How long does the average griptilian last for?

Y

YourNoob

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Aug 4, 2007
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Hey for those of you who own BM griptilians whether mini or full sized, how long do they usually last for.

My concern are the omega springs in the axis locks that might not last long.

I know the first knife with the axis lock was the 710 that came out in 98, for those of you who bought that knife in the time period, is it still functional today?
(excluding any omega springs being replaced)
 
My 710 M2HS bought in 1999 is still in great shape. Never needed to replace any springs.The only part I had to replace was the pocket-clip which I bent through my own carelessness. FWIW, Benchmade mailed me a new one for free.
 
Can't tell you, but I've been carrying a Mini for something over two years (might be over 3 or even longer- don't really have anything to tie the date to). Carried and used pretty much every day and there is no blade play in any direction, no problems or wear of any kind (other than sharpening) that I can see. It has held up very well, and I couldn't be happier with it.

That's actually my only complaint- it is such a good knife for me that I can only get myself to carry something else once in a blue moon, which is leaving some very nice knives out of work!
 
Theres been several threads about folder longevity which has about six post run in the middle about the axis lock springs. Search for it, but I can tell you this everyone was pretty much in agreement that a quality folder would last for decades of service with regular maintenance and limited abuse or misuse.
 
I was thinking of getting my dad a 551 or 556 because his SOG folder (a stingray I think), which has held up pretty good, but is so used that it has a thick edge from sharpening, scales have been replaced, and is just getting worn out after I think about 10 years of edc. Would a mini-griptilian be a good knife for work? Thanks, I don't want to hijack only continue on the topic of longevity.
 
Keith_H said:
I was thinking of getting my dad a 551 or 556 because his SOG folder (a stingray I think), which has held up pretty good, but is so used that it has a thick edge from sharpening, scales have been replaced, and is just getting worn out after I think about 10 years of edc. Would a mini-griptilian be a good knife for work? Thanks, I don't want to hijack only continue on the topic of longevity.
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I think it would.
 
knarfeng said:
I think it would.
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I agree. In fact, you might consider getting him a Ritter mini-Grip or a Cabelas mini-Grip. The Ritter will be a bit wider blade in S30V and the Cabelas uses the standard blade shape in D2 steel. The Ritter mini is my favorite and sees a lot of warehouse EDC use. I find that one more useful than my Striders and Sebbies for work.

As far as dependability, a couple of my Grips are several years old and I've never had a problem with any of the springs. They work as well as they did when new.
 
YourNoob said:
I know the first knife with the axis lock was the 710 that came out in 98, for those of you who bought that knife in the time period, is it still functional today?
(excluding any omega springs being replaced)
Click to expand...


I have one of those 710 from aroun 2000. It is one of the first models with an ATS-34 blade. I EDC'd it over the years and have had no problems with it; even after hard use. It still sharpens well and it's a blade I trust; lock and all. I recently 'semi-retired' (after a year or so of carry) it as I just got a 710D2 and plan to EDC, use hard that version now.

Other axis lock knives I've had have presented problems with the torque screw. But, I've never had problems with the omega springs. Hope this helps.
 
They should last a long time. My first knife was a Case pen knife my dad gave me when I was about 7 yrs. I still have that knife today so it is going on close to 58 years and going. I expect the Mini Grip I have to last just as long.
 
THG said:
What is an "omega spring?" Which knives have these?
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All Benchmade AXIS lock knives have Omega springs. They are "wire" style springs that push the lock bar into place.

Here is a picture of them, and this link explains them.

AXIS Locks


LockingMech-AxisLock.gif
 
I am with whitedog on this. Hopefully they have not been around long enough for anyone to know. :D.
 
Omega springs seem to have a lifespan of "whenever they break." As long as Benchmade is in business, and something fails, their knives will be repaired under their superb limited lifetime warranty policy. Usually all you have to do is include $5 for return shipping, and they'll send the knife back to you. (And sometimes they won't ask for that $5 at all, depends on the issue.)

One thing: If you send a knife up to Benchmade don't send it in the original box, as they're not returned in it. Instead they'll come to your door inside a generic grey repair box.
 
I guess I'm getting in about a week or two late on this thread, but how does the axis lock hold up in a dusty or muddy environment?
 
Thw omega springs on my mini grip last about 6 to 8 months. Of course my knife had a much greater than normal amount of wear since I was constantly flicking the knife open and shut. (the axis lock is just too damn much fun to play with :D)
 
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I especially enjoyed how the Polish dog in the second video was inspired to dig.


Realistically speaking, any of the knives from the better companies are going to last a very long time. Virtually forever with normal use and maintenence. If any of those knives is resharpened constantly, then maybe the blade will last anywhere from 5-10 years depending on the blade.

The springs break when they break. I've had two breakages, but as I understand, a combination of a bad batch of springs on my knives, and constant "weeee!" open and closed flicking contributed to that. Many people have never had so much as a hickup with even heavy use. I've got a 710 from a passaround on this forum that can't be brand new, it's been played with already by at least 8 guys, who most likely put the thing through its paces and flicked it a good bit, and it shows no sign whatever of being anything but slightly used. Actually the only thing that shows any wear is the clip. Otherwise, you could probably get away with selling the thing NIB.
 
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