Mini Skirmish rough action

[CRH]

I recently received a Benchmade Mini Skirmish and soon noticed that the blade opening action is quite rough. I have determined that the actual pivots are smooth and that the roughness comes from the ball bearing mounted in the lock bar as the blade contacts the ball.

So far I've lubed the pivots and ball with Miltec but this hasn't helped. Has anyone else experienced this rough action and if so have you found a solution?

 

[4_degree]

That sometimes happens with a framelock. It was always one of my biggest beefs with the Sebenza, by the way. It seems to be a result of excessive pressure on the side of the blade by the lock. It does make for a solid lock-up, though.
Using a grease instead of an oil will help to smooth things up. Try Militec's grease or Chris Reeve Knives' flourinated grease. Either should work.

 

[CRH]

Try Militec's grease or Chris Reeve Knives' flourinated grease.

Good idea. Someone on Benchmade's forum suggested that I just need a break in period.

 

[4_degree]

Yeah, breaking the knife in helps, too, but you'll likely be wearing down the detent ball, therefore increasing the surface area pressing against the blade, and not just smothing things out. Try the grease and see what you think. A little dab on the ball or along the ball race (the part of the blade that the ball rides on) should do the knife good.