My new $80 benchmade

T

ToolDiva

Joined
Nov 18, 2013
Messages
70
Here's my new $80 Benchmade. Drum roll please
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(Cymbal)

9AD03CCC-B75C-41B1-8C31-1AA12FA63708_zpsozjatlig.jpg~original


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It's a 940 Osborne. Had to have been sitting in the dealer's showcase for years because it's actually got a 154cm blade instead of the current S30v. He was asking $180. Commented that he's likely been sitting there for almost ten years and offered $80 cash. He responded "Deal". Sweet!!

The finish on the blade is beautiful. I'm normally not into combo edges, but for the price I wasn't passing it up. The scales have actually oxidized on one side from green into a brown color. Anyone ever have this happen? I called Benchmade customer support. They picked up on the second ring and the representative was extremely nice. I asked her about doing a blade swap to S30V plain edge and she quoted me $30 (how cool is that?). Then, just for giggles, I asked her about the anodized finish discoloration. She said she'd ask her supervisor and put me on hold. Moments later she said, "Yes, we can replace the scales for you." I never expected that response, and I'm completely blown away by how they stand behind their product.

So my questions are:
  1. Should I keep the combo edge or replace it. I think the combo edge looks rather fugly, but the serrations are kind of growing on me. The 154cm doesn't bother me in the least.
  2. Has anyone ever experienced such dramatic discoloration of the scales? Was this ever a known issue on early production knives? The brown is rather attractive, but I'd love it to be the same on both sides.
  3. Should I just stop over thinking this and love it and use it. I mean hey, it was only $80. How cool is that? :)

A few more pics

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Thanks everyone,

Elisabeth (aka ToolDiva)
 
Maybe light shining on one scale has resulted in the handle coloration?

Personally, I'd keep the scales but change the blade. 1) S30V, 2) Plain edge. On the other hand, if you're happy just use the knife. When the day comes that it needs replacing you can cross that bridge.
 
Are you kidding? BMC at $80 is always a good buy in this condition. Touch up the edge and you are good to go.

Sure, PE is preferable if you sharpen the edge and strop. But, always YMMV.

MFL
 
Great grab. If you've got a Sharpmaker or something similar to sharpen serrations, there's nothing wrong with having a combo edge in the stable. One thing I'd definitely do if I were you: ditch the painted clip. BM will send you a black oxide standard clip or black oxide clip for free.

If they won't, I will. Painted clips are the Devil, Bobby Boucher.
 
Change the clip and use the hell out of it. Then send it in to Benchmade and have them do the work. :)
 
Windex or other window cleaner should clean up the scales...
 
Your "Deal-Fu" is strong indeed. :)
The discoloration may be due to UV exposure, or some sort of oxidation. Hard to say exactly. I'm not a fan of serrations on such low profile blades, it looks like Benchmade grinds the serrations too deeply into the blade, making it look awkward. Either way, good catch.
 
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