First production question

[Jbraman]

What exactly does it mean if my Benchmade knife is marked "First Production ### of ####"?

 

[jkarp_53]

A First Production knife is the next to the last version and are marked as you suggest. These runs can be 200, some 500, others 1000, and typically the very first one off the line goes to the owner, but not always. But these are always numbered on the blade. In the final, or full production, the blades are not marked and all of the minor changes and modifications done to make them just right have settled down.

So; First are the concept and R&D samples, second are the prototypes, third are the first productions - all typically marked, then come the un-marked full production models.

Hope this helps and makes sense.

 

[Jbraman]

It does make sense. Are they any more or less desirable to have? And I'm assuming they would have full warranty?

 

[jkarp_53]

It does make sense. Are they any more or less desirable to have? And I'm assuming they would have full warranty?

All of these would be covered under warranty, but the most valuable are the concept/R&D and the prototypes due to the very small numbers made during the shakeout and testing process. If in the original box and unused, these only increase in value.

 

[Jbraman]

I appreciate the response! I picked up a real nice Onslaught that is marked first production. I figured I would keep it in the box if it was more valuable lol

 

[jkarp_53]

I appreciate the response! I picked up a real nice Onslaught that is marked first production. I figured I would keep it in the box if it was more valuable lol

Nice knife. It's really not worth any more than the un-marked full production versions though; so I would use the thing.