Seriously considering Benchmade Bone Collector (edit2: Benchmade resolved problem)

[iandh]

The more I look at this knife, the more I like it.

I am really stuck on flippers right now, so I've been going mostly Kershaw. I just find them so much quicker/easier to use than any other opening method. I got a Rake blem and wasn't happy with it, and the A-stock Rakes are nowhere to be found, and Kershaw seems to really have their head stuck up far on restocking them... to the point where it looks like I'm going to need to jump ship.

I absolutely loved the assisted opening Rake, but that isn't in the cards for me right now. One thing I don't like is that the liner lock is right handed, and I'm getting really freaking sick and tired of knife and tool manufacturers that seem to completely ignore the fact that a portion of the population is left handed. It actually has gotten to the point where it slightly angers me. The thing I like about the Benchmade is that it is fully ambidextrous and symmetrical.

The cheapest I've found is just over 100 shipped for the Bone Collector. It has a D2 blade like I wanted, is beefy like I wanted, and has a nice belly like I wanted.

I can't imagine that there is anything in the 100 dollar range new that can beat it for my needs TBH... and has D2 or equivalent blade steel. The Bone Collector seems like a real sleeper IMO.


Does anyone have any suggestions regarding other models I might be happy with?

 

[knivesandguns]

Kershaw can't just produce more models instantly, They need to cut two separate blade pieces for their composites--much more time involving.

Many lefties have just adapted to the locks. My lefty buddies don't see anything wrong with the way things are currently.

Just thought I'd address that issue, good luck with BM. Gary the sheath guy did a mod on his a few weeks back.

 

[iandh]

Kershaw can't just produce more models instantly, They need to cut two separate blade pieces for their composites--much more time involving.

Many lefties have just adapted to the locks. My lefty buddies don't see anything wrong with the way things are currently.

Just thought I'd address that issue, good luck with BM. Gary the sheath guy did a mod on his a few weeks back.

I've heard that reasoning, but I don't really buy it 100 percent. There is obviously a huge demand for that knife. It's not like it's just been out of stock for a couple weeks or something.

I've been in manufacturing for my entire career... I'm familiar with just about every process that you could think of. I do understand that the composite blades are more involved... but they aren't that much more involved. I've done laser and waterjet cutting, brazing, welding, cnc machining, surface finishing, grinding, heat treating... basically any process you can think of that would be used in a knife, I'm familiar with. I've even thought about getting into the knife business, but I already have a business.

I just don't see the composite blade contributing enough manufacturing time to the knife as a whole, to make it that much harder to stock.

On top of that, I own my own manufacturing business. I know that if I drop the ball on production, and don't stay ahead of the game, my customers are going to go elsewhere to fulfill their needs... just as I am doing by leaving Kershaw for the time being to go with Benchmade.

I'm not saying you're dead wrong, just that I can't imagine that the composite blade is so much harder to manufacture that it takes months longer to complete a run. That just doesn't add up, knowing very well how long those processes take, especially in a production environment. I do understand that the popularity of the Rake may have taken Kershaw by surprise, and then another production run so soon didn't fit into their schedule considering they're trying to introduce new knives for 2011... that's a more plausible explanation for me.

edit: I'd like to say, just in case this came off the wrong way... Kershaw is an amazing company, that makes amazing knives, for amazing prices. They are in HUGE demand. All I'm saying is... if a company knows that a specific model is in higher demand than other models, then they should make an effort to get that model back in stock asap. I just don't buy the production time thing as the only reason the Rake hasn't been restocked yet. I'll definitely be buying another Kershaw... probably a Rake, but until then, I need another high quality D2 blade folder to hold me off.

That said, the vast majority of products in this world work better right handed. Some products are more adaptable, and some less. For me, the whole point of having an expensive knife in my pocket is for ease of access. If that wasn't the case, I'd still be struggling through a right handed leatherman skeletool, which is far more useful to me.

 

[knivesandguns]

I've heard that reasoning, but I don't really buy it 100 percent. There is obviously a huge demand for that knife. It's not like it's just been out of stock for a couple weeks or something.

I've been in manufacturing for my entire career... I'm familiar with just about every process that you could think of. I do understand that the composite blades are more involved... but they aren't that much more involved. I've done laser and waterjet cutting, brazing, welding, cnc machining, surface finishing, grinding, heat treating... basically any process you can think of that would be used in a knife, I'm familiar with. I've even thought about getting into the knife business, but I already have a business.

I just don't see the composite blade contributing enough manufacturing time to the knife as a whole, to make it that much harder to stock.

On top of that, I own my own manufacturing business. I know that if I drop the ball on production, and don't stay ahead of the game, my customers are going to go elsewhere to fulfill their needs... just as I am doing by leaving Kershaw for the time being to go with Benchmade.

I'm not saying you're dead wrong, just that I can't imagine that the composite blade is so much harder to manufacture that it takes months longer to complete a run. That just doesn't add up for me, knowing very well how long those processes take, especially in a production environment.

That said, the vast majority of products in this world work better right handed. Some products are more adaptable, and some less. For me, the whole point of having an expensive knife in my pocket is for ease of access. If that wasn't the case, I'd still be struggling through a right handed leatherman skeletool, which is far more useful to me.

If you look you can find them... (looks to be in stock)

http://www.knivesplus.com/kershawknifeke-1780cb.html

No comment on the other stuff since I have no experience, but they don't take months just for one knife, they have many other models to keep in stock as well.

IIRC (and maybe this was for a different model) but they had an initial run to test the waters.

 

[iandh]

If you look you can find them... (looks to be in stock)

http://www.knivesplus.com/kershawknifeke-1780cb.html

No comment on the other stuff since I have no experience, but they don't take months just for one knife, they have many other models to keep in stock as well.

IIRC (and maybe this was for a different model) but they had an initial run to test the waters.

Do you know if they actually stock their product? Everywhere I've found is either reselling or out of stock.

Either way, I'm not saying Kershaw is lying, just that I think they are innovative and capable, and smart enough to keep their knives in stock, at least within a few weeks. I'm just some schmuck running a manufacturing business out of my house and I manage pretty well... I do recall them saying they were surprised by the popularity of the Rake.

I suppose I could just pick up another blem from Kershawguy, but I'm not sure if he still wants to sell to me at the moment. Getting the BM would also finally shut up my BM fanboy coworker. Honestly I really loved the Rake, I just am such a perfectionist that I really need a top shelf example. The whole reason I tried to have my first Blem Rake fixed was so that I didn't have to bother Kershawguy with it, and I don't want to ask him to dig around his knives to find one that has a perfectly symmetrical grind.

 

[knivesandguns]

Ask Dave, I think you'd be surprised. He's a great guy to deal with and is really chill. :thumbup:

Probably should give knivesplus a call tomorrow morning just to check.

But yeah, I think they were surprised at how fast they sold and it wasn't on their schedule detail to start making that again so soon. They've got tons of other, new knives that are coming out 2Q or 3Q and that's probably eaten the bulk of their time. When you think about it, they've got thousands to make of many different models / styles that may be in even higher demand. Who knows?

And tell your BM fanboy to eat it when he tries to take apart his knife to clean it. (Oops! voided the warranty...)

 

[DennisStrickland]

landh have you looked at the sog spec elite? this & the pentagon elite can be opened as easily left handed as right. although i've favored the flipper mechanism since the days of cuda maxx . it's real quick & very simple.the sogs & b.m.s have a great arc-lock mech. which is super reliable & strong. i do'nt like this as well as spydie hole or a good flipper since it involves many more moving parts but to this day i hsave'nt seen a viable option. as to kershaw-- i have'nt seen one in 30 years that holds an edge. i'm sure a landslide of response will follow on that but the last composite blade in cpmd2 went dull in 2 days of use by my computer virus xpert. my collector - dealer buddy whom lists over 800 old knives said he's never seen a kershaw that would cut. i really was impressed with the smooth opening of the kershaws but if they wo'nt keep an edge what does it matter. after cutting cardboard for 35 years against the clock i do know something about edge holding. i have just about every system for sharpening on the present & past market so members please note i do know how to put edges on blades.i can buy many brands at jobber prices but every kershaw i gave away for services or trade & cautioned my buddies not to expect exemplary edge endurance.--dennis

 

[mickeyblueyes]

I can not answer you questions specifically, I also have a blem Rake that doesn't fully open, I also got this week a Bone Collector. very very nice knife I also got a mini Grip,and while thats nice the Bone Collector is a better knife in my eyes. Give a look at some Spygercos, they have a quality product.

 

[DennisStrickland]

b.m.d2--b.m.m390--endura zdp--sog pentagon vg10--sig tac n690c--buck s30--sog spec elite vg10--& millie s30
4 of these knives were rockwelled in 2 different labs & tested on sisal rope cutting by 2 different individuals as reported in testing section. all knives open easily & lock strongly. may i suggest you try one of these models which cut good & for a long time.--dennis

 

[Tiger84]

The more I look at this knife, the more I like it.

I am really stuck on flippers right now, so I've been going mostly Kershaw. I just find them so much quicker/easier to use than any other opening method. I got a Rake blem and wasn't happy with it, and the A-stock Rakes are nowhere to be found, and Kershaw seems to really have their head stuck up far on restocking them... to the point where it looks like I'm going to need to jump ship.

I absolutely loved the assisted opening Rake, but that isn't in the cards for me right now. One thing I don't like is that the liner lock is right handed, and I'm getting really freaking sick and tired of knife and tool manufacturers that seem to completely ignore the fact that a portion of the population is left handed. It actually has gotten to the point where it slightly angers me. The thing I like about the Benchmade is that it is fully ambidextrous and symmetrical.

The cheapest I've found is just over 100 shipped for the Bone Collector. It has a D2 blade like I wanted, is beefy like I wanted, and has a nice belly like I wanted.

I can't imagine that there is anything in the 100 dollar range new that can beat it for my needs TBH... and has D2 or equivalent blade steel. The Bone Collector seems like a real sleeper IMO.


Does anyone have any suggestions regarding other models I might be happy with?

The Bone Collector is pure quality. It is the smoothest axis I have ever held.

 

[Stainz]

I love my 15020-1... the only thing I have that is more handsome is the mini - but that is because it is a 15030-2 in walnut. Really handsome - check BM's site. Both of mine came sharp, centered, and with super slick AXIS locks.

Stainz

 

[jonj480]

The Bone Collector is a really nice knife, and if you haven't had a chance to play with one, I think you will really like the axis lock, especially if you are a lefty. The Benchmade 710 that was pictured above is a nice knife as well, and can be had in D2 for about the same price. You may not want to buy the knife at a Bass Pro or Cabelas, but I would suggest that you go and try and handle one first. The Bone Collector is very thick, and is big in your pocket. For me it was too thick. I like the blade shape and material, so I removed the scales on mine and thinned them out. Now for me it is a perfect fit, and a very well built and tough knife. Sorry for the crappy phone pics, if you are curious I can try and take some better ones.

 

[bkduckworth]

WOW! I really like the "melted" scales you your Bone Collector! I had one and while I really liked the blade shape and the lock, the handle was just too hard on my hand during high pressure carving.

 

[jonj480]

That's how I felt too. I just loved the blade shape and the steel too much to get rid of it, and I have been wanting to try my hand at knife making, so I figured what the heck...

Thanks for the kind comments. It works much better for me now.

 

[iandh]

landh have you looked at the sog spec elite? this & the pentagon elite can be opened as easily left handed as right. although i've favored the flipper mechanism since the days of cuda maxx . it's real quick & very simple.the sogs & b.m.s have a great arc-lock mech. which is super reliable & strong. i do'nt like this as well as spydie hole or a good flipper since it involves many more moving parts but to this day i hsave'nt seen a viable option. as to kershaw-- i have'nt seen one in 30 years that holds an edge. i'm sure a landslide of response will follow on that but the last composite blade in cpmd2 went dull in 2 days of use by my computer virus xpert. my collector - dealer buddy whom lists over 800 old knives said he's never seen a kershaw that would cut. i really was impressed with the smooth opening of the kershaws but if they wo'nt keep an edge what does it matter. after cutting cardboard for 35 years against the clock i do know something about edge holding. i have just about every system for sharpening on the present & past market so members please note i do know how to put edges on blades.i can buy many brands at jobber prices but every kershaw i gave away for services or trade & cautioned my buddies not to expect exemplary edge endurance.--dennis

Interestingly enough, I originally sold my Skyline and bought the Rake for that exact reason... lack of edge holding ability.

I could get the Skyline disturbingly sharp, but it would dull in one day of light use cutting rubber cable jackets and carboard.

The D2 rake was better, but the one I bought had a bad bevel, and I had to have it redone. I only got to use it for a few days, and it definitely held an edge better than the 14c28, but i still noticed it losing sharpness on the second day.

I ended up selling the Rake (which I did love btw), and had just purchased a $16 chill to hold me over until something good came into stock.

 

[Liquidm1980]

its a very nice knife. i found one used near flawless condition for 75. i bought it for edc which i did for a few weeks before going back to my delica. an amazing knife but for carry i prefer the slim spyderco.

 

[iandh]

My Bone collector showed up today. It is complete GARBAGE. I had been mentioning in the recent Benchmade QC thread that we had, that I was dissapointed lately in BM's declining quality. After I read the posts of some members that had been having good experiences, I thought perhaps I had been too harsh, and so I decided to give BM another chance to redeem themselves, and pulled the trigger anyways since I had fallen in love with the design of this knife.

I really wish I had just bought another Kershaw now.

Look, I understand that things slip by QC. I understand that nothing in life is perfect. I understand that sometimes a bad egg or two is excusable. The thing is, this defect is FAR beyond the point of excusable, not just for a company such as Benchmade, which bills itself as a step above the rest, but even for a no-name pakistani folder.




The blade on this knife is warped so badly, that it actually touches the frame. When opening and closing the knife, the blade scrapes loudly on the frame. This is a brand new in box knife purchased from an authorized Benchmade reseller.

Not only is the blade so badly curved that it touches the frame (which should have INSTANTLY caused the knife to fail QC), it's so curved that you can see it by eye. This is beyond inexcusable, especially from the likes of Benchmade.

The kicker here is that on a normal folder, the tighter you tighten the pivot, the more centered the blade becomes. Normally the struggle is to have the pivot loose enough to give a free action, while tight enough to keep the blade centered. This knife is the opposite... the more you tighten the pivot, the harder the warped blade is pushed against the frame due to its bananna shape.

This knife had a huge amount of play out of the box... that means that someone saw this knife blade was hitting the frame when properly tightened, and then loosened it so that the knife could be sold. That means the person was either inept, or malignantly negligent.

 

[aznpos531]

Wow...that's shockingly poor quality. I've never owned a knife by Benchmade and was considering a few. I guess I should check them out in person first.
You should contact Benchmade about this. That blade is completely unacceptable.

 

[Artfully Martial]

Wish I could say, as a Benchmade fan myself, that my recent experiences were different, but they haven't been.

The only consolation I can offer is that I have played with a few Bonegrips in person and they seemed perfect on casual inspection so maybe this really is just a bad egg. I haven't heard any bad press on this particular model yet.

At any rate, you're well within your rights to be pissed off. I'd just talk to your dealer and get store credit and grab another knife.

My only side note would be that all locks, as far as I'm aware, are ambidextrous, so I wouldn't let liner or framelocks turn you off. I can open and close them easily with both of my hands.

 

[iandh]

Wow...that's shockingly poor quality. I've never owned a knife by Benchmade and was considering a few. I guess I should check them out in person first.
You should contact Benchmade about this. That blade is completely unacceptable.

Yeah... shockingly poor is the perfect term for it. I would seriously be shocked if I got a knife this bad from the glass case under the cash register at the gas station.

At first I was afraid I was going to get flamed for posting this, but I realized, this is so bad that even the flamers won't have anything to say.

Wish I could say, as a Benchmade fan myself, that my recent experiences were different, but they haven't been.

The only consolation I can offer is that I have played with a few Bonegrips in person and they seemed perfect on casual inspection so maybe this really is just a bad egg. I haven't heard any bad press on this particular model yet.

At any rate, you're well within your rights to be pissed off. I'd just talk to your dealer and get store credit and grab another knife.

My only side note would be that all locks, as far as I'm aware, are ambidextrous, so I wouldn't let liner or framelocks turn you off. I can open and close them easily with both of my hands.

I also am (was?) a Benchmade fan. I'm trying really, really hard to keep it that way, but Benchmade seems to be fighting me every step of the way.

I was afraid I wouldn't be able to switch back to the Axis lock again after being on Kershaws for a while, but I actually liked it... made me miss my old griptilian.

If this knife wasn't a complete piece of crap, it would seriously rank among my favorite knives of all time. It's an amazing knife... besides that it sucks.



I just have to wonder, what drug was the person on, that let this pass QC????



edit: I'm purposely not mentioning the reseller, because afaik they are well liked around here, and I don't want to hurt their sales if this knife is a fluke (which I sure as heck hope it is).