Questions from a new Benchmade owner

R

Rey HRH

Joined
Oct 6, 2014
Messages
860
Hi All,

Over Christmas I got one 950 Axis Rift to give to a relative and one for me to keep so we can have the same thing. I intended to just keep mine in the box as I usually edc ZT knives instead. One night, I decided to check out the Rift and was impressed with how snappy it flicked open. Since I prefer longer knives as I have medium large hands (golf glove size), I decided to look for a longer Benchmade and came across the 810 Contego. Understandably, the 810 isn't as snappy to open due to its larger size I believe. I am also impressed with how both knives were sharp out of the box.

Now my questions: 1) I notice there's side play in the Rift but not in Contego. So I'm thinking the side to side play isn't normal? How do I fix it? 2) I want to keep the bevel angle of the knives since they're sharp enough and works for the blade. Can anyone tell me what the bevel angle is? I don't have a reliable way of measuring it.

Below are just stock photos but they're exactly what I got.

Thanks for your help.

The Rift



The Contego
 
Last edited:
I haven't owned either models, but it could just be a matter of tightening the pivot screw, to get rid of the side play.
As far as the factory edge, there is no set exact angle. There will be variation between all of the knives. When the time comes to touch up the edge, use a black marker and mark the edge. You will be able to see if you are keeping the same angle by watching the removal of the black marker
 
Most likely the side play is just a matter of slightly tweaking the pivot screw. In my experience, they tend to back out slowly in use unless you use a little bit of blue loctite. Some people have had luck with teflon plumber's tape (I haven't...YMMV).
 
Side play is common with Axis locks, as others mentioned, tightening the pivot screw and using purple or blue loctite will save a lot of headache. Usually takes a little playing with the pivot in order to find the sweet spot between blade play and smooth opening, but there usually is one.
 
Rey HRH said:
Now my questions: 1) I notice there's side play in the Rift but not in Contego. So I'm thinking the side to side play isn't normal? How do I fix it? 2) I want to keep the bevel angle of the knives since they're sharp enough and works for the blade. Can anyone tell me what the bevel angle is? I don't have a reliable way of measuring it.

Below are just stock photos but they're exactly what I got.

Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...

1) as others have said, adjust the pivot screw to your liking. I have found that using Nano Oil or WeaponShield will allow you to tighten the pivot more than some other lubricants (Nano Oil being the slickest). With the Rift, the two scale screws that hold the stop pin also play a part in the side play on the Rift. Make sure to tighten those first before adjusting. It is actually possible to get them too tight, causing a sluggish opening, so play with it a bit to see how you like it.

2) Benchmade knives are hand sharpened, so there is no set angle. Generally, it is more obtuse -- around 20-25º per side. You will definitely want to thin them down to 15-20º per side to get the best of those steels.
 
Last edited:
Thank you all for the inputs.

Those screws look like they're just regular allen wrenches, right?

And if those bevels are 20 degrees, man, I'd like to see what they are at 15. But it feels it will be a while before they need sharpening.
 
No, Torx. Make SURE you use the right size driver bit or you will strip the head.
 
Rey HRH said:
Thank you all for the inputs.

Those screws look like they're just regular allen wrenches, right?

And if those bevels are 20 degrees, man, I'd like to see what they are at 15. But it feels it will be a while before they need sharpening.
Click to expand...

Torx T6 for the small screws, T8 for the pivot.
 
First loosen all screws, tighten body screws first, then tighten pivot. Try to get everything lined up perfectly as there are still tolerances at play.

My recommendation is teflon tape on the pivot screw, easily removable, easily adjustable and no set time.

The main issue (IMO) is Benchade using rather coarse threading on the pivot screws, so adjusting the screw by even a 32nd of a turn may be the difference between too loose and just right or too tight and just right
 
Yours is m390, but on my m4 810 I have the bevel at 25° inclusive and it's excellent at that angle. I'm not much of a hacker, more a slicer, so I don't worry about chipping. The thing stays sharp for a very long time. Just sharpened it an hour ago, but it's been months since I had to do anything besides stropping on occasion. 30° is good for most things, but I'd consider taking it lower as long as you aren't abusive. I've cut zip ties, plastic straps and tons of cardboard without any problems.
 
Omega Leather Works said:
Yours is m390, but on my m4 810 I have the bevel at 25° inclusive and it's excellent at that angle. I'm not much of a hacker, more a slicer, so I don't worry about chipping. The thing stays sharp for a very long time. Just sharpened it an hour ago, but it's been months since I had to do anything besides stropping on occasion. 30° is good for most things, but I'd consider taking it lower as long as you aren't abusive. I've cut zip ties, plastic straps and tons of cardboard without any problems.
Click to expand...

I love it. I've been aiming to make most of my knives 25 inclusive and then to use 30 inclusive for resharpening.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top