New KSF Benchmade Exclusive...

Mine came today. It's really awesome except that it's got a little side to side play. I've tried adjusting the pivot a bit but I can't find a place where the play is gone and the action isn't ruined. Would BM fix this if I sent it in?
 
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I must have got one of the ones made at 4pm on a Friday before a long weekend. The centering is pretty bad, enough that it's hitting the clip screw that extends past the liner when you press the thumb stud to open it, and there's some pretty good marks through the black coating on the liners where the CF slabs meet. In fact it looks like it extends under the handle slab so it seems like it had to be assembly. I could live with the later as I use all my knives but the former is an issue.

It's heading back for an exchange. Normally I'd try and just fix it myself but I'm trying to break that habit, I figure this way perhaps BM finds out from their dealers they are getting QC returns. If the other reports are any indication they should have no problems finding a much better example to replace it with. Other than that I really like it, solid lockup, smooth opening, no blade play, if I had any other complaint it's that the handle feels a little "tall" in the hand, but that's a tiny nitpick. Another thing I really like it the matte finish on the CF so there's actually some grip to it. Almost all the gloss finished CF slabs are way too slippery IMO.
 
I had the same problem with lock rock,so i sent it in to benchmade. When I got it back it still had blade play which drives me crazy.
 
I've noticed that sometimes the axis lock can feel like "lock rock" because the bar that slides forward to engage the blade flat is not moving far enough forward. If you open it and force the axis bar forward a bit and that tightens it up it may just need to break in a bit so the bar engages all the way without help. Sometimes the blade flat it slides into is pretty rought. If it doens't help to push the bar forward a bit then it's just slop and there's no fix for that.
 
I have a couple of knives where the lock bar has no more room to travel forward, and is a bit wobbly. The only possible solution for something like that (in my mind) is a thicker diameter lock bar that will lock earlier on, or a reblade with a different angle on the ramp to allow for wear in over time. That is one thing I really dislike is the lock rock when it develops, it's usually knife model specific.
 
ToddM said:
I must have got one of the ones made at 4pm on a Friday before a long weekend. The centering is pretty bad, enough that it's hitting the clip screw that extends past the liner when you press the thumb stud to open it, and there's some pretty good marks through the black coating on the liners where the CF slabs meet. In fact it looks like it extends under the handle slab so it seems like it had to be assembly. I could live with the later as I use all my knives but the former is an issue.

It's heading back for an exchange. Normally I'd try and just fix it myself but I'm trying to break that habit, I figure this way perhaps BM finds out from their dealers they are getting QC returns. If the other reports are any indication they should have no problems finding a much better example to replace it with. Other than that I really like it, solid lockup, smooth opening, no blade play, if I had any other complaint it's that the handle feels a little "tall" in the hand, but that's a tiny nitpick. Another thing I really like it the matte finish on the CF so there's actually some grip to it. Almost all the gloss finished CF slabs are way too slippery IMO.
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That sucks Todd. Please let us know the outcome of the return?
Joe
 
Tyler should get you taken care of. We have had great luck with the centering and workmanship on these. All of them (and all of Benchmade Axis Lock) have a tiny bit of side to side play unless you tighten things up to the point where the blade doesn't swing freely. I like to easily flip it open and closed, so I don't worry a tiny bit of blade play.
 
Tyler did in fact come through in spades. The replacement knife arrived today and it appears to be a very good sample, solid centering, no damage, smooth opening with no play, etc. Unfortunate that the first one got by BM quality control, because it was a pretty poor sample, but I can say I'm nothing but impressed with the service KSF demonstrated.
 
Great news Todd!! KSF is an excellent dealer and that Exclusive is amazing!!
Enjoy it brother!!
Joe
 
After receiving one, I liked it so much that I ordered a backup. Both were perfect. Currently my favorite pocket knife. :thumbup::thumbup:
 
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