothness still isn't what it used to be. Is there any way to get it back?

Thanks!

VV
 
I am not sure which knife you have, a picture might help out.

As for the smoothness, I might be able to help you out some there. I wouldn't recommend taking the knife apart unless you are sure you will be able to get it back together in working order. It is possible to clean and lube it just as well without taking it apart. First off use a spray type cleaner to clean out the pivot area, an electrical contact cleaner or gun cleaner works well. What you are looking for is a chemical cleaner in a can with compressed air. Just spray all of the gook out of the pivot. Then lube lightly with a good quality knife lube such as Militec-1 or Tuf-Glide. Work the action a bit to get the lube spread evenly, and wipe up any excess.
 
It sounds like you have an 875 Sentinel. I found a few pictures on the board here. Do a search and you'll find them/


You could always give Benchmade a call and send it in to them. They'll clean it up for you, fix anything that needs it, and have it back to you in 2-3 weeks usually. You can find thier number & more info on thier site.
 
Thanks for the tips. It has been broken down more than once, so lets hope it's assembled correctly :p

Here is a pic I found:
886sbt.jpg
 
I looked on your site and yep, 875 Sentinel it is :D Thanks!

I don't have any experience with expensive folders, but how does the weight of the 875 compare with knives of the same size from some of the higher line makers? It seems quite light for it's size to me :confused:

VV

Originally posted by Patryn
It sounds like you have an 875 Sentinel. I found a few pictures on the board here. Do a search and you'll find them/


You could always give Benchmade a call and send it in to them. They'll clean it up for you, fix anything that needs it, and have it back to you in 2-3 weeks usually. You can find thier number & more info on thier site.
Click to expand...
 
I had a satin finished Sentinal as one of my first quality knives. It was definitely a smooth opener. It is one of the knives I really wished I hadn't traded. I say it is still on par with most of the quality knives being made today, as far as finish and materials. I keep wishing they'd re-release this one in some form or another, but I'm not holding my breath.

DD
 
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