Benchmade CS & knives

[K-T]

Did anybody have hand on experience with Benchmade customer service? How are they?

Also how good is the Axis lock mechanism? Does it fail? How though is it?

Some BM knives have wood scales on their side. How sensitive are these towards scratches and nicks? How will the knive look like after one year of wear?
TIA,

K-T

 

[bigcozy]

My dealings and everything I have read on Benchmade service has been excellent. I am the only one around here that doesn't like the Axis lock. They are OK on the bigger knives, but my 705 would let the blade creep out just a little. When I reach into the pocket for the knife, I catch just enough tip to cut myself. Also makes a small knife thick and heavy. There is very little tension to hold the blade in when shut, so dropping the knife will often end up in a open blade. That is just my experience, these are obviously well made and very poplular knives. I have owned: 941, 705, 806D2, 710.

 

[K-T]

Thanks for your experiences on these knives. I have handled a Benchmade Axislock this weekend and was positive surprised about the smooth action and wonderful overall finish. I didn't think about that self cutting issue though.

The model I am kind of interested in is the soon-to-come 733 with 1/3 carbon and 2/3 red rosewood handle and a wonderful S30V blade. In my opinion a very tasteful combination.

 

[flownosaj]

I've been wanting an Osbourne 942 (midsize in my opinion) for over a year and finally bought one a few weeks ago. All I can say is that the Axis lock is near perfect in my model. Tight lockup, and I have never (yet) had the blade creep out to get my hand when I drew it.

It's simple to operate and I like it so much more than a liner lock or the plunge-lock on my MOD mkII. I see no way this lock could fail any sooner than a liner lock. One salesman bravely/stupidly showed my how strong it was by taking his own, blade up on the counter and pushed his near full body weight down on it. It held... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ohgeez.gif

As far as wood, i dunno... Mine is aluminum and titanium (gotta thing for Ti, see buy/sell), very lightweight and slim but just enough to fill the hand. Best carry knife I've had so far.

-Jason

 

[draftaman]

I've got a 710 and a 551 griptillian with the axis lock and absolutely love this style of lock. I've never had it fail on me in any way and am suprised how consistantly smooth they are. the 551 is brand new but the 710 is older and has had HARD use and seems to be getting slicker with age.
This lock type is fast becomming my favorite out there.
HTH
Andrew

 

[Unicorn]

The Axis lock is awesome. I've had my 710 since they were first released. It's been through mud, rain, saltwater, sand/dust, and I've had no problems with it. McHenry and Williams mentioned that during testing they broke blade before the lock failed.

I haven't had to use them, but from what I hear, BM's Customer Service is fantastic.