I have a co-worker that only uses Benchmade. Everytime I cross his path, I get crap that I use Spyderco. So after about 6 months of tormenting, I decided to bit the bullet and buy my first and last Benchmade. I bought the 555 Mini-Griptilian.. The Axis lock is pretty crappy, it is not as sharp as a :spyder: and the handle feels like it was made from the same plastic used for clampacks. Plus, it is 440C, which can't touch VG-10 or S30v.
Bottom line, you can not beat a :spyder: , and I'll never cheat on the Spyder again!
Sorry to all Benchmade people... Not bashing Benchmade, just expressing my opinion. :rolleyes:
Hope you all had a good 4th of July. :D
Rock
Never again..
Never again..
Rock
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Hannibal Lecter
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I Understand
Good day, all.
I will admit that while I can get a 440C blade hair-popping sharp, just try keeping it that way... :D
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Hannibal
Spyderco does seem to take an inordinate care in providing the sharpest knives out of the box of any manufacturer I have encountered to date.pjrocco wrote:it is not as sharp as a :spyder:
This is my objection to a lot of "other" knives]Plus, it is 440C, which can't touch VG-10 or S30v.[/QUOTE]pjrocco wrote:and the handle feels like it was made from the same plastic used for clampacks.
I will admit that while I can get a 440C blade hair-popping sharp, just try keeping it that way... :D
Amen.pjrocco wrote:Bottom line, you can not beat a :spyder: , and I'll never cheat on the Spyder again!
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Hannibal
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"I have followed with enthusiasm the course of your disgrace and public shaming. My own never bothered me except for the inconvenience of being incarcerated, but you may lack perspective."
"I have followed with enthusiasm the course of your disgrace and public shaming. My own never bothered me except for the inconvenience of being incarcerated, but you may lack perspective."
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samosaurus
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Dude ~ Samo loves his :spyder: s and other makes.. And never made a point to run down others just because they are lacking. The saying goes : "One man's meat is another man's poison.." 
:spyder:
Sam
:spyder: Sam
Spydies for life!
samosauruschronicles.blogspot.com
samosauruschronicles.blogspot.com
I've repaired two axis locks in the last year for broken springs. Granted both knives had been modified by their owners but I don't think this had a lot to do with springs breaking. It did have to do with why I got the knives instead of BenchMade though.
Some of the axis lock supporters will say that the axis lock works fine if one spring breaks because it has the other one to make the lock function. That is only a half truth. The lock needs help to fully seat correctly without both springs. I've seen it, twice now.
It is a great lock. I have very little issue with the lock when it works, with the exception of the fact that the more moving parts you have in something the more chance there is of something going haywire, especially when some of those moving parts are under tension 24/7.
When I compare other spring type knives that I own I can't help but wonder how long the springs life expectancy is in the axis lock. Regardless of the argument put forth by those that love this knife the question is valid. I feel it is inevitable that eventually the springs or at least one spring will break on one of these locks.
Lets take a look see at other spring type knives on the market that I have personally owned and repaired. I have two Protech automatics. One Pro-Duke and one Stinger. Both have needed springs replaced after just a few years. I have one Mircrotech, (Mini UMS) left out of three and two of those had to have a new spring installed in them after the original one broke. So far my Mini UMS is still running on the original but it is only a few months old. Granted on a couple of those autos I got a few years out of them before the spring snapped. But keep in mind it is illegal to carry an auto where I live. These are safe queens.
I have a Kershaw BlackOut, Scallion and Chive. All three have had the torsion springs break without warning. The Scallion has gone through three springs now to date. So much so that I eventually just took it out altogether and ground off the flipper to make it a regular one hand opener. The BlackOut and Chive have had one spring each. All three of these have been seeing regular pocket time.
The only real issue that sets Spyderco apart from Benchmade in my own experience is that the Spyderco knives cut when you buy them. I've recieved some BenchMades that were flat out dull when NIB. It seemed to me they spent a great deal of time everywhere but where it counts: the edge profile.
Some of the axis lock supporters will say that the axis lock works fine if one spring breaks because it has the other one to make the lock function. That is only a half truth. The lock needs help to fully seat correctly without both springs. I've seen it, twice now.
It is a great lock. I have very little issue with the lock when it works, with the exception of the fact that the more moving parts you have in something the more chance there is of something going haywire, especially when some of those moving parts are under tension 24/7.
When I compare other spring type knives that I own I can't help but wonder how long the springs life expectancy is in the axis lock. Regardless of the argument put forth by those that love this knife the question is valid. I feel it is inevitable that eventually the springs or at least one spring will break on one of these locks.
Lets take a look see at other spring type knives on the market that I have personally owned and repaired. I have two Protech automatics. One Pro-Duke and one Stinger. Both have needed springs replaced after just a few years. I have one Mircrotech, (Mini UMS) left out of three and two of those had to have a new spring installed in them after the original one broke. So far my Mini UMS is still running on the original but it is only a few months old. Granted on a couple of those autos I got a few years out of them before the spring snapped. But keep in mind it is illegal to carry an auto where I live. These are safe queens.
I have a Kershaw BlackOut, Scallion and Chive. All three have had the torsion springs break without warning. The Scallion has gone through three springs now to date. So much so that I eventually just took it out altogether and ground off the flipper to make it a regular one hand opener. The BlackOut and Chive have had one spring each. All three of these have been seeing regular pocket time.
The only real issue that sets Spyderco apart from Benchmade in my own experience is that the Spyderco knives cut when you buy them. I've recieved some BenchMades that were flat out dull when NIB. It seemed to me they spent a great deal of time everywhere but where it counts: the edge profile.
Delta,DeltaDag wrote:Just curious, but exactly which Spyderco model are you comparing the 555 Mini Griptilian to? And exacty what's "crappy" about the Axis lock? Does it have to do with reliability/safety, smoothness or ergonomics?
Again, just curious that's all.
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OEF 1776
The lock is very sticky (almost a grind), and it seems that the spring is worn out even though it brand new. I have been opening and closing the knife all weekend and put a bit of lub on it, but it doesn't seem to help.
I'm comparing it to the most common :spyder: the Delica, IMO. From what I have been told the Griptilion is Benchmade's "Delica".
Again, I'm not bashing Benchmade, I'm just expressing my thoughts on this knife, not all Benchmade knives.
Rock
On one of the ones I repaired the lock spring had broken off a bit and the piece kind of forced its way out of the recess area where it is supposed to seat. It wedged just ever so slightly up against the blade and caused this rough or grainy feeling when the blade was opened and closed. Once the spring was shoved back down in there and the piece was removed and the pivot was properly tighted it fixed that side. The other side had a new spring put in and it fixed it up. Whether or not the spring eventually worked it's way back into the same wedge position I don't know. It appeared to be fine when I mailed it back to the owner though.
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greencobra
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Hannibal Lecter
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Bashing?
Good day, all.
Any manufacturer can have an off-day. Be real: Mistakes Happen.
Were the knife mine, I would send it back to the manufacturer and see if they would make it right.
I won't bash another knife manufacturer; I have my reasons for choosing Spyderco rather than other manufacturers, and I am sure other feel the same way about their favorite brands. We are all "blade brothers" so to speak, and have a lot more in common than we might otherwise choose to believe.
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Hannibal
Any manufacturer can have an off-day. Be real: Mistakes Happen.
Were the knife mine, I would send it back to the manufacturer and see if they would make it right.
I won't bash another knife manufacturer; I have my reasons for choosing Spyderco rather than other manufacturers, and I am sure other feel the same way about their favorite brands. We are all "blade brothers" so to speak, and have a lot more in common than we might otherwise choose to believe.
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Hannibal
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"I have followed with enthusiasm the course of your disgrace and public shaming. My own never bothered me except for the inconvenience of being incarcerated, but you may lack perspective."
"I have followed with enthusiasm the course of your disgrace and public shaming. My own never bothered me except for the inconvenience of being incarcerated, but you may lack perspective."
I certainly hope what I said is not taken as 'bashing'. Not my intent. I like Benchmade and particulary the "Made in the USA" part of them.. I just stated my take on things based on my own experiences with just a few examples of their knives and that is all. I have the utmost respect for the BM company and for Kershaw, and Protech and Microtech and have several of all their knives now in my collection both old and new and I'm sure over time I'll own even more.
When you mass produce items no matter what it is there are going to be some that go out there that may be 'lemons'. It happens.
When you mass produce items no matter what it is there are going to be some that go out there that may be 'lemons'. It happens.
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greencobra
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[quote="Hannibal Lecter"]I won't bash another knife manufacturer]
I am for sure not bashing at all. I have played with some co-workers Benchmades and found them to be put together very well, plus they have some good looking knives.
I am simply stating my opinon on this knife in my hand. Not all Benchmade. I am just a little dissappointed in this Axis lock, but as Deeb has been saying maybe I got a bad one, or someone was drunk at work.. :D I don't know.
I agree with Hannibal, we are all "Blade Brothers"; and people should have the right to express their thoughts. No matter if you agree or not.
Sorry.
I am for sure not bashing at all. I have played with some co-workers Benchmades and found them to be put together very well, plus they have some good looking knives.
I am simply stating my opinon on this knife in my hand. Not all Benchmade. I am just a little dissappointed in this Axis lock, but as Deeb has been saying maybe I got a bad one, or someone was drunk at work.. :D I don't know.
I agree with Hannibal, we are all "Blade Brothers"; and people should have the right to express their thoughts. No matter if you agree or not.
Sorry.
Rock
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Hannibal Lecter
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My Point Exactly...
My Dear Pjrocco,
It happens. :D
The only Benchmade I have owned was a BM42, and I had to sell it before I wound up in the ER due to blood loss. My sweet Lady stocked up on band-aids while I tried the balisong thing; I have since given it up, for obvious reasons. :rolleyes:
I hate that your knife has been somewhat of a disappointment to you. I stand by my recommendation; contact Benchmade and see what their warranty department is like. The problem might be specific to your knife alone and be eminently fixable. To be honest, I would appreciate a follow-up report from you if you get the issue resolved.
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Hannibal
That you were bashing was not my implication]I am simply stating my opinion on this knife in my hand. Not all Benchmade. I am just a little dissappointed in this Axis lock, but as Deeb has been saying maybe I got a bad one, or someone was drunk at work.. :D I don't know.[/QUOTE]pjrocco wrote:I am for sure not bashing at all. I have played with some co-workers Benchmades and found them to be put together very well, plus they have some good looking knives.
It happens. :D
For what? Again, I am glad you voiced your concerns over this knife. I would rather get a heads-up here than to be disappointed myself.pjrocco wrote:I agree with Hannibal, we are all "Blade Brothers"]
I have said it a thousand times: honorable men can disagree honorably. That is one of the things I like best about this forum. We might not always agree, but generally things are very polite regardless.
pjrocco wrote:Sorry.
The only Benchmade I have owned was a BM42, and I had to sell it before I wound up in the ER due to blood loss. My sweet Lady stocked up on band-aids while I tried the balisong thing; I have since given it up, for obvious reasons. :rolleyes:
I hate that your knife has been somewhat of a disappointment to you. I stand by my recommendation; contact Benchmade and see what their warranty department is like. The problem might be specific to your knife alone and be eminently fixable. To be honest, I would appreciate a follow-up report from you if you get the issue resolved.
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Hannibal
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"I have followed with enthusiasm the course of your disgrace and public shaming. My own never bothered me except for the inconvenience of being incarcerated, but you may lack perspective."
"I have followed with enthusiasm the course of your disgrace and public shaming. My own never bothered me except for the inconvenience of being incarcerated, but you may lack perspective."
I had a 1992 Jeep Cherokee that I always said was a Wed. made vehicle because it was flawless perfection. We traded it in for a new Jeep Liberty when the wife got the itch because it was so 'cute'. I've been saying since the first week of owning it that it must be a Monday morning 'hang over' made vehicle because it is crap!
Just last week, we took a DVD rental back in the Jeep to drop it off at Hastings at the outside drop box. Hit the switch to roll the passenger side window down, it got to half way down and fell down into the door. Of course it was raining also. Just one of many convincing things to occur to let you know you got a bad one. Our neighbors Libby is flawless. She never has any trouble with hers at all. Go figure.
I would assume the same thing can happen in knives now and then. LOL. :eek:
Just last week, we took a DVD rental back in the Jeep to drop it off at Hastings at the outside drop box. Hit the switch to roll the passenger side window down, it got to half way down and fell down into the door. Of course it was raining also. Just one of many convincing things to occur to let you know you got a bad one. Our neighbors Libby is flawless. She never has any trouble with hers at all. Go figure.
I would assume the same thing can happen in knives now and then. LOL. :eek:
Too bad they didn't do G10 for the Ritter. I found it hard to justify the extra cost over the mini-grip. I did acquire a mini-grip just to compare it to a caly Jr. My problem is the handle length of the mini-grip. Just too small for my hands. The axis-lock on mine did function properly.J Smith wrote:The thing I like best about BMs is the axis lock.If they ever come out with the Mini Grip in G10 and S30V I will jump all over it.
Chris
Be Excellent to each other.
I gave Benchmade a call and spoke with a nice lady. She informed me that my issue is not uncommon. She also stated that I need to put the knife to good use and the metal will "bond together". If this does not correct the issue she told me to send it back and they would gladly look at it.Hannibal Lecter wrote:To be honest, I would appreciate a follow-up report from you if you get the issue resolved.
So I'm going to put it to the test this week and see what happens. Worse case is it doesn't perform... but I have my Delica and Native with me, so I'll be ok.
Not resolved yet, but well on the way.. I hope. :p
Thanks!
Rock
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Hannibal Lecter
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Excellent!
My Dear Friend,
I see it like this: Benchmade indicates that their product will wear in with some use. I will postulate that since they manufactured it (and it is admittedly an ongoing issue) that they know what they are talking about. I am anxious to see how this turns out after some use time.
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Hannibal
Wonderful news]So I'm going to put it to the test this week and see what happens. Worse case is it doesn't perform... but I have my Delica and Native with me, so I'll be ok.[/QUOTE]pjrocco wrote:I gave Benchmade a call and spoke with a nice lady. She informed me that my issue is not uncommon. She also stated that I need to put the knife to good use and the metal will "bond together". If this does not correct the issue she told me to send it back and they would gladly look at it.
I see it like this: Benchmade indicates that their product will wear in with some use. I will postulate that since they manufactured it (and it is admittedly an ongoing issue) that they know what they are talking about. I am anxious to see how this turns out after some use time.
You are at least one step closer than you were previously. Congratulations on the probability of a satisfactory resolution!pjrocco wrote:Not resolved yet, but well on the way.. I hope. :p
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Hannibal
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"I have followed with enthusiasm the course of your disgrace and public shaming. My own never bothered me except for the inconvenience of being incarcerated, but you may lack perspective."
"I have followed with enthusiasm the course of your disgrace and public shaming. My own never bothered me except for the inconvenience of being incarcerated, but you may lack perspective."
i've owned a fair share of benchmades. some are great, some aren't as great... but to me, none of them feel as familiar and comfortable as a spyderco, that's for sure!
some of the cheaper BMs that use N690 are actually pretty great, especially at the prices you can get them for. i'll confess that i'm a BIG fan of the BM "monochrome" model. (i don't know if you can find a better little folder new for $30!) and the fecas offsider, as well. i use those two knives fairly heavily, and they hold up EXTREMELY well. i predict we'll be seeing a lot more N690 knive in the future... i can't wait to see spyderco's N690 knife, the volpe, make it into production!
i also am quite fond of my BM 921 osborne switchback... partially because it once belonged to a friend, partially because it looks great, and partially because i love having a long, thin wharncliffe style blade in S30V steel!
some of the cheaper BMs that use N690 are actually pretty great, especially at the prices you can get them for. i'll confess that i'm a BIG fan of the BM "monochrome" model. (i don't know if you can find a better little folder new for $30!) and the fecas offsider, as well. i use those two knives fairly heavily, and they hold up EXTREMELY well. i predict we'll be seeing a lot more N690 knive in the future... i can't wait to see spyderco's N690 knife, the volpe, make it into production!
i also am quite fond of my BM 921 osborne switchback... partially because it once belonged to a friend, partially because it looks great, and partially because i love having a long, thin wharncliffe style blade in S30V steel!