How much blade play is OK in a AFCK?

[Will P.]

The blade of my AFCK (806) does not noticably move when I am cutting things, but if I hold the knife in both hands and "wiggle" the blade back and forth, I can feel a bit of movement from the pivot pin (horizontal blade play). If I tighten the pivot, the action of the knife will get too stiff.

Does this small amoount of blade play affect the preformance of the knife, or should I just live with it? Is there some other solution here that I am missing?

 

[knifenerd]

Life is full of compromises and you have experienced one of them. If you want the blade to "fall open" very easily, you may experience a bit of blade wobble. You can try tightening up a bit on the pivot screw and maybe use a bit of Loctite and you will probably be able to reach an acceptable compromise.
Best of luck. The AFCK is a modern classic.

 

[gud4u]

My 806D2 locks up tight, with no play in any dimension. Perfect when new, and still perfect.

It's a PIA to send a knife back, but perhaps you should.

 

[glockman99]

Is your 806 an older model with the nylon pivot washers? If it is, it would be worth sending it back to Benchmade to have it fitted with the new bronze washers, as that will solve the slight "wiggle" problem.

 

[ARtsig1]

I just picked up a new one today, 806D2, and have not experienced any blade play at all. I did put a small drop of Miltec on either side and tightened the pivot to my liking and the blade snaps open with as tight a lock up as is possible. Teflon/nylon washers will deform slightly if you put too much pressure on them and allow blade wiggle to an extent.