Your Post MAP Enforcement Benchmade Purchases (if any)

I picked up a 940-1 a couple months ago for $220, shipped. I asked for a better price from a dealer I had purchased from previously, still more than I wanted to pay, but I love that knife.
 
Benchmade may be American designed (?) and made but this strictly monitored and enforced pricing policy is far from the free market American way.

And no, I don't want Benchmade to have exclusive rights to the AXIS, I just worded it bad. I was trying to say I think their patent has already expired and they are on an extension as of now. I'm definitely about as far from a patent lawyer as you can get, but I think there is only one extension that can be applied for. I also don't think they will ever get away with calling it a trademark. There are other locks that look similar that were around long before. And it wouldn't be hard to put a star shape on the end of the lock bar, or something similar, to change the look and retain the function. I was saying I hope Benchmade gets things figured out before the patent expires so they don't go the way of the dodo. I really like their knives but I would like to see other companies be able to use the AXIS and put their twist on things. I would love for it to become the new frame lock. That is why patents only have a finite amount of time. I like the company and the knives. I just don't like being told what you can and can't do with pricing. If I want to buy knives and sell them for a buck to bring back knives to the American pocket, I should be able to. A company that tells me I can't or I will no longer be able to buy them is a lot to Red for my tastes.

IMO.

PS: sorry about the stream of words. I'm a bit tipsy and not editing.

Edit: correct my smart phone's changes
 
I mostly buy used, but I have bought some new models since MAP. One was old stock (torrent), another was discontinued (bone collector skinner) and the other two were new models: Mini Griptilian Ritter in M390 and 531. Other new knives were from companies that hadn't started MAP enforcement or were other brands (spyderco).

My collection is pretty full of models I want and unless there is something new I can't live without, I'll continue to focus on used items from the exchange.
 
940-1 is the only one I've bought at MAP prices.

I've also picked up a 62, but didn't pay full MAP for that one.
 
I bought 6 BM's pre-MAP enforcement. What I felt was a good deal for their knives enabled me to explore various models that were popular (940, 710, 556) and other less popular but interesting models (915,890,477). I would never have made these purchases if they were at MAP prices. Since enforcement, I have purchased the following, but have not paid MAP:

1. 940-1: (had to have it and now my favorite knife) Purchased using a 20% discount coupon, so I did not pay MAP
2. 943: Purchased from website dealer that for some reason still sells BM at lower prices than MAP
3. REI 551 special edition grip: 20% discount + annual rebate
4. 555BKHG: Bought below MAP from a cigar shop
5. Knifeworks 710-1401 exclusive: Bought at full price. There was never a discount on these exclusives.

My post MAP BM purchasing pattern is one where I either wait for a circumstance where I don't have to pay MAP, or it is some kind of exclusive that I would have bought regardless of MAP. BM changed their policy for a reason, and maybe it was a good business decision, whether we knife nuts like it or not, but they are in the business to make a profit. The interesting thing is that someone like me would never have gotten into BM knives in the first place if the MAP pricing was in effect at the time. And I would probably have upwards of 30 BM knives by now if they didn't change their policy because I would have been inclined to try more knives I really don't need (e.g. Adamas, Contego, large emissary, barrage, etc.)
 
FlaMtnBkr said:
How do you plan on doing this since no one can sell under MAP? The secondary market?
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MAP is minimum advertised price. Not minimum sale price. Secondary market is an option - but so is negotiation with the seller. It sure as hell doesn't hurt to make an offer to a seller that is under MAP - the worst they can do is say no.
 
I think as many has stated, it was BKC business decision. Only few exclusive dealers who can guarantee sales for near 1000 units seems to have "exclusive". Let's face it, 552-1401, 1402 & 558-1401, 1402 (RSK in M390) are expensive to you? Other 810 & 710 1401 in M390 aren't that much above and beyond reasonable price.

We buy BKC, because we love their customer service, quality of product, and so on. I like their product, and MAP is a way to eliminate internet seller squabbling on occasional "get rid of stock" sales. Have a contract with BKC and willing to sell 1000 units would also guarantee sales of those from people like us.

I am buying BKC knives, not because I need folding knives. I only have two hands. Let's be honest, it is sort of like addiction. You buy it because you like it.
 
None because the only models that have ever interested me are ones that were first introduced 10-15 years ago. Maybe if they come up with some appealing and intriguing designs then we'll see...but it won't be purchased at MAP.
 
The MAP has really slowed me down as I remember the pre MAP street prices...then almost overnight knives I'd buy for 120-130 went to 185-195. I was able to buy quite a few extra models at preMAP as I knew I wanted some custom handles. The new LE's are interesting and I will probably only buy a few like the KW 810-1401 and CS 552-1401. But I'm a knife nut and collector...most of my friends who just like knives will say "its too much and not a value...plastic handle and 154cm steel for almost $100?" So much for one of my favorites the 522S Ultra

So, I dont know how much it hurts BM with collectors buying (much) less Knives but I do love the Axis lock and the fact that most BM are US made. All the new steels and colored handles seeem to help make up some of the value. So far only a 810-1401 in safe and maybe that 552-1401 as I saw MFL pictures and the Orange spacers are tempting me badly!
 
RamZar said:
Figured. I guess we may see a version with a 3.5" blade.
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I hope that you are right.

That is what is holding me back from buying it.

3.5-inch would put it in a very good size slot as there are several other brands and makes of knives in that size that work very well for me.
 
I was a big Benchmade fan before MAP, but they've priced themselves out of my market. Some day, I'll buy a 940-1, but for now, I'm all set for Benchmade.
 
S90V 940-1. Had to send it back to BKC due to poor QC (bad centering), especially at its pricepoint ~$265. Problem fixed after 1 week, but got rid of it as it was too small for my hands. Will not consider another until QC problems fixed.
 
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