Omega Spring

[karnaknives]

I'm leaning toward it being a material and/or corrosion issue.
I have a few sets of springs here, the "Etsy" variety, and factory springs.
I have a set of factory springs thats been stored in a sealed ziplock poly bag and that set has noticeable surface rust/discoloring.
None of the others have any noticeable surface rust or other discoloration.

Also, I've always heard that the "Etsy" springs were "thicker" but of all the sets I have here (I measured 6 sets total, both from "Etsy" and from Benchmade) all were the same thickness.

So the ONLY difference I see in the springs that I have is at least one of the Benchmade sets has visible surface rust, or are otherwise discolored.

I guess it's a good idea to keep a couple of spare sets of springs in your workbench.

Yes, I guess it is...

 

[Modernflame]

I guess it's a good idea to keep a couple of spare sets of springs in your workbench.

Omega springs, do your worst! (Yes, I hoard spare parts as well as knives and flashlights).

 

[Bob Denman]

It's better to have and not need them; than need and not have then!

 

[karnaknives]

Omega springs, do your worst! (Yes, I hoard spare parts as well as knives and flashlights).

Thank you for making me feel like less of a hoarder I only have 4 spare sets!

Edit:
Just went and checked. I have 6 sets!! D’oh!

 

[Bigbobg]

Are Omega springs “one size fits all”?

 

[Modernflame]

Are Omega springs “one size fits all”?

I'm only aware of two sizes. It's hard to see in my photo, but there are large and small springs in those plastic bags.

 

[Bob Denman]

Two sizes...
Which size fits which knives?

 

[Centermass]

Are Omega springs “one size fits all”?

No, I’m aware of at least two different sizes. There could be more. Seems like the smallest ones used by the Bugout and other small framed models have the worst track record for longevity. Could be their makeup/build, could be the propensity for these models to be fidgeted with more, who knows.

 

[karnaknives]

Not a complete list by any means but one size for the 940, Bugout, Mini Grip, Mini Freek and so on.
A larger size for the full size Griptilian, Freek, and other similar sized knives.

 

[Bob Denman]

Not a complete list by any means but one size for the 940, Bugout, Mini Grip, Mini Freek and so on.
A larger size for the full size Griptilian, Freek, and other similar sized knives.

Thanks!! It looks as if I'll need a package or two of each size now...

 

[mmyron1]

All is right with the world again. Springs came in today, two days early. A good cleaning and two new springs later and my Bugout is back in my pocket.

The new springs by the way feel a little stiffer. Not sure if they are same material but they are polished and stiffer.

 

[Gizler00]

I love benchmade knives, and I have carried them for years. In fact I actually have a griptillian in my pocket as I type this. But one of the things that always bothered me was the chance of an omega spring breaking at the worst time when I do not have a spare. I have picked up spares off of Etsy and have them at home, but I do not carry them around with me all of the time. This is one of the things that always gets me about benchmade. I end up selling them for other brands. But then I go through this vicious cycle a few years later and Edna up buying all the same knives that I sold.

 

[Modernflame]

I have picked up spares off of Etsy and have them at home, but I do not carry them around with me all of the time. This is one of the things that always gets me about benchmade. I end up selling them for other brands. But then I go through this vicious cycle a few years later and Edna up buying all the same knives that I sold.

I relate. The anthem was a breakthrough for them. I wish all axis locking knives featured the coil spring, but I suspect this requires tighter machining tolerances.

 

[tiguy7]

I relate. The anthem was a breakthrough for them. I wish all axis locking knives featured the coil spring, but I suspect this requires tighter machining tolerances.

What it requires is a closed back (integral construction). This adds a significant amount of weight IMHO.

 

[Modernflame]

Yeah, maybe. I always thought they could pull it off with a cartridge mounted between the scales like Spyderco does with the Manix 2.

 

[CometJo]

Yeah I ordered a set of 4 spare omega springs for the time when they break in my 537GY-1 or 535BK-4. Bound to happen I'm sure.

 

[LMayer]

Two sizes...
Which size fits which knives?

I would presume small is for the mini variants (ie; mini-grip, mini-Bugout, and now the 945), and yhe large are for literally everything else.

 

[LMayer]

Any of you have any advice for making your own Omega springs?? I made a set already for my mini-Grip, but it was a pain in the ass. Open to literally anything to make this easier (besides buying more).

 

[colin.p]

Any of you have any advice for making your own Omega springs?? I made a set already for my mini-Grip, but it was a pain in the ass. Open to literally anything to make this easier (besides buying more).

I found that the more I made (practice does make perfect) the better they looked. However, even the first couple I made worked just fine even if they looked rather crude. If some enterprising person made an adjustable jig and sold it on Etsy, I swear they would rule the world.