My Mini Grip has some blade play.

[SpacemanSpiff23]

So after a few years of intermittent, heavy use, my Benchmade mini grip has gotten some noticeable up and down blade play. It looks like the sliding bat of the axis lock has a flat spot ground into it, and the liners have ground 2 grooves into it as well. Not mth bat hits the liners before it hits the top of the blade, and allows the blade to wiggle a bit. Is this normal?

 

[kzooglock23]

I would say it is not normal. Contact Benchmade and send it in for service.

 

[Cynic2701]

Try spinning the Axis-lock bar: you can rotate the bar so that a new spot wears against the blade.

 

[SpacemanSpiff23]

Try spinning the Axis-lock bar: you can rotate the bar so that a new spot wears against the blade.

I can do that, but after a few openings and closings, the bar rotates back around and settles back on the flat spot. I guess I'll talk to Benchmade, but i wanted to know if it was common.

 

[Cynic2701]

I can do that, but after a few openings and closings, the bar rotates back around and settles back on the flat spot. I guess I'll talk to Benchmade, but i wanted to know if it was common.

That is unusual. It sounds like the Axis bar on your knife has an ovoid shape rather than circle.

In any case, if that didn't fix it, I agree that you should send it in to Benchmade. Calling them won't really help you out, all they will say is to go to BM's website and print out a warranty sheet, fill it out, and send it in with your knife.

Might as well save yourself the step, but if you are unfamiliar with the process, giving them a call should put you at ease.