How strong are Benchmade's stop pins?

LeonWilderness

LeonWilderness

Joined
Jun 23, 2010
Messages
105
So my BM 940 showed up a couple days ago and hasn't left my hand since. I'd forgotten how much fun the axis lock can be, but therein lies the problem. The "reverse tanto" (elongated spey-blade) is fairly tip-heavy, and when I open it with a wrist flick, it hits that stop pin with a lot of force. Now the stop pin arrived loose (it rattles ever so slightly), so I know it can rotate to reduce wear in one area, but is the constant thwacking of the blade gonna eventually lead to vertical blade play? When I first get a knife, I open and close it a lot, just to get a feel for it. If the stop pin holds up after this initial barrage, I figure it will be OK, but does anyone have any experience on this issue?
 
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Well I' ve had my 940 for about 4 years now and never had any problem at all with vertical bladeplay. And my stop pin is rock solid as well, it doesn' t rotate at all.
 
Flicking your blade open hard like that is one of the worst things you can do to a folding knife. Believe it or not it is considered unwarrantable abuse. It's like repeatedly absent-mindedly(aint that the truth) cycling an automatic, sooner or later something has got to give. In your case it will be the stop pin. It will lead to vertical blade play and eventually possible failure of the pin altogether. Most often this type of thing isnt any kind of design flaw, but user error.
 
it's a good question. I just picked up a Barrage, (love it!) which is assisted. I've noticed a little play when the blade's locked open. Doesn't seem to matter, but it's a little disconcerting.
 
I wouldn't normally consider whipping out your knife abuse, I'm just putting in my thoughts not trying to start any debates.
Think about how much force is on the stop pin when hard cutting?
Also, axis locks are long wearing. You could judge the lock life just like a liner lock, how much room to wear is there before the lock bar hits the liner cut outs? It shouldn't be a Problem even if you flick it hard.
 
JBK2596 said:
Think about how much force is on the stop pin when hard cutting?
Click to expand...

Much different type of force. When cutting hard the blade is not repeatedly slamming hard against the stop pin. Common sense really.
 
I am constantly flicking open my BM Griptillian, never had an issue with it since March when I got it. You must've REALLY swung that beast open.
 
I have thirty plus BM folders - many are AXIS Lock equipped, the most stout being the recent 275 Adamas with it's larger AXIS components. It is an effective lock for a folder. I don't flick my knives 'hard', save for one auto AXIS lock, so excessive wear on even my first AXIS lock knife, now eight plus years old, won't likely ever be a problem. The much dreaded AXIS lock omega spring break still seems to be a fairey tale here as mine are still all perfect. All of my BM's are still 'tight', but then I know that they are folders - and not as strong as a fixed blade. Of course, my thought re wear on a stop pin is to send it back to BM - lifetime service.

Stainz
 
I edited my original post because it was unclear. The stop pin ARRIVED loose, just enough for a small rattle, but not enough to allow for the slightest bit of blade play. I will probably just stick to using the thumb studs for normal use, and save my wrist flicks for when I need 'em. My BM 530 has such a light blade, so I don't about opening it with the axis flick, but the noise that the 940's blade makes when it hits the back stop makes me cringe.

If Benchmade does cover damage due to the axis flick (is there an unofficial name for it?) I'll probably keep doing it, because man is it fun...
 
Well there is a difference between actual flicking(which should be perfectly fine) and SLAMMING it open. In actual use you probably would never slam it open unless you' re intentionally trying to do so.
 
I have had no trouble with opening axis knives hard. Given that the 940 seems to have a rather small and light blade I doubt that you would be able to harm it unless you were trying to.
 
I like many here owned some of the first axis locks ever made. If the stop pin is loose, and was that way when you received it you can send it back for a replacement if you want. I would be willing to bet you will actually break your blade before the stop pin.
 
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