Issues with new Emissary black version

freq18hz

freq18hz

Joined
Mar 4, 2010
Messages
1,093
Just ordered a new 2013 version Emissary...

It showed up with a big ugly "first production run" on the blade, and up and down and side to side blade play. :(

First new knife in a long while, and I'm not happy.


I heard a few isolated reports of blade play on the very first units of the grey version, but I would think they would have ironed out the kinks by now?

Also the assist doesn't really open with much authority. Overall, I'm not impressed.


Anyone else have one of these? Is this expected?


-Freq
 
Sometimes knives come more loose than they should be.
I'd tighten the body screws(if you can) and tighten the pivot a bit.

If that doesn't help, write Benchmade and they'll take care of you.
 
It's an axis lock...the pivot being tight doesn't effect up/down bladeplay.


-Freq
 
Good question. I guess I'll call benchmade and see if this is expected.

No one else has one that can chime in?


-Freq
 
Up and down, or 'radial' blade play should not happen on a properly adjusted knife, and that's not easy to fix. Side to side movement can be adjusted easily enough, as 'Bladechick777' suggests by tightening the pivot and maybe the handle screws. Those are normally solid knives; if you're not happy give BKC a call at 800-800-7427 and ask for Customer Service.
 
freq18hz,

Just curious, with the blade open and locked, if you pull back on the Axis bar and allow it to "slingshot" forward to again the locked position (without the blade moving), does the vertical slop disappear?

If so, I've found it can be as easy a fix as simply lubing the mating surfaces of the Axis mech (the blade tang ramp, the Axis bar, and the inside of the liner channels where the Axis bar rides. This allows for less friction as the mech engages, allowing the Axis bar to engage farther forward, at the point it does when you slingshot it. I've found that with lubing the contact points, the mech, absent of someting more serious going on, smooths out and over a short period of time begins to engage at its fullest potential, creating a rock-solid lockup. Wearing-in, in effect.

If slingshotting does not absorb the vertical slop, there's more going on, and it's something I'm theorizing on in another thread. If you would, try that and let us know?

Prof.
 
I have a gray one that has up and down play. The A/O is also sluggish. I have sent it back twice and it has come back with blade play both times. I think the lockbar/blade interface is the problem, but I really don't know.

Even though I had no luck with it I would still recommend sending it to Benchmade to get it fixed.
 
Mine came to me with blade play, side to side but not up and down. The assist was also slow and sluggish like its getting caught midway. I tightned and adjusted the pivot and got it to fire out wicked fast, but MORE side to side play. I tinkered with it for a while and found a good medium. Still wiggles side to side but deploys strong. Overall for 170 $ knife I expected no blade play, just like all my other benchmades. Love the knife but have gotten better results from cheaper knives. Forgot to mention I have the grey version, and I got it a few months after its release.
 
To answer multiple questions:

No slingshotting the axis lock doesn't fix this.

The dealer I purchased it from called Benchmade, they obviously replied that I could send it in, but can't guarantee a fix without looking at it. The dealer I got it from, went through all 20+ of their stock, and every single one exhibits the same symptoms this one does.

Design flaw?

In regards from what to expect, I have a an 18 dollar leatherman from REI that has a more solid lockup. I expected more from Benchmade on this one.


-Freq
 
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I don't want to get into the whole "my $5 sanrenmu locks up solid" argument.

I looked at a black Emissary in the store yesterday and it did have up and down play. I didn't force it, it was noticeable.
 
It might not be a good idea to discuss Sanremu or Ganzo knives, as poor to decent copies of Benchmade and other Mfr's products are known to exsist. I would suggest if Ryan opens and invites us to consider and examine the differences between real vs. fakes that we consider it, but in the meantime, let's focus on what we know please.
 
Yes, it's always my fault for suggesting the evil ways of others...but that's when the phrase; KnowYourProduct comes to mind...:rolleyes:
 
freq18hz said:
I didn't mention Sanrenmu.

But now that you mentioned it... :)

-Freq
Click to expand...

If you are not happy with your knife, send it back. Can it get any easier than that? Why did you have the dealer call Benchmade, you should have called. Complaining is one thing, but a disregard for potential fixes has a different definition.
 
RevDevil said:
If you are not happy with your knife, send it back. Can it get any easier than that? Why did you have the dealer call Benchmade, you should have called. Complaining is one thing, but a disregard for potential fixes has a different definition.
Click to expand...

The dealer offered to call, I didn't ask. Why should I have called? The dealer has a regular contact there. I'm well aware of my option to get a refund, and benchmades customer service options.

I haven't disregarded any potential fixes. From what I gather, this is a design flaw. I'm not complaining, I'm rendering an opinion and stating facts about my experience.

Do you have an emissary that doesn't exhibit this issue?


-Freq
 
This is sad now that I read this. I get my 470-1 in the mail today. I will test it and give you a heads up. If this is true then I wil be a bit upset with play. But It is still a good knife to have. This will be my 3rd Benchmade.
 
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