Real H&K's by Benchmade or fakes?

T

Tyronethepro

Joined
Oct 25, 2010
Messages
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I'm not sure if this is the right spot for this, but if it isn't I'll have to have the mods take care of it. I picked up these 2 blades from a local sporting goods store, one for $20 w/ box and one for $15 w/o a box because it was the display model. Both were sold as HK knives by Benchmade, but I'm unsure if this is the case since I couldn't really find them anywhere on line except on the stores website. The flak reminds me of a sheepsfoot Griptilian with an opening hole, but with a G10 handle and AO, the blade on the Espionage reminds me of the blade on the Tumult auto.
And Pics:
H&K Espionage (by Benchmade?) Model # 14140
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H&K Flak (by Benchmade?) Model #14141
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Both are assisted open, the F&F was great on them, I just don't know what type of steel it is (gets super sharp and stays sharp for a bit, was able to make about 300 cuts through cardboard before sharpening with the Flak), what/who makes them, if it really is Benchmade or not, anything would really be appreciated. Thank you very much!
I haven't gotten any response from BM on their FB page, and I'm still waiting for their customer service to answer a previous question I had, so I figured this would be the best place to turn.
 
I think they're fake man. I can't say for sure but I looked into HK knives before and I've never seen'em, also it hits a lot of the fake cliche's (assisted opening, tip down deep carry clip).
 
I little searching, don't hold me to it but sounds like they are a special run of HK/BM knives made in China for Big 5. I have a few near me so I will check them out tomorrow.
 
That's what I was thinking billy, Big 5 seems to get legit special ones in from CRKT in on special runs (even retired models) So fingers crossed, I would like to see what BM has to say about it.
 
It is kind of odd in my opinion I guess it is remnants of the old Red line of BMs.
 
Yeah, it seemed odd to me too, I figured that if I bought them and they were real, neat. If I bought them and they were fakes, well dang. The F&F on these was as good as if not better than my Griptilians, AFCK and 890. It does bear a resemblance to the red line though.
 
So I went to my local store and bought a black 14140. The Box looks BM, the serrations look like BM, the warranty card and info is from Benchmade and it you follow the link on the box the knife came in, www.hk-knives.com you wind up at the HK-Benchmade site but there is no mention of either of these models. Certainly not the quality of a Blue Class BM but for $20 it is pretty decent. Sharp out of the box real sharp after a light strop, some blade play but tightened the pivot and is OK now.
The box says made in China the blade itself does not show country or blade steel.
The gal at the counter said they are made for their company exclusively.

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billym said:
So I went to my local store and bought a black 14140. The Box looks BM, the serrations look like BM, the warranty card and info is from Benchmade and it you follow the link on the box the knife came in, www.hk-knives.com you wind up at the HK-Benchmade site but there is no mention of either of these models. Certainly not the quality of a Blue Class BM but for $20 it is pretty decent. Sharp out of the box real sharp after a light strop, some blade play but tightened the pivot and is OK now.
The box says made in China the blade itself does not show country or blade steel.
The gal at the counter said they are made for their company exclusively.

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Thank you very much Billy! This is the Info I was looking for, the people at my store knew NOTHING about them, and I was looking for some reassurance that I didn't get ripped off. I hit both of mine with the ceramic rods on my Smith's and they are wicked sharp now. I would still like to know blade steel, but beggars can't be choosers right? I'm guessing it's 8CR or something of the like, it performs about as well as my 8CR knives.
 
Best thing to do is call Benchmade and ask. I've never heard of them making a completely different knife for a company, though...
 
Regrettably I've asked BM already and they haven't gotten back to me yet. I'm not holding my breath for a response from them though.
 
Yes, these are legitimate HK Knives products. They are actually Big 5 exclusives.
 
Going to order one off of the web site right now. Cool looking knife. They come in black or sand colored handles.
 
All I know is since I got it I have been trying to ruin the edge. Cutting up beer cans, paracord, all kinds of wood and cardboard. The blade has held up pretty well.
I have touched it up with a sharpmaker but not very much. I have been stropping it at teh end of the day.
The most surprising thing is the blade coating. Every time i cut up an aluminium can the blade has all kind of marks that one would expect are scratches through the coating, but it rubs off! The blade looks almost untouched.

I did sand down all the sharp edges on the G10, jimping and liners. It was a bit sharp.

Also this is my only assisted knife (don't really like them) and it has some blade wobble that I can't correct. Is this common?

I wonder if I take it apart I can de-assist it and take care of the wobble?
 
Brules1 said:
Anyone want to purchase one for me if I pay you. We don't have Big 5 stores in my area.
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I'll stop by my local store tomorrow. I have no idea how to use PM or mail on this site though. Are both blades coated and serrated? I like stone wash plain blades but for the price of my last BM I can use it as a beater.
 
These are available "online only" today for a "Cyber" sale at the store posted above through the day. They are in your cart for $14.99 with the code "Cyber15". Free shipping if you spend $25.00 or more. I agree that they are decent knives for the $$. I bought each of them a few weeks ago and they looked pretty nice!
 
fatboy148 said:
These are available "online only" today for a "Cyber" sale at the store posted above through the day. They are in your cart for $14.99 with the code "Cyber15". Free shipping if you spend $25.00 or more. I agree that they are decent knives for the $$. I bought each of them a few weeks ago and they looked pretty nice!
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That's a great deal. I bought a HK Citation 14144 before the holidays. It's a great addition to my EDC rotation.

FYI - I've been to the Benchmade Friends and Family Sale a while back and bought one of the First Production Runs HK Ascender No 279/500 at the sale. So, yeah, Benchmade manufactures for some other vendors. I remember there were knives made for other companies as well. I wish I remembered the other companies that Benchmade manufactures, I'd buy them as well since they are a great value.
 
gryghin said:
FYI - I've been to the Benchmade Friends and Family Sale a while back and bought one of the First Production Runs HK Ascender
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I think the HK Ascender is great knife! One of the standouts on the "budget" side of the HK line. They retailed for around $50 when first released. Very well built and thought out design. For the price theses day's you can't do better if you can find one. BM really nailed the heat treat on the 9CR14MOV steel they used. Takes and holds a really good edge for a very decent amount of time. Overall pretty tough knife too.

I've been using mine for years now as a dedicated around the house user and card board cutter.Glad you were able to get one.

Here's some pic's I took awhile back.

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