Hacking a Benchmite

A

a-j

Joined
Apr 25, 2005
Messages
7
Ok, here is my problem. I want a different keychain knife than the one I currently have (CRKT PECK). There are a few things I like (no clip, light), but there are other problems with the Benchmite. Here are some of my qualms with the situation.

1. I would go all out for a 3100 ("auto"), but where I live (MN) they are not allowed -- not even sub 2" :mad:. I'm sure I could use it, but if the police ever found out I don't think I'd like the results (confiscation at the least).

2. The problem with the 310 is that it isn't a one-handed knife. Maybe I really wouldn't mind using two hands, but it would be nice to have the option.

3. I could modify the 310 and put on a thumbstud, but there is a nail-nick where I would put the thumbstud.

So here was what I was thinking and what I need to know.

1. Does the 3100 open the same way as the 310 -- regular opening folder, not OTF?

2. If it isn't an OTF, is there enough visible blade to put a thumbstud on the 3100?

3. Does anyone know anything about the internals of the Levitator locking mechanism? Could I take out the autospring and still maintain the open/close locking?

I know the regular disclalimer applies: void the warranty, yada, yada, yada...

Other questions:

4. Will I have a problem with mixing possibly different metals between the blade and thumbstud (different steel types)? I know if you mix different metals, you can end up with corrosion problems.

5. What are the laws about transportation of automatic knives, I would hate to get in trouble for even attempting to import an auto into MN if I would get busted for not even using it -- maybe I'm being paranoid.
 
Maybe you're being paranoid. Maybe you're being smart. Why take a chance, or even subject yourself to the worry? The Benchmite is a neat little knife. But there are others.
 
Converting a 3100 would be pointless.

310_inset.jpg


The Levitator works somewhat like a reverse plungelock. Whereas pushing down on a plunge lock allows the blade to swing free, the Levitator system lifts the lock pin up and out of the blade tang's path. This is the same on either the 310 or the 3100. The problem, at least for your conversion idea, is that with both knives, the blade is locked closed as well as opening. Necessary for the 3100 since it's an auto, but the 310 works the same way. The difference of course is that the 310 is unsprung. This means that you'll need 2 hands to open the 310: one to hold the lock, one to open the blade. In any case, the backspacer for the 3100 is also the spring. You would have to chop the spring or make a new backspacer. I suppose there's enough room to put a thumbstud, but again, for your purposes, this would be pointless, because you'd just end up with a 2 hand knife with a thumbstud.

I don't mean to dash your hopes, but I don't think this is a feasable or practical project.

For a keychain knife, I would suggest a small Spyderco like a Jester or Ladybug. A SS handled version would be particularily nice.
 
You could just get it anyway... like I'm about 85% ready to do... as soon as I convince my tight-fisted self to spend money since I have it...
 
G'day,
My Benchmite opens with a flick of the wrist--just press the lock at the right time and the blade opens up and locks out. One handed. Great little knife.
Greg
 
I'll second what Greg said. My Benchmite flicks open, and closed, like a dream.
 
Hm, I hadn't thought about flicking. I've only got the 3100 (I love Arizona. :cool: ), so I wasn't even sure about the 310 locking closed until I looked it up. Interesting that yours' flick open, as my 3100 actually has quite a bit of resistance in the pivot. It flies open from the spring with quite a bit of haste, so I never had any reason to loosen it. It sounds like a 310 would be perfectly suitable for a-j. One thought though, putting a full size keyring through the 310's lanyard hole might be difficult. I'd suggest some sort of attatchment ring or loop to put through the hole, or perhaps a very small keyring like on a SAK through which to attach a regular keyring.
 
I had a 310 for a long time and it would open beautifully one-handed. I just pressed the levitator "button" with one hand and let gravity (or a tiny amount of centrifugal force) do the rest. It opened for me one-handed in this manner on many occasions without a hitch. This was with factory torque on the pivot screw... I never modified it (never needed to).
 
Actually, come to think of it, one of those keychain thingies that pull apart might be best in case you ever want to just use the knife without having keys dangling around.

Addressing questions 4 and 5:

4. It's highly unlikely that there'd be any sort of corrosion due to mixed steels. Most thumb studs on knives (if not all) are of different steels since it's unlikely that they'd use high quality (expensive) steel for a part that doesn't require it. Not to mention the fact that most other steel parts of knives wouldn't be of the same kind (pivots, stop pins, liners, etc).

5. In most states where it's illegal to own autos it'd be illegal to move them around. In the entire USA it's illegal to move autos across state lines regardless of method. Even between states where they are legal to own. For example, even though I can go to California where 2" autos are legal, buy a Protech Runt or Benchmade 3100, I cannot enter Arizona with it, even though autos of any size are legal here. Stupid, yes. But that's the law. Interstate trafficking of illegal weapons. Ways to avoid, get around, or ignore these laws aren't openly discussed here at Bladeforums, for reasons that should be obvious enough.

BTW, considering what the people above are saying about "flicking" or "dropping" open their 310, you should count yourself lucky that MN's laws don't specify or define switchblades as "gravity knives", which many do.

The 310/3100 is a fine knife, much more knife than you'd expect in such a small size. The blade is short, but very capable. The blade is sharp and slices beautifully due to its thin profile and flat grind. 154CM is a premium steel, which is rare in a knife of this size, and Benchmade's 154CM is the best in the business. If it's a to be a keychain knife though, I'd go with the plain model rather than one of the coated ones, because it'll likely get scratched up and a plain finish holds it's appearance better than a coated one.
 
So now I'll second what Planterz said. The 310 is a great little knife, cuts like a dream and sharpens up very easily. And I would get some sort of quick-detach set-up for the knife, so that you don't jangle so much if you need to do any sustained cutting.
 
my benchmite, the 310, (manual) opens easily with inertia. It is a fine little one hand knife, but personally I would think having keys attached at the same time you try an inertia opening would be a little noisy, and painful on the knuckles or palm :)

My pivot pin is factory tight, as in, I haven't touched it. I would think if it was loosened, it would open nice and fast, and without the legal hastles of a spring in most places.
 
It's much too bulky for a keychain knife IMO. I grabbed a Cold Steel Tuff-lite. A lot cheaper, and it's really nice. AUS8 is good steel for a knife that size. Stays razor sharp pretty well. And weighs next to nothing, so clipping it onto my chain is no biggy.

_z
 
Thanks for the suggestions.

Yeah, I do now realize that there are probably more problems with modifying the lock mechanism than I initially thought, so I probably won't be doing that after all. I guess I'll keep looking around, or maybe I'll use the 310 and "flick" it open , loosen the pivot screw, or just get used to the two handed operation.

I don't really like spyderco's style (blade shape w/ opening hole), otherwise I'd take a more serious look at some of their smaller knives you suggested.
 
I adjust my Benchmite according to the occasion. For use when I go to NYC, I tighten the screw so it needs two hands to open and can't be misconstrued for a "gravity knife". At home and at work, I loosen the screw so it can be easily opened one-handed. I have the partially serrated version and I find it very useful.

David
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top