Old 555's

BJE

BJE

Joined
Apr 12, 2006
Messages
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I will be buying an older 555 for $45 with the 440C, just wandering if I should have spent more and gotten the newer 154cm and new washers? Will BM ship me newer washers for my knife? Are they any better than the old Teflon washers? How about the steel, any noticeable difference?
 
No, Benchmade will not ship you new washers. Taking apart your knife voids the warranty so they will not send out any parts that would require disassembly of the knife. The difference in blade steel would be noticeable to some and not to others. It depends on the level of steel snobbiness you have. I haven't ever noticed a difference between my 440C Griptilian and my 154CM Benchmades but that is just me. Also, I will mention that there were 440C Grips that had the Phosphor Bronze washers instead of the Teflon so unless the 555 you're buying is "quite a bit" older it may have the PB washers. So, anyway, just my two cents.
 
The 440C is better in my opinion (I have one as a beater and it's sharp and tough). Don't worry about washers, either way you won't notice a difference. But mine in 440C does have PB in there.
 
I have always hated that BM won't let you take your knife apart without voiding the warranty, that is why I have always like Kershaw, not so much for their knives, but for there customer service, they will send you any part (except for blades) for free.
 
BJE said:
I have always hated that BM won't let you take your knife apart without voiding the warranty, that is why I have always like Kershaw, not so much for their knives, but for there customer service, they will send you any part (except for blades) for free.
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That's something I like very much about CRKT as well. They have a page on their website where you can order anything except Blade, Handle Scales, and Liners all free of charge. You can get all screws, washers, LAWKS lever, thumb stud, backspacer, anything.
 
For $5.00, BM will change the washers for you. I had it done to a number of my older BMs.

Phil
 
I too like the 440C better. I think Benchmade heat treats their 440C in a great way. It sharpens up real sharp and easy. Stays sharp plenty long too. I'd say go for it, I have the exact same knife and love it.
 
BJE said:
I will be buying an older 555 for $45 with the 440C, just wandering if I should have spent more and gotten the newer 154cm and new washers? Will BM ship me newer washers for my knife? Are they any better than the old Teflon washers? How about the steel, any noticeable difference?
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.......BM's 440C is great...and you got a super price on your Grip. Unless you're a member of the "connoisseurs club" and limit your knife usage to push cutting newsprint into tiny slivers and attepting to discern which blade provides the ultimate performance......just go ahead and use your new knife and you will be VERY happy.

-Regards
 
I got it today, and I am very happy, it is my new favorite knife.
 
Yeah, I aggree, but this one will be my favorite for the longest. Now I just have to bring myself to use it (that is why I got it, right?).
 
I ordered both a couple days back. One's a Christmas gift, also a great excuse to check out both models.

The 440c coated blade hasn't arrived yet. However, I have to say I'm very much impressed with this knife.

What's the difference between the steel types? I've heard 154cm isn't as great as it used to be.

And speaking of steel snobbery, the 154cm I have has a pronounced line in the grain of the steel on one side. It can be seen from multiple angles, and almost looks like a defect. Did I buy a factory second, or is this just a characteristic of the steel?
 
enderwiggin said:
And speaking of steel snobbery, the 154cm I have has a pronounced line in the grain of the steel on one side. It can be seen from multiple angles, and almost looks like a defect. Did I buy a factory second, or is this just a characteristic of the steel?
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Do you have a picture of it? I'd like to see what you're talking about before offering any advice. It probably wasn't a second but may be something that slipped past Quality Control.
 
MaxFisher said:
Do you have a picture of it? I'd like to see what you're talking about before offering any advice. It probably wasn't a second but may be something that slipped past Quality Control.
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I didn't realize until after I posted in the thread that it was about the 555, not the 557.

Anyway, here's a picture:
img2622by4.jpg
 
You can't lose either way. I think saving the ten bucks is the right way to go, though--you're that much closer to getting your next knife.
 
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