First benchmade... having issues

T

Thetimefarm

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Jul 28, 2015
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I recently took the plunge on buying my first benchmade. They never really appealed to me until I saw the KSF exclusive Stryker. I was super excited when it showed up (I was happily suprised that KSF free shipping took only like 3 day). But when I actually started using it I was severely underwhealmed. Out of the box it was pretty dull and had a tremendous amount of blade play, no problem I figured, I sharpened it up then set about trying to tune the pivot. This is where I started running into issues. The blade started out with so much play that it was litterally rattling around in the handles. Even after tightening the pivot as far as it would go, lubricating it and opening and closing it a few hundred times, the blade still had some play left in it. Now, it wasn't terrible at this point, but it was still noticeable if you apply a bit of force to the blade, and it was so tight that the action was terrible. I should also mention that it has a strange issue with forward and back play, but only the first time pressure is applied after it locks open, like if you flick it open you can feel it go forward and back slightly once then lock up solid, it's really weird. Also because I'm a complete moron I started to strip the pivot screw while trying to tighten it further, as soon as I felt it slip I stopped, but the damage was done. So is this slight blade play normal for a benchmade axis lock? It really seems like for the $250 price tag on this one it should at least have less play than my $25 R.A.T 1. I currently have a ticket in with BM customer service, but was just wanting to get some outside advice as to whether this was normal or not.
 
No, the axis lock will lock up very solid. With a properly tuned pivot, blade play is uncommon. I despise blade-play and I own several model Benchmades with the axis lock. It is a solid design and locks tightly when the pivot is properly adjusted.
Your option now is to send it back to BM for service. The will make it right even if you did strip the pivot.

I am very surprised an exclusive model had issues as you describe. It is possible, but in defense of BM it is a rare occurrence. They will fix you up.
 
This isn't the same experience I've had with my KSF Stryker. It's been perfect out of the box with an ok edge. I'm sure Benchmade will fix you right up.
 
Send it back to the dealer, or to BM

to many issues already to deal with on a new blade
 
Can't help with your particular model but none of the 4-5 BM Axis locks I own have any blade play at all. At this point I'm not sure you have many options other than to contact BM and see about getting it repaired.
 
My example of the KSF knife doesn't have any of those issues. I'm sure Benchmade will make it right.
 
Another "send it to BM" recommendation. I had a Mini-Grip with a severely off-center blade. It went back to BM, they centered it, sharpened it wicked sharp, and included an extra clip to boot.
 
@ThetimeFarm:

Couple of suggestions going forward that I hope you will find useful. One of the advantages of dealing with the betters dealers like KSF and most if not all of the BFC authorized dealers is that you can call them and request they inspect the knife prior to shipping for issues of concern like blade centering and radical blade play. And they will be more then happy to do it. This greatly reduces the chances of receiving a knife in the condition you described.

Also, If you ever receive a knife and it has functional issues like blade play, address those first before you sharpen the blade. Sharpening the blade makes it much less likely it will be accepted for return by the dealer for replacement, which is always the first and fastest way to go.

Sorry to hear of your troubles but rest assured Benchmade will take good care of you. Their customer service is second to none.

Good luck and all the best!
 
Sorry to hear that yours had an issue. Everyone here has given you great advice and it sounds like you are already sending it to BM. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything else. Were always happy to hear from customers and help in anyway we can.

Heres one that's been in the rotation for a while.

TMC0gPMm.jpg
 
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