Just bought my last benchmade.

[GermanyChris]

CRKT is not known for having ultra smooth opening knives nor do they normally use optimal blade steels. Also in my opinion they usually run their steels quite soft. So when you're having to sharpen those CRKT knives twice a day you'll figure out why Benchmades are better knives and are worth their money.

Yet my Crossbones will fall shut and it's AUS 8 is no different than anyone elses.

 

[Ravenbrook]

I have sent many a blade back to benchmade for tweaks. Living so close to them, I felt it was worth it to hand deliver a product to have it repaired, didn't have to worry about shipping it, etc. Then I realized almost every knife I have purchased from them has had some issue of some sort, other than the mini infidel or the emissary. When you buy a 300 dollar ti monolock and a 30 dollar pilar within the same week and the cheaper of the knives feels better, weight not counting....it really opens your eyes.

I bought a Chris Reeve Large Inkosi. Knife would open about half way before it started to bind up. Called Chris Reeve about it, sent it back and they found that a bad pivot was the problem. Tim said he walked the knife over to the assembly guys and used it as a training opportunity as to how a knife isn't supposed to leave the shop. They quickly fixed the issue and I had it back to me in a few days. Mine was a $575 knife, so I understand where you're coming from. Pointing issues like this out to manufacturer's can be helpful to them to tweak their process or remove the person doing a poor quality control job.

 

[NoF]

I would also argue that crkt is expensive for what you get (low grade steel, mostly Chinese made, fit/finish & QC issues).

I agree wholeheartedly, but man they have some cool designers working for them.
The Pilar's such a great knife to look at, from about 5m away.

 

[jmh33]

Why bother..