My First Benchmade -- Wow!

JustinWatts

JustinWatts

Joined
May 26, 2012
Messages
423
Hey all,
I started a thread a while back explaining that I wanted a Ritter Grip or Sequel. I've since came across an awesome deal on a discontinued 771 Osborne, and I love it. This is my first Benchmade, and it's hands-down the smoothest knife I own at the moment. I have a couple curious questions, but there is nothing bad to be said about the blade. Here are some pictures:

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BlOQ5GK.jpg


Now, as I mentioned above; I've never owned a Benchmade. I've never handled one either, but from pictures the Axis-lock on the 771 seems to be slightly different then the modern versions such as the Griptilian or 707. Is this the case? Anyway, the actual bar that is being manipulated is somewhat loose (somewhat -- not very), and can be skewed slightly if more pressure is put on one side; is this typical of the Axis-lock? Here's a picture, as you can see it's very minute, but noticeable:

4xq4B9A.jpg


Despite this, the lockup is bank vault. I have no issues with lockup or deployment, however, the fact that it will not free-fall when the lock is disengaged surprised me with respect the butter-smooth deployment. I oiled it up and it still seems to require a little push to get going. I realize I could ease the pivot but it's not a necessity for me as I have no problem flipping it closed.

Just wanted to follow up on my previous post, and I am glad to have joined the community. I now will need to get my hands on a 707 in addition to this beauty.
Justin
 
The axis bar travel is part of why it is bank vault, actually it's most of the reason why.

We all have different ideals for how the knives open and close, I get mine to the point where when the lock is disengaged and I rotate the knife slowly it will open and close slowly, not fly open or closed unless I flick it open. For axis knives I see that as perfection.
 
Since it's your first axis lock not many of the suggestions maybe easy to follow. Of you are pretty mechanical inclined and decent with you hands, it's likely some minor tweaking will have it functioning perfectly. It could be a bit dirty in the axis travel area or the axis pin, liner slots, and/or engagement notch on the blade may have a rough spot or burr. The axis pin mates up (wedges) into a notch on the blade while another notch in the blade is forced firmly against the stop pin; near the spline of the blade. Some careful examination of wear patterns on the axis pin and corresponding blade notch may indicate non-uniform seating. Careful polishing may remove this, if it is the case. Eitherway, you may either want attempt it yourself or just send it to Benchmade with a description of the issue and they will fix you up. Minor fee if any other than shipping. Hope this helps some...

PS- knice knife and congratulations. I can tell your pumped!
 
That is a slick looking knife! I have a mini presidio and my axis lock bar is not always straight either. I would let the lock bar work into the tang by itself. It should polish the blade tang as it works in, i can see it happening on mine already. If you have no lock up issues, i would just use it and see if it sorts itself out. The blade and the washers will also polish themselves up with use and your blade should get free-er and smoother. My Presidio's blade is pretty light, so i dont know if it will ever drop freely.
 
Okay, I forgot to mention I received it brand new sealed in the box. I broke it in a little, but like you guys say I can imagine it will just keep getting smoother with use. Even if for some reason it doesn't, I'm content with the way it is now; it's still the smoothest knife I own.
 
My 530 had the same thing going for it when I got it, super sharp, perfectly centred blade and solid lockup but the axis lock was a bit sticky the first week or so.
Id have to open it and close it two handed but it broke in with time and now I usually open it with the thumb stud (gently because the stop pin is kinda small on the 530) and flick it closed with the axis lock.
 
That's cool. I've never seen one in that color. It will get smoother with time. It is easy to adjust though, and usually it doesn't take very much movement of the pivot, to make a difference
 
Oh wow, pre-production run. Good find there!! In my one and only axis knife the bar moves slightly side to side and it can also be rocked a bit, but as mentioned this lends to a stronger mechanism in the long run. The springs take the force as two separate entities.
 
The 77x series are sweet little gents folders. Congrats on the find.
 
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