First Benchmade: 940 thoughts and questions

B

B.F.U

Joined
Jan 1, 2013
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I got my 940 Osbourne design in the mail on Tuesday and I am amazed by this knife. I had great trouble finding a Benchmade that fit my hand, but my palm is really warming up to the 940. I can't get over the axis lock, it's a revolution. And the blade is just plain cool looking, and I appreciate the straight edge and reverse tanto. I have used it relatively lightly, since I had some finals and school to finish up, but the s30v and flat grind seem to be a winning combination. I have gotten to thinking and have some questions though.

With the axis lock, does opening by disengaging the lock and swinging the blade open (rather than flicking it open with the thumb stud) have less of a chance of loosening the pivot? Also, I know I can just adjust the screws but I don't like to worry about it, have many of you had problems with decentering or blade play?

I have probably swung this thing open more than I could count, and I want to really use it as I don't believe in pampering a tool, so I'd like to see what you guys have to say about this.

ALLHSS
 
Congrats on a great knife. Many of us have flicked the blade open on our Axis-based knives hundreds of times without any kind of failure. The stop pin is hardened steel and is designed to take a beating; as well the lock itself wears in over time and actually locks up stronger with use. There are cases where the Omega springs have failed but almost never both of them. And in that event the knife is covered under warranty, so it's a win win.

On the pivot, opening and closing the knife doesn't usually cause it to loosen. In the event it does, a bit of plumber's tape or Loc-Tite on the threads will fix that. Also, once the blade is centered at the factory there isn't a lot that could cause it to lean towards one side or the other, but that's usually easy to remedy by us mere mortals. ;)

Enjoy using it in good health!
 
jkarp_53 said:
Congrats on a great knife. Many of us have flicked the blade open on our Axis-based knives hundreds of times without any kind of failure. The stop pin is hardened steel and is designed to take a beating; as well the lock itself wears in over time and actually locks up stronger with use. There are cases where the Omega springs have failed but almost never both of them. And in that event the knife is covered under warranty, so it's a win win.

On the pivot, opening and closing the knife doesn't usually cause it to loosen. In the event it does, a bit of plumber's tape or Loc-Tite on the threads will fix that. Also, once the blade is centered at the factory there isn't a lot that could cause it to lean towards one side or the other, but that's usually easy to remedy by us mere mortals. ;)

Enjoy using it in good health!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the great information and reassuring words! I have a great feeling about this knife and look forward to actually using it for some real tasks.
 
I rarely touch the thumb studs on my Benchmades when opening them. I almost always use the "Axis Flip" and the pivot doesn't loosen up at all.
 
I'm noticing the detent is quite a bit weaker than what I'm used to (back locks mostly) on the axis. Has this ever been a problem for you all?
 
I love the detent on my 940. I've never had it open in my pocket. The detent will try and spring the knife closed within 30 degrees or so. Even if it did get pulled open somehow. It'll close itself.
 
Sometimes the pivot will loosen. Just put a dab of blue loctite on the screw and dial it in to where you like it.
 
jkarp_53 said:
Congrats on a great knife. Many of us have flicked the blade open on our Axis-based knives hundreds of times without any kind of failure.
Click to expand...

Ditto -

Being a serial flicker, I’ve never had any problem with blade play or pivot loosening.. Your 940 will last long before you my friend. That knife is perfection.
 
In tip up carry my Griptilian came half way open once while I was running. It's clipped to the waist band where the knife is on the outside medially between the pelvis and naval.

It cut my shirt in the few steps it took me to notice the issue. Due to the path the blade takes I it doubt it would have cut me but it made me tighten the pivot some so the knife isn't as free swinging. From what I've read the 940 is really easy to open, people leave it lose so it flies open when you flick it.

As far as flicking, do it and see what happens. If it loosens stop or add loctite.
 
jkarp_53 said:
Congrats on a great knife. Many of us have flicked the blade open on our Axis-based knives hundreds of times without any kind of failure. The stop pin is hardened steel and is designed to take a beating; as well the lock itself wears in over time and actually locks up stronger with use. There are cases where the Omega springs have failed but almost never both of them. And in that event the knife is covered under warranty, so it's a win win.

On the pivot, opening and closing the knife doesn't usually cause it to loosen. In the event it does, a bit of plumber's tape or Loc-Tite on the threads will fix that. Also, once the blade is centered at the factory there isn't a lot that could cause it to lean towards one side or the other, but that's usually easy to remedy by us mere mortals. ;)

Enjoy using it in good health!
Click to expand...

+1

I've had an Osborne 942 for about 8-10 years, and this thing has experienced many beatings in its day, I've flicked it open hundreds of times and I've never had to change any springs, or do any maintenance on the axis lock (or internal parts). The 942 is now patiently waiting on being lost somewhere sitting in my GF's purse lol
 
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