To anyone anti-Benchmade, is the Axis lock the reason why you won't buy one?

The axis lock is fantastic. Their knives however can a bit underwhelming. I've had a few assorted Benchmades and they just never find much pocket time.
 
I really love BM knives and the Axis lock. I have quite a few of them in various configurations. The only problem I have ever had was with a Nitrous Striker that the blade pivot screw was not locktited. Rather than mess with it, I sent it back to BM and they turned it around real quick, with apologies. I have never had blade play, off centered blades, nor any other issues. However, since this last pricing increase and issue I have not bought any. They are well built, but I can get a knife built very similarly, with a similar lock, and better steel for less money.
 
RBid said:
I want to love Benchmade. I really do. I live in knife country, specifically in Tualatin, Oregon (home of ZT/Kershaw, CRKT, Al Mar, etc). I pass Oregon City on my way to work. I WANT to buy from local companies, and Benchmade is one of the companies with the most local love.

I just can't justify it.

I could overlook the omega spring (I overlook the torsion bar/speed safe in my 0566), but blade steel for the dollar and that MAP pricing are too silly to overcome. You know who makes the best "Benchmade"? Spyderco. Manix 2 in S110V. No omega spring to break, same FRN, and waaaaayyyy better steel than 154cm.
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Not on all models. You can get a model 581 or 586 for under $200. The blade steel is M390, arguably among the best available. The construction is very intricate compared to most folders, between the Axis lock, Assist mechanism, safety, giant phosphor bronze washers, and most noticeably the beautiful 4 piece bolstered handles.

Another example is the recently discontinued 755 MPR, a custom quality clone of a true custom, again made from M390 and with the fantastic frame lock with the piece of G10 to clean it up and make it feel more like a liner lock.

Not all Benchmades are poorly priced.
 
Axis is decent and extremely overrated. Especially after MAP, Benchmade are simply not worth their price. There's simply too many better knives in the same price bracket.

For example: For the price of a Griptilian with 154CM, you can get a manix2 in S30V and still have spares for beer! Hell for an extra $10, you get a PM2.
Even Zero Tolerance are stepping up their game and on Spyderco's tail in term of value. 0801 is only $156 which is a hell of a deal for such quality whereas you can only get a Benchmade Stryker or Mini-Onslaught which only has 154CM and sub-par quality control...
 
The axis lock is nice but the mandated price minimum setting imposed on dealers the day after Thanksgiving 2013 by Benchmade has made this brand WAY overpriced. That said I did purchase this Benchmade 710 on sale last week. It's the Benchmade 710 in M4 steel for $110. That is a fair price for this knife imho. For the same price or less the Spyderco Manix2 in s110v steel is a better knife and when available,that knife will be my main edc.
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MatthewSB said:
Not on all models. You can get a model 581 or 586 for under $200. The blade steel is M390, arguably among the best available. The construction is very intricate compared to most folders, between the Axis lock, Assist mechanism, safety, giant phosphor bronze washers, and most noticeably the beautiful 4 piece bolstered handles.

Another example is the recently discontinued 755 MPR, a custom quality clone of a true custom, again made from M390 and with the fantastic frame lock with the piece of G10 to clean it up and make it feel more like a liner lock.

Not all Benchmades are poorly priced.
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Fair points, and I actually like the MPR. I've handled that one a bit at the KSF brick & mortar. Solid tool, and yes, M390 at an aggressive price point.
 
I own or have owned several Benchmade/Benchmade made knives and they are ok--I especially like their autos. I have no problem with the Axis lock but in my experience BM knives develop blade play and lock creep on their liner locks more quickly than comparably priced knives from Spyderco, Emerson, Zero Tolerance and that's why I mostly buy new offerings from them and rarely buy Benchmade. YMMV
 
I've only had one BM (555hg mini grip) and there's just something about it that prevents me from liking it. I like the blade shape, steel, and axis lock but the handles and omega springs just kill it for me. Plus I can't get rid of the blade play and off-centering it came with which annoys the hell out of me. I think there are a lot more knives for the money out there. Ill carry my spyderco manix or pm2 over the grip any day
 
The axis lock is among the strongest, most function locks on the market. Knife "enthusiasts" apparently love enjoy speculating over dreaded rumors of "omega springs breaking." This is an extremely rare occurrence, which is just as common as lock failure in other mechanisms, and is very unlikely to cause injury if the lock fails. Some seem to gloss over the fact that a broken omega spring can be repaired for pennies or for free at Benchmade's expense. The same cannot be said for a busted framelock or linerlock from many manufacturers.

Benchmade gets too much flack and negative press for its MAP pricing policy. The prices of most Benchmade knives, especially the limited steel offerings and new models, is reasonable when compared to other comparable US knives. We can think of many other manufacturers that charge as much (or much, much more) for similar quality knives. Consumers often overlook the speed and scope of Benchmade's warranty service, and how that justifiably drives up the price of most models. They overlook that knives of similar materials and build quality are regularly sold for similar prices by other manufacturers. In all honesty, the subjective anger that some consumers feel for having to spend a little more on products drives the angst - it is not an objective flaw with Benchmade's pricing.

If you're not into Benchmade knives due to omega-spring fears or MAP pricing policies, you're really missing out on some great knives, and should reconsider your position.
 
Don't buy Benchmades!!!!
More for us.
I have EDCd an Axis lock knife for last 10 years, every single day. In the city in the woods. One of the mini Grips is 440C. Never failure, never a problem with centering. The Axis has performed perfectly the whole time.
 
One pays a premium for the name, a Benchmade Tax, if you will. The knife has an aura of status about it that commands higher prices...

And this from a man that carried one yesterday. :rolleyes:
 
cards94 said:
I just seem to be attracted to the Ritter but can't get myself to pull the trigger. :( I want to have confidence in the axis.
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For crying out loud, man! Watch the Benchmade testing videos. The Axis lock is plenty strong enough.
 
Haven't had a good experience with the axis lock so far. I have 1 benchmade (griptilian) and it has vertical play. Not happy about that. I'm getting a 940 in the future
 
survival_minds said:
Haven't had a good experience with the axis lock so far. I have 1 benchmade (griptilian) and it has vertical play. Not happy about that. I'm getting a 940 in the future
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Thats not normal. Send it in, or sell it. They 940 is a killer EDC knife.
 
Love the Axis Lock, but don't care for most of knives they are now offering. And the price increase is a turn off for me.
 
I'm not anti-Benchmade whatsoever. And I really like the Axis lock design. I only own two Benchmade knives right now (had another but gifted it to my step son) and I really don't see any other models in the Benchmade line up that interests me. That's it really. I know the knives are excellent in every way but the designs have no appeal to me.
 
Love the Axis lock. The main issue I have with Benchmade knives are plasticine screws. Especially on Grips. Years pass and it drives me crazy that the problem with screws is still here.
 
I used to carry Benchmades frequently, but find myself uninterested/bored with their offerings lately. I've largely moved on to titanium frame-locks because they're usually thinner than anything with an Axis. I still like, and trust, the Axis lock, but appreciate how much better a frame-lock carries in my pocket.
 
Bought a mini grip last week and I like the axis lock but I have bad buyers remorse.

I don't see $86 of value in this knife...
 
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