WHO LIKES BENCHMADE

Me!
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Owning higher-end production and custom knives, Benchmades are the only knives I would consider carrying and using every single day.

Never have I had a problem with customer service. Testimonials to their poor customer service are few and far between.

QC has had its moments, but those two or three of many, many knives were either manufacturer-replaced or exchanged with the dealer.

MAAP Program; I'm having difficulty seeing the problem here. Please, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it limit only the price at which a dealer can advertise? Can't they still sell for any price they like? Spyderco knives' prices have been advertised in several of my catalogs as "prices too low to print; please call" for two or three years now.

BM's a company, out to prosper like any other capitalistic entity out there. They've got government contracts that are a successful, steady market. But still, with around 100 total employees, how are they monstrous? Maybe in the knife world. Companies like mine employ thousands of people worldwide. Talk about being an "employee number
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I've been collecting PC/BM's since 1986, made some friends at the company, made aquaintances of affiliated designers, and feel richer for the total experience.

Considering the street prices of BM's, I just can't see the room for complaint by many.

Professor.
 
Dave, You know I like BM's. I've got 5 of them right now, and two more on the way. And I've given 5 away as gifts. I carry at least one every day. IMO, BM has the best designs & materials of any similar company. I have not had any major problems with any of the BM's that I own. They've got a rep for spotty QC & dull edges, but all my knives have been fine, and most of the people who've bought BM's recently say the same thing. When I buy a new knife, it's a likely as not to be a BM.

I dislike that they are not responsive to their customers. REKAT, Spyderco, Camillus, Buck, and others have all come out with forum edition knives, just for us because we asked for them; it would be nice to see BM do the same thing. And I dislike that they are almost completely absent from their forum, they could learn a lot from most of the companies who run forums here. For those of you who haven't been there, BM's forum is here: http://192.41.25.213/cgi-bin/ultbb/Ultimate.cgi But I do like their knives.

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Jason aka medusaoblongata
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"To give is a need, to receive is mercy." - Thus Spoke Zarathustra
 
BM, IMHO, has done a good job,recently of getting away from the basic,black, slab-handled knives and into more innovative pieces like the 940, 690 and 770. Their QC has always been good. Keep in mind, that MT's prices have always been considerably higher, except for the recent LCC, which we all know was a virtual "steal"
 
medusa, while not quite the same as the 'forum knives' other companies have offered, the 'Knives of The Month' Benchmade has produced were often designed with customer input in mind. Not the same (or none would have been combo-edge
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--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
I believe BM could definitely benefit from some other idea's such as forum presence. What company can't do something to become better. They are however doing something right as there is a huge market for their knives. I don't know their cash flow or their financial standing. From what I understand CRKT does not have forum presence do to the fact that they can't afford it. Perhaps BM has decided to spend the money in other areas to keep cost down. I believe that the policy on not allowing knife components to be sent out is due to the fact that they want to avoid law suits if the knife were to collapse. If I made knives I would take the same stand point as I believe I would be the best one to work on them. If you made a knife and someone decided to alter or take it apart and it no longer worked properly then the maker would be viewed badly if the person was not aware of it being worked on by a non qualified individual.

I believe if we want to make a suggestion then lets to it with some diplomacy. Let's also not subject one company to different standards. If the policy is going to be complained about lets list every company and suggest a solution to them. I have spoke with BM on the phone after hearing complaints02 about their customer service being bad. I heard the opposite as well but I still expected them to bite my head off. I was extremely surprised when I was given tons of help and I got to speak with a very nice and interesting person whom I'd like to meet someday.

I have a very high opinion of BM and I think it's unfair to expect different policies from them, then post what a pain in the butt they are. Next time someone calls them and they don't want to supply a part maybe that person could post BM's reason.

founterman, I am not trying to make a personal attack. I want people to see BM's good side as well as their bad. If a knife has a lousy sheath or bad ergonomics or just lousy QC then it's great to hear about it. I have made it a point to examine not only BM's but all other knives thanks to this forum. My complaining is the constant post about how everyone wants to take the knife apart without voiding the warranty, even though the other companies follow the same policy and you never hear a thing about it. Let's treat BM the same way, they have great products and maybe they would listen if we were to get a large number of post and then send them to them asking what we want. There are several changes I would like to see in many knives. For instance I would love to see the MT Lightfoot fixed blade with the original design, I would also like to see a larger BM 690. Why don't we get post started asking for these things and then print and mail are request to the companies. Either that or maybe we should just all buy custom and quit complaining.

Dodge has their own policies and IMHO it is unfair to compare these companies. If you want a warranty repair done on your Dodge then you have to take it to a repair shop certified by Dodge. If it no longer has a warranty then most vehicle manufactures don't give a rats a** what you do with it since it is no longer covered. BM however warrants their knives for life.

[This message has been edited by sigsauer (edited 02-14-2001).]
 
I like Benchmade very much, and will continue to purchase their knives.

I know I have stated in the past that I'm disappointed with their MAAP, their policy concerning internet dealers, and their refusal to sell us parts. I also think BM has lost touch with their roots, and needs to reexamine their overall policies.

I have only dealt with BM's C.S. department a couple times, and was given the runaround when I tried to get the blade replaced on my 970, which included sending it in, and getting it back with nothing done to it. I FINALLY got to talk to Angie, who very politely explained their position, and she then offered to replace my knife with anything in BM's line up for a VERY sweet price. Of course, I took her up on the offer, and recieved my 720SBT within a couple days.
Again , I have nothing but nice to say about Angie, and her willingness to make me happy. I'm sorry to say that is not the case with all the personnel in the C.S. Department. I sincerely hope things are on the mend there.

I have high respect for BM's product, and they will continue to be my first choice in hard use cutlery.

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DISCLAIMER:

The opinions expressed here are my own, and in no way reflect the opinion of any other person, living or dead. Of course, your opinion may vary, in which case the prevailing laws of your jurisdiction shall apply.

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E Mail me anytime:
INVADR1@aol.com
 
I like BM knives a lot.
Early on, I had some problems on QC issues with an older-style AFCK. The situation was rectified; they sent me a brand-new one with no problems at all.

While a few persons have mentioned bad experiences with the C.S. department, I have had nothing but good experiences with it. One of the guys in the repair department even returned my call and of his own volition spent 15 minutes going over a concern I had. Also, whenever I've had a question on whatever, my emails have been answered in a very helpful manner by Travis.

Some say BM has gone downhill; I tend to feel the opposite. I think their product and their designs have been improving. All 4 of my Axis locks are lined up in the handles, no blade play, smoothe operation, nice, sharp edges. I check them before buying, but then again, I check any knife from any manufacturer before buying.

A lot of people like to compare BM to MT and then say how bad BM is. But the very fact that BM and MT are even being compared means people think of them in the same league. I've handled a few MTs, and they're great. But I like the Axis locks I have better than the MTs.

I like other manufacturers like Spyderco, CRKT, etc., too. But lately I'm never without an Axis lock in my pocket.
Jim
 
I have had two Benchmades, one of which I still have, the other I wish I had back. The Leopard Cub and the mini AFCK. The LC is no longer mine. I have been very satisfied with our Benchmades. They and Spyderco are my two Favorite knife Companies. I think a lot of people set ther expectations to high, especially, given a name like Benchmade. Say the name and what comes to mind, a benchmade knife. Well, I for one think they deliver, with ther designer names, and very tight tolerences. They are for now the limit of what I care to spend on a well made knife. RKBA!
 
I have 5 BM knives right now and I have owned about 4 more that I no longer have. I have never had a problem with any of my BM knives. I really like them and I have a new 942 on order right now. I will continue to buy BM in the future.
 
I'll put in my vote for Benchmade.

They may not be perfect, they may be aloof, and they may not have as liberal of warranty policies as other companies. However, they do make really good knives.

You can't deny them that.
 
I like BMs designs. Some are really great. I like axis lock. I appreciate their choice to use only good steels Gin-1, ATS-34/154CM or M2.

Still Spyderco is better value IMO.

I'm one of those guys that have complainned BMs quality. I also think that there are some not so well thought out details (wouldn't rise production cost) in BMs products.

I ordered one BM today and I'll order more in the future - I must like BM.

Yes I do like BM.

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"Good tools to sustain life, or at least make life more convenient"
-James Mattis
 
If this is the Benchmade choo choo I'm on board. Yup, they've got their problems but they've made some pretty good knives. The AFCK for one, is an absolute classic. And the 710 was a homerun right from the gitgo. I currently have a 720 EDC that I wouldn't trade for much else out here. It's perfect for my needs. Do I like their "don't touch" our knives policy. NO.

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Alan2112:
I have had two Benchmades, one of which I still have, the other I wish I had back. The Leopard Cub and the mini AFCK. The LC is no longer mine. RKBA!</font>
Click to expand...

Check this out! I just called Roger for a Spike this morning.

Benchmade Closeout ( Discontinued Models )

These Are All discontinued Benchmade that I am closing out. To order any of these knives call me at 1-888-225-9775

These are some great knives for low prices just because they are being closed out has not change the Quality

QTY
2 BM612BLK Crawford leopard cub, black $55.59
2 BM612CLR Crawford leopard cub, clear $55.59
7 BM612SBL Crawford leopard cub, black $55.59
1 BM612SCL Crawford leopard cub, clear $55.59
2 BM625 Crawford leopard $69.99
28 BM625S Crawford leopard $69.99

 
The Leopard Cub is a true classic IMO.
The above-mentioned prices are great too!!!
The Cub opens extremely smoothly and the ergos are fantastic once the clip is removed.
BM's retired Auto Spike, while not so great on ergos, is also a classic. These old models had exceptional QC-my Auto Spikes are flawless.
Also, how can the AFO be beat for an automatic utility ? True, they are rather ugly,slab-sided and slow. But they are definately manufactured to be used. At today's price of $125, they are an excellent value.
Bill
 
Every production company has hit and miss aspects about them. But if I think about the production companies that I consider to consistently be leaders, I think of Benchmade and Spyderco.

In some ways, Benchmade isn't exactly a "leader" in the sense of inventing, but is a leader in the sense of executing so well that they can create whole new markets. I believe Spyderco did the first collaboration, but it was Benchmade that really made that scene explode with the introduction of the CQC7 and AFCK. Likewise, although Benchmade didn't invent the tactical knife craze, my belief is that the tactical knife craze really erupted with the CQC7 and AFCK, due to excellent timing and execution. You can look at lock formats the same way. REKAT was the first to market with a new-generation lock, but I believe Benchmade's overall execution was better when they came out with the Axis shortly afterwards, and many companies are now following their lead.

Benchmade was also the company that brought tool steels back to the fore, with the M-2 AFCK.

I may be lucky, all the Benchmades I own are top-notch in quality, although I've heard enough complaints over the years that I know QC problems existed. Those problems seem to be getting improved, little by little. I also find Benchmade's designs to really put it all together, as far as looks and performance.

In summary: Great company!


Joe
 
I LOVE Benchmade <u>knives</u>, every one of them I've ever bought has been perfectly fine. I can't say one way or the other regarding the Benchmade company or their customer service, because I've never had to deal with them.

As far as the MAAP, it looks to me like just another company doing the same thing that Spyderco did a year or so ago, in my view. May not be the same thing, but I don't see the difference. I never heard the wailing and gnashing of teeth against Spyderco that I've heard against BM. In any case, it doesn't matter to me. I'll be buying more Benchmades, just as often as I can squeeze them into the budget.

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The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog. - Ambrose Bierce
Most dog owners are at length able to teach themselves to obey their dog. - Robert Morley

iktomi
 
I like their knives, hell I own several.

However I had real problems with my AFCK and they banned me from their Forum for saying this on line, B A S T A R D S. What is worse I have asked them three times why I was banned and they refuse to answer me. Guess I am not a valid or desired customer. They SUCK. Pity I like the knives so much, however the BM product is always the LAST knife on my list to look at.

Anyone help me with this? Weird how I get sent cool stuff through the mail, yet blanked on line? Weird.

W.A.

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"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
Founding president and member number 1! Wana join?
 
LOVE my Spyderco Khalsa and its IMHO far from "buttugly" - i got a few BM knives and they are ok too - sorry but my current favorite is a MOD razorback (and my khalsa)
 
I'll vote for the BM fan club
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They always answer my emails.

I own an AFCK and a 730 Axis Ares. Love them! There's a Nimravus on the way. Later this year I'd like to get a Tether neck knife.

Cutlery is VERY expensive here. Microtech, BM and Emerson can only be bought locally at one dealer and it is expensive.
 
I'm on board the train of positive reponses! I've had nothing but good luck with my Benchmade's, and I've given many away as gifts.

AJ
 
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