WHO LIKES BENCHMADE

[sigsauer]

I have about eight BM's and have had many other models. The biggest problem I had with any of them was a couple of screws coming out of the scales. BM took care of this problem and after 3yrs I have not had any problems with it or any of my other BM's.

I think BM is coming out with the most innovative designs and some of the best collaborations. I have heard some complaints about the BM's, but due to their large volume of sales it doesn't surprise me that they have a few issues. I believe one of their problems is that they produce so many new models instead of paying attention to the smallest of details. MT for example is a fairly small company with few new designs from what I have seen. There are those who complain about how BM does not listen to what the customers want. I disagree with this, we constantly ask for new models and designs and BM gives them to us. I can live with the fact that the blade does not line up perfectly between the liners if it means I get a new design of a knife as long as the knife works. If I don't like the fact then I won't buy it, that simple.

IMHO BM, MT, Spyderco, and CRKT are very similar, I believe it is unfair to include CR in this equation as they are close to a custom shop. For some reason BM always gets flack about their policies when they are so similar to these other companies. I don't think any of the listed companies allow there knives to be taken apart and I don't think they will supply parts other than maybe a clip and screws. So my question is why does BM get reamed for this. I have never had any problem with them during customer service, they have always been polite and helpful and I have heard many of the same comments.

I feel BM is treated unfairly. Right after the MAAP pricing was announced on this forum you see people jumping in saying what jerks they are for this. I never once heard this when MT was involved in a similar dispute. I say let the dealers and BM resolve this problem like we did with MT, and don't complain about BM for their policies unless you plan on involving all the other companies for their same policies. Don't alter a knife and then b**ch about how it ticks you off that you can't fix it with their parts. You f**k it up then you pay the price to fix it.

Since we have those few who complain about BM how about we get some positive feedback here and if anyone can explain why BM is in the wrong and the other companies are not please feel free to enlighten me. Oh, and if anyone has messed up the scales on the LCC, was MT willing to send a replacement. If they weren't I think we need a few %&*%#&^ MT topics saying how lousy they are. Come on lets judge fairly. Maybe I should post a lousy topic on MT. I called them today asking if I could get micarta scales put on. can you believe they said I would have to call back tomorrow as they had no one available to answer my question and they actually had the nerve to tell me that if it was possible it would have to be sent in. It's just a simple scale held on by screws. Come on lets hear some complaining about MT.

 

[Disco Stu]

I don't like Benchmade but it has nothing to do with their policies. I just think 99% of their knives are ugly. No doubt they make a good knife, I'm very impessed with my 42, but I just don't like their looks. That, and I think Spyderco can make a better knife for less money. I'll admit, many Spyderco models are far from beautiful, but in my opinion so are most BMs.

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

I like Benchmade knives very much and I can't say I have ever has a problem with any of my Benchmade knives. I also like Microtech, however, I don't think it's right to say that Benchmades aren't worth the price. I only wish Emerson knives had the quality control that Benchmade has and I wish other companies were as bold and innovative as Benchmade, Microtech and Spyderco.

 

[Firebat]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by sigsauer:


I think BM is coming out with the most innovative designs and some of the best collaborations.

Come on lets hear some complaining about MT.

</font>

Benchmade has some nice models, but I personally wouldn't call them the leader in collaborations. Syderco offers much more varied entries in that field.

Complaints about MT? Ok- I hate the fact that they won't give me any of their knives for free.

I have some Benchmades, and they are ok, but anymore- I'm fairly indifferent about them.

Firebat



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Name's Ash......Housewares.

 

[nifrand]

I own probably 40 Benchmade knives.Never had a problem with any of them.
Disco: Ugly Benchmades????Spyderco knives are the "buttugliest"knives on the face of the earth.[except Wayne Goddards] IMHO

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have a"knife"day

 

[Richard]

I hope my new Benchmade is an idication of their current quality. I have owned plenty in the past, and with the exception of an AFCK the rest were rather under-whelming. I bought them hoping that the next one would be good, as I do think some of the designs are the neatest out there. After far to many pi$$-poor liner locks, horrible edges, brittle blades and all around crappy QC, I finally gave up.

Finally a forumite said he thought Benchmade had made a real effort recently concerning QC, so with that, I bought a 735. So far, I find this knife to be worth every cent I paid. Nice fit and finish, very sharp and all around nice workmanship. If this is now typical, I will look forward to having more of them.

As far as Benchmades pricing policy and lack of customer service, I still think that stinks, hopefully those are the next issues to be looked at.



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Richard Todd - Digital knife photography
icq 61363141
My WebSite
Do your site a favor, get quality digital images!!!
New photos added!!!

 

[Gator97]

I do like BM knives

I do not like that mostly they completely ignore the user feedback. Starting from AFCK in Axis, which is being asked for years. Let alone the knife, nobody from BM ever said a wor about that, why it's not doable at least...

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Disco Stu:</font>

I just think 99% of their knives are ugly.

As they say the beauty is in the eye of beholder, right?

That was funny

I mean that joke regarding "Beautiful Spydercos"

Functional ok, but talk about ugly...
& LCC not to be forgotten

One weird looking piece of steel.


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zvis.com
Have Fun,
Alligator


[This message has been edited by Gator97 (edited 02-14-2001).]

 

[Novadak]

For folders I generally find Spydercos to be more aesthetically appealing, but the only way anyone's going to get my 42 and 42A is by prying them from my cold, dead hands.

 

[chief dignitary]

My Benchmade 720 is still one of my favorite knives, even if I sold it to my roommate. The action was super smooth, the blade was perfectly aligned, the axis lock was confidence inspiring. There was absolutely nothing to complain about as far as quality control. It's the only Benchmade I ever owned, though. I do know some guys with BM balis, though. They are excellent quality.

-IPR

 

[Roller]

Nobody seems to be putting down Microtech like you wanted them to. Do you know why? Because Benchmade doesn't stand a chance in Hell at competing with Microtech's quality.

 

[Erikfsn]

BM's QC is getting better. Consistent with the price I think. I like their manuals for the axis lock (thank-you Bill McHenry). e.g. The 710 is a hell of a knife.
MT's autos run circles around BM's though.
Regarding customer service, I have nothing but good things to say about both companies.

 

[Smoke]

I like BM's designs and use of G-10. I don't like the thick edges, lack of steel variety, and overall blade size (not broad enough). The whole torx screw issue I'm no fan of either.

MT, cost aside, I'm not a big ATS-34/154CM fan and the I'm not real confident in the grip ergonomics and edges of the OTF line.

 

[Gator97]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Roller:
Because Benchmade doesn't stand a chance in Hell at competing with Microtech's quality.</font>

In terms of quality you might be right

Though 940 for example are real nice pieces,
as usual the edge on them sucks.
However, a knife is much more than the quality. I don't know what quality could make LCC appear any better

& I do prefer BM 710 over MT SOCOM. Blade is the same length, 710 tip is stronger, I prefer M2 over 154 CM, I like 710 blade geometry and looks better, 710 handle has better ergonomics and is significantly thinner than SOCOM's, thus much more convenient to carry. Axis Lock is much better that any liner lock for several reasons, I hope you won't argue on this one

Basically what I like in SOCOM is the qualisy + the thumbstuds

P.S. Don't know if MT is ignoring their customers as BM does though

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zvis.com
Have Fun,
Alligator

 

[sigsauer]

Roller, my comment about the complaining about MT was meant to be sarcastic. I have nothing but good things to say about MT. My point was to indicate that BM gets jumped on for the policies they have which are very similar to ohter companies.

Firebat, Spyderco does have some excellent collaborations. I put them in the same catagorie for inovative designs as I would BM. I personally like a thumb stud instead of the hole. This is why I am so glad we have both companies. I do think the axis lock is the best mechanism out there at this time though, but that is just my opinion.

I'm willing to make a bet that if BM started using aus6 or aus8 to lower prices that they would get flack for this. I've already seen comments in this direction about how they are using cheaper steel in some of their new fixed blades and how people would rather pay the extra cost to get a better steel.

 

[CPR]

sigsauer,

I never said I disliked Benchmade's products, just their very spotty QC and parts policy.

The reason you don't see as many @%#$@! Microtech threads is that Microtech makes a better product and has a history of better execution and QC than Benchmade. Check out Microholics.com. You will find some people pissed about the inane parts policy (a'la Benchmade), but as a whole, Microtech puts out a consistently better product. This leads to fewer #^*(&! rants about Microtech knives.

Take care,
Chris

 

[10-5K]

Although I have only had my Benchmades for a few months I have nothing but praise for them. Sturdy, hold a good edge and they are good enough looking. The prices were reasonable (I think my 910 Stryker was $90 and the 710? McHenry & W was 120?)

That said, I just got a SoCom Elite I am highly impressed. Nice blade, solid knife **** all the way, but it was 2X the cost of my Stryker and 50% over my 710, I have carried it since I got it; however, I still always carry that 910.

I think they are both fine products but are they the targetted for the same market? Is a comparison fair? I note the handles on the Benchmades are a bit "rougher" than the handle on the Microtech. The thumb release on the liner lock is "finished" on the Microtech, on the Benchmade it is just serated metal.

Is it the difference between specialty shop rifle and an off the rack model.

I don't think you can go wrong with either, if you are lucky, you get what you pay.

 

[OwenM]

Sure, I like Benchmade. Despite what some people have said, all it takes is one look at a 5, 3, 1 year old BM, and some of the more recent Axis locks, to see that their quality has steadily improved. I never thought their quality was that bad to begin with, and have no complaints with any of the BMs I've purchased over the last 5-6 years. For innovation, I put them in the same class as Spyderco.
Their customer service has been outstanding in my limited experience (sent me torx screws for an older AFCK for free, and were willing to trade out a combo-edge blade w/a plain edge for $25).
I currently have 7 or 8 BMs, and no doubt will own more in the future.

 

[Gollnick]

It wouldn't surprise me if I own upwards of a hundred Benchmade knives. Yes, I like 'em.

Benchmade has been critcized recently for policies favoring "brick and mortar" retail dealers over .coms. But I see this as highly admirable. Many of those retail dealers have been carrying Benchmade and Pacific Cutlery and even Bali-Song cutlery for over twenty years through thick and thin. It's admirable that Benchmade shows them a fraction of the loyalty that they've shown Benchmade.

Benchmade is a company that cultivates long-term relationships. Many of their dealers have been with them for decades. I've talked to many Benchmade employees who have been with the company for many years and demonstrate a fierce loyalty. I know that Benchmade works to build long-term relationships with their suppliers. And they certainly cultivate the loyalty of their customers with their Lifesharp program and their rather liberal warranty policies... and, of course, a continuous flow of innovative, high-quality products.

I respect a company that demonstrates such loyalties.



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Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com

 

[e_utopia]

Um, what they said.

Benchmade, IMHO, has the best designs of any true production company. Some I like more than others, and the same goes for other companies' knives, but comparing the overally quality of the designs, Benchmade comes out ahead.

Benchmade's QC, aside from edge grinding, which no knife-knut should be complaining about, is as good as any other company charging a similar price. Maybe the LCC is an exception, but Microtech just proved that they cannot maintain that low a price and still deliver their usual level of quality. Thankfully, the opted to raise the price, rather than sacrifice quality. Kudos.

Benchmade's policy with regards to sending out replacement parts is no different from any of their competitors' policies, from what I've seen. People seem to like complaining about Benchmade. Go figure.

Benchmade's customer service, I would have to say is first-rate. I emailed expressing concern over the softness of the BT2 coating, and was invited to call so they could explain their reasoning. While I still don't like BT2, I felt confident that they were working on a better solution. Out pops BC1, which, I've heard, is good enough that I feel it may end up replacing BT2 on those knives which are currently being produced with that coating. Try calling Benchmade and chatting with Travis or one of the others. They are usually more than happy to explain why something is the way it is, etc. I once emailed asking a question about whether they had and of the silver clips they used to use, still available. I recieved a reply saying that they had stopped carrying the silver clips a while back. I thought nothing more of it, but a couple of days later, there was a package with a couple of clips sitting in my mailbox. Not silver, but I had only been curious about what would happen if I damaged the clip on my Spike, since they are discontinued. I actually think the black clip on a white handle looks better.

Right now, the only production knives I own are Benchmades and Microtechs. I can't see anyone in the same price range even competing. There are a few CRKT, Kershaw, Spyderco, etc. knives which I may buy in the near future, but I'll still probably be more likely to be carrying a Benchmade. They have the right combination of design, quality, materials, and the best customer service department I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with.

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com

 

[Peter Atwood]

Who likes Benchmade? I do!

I was complaining about not being able to get a part but I wasn't really trying to make them out to be some kind of bad guys. I'm just frustrated because I can go down and buy any replacement part I want for my Dodge Dakota including after market galore, but I can't order a simple thing like a knife scale. Unlike BM or MT or lots of other knife companies, Dodge doesn't say that I have to bring it in if I want to order a new quarter panel. I can just buy the piece and do it myself or have my body shop do it.

I happen to really like all three of my Benchmades and have no quarrels at all with their quality.

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Peter Atwood

email:fountainman@hotmail.com