How do you rate Benchmade on a scale 1-10?

At first I thought 7, like a C grade in school. But I think the axis lock would boost it to a B, I give it an 8
 
As I type this I own 5 benchmades so keep in mind that I'm being generally honest even though I own these knives. I would give their products a 5-6 and that is taking into account the price you pay for the quality you get. I have 4 Griptilians, 2 minis and 2 full sized and it really is crap that I have to spend $100 on a knife and then spend another $100 on scales to make it what it should've been in the first place for the $100. If a company sells a knife with just decent steel "154cm" and plastic handles there is no way in hell said product should cost $100. These Griptilians should be in line with Spydercos Delica and Endura which can be picked up all day long for $60. To be honest my Griptilians were bought when I first got into the hobby a couple years ago and I didn't know any better. As time went on and I got educated on different knife brands I started to realize how grossly overpriced Benchmades really are, especially for the quality they are putting out. That said after I put aftermarket scales on my Griptilians I actually love them, but if I had to do it over again I would not spend the money in the first place on these knives. Really all these knife companies are charging waaaaay too much for a piece of steel on the end of a handle, but we are talking about Benchmade here so I'll just leave it at that.
 
mjpgolf1 said:
(...)These Griptilians should be in line with Spydercos Delica and Endura which can be picked up all day long for $60.(...)
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Spyderco outsources much of their production, including the Delica and Endura. Benchmade-brand knives are all currently produced in the United States. Honestly, this makes me wonder the degree to which the end price is affected by (partial) outsourcing vs. domestic production(?)
 
Not completely sold on the idea of the grip being in line with the Delica. 2 big things that set the grip apart are, axis lock to the lock back. Second is US made compared to foreign. The later fact alone I would pay $25 to 30 more.
 
Old thread....but on todays stuff...depends on the knife. Not models but the actual knife. Some i have id call 8s..others 5s. Often sloppy attention to details. Loose screws, poor uneven grinds. Consistent Quality control could be much better.
 
Captain Howdy said:
Not completely sold on the idea of the grip being in line with the Delica. 2 big things that set the grip apart are, axis lock to the lock back. Second is US made compared to foreign. The later fact alone I would pay $25 to 30 more.
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Just because one thing is made in the US and another overseas doesn't mean that it's better quality at all. I buy and drive BMWs because American made cars can't even come close to the build quality of BMW. There are many examples of this. As far as the locking mechanism goes many would argue that while the axis lock is cooler and funnier to play with, the lock back is more robust and sturdy holding the blade in place much better and more solid. Also on an expense side the company Ganzo uses the same exact axis lock and they sell their knives for $20 so I don't agree that that locking mechanism makes the knife worth another $35 over a Delica. No one can deny the fact that especially a large Griptilian feels and sounds extremely cheap in the hand. It's actually one of the cheapest feeling knives I've ever held. Even lots of $20 knives come with G10 and feel pretty solid. How Benchmade could hold those knives in their hand and say "yep, now that's a $100 knife" is beyond me. I'm sure there is markup in both the Delica/endura and the grip/mini grip, but I would bet my last dollar that the Griptilian has a larger margin.


One more point on the US vs overseas comment. Just look at the knives that Spyderco has coming out of Tiawan. Those are some of the finest quality knives on the market.

Just so everyone knows I love Benchmade knives. I always will. That still doesn't change my mind about them being overpriced.
 
I'd take a axis (not the Chinese copy) over a lock back any day. To compare ganzos "axis" to benchmades could be the same as compareing spyderco or bucks lock back to a gas station model, just because it's the same in theory doesn't mean its as good especially when less of an investment is made in manufacturing. As far as quality standards from foreign countries some are on par or maybe better than us production, but I'm tired of seeing family, friends, and neighbors lose their jobs to outsourcing. So if I have to pay a little more for US made products I will every chance I get. Just my choice.

Don't want to high jack this thread any further so I would give benchmade anywhere from a 6 to an 9. Sometimes ther QC has some wide swings and lemons make it off the line, but benchmade does stand behind their stuff and will work with you to make it right.
 
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I would say solid 8 and maybe 9. GREAT company with great warranty. I'd have to deal with them multiple times (Lifesharp, replacements clips, lost knife, etc) and every time they have been nothing but great. Friendly to deal with.

As far as the knives, I've owned quite a few and have a few grips, 940-1, and 930 and they are all great. Very well made knives.
 
Captain Howdy said:
I'd take a axis (not the Chinese copy) over a lock a k any day. As far as quality standards from foreign countries some are on par or maybe better than us production, but I'm tired of seeing family, friends, and neighbors lose their jobs to outsourcing. So if I have to pay a little more for US made products I will every chance I get. Just my choice.
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I can appreciate your opinion. This is however about the actual quality and value of a company and not about paying more for substandard to help keep jobs here, which is noble and I too like to support local business when I can. I have bought and will continue to buy Benchmade knives when a knife comes out that I love, but they really need to reevaluate their entry level stuff and either price it accordingly or step up the quality. It may not have a negative effect on them now but eventually they could start slowly becoming less and less popular as these new knife companies are stepping up and putting out some good stuff at some good value. Just look at this thread and all the people that are basically saying the same thing I am. Doesn't take long to ruin a reputation that has taken years and years and years to create.
 
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