My Benchmade service experience

[ruddyduck]

A few months ago, I got a Bugout with micarta scales in a trade along with a few other knives. After checking out the Bugout, I could tell that it had an aftermarket titanium axis lock bar. Those titanium lock bars never provide smooth action like the stock lock bars do. I tried polishing the anodizing off of it, but it still wasn't smooth.

I contacted Benchmade to see if I could buy a stock axis lock bar. I knew I wouldn't be able to, but I figured I'd give it a shot. Of course, they replied that they wouldn't sell me one, but they told me to send the knife in, and they'd fix it for free. Mind you, I had already told them that the lock bar currently on the knife was aftermarket, and that I didn't mind paying for them to replace it with a stock lock bar, but they wouldn't hear of it. I also told them I wasn't the original owner. They didn't care about that.

I sent the knife in three weeks ago, and I got it back today. The action is smooth as silk...just what I've come to expect from the Bugout. They also replaced the scratched up pocket clip and the thumb studs that were rounded out...all at no cost to me.

I have knives costing much more than the Bugout, but no matter how my collection evolves, I'll always have a handful of Benchmades. They've made a customer for life.

 

[soc_monki]

I sent them a crooked river I got on ebay for cheap, oversharpened blade, cracked scale, and a stripped clip hole. It came back perfect, with amazing action, well sharpened blade, and a deep carry clip. I now have 10 (soon to be 11) benchmades, and no sign of slowing down. I really love them!

 

[Ratcreature]

Pretty sure the bugout comes with a Ti lock bar and yeah it sucks.

 

[ruddyduck]

Pretty sure the bugout comes with a Ti lock bar and yeah it sucks.

If it does, all the aftermarket titanium lock bars are cr@p compared to the Benchmade lock bars. I've tried more than a few, and they've all been duds.

 

[sliceofaloha]

I was not happy about their 2A slip up last year but I'm ready to let them out of the dog house. I ordered a Krein Proper the other day and I look forward to getting it. I have 3 Contego and I recently posted on the BM sub forum about wishing to have a clip point like the 943 (just bigger) available on the Contego chassis. I saw somewhere once where (was it REK?) had customized a Contego blade with a clip point though not with the same swedginess. Looked good! I hope they kick S30V to the curb and stifle their urge to coat all non stainless as an option.

 

[Ratcreature]

If it does, all the aftermarket titanium lock bars are cr@p compared to the Benchmade lock bars. I've tried more than a few, and they've all been duds.

My straight from factory bugout was SUPER gritty. By far the worse axis I have ever experienced. I think they had an issue with them for awhile because of the ti and if you look into it you will see people who had flattened axis bars and other issues. I dunno, I swore off the bugout after that. Still have other benchmades though.