Benchmade Axis Lock Maintenance and Assembly Tutorial

[@jamesmiller360]

Just received a 940 as gift from my wife, beautiful knife and the wife is a keeper. The knife is very tight and doesn't flick open or drop freely. Think I'll have to send it in for warranty work. Thanks for an informative video. Enjoyed it.

[@Biblicalgiants]

James Miller Just by buy a cheap torx set at Wal-Mart and back the blade screw a quarter to half a turn.

[@SignifiKent]

I've been going nuts trying to get a perfect action on my 940-2... You're video is what gave me the push to go ahead and play with the blade. I ended up taking it down at just the blade and washer level, cleaning everything off, doing a good polish on the washers with some simple toothpaste, then cleaning thoroughly, and reassembling the exact same way. Easier than I thought it would be an even with my crazy standards of blade play it's go no side to side and a free dropping action. Really good stuff.

[@johncrawford8496]

Great video. I just fully cleaned my Griptilian 556, your information was very helpful. I'm a big fan of all your videos. Keep them coming! John

[@matthewsbernier]

And thank you for this! That tip about turning the washers burr-out centered my custom mini-grip PERFECTLY, and it's so silky smooth now. It was near perfection before, but it's perfect now.

[@sekaf4125]

I appreciate the close up photography. I just followed along and Maintainence was a breeze on my Benchmade. When I worked at Boeing we used a product called met-all for polishing aluminum. Worked great on the washers. Really appreciate the how to. Blessings

[@loremipsum450]

My good man. I disassembled it, sand the ring, and reassembled (no lube at hand). It is now SMOOOOOOOTH. Thanks!

[@mghumphrey]

Great "how to" video. You didn't miss a single detail. Thank you!

[@IRoss-mc6ps]

Great stuff, Rob. Love the informational material here. Got several axis lock Benchmade knives, but have yet to work up the courage for a proper cleaning. This was a real help!

[@rnickel101]

Thanks for posting this video. I used your technique on both a 556 Mini Griptilian and 903 Mini Stryker II. Before I started I had both knives adjusted so that they opened and closed easily one handed. However, both seemed to have more side play than I thought they should. I used a 1200 grit diamond stone to polish the washers and, I must say, I was somewhat surprised as to how "unflat" they were when I started. After reassembling both knives they now function very smoothly and have virtually no side play.

[@miamayomeow]

Been watching a lot of these type tutorial and this is the best one I’ve seen. Thank you for the great content!

[@lukeaggie]

Great video. You can use a wooden golf tee as an assembly slave pin. The tee shaft is about 3/16" diameter. Insert both washers and the blade and use a paper clip to get the alignment close, then push the golf tee in from the clip side which should align everything. Pull back the lock and push the tee out with the pivot pin over the tip of the tee.

[@indopleaser]

make of video showing this. sounds helpfull

[@NeilTheKnifeGuy]

Took apart my 710 and 904. The 710 didn't need any polishing and it seems like the burr on the one side of the washers was polished straight from benchmade. The 904 took a little polishing and ended up flipping one of the washers so bolth rounded sides touch the blade. Now it's smoother and without a hint of blade play. Awesome and very helpful video Rob!

[@sputumtube]

Fascinating. Each time you post makes me realise how little I know about my 'hobby'....;)

[@adollerhead]

What you do with knives is beautiful

[@joshuajacob6402]

I really enjoy these videos, Rob. Thank you for the helpful tips and tricks. I always had trouble cleaning my Benchmade knives but this seems to work beautifully.

[@randyparker8009]

Enjoyed brother some very good info. And thank you for sharing. May the blessings of the Lord be upon you all.

[@maggietrethowan9690]

Thanks Rob my ganzo 740 beater was a real mother one spine wack and it would fold like a cheap suit did a little grinding on blade stock and happy to say it's locking up tight as a drum..no need for the white coats to haul me off I know how you feel about the chl com stuff but no worry on your bk adamas 275 review that was my Christmas present what a true gem thanks Mel from the gator country fla

[@brewer956]

You helped me out so much I almost felt like throwing my knife across the room lol

[@ellisgarvin]

Make sure you don't hit the cat.

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

I just got my first 940-1. So excited..

[@TheWalrus0608]

I cut the ends off a qtip and use the cotton rod to push the axis bar back. It's thin/soft enough to let the blade get into the scales deep enough so that you can get the pivot through.

[@blueline5614]

Lots of great info here! Need more of these great tutorials, thanks!

[@normrubio]

Can you do a video on re-centering the blabe?

[@abc456f]

Good technique for reassembling. I did a full disassembly of my 553bk tanto before watching this and did exactly what you said not to. Squeezing the blade and washers together into the frame, try to line it all up, then insert the pivot. I couldn't get the pivot in all the way and was close to making a reservation for a rubber room until I realized to pull down on the axis lock and then the pivot went all the way in. Adjusted the pivot screw with blue loctite so there's no blade play and it's drop smooth. My only issue is that when I first use the knife after having it sit for some time, the first pull on the axis lock is extremely stiff. After that first pull it's smooth. But the next day that first pull down of the axis lock studs is very stiff.

[@ryansargent9447]

Great Tutorial saved my butt a couple of time

[@RonSpilker]

Thanks for the post. I have the newer version of the Triage. The handle is entirely smooth. This is dumb; but, it's how it came. Probably wouldn't have bought it if I had know this. I was thinking of swapping out the newer blade to the older handle. I really didn't know what all I needed to do, other than just start unscrewing things. If I hadn't come across your video, I probably would have taken out every screw on the knife.

[@CapFlipGaming]

Thanks for the video. I was struggling getting the damn washers in there and the pivot back together. My axis lock knife has 2 tiny washers on each side.

[@MonsterBNH]

Awesome video, great job my friend!

[@idhatemet00]

THANK YOU FOR THE RELEASING TENSION / FITTING PIVOT WIZARDRY

[@justinfaith2322]

Great tutorial but you have it backwards about the burs on the washers. The punch hits the top of the sheet and leaves a round edge curving down as it presses the metal slug thro and leave a bur on the bottom.

[@TheApostleP]

Justin Faith Absolutely right. My brain and mouth must have not been on speaking terms that day.

[@easkone]

Would there be anything wrong with lightly sanding / polishing the washers? To get the lip off. Guess I should have watched it for a few more min lol.

[@Cooldibs]

Hey rob do you think I could use the polishing tapes on my edge pro apex to polish the washers?

[@saviour514]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@StrangeSwag]

I took apart my girlfriends mini grip (in front of her) and sandwich assemble and two hours and many pity back rubs later I finally got it! I have to sandwich assemble all my knives because I don't like lube up the side of my blade and handle and it doesn't feel right knowing the washer doesn't have a perfect amount of lube all around 360° of the washer and pivot!

[@MrTIPPY30]

Thanks again i have a 940-1 which i have had to send back to Benchmade twice for axis springs. Have never taken mine apart but have adjusted the pivot wondering out loud is it poss that i ever so slightly have had side to side play that may have made the angle of the blade off to one side when deploying the blade thus over time cause a side torque or uneven wearing of the axis springs. as i have had axis spring fail in a 940-1/north fork/grizzly creek all of which i only adjusted the pivot (prob just over thinking) love to hear your comments.

[@Biblicalgiants]

My 940 blade keeps becoming loose after I tighten the pivot screw. Just like on my spyderco. Must I use locktight? Very good upload!

[@cookie9589]

The point of locktight is so it doesn’t come loose

[@olechuga2]

Sir, do you ever remove the blade to re-sharpen it, to get a better access to it?

[@lee33htzdiscotech]

Hi Rob, Thank you for putting this PSO/Axis Information video together as per my request during our recent conversation. I'm currently watching this in a post operative blur... LoL! I reckon another viewing will be essential. P.S. Any top tips for completing the above process one handed? Just kidding mate. However due to my current situation it's just as well I have such an outstanding wife who never shies away from a challenge, so I'm looking at a three handed procedure...Happy Days! As always, great video brother, speak soon. Lee.

[@Shadowx011]

Would “Simple Green” be good enough for cleaning everything?

[@Henk_Hakvoort]

Nice, well done informative video. Thanks!

[@brainranger181]

Great video. Do you check for side to side blade play with the axis lock pulled back (disengaged)? I've found with my 940 that it will not have blade play when the lock is engaged, but if I disengage the lock and hold the blade tip and check it, there is play. Just wondering how you gauge what is acceptable. Thanks for the videos.

[@sinjon]

Question: I just bought a 486 Saibu that I haven’t had anywhere, and I’ve noticed a grinding feeling when opening the blade slowly. It’s pretty much a free dropper, but I wonder if I don’t need to sand the washers to get rid of the grinding. Should I just leave it alone and hope it’ll take care of itself? I can’t hear anything, just feel it through the blade.

[@lee33htzdiscotech]

Hi Rob, Thank you for putting this Axis Information video together as per my request during our recent conversation. I'm currently watching this in a post operative blur... LoL! I reckon another viewing will required. P.S. Any top tips for completing the above process one handed? Just kidding mate. However due to my current situation it's just as well I have such an outstanding wife who never shies away from a challenge, so I'm looking at a three handed procedure...Happy Days! As always, great video brother, speak soon. Lee. 

[@TheApostleP]

+lee33htzdiscotech Uh Oh! I see a Google Hangout in our future, talking someone's wife through the reassembly of an M4 Stryker on video chat! BTW, picked up your knife yesterday... she's a beauty! Get better, brother!

[@Shadowx011]

When I first cleaned up my balisong…I used Red Loctite. That bolt became welded, lol

[@nitrorc4life1]

Blow out with air before using wet q tip will do a much better job of not causing clumping especially pocket lint.

[@aaronroberts560]

if I ever need this done I know who I'm sending it to.:)

[@Shadowx011]

I Pivot Alignment Tool would make this so much easier.

[@bouser210]

Thanks.

[@cwrowe]

Great video....😀

[@xj53pq7]

I've got a 710, nice knife, but the pivot keeps loosening up and you cant get it to flip well without the blade being really loose in lock up.

[@RonSpilker]

How often would you have to tighten the pivot without locktite?

[@BillyHilly123]

Could you use a1000 grit Arkansas stone to polish the washers?

[@roughroosterknifesharpenin5531]

lee cho no such thing as a 1000 grit Arkansas

[@williams.1130]

would the acetone start removing the black finish on the pivot?? Im guessing thats what came off on the tissue not atually any grime. When someone comes across this comment tell me if im right or wrong

[@MrLotus0303]

Thank you

[@erihor86]

have you ever had an omega spring break?

[@tomn1026]

Glad to see.you didn't snap !!!

[@beau-j5s]

what can you do for light vertical blade play?

[@ejlucas93]

what can I do to keep those crappy little springs from breaking?

[@Jack-gb5ne]

Replace it with a omega spring maybe?

[@reds7vn644]

Some nice guys crack me up to no point of return with their constant need to take Downs apart and do things really are necessary. It's just like if you're going to go out and change the oil in your car your truck you don't remove the engine and disassemble and clean it and then put it back together then put new oil in it and now you just add oil. Same goes for another life take some compressed air blow it out in the toilet it's all in needs to be done. There's a reason why manufacturers void your warranty if you disassemble a knife they don't want you to. No several Custom Knife makers some very well-known and I'll ask them what do you lubricate your knives with and they all say the same thing nothing run them dry that's what bronze washers are for.

[@yamkaw346]

It's just fun to do

[@Phaminator525]

You're comparing a knife to a car which are 2 different things. A car takes way more knowledge than a knife. Idiotic comparison. It's called maintenance. You need to do this if your knife has been put through tough conditions otherwise stuff will build up and the action will be unbearable. I know it's hard to believe but I don't want to wait 2-3 weeks for my knife to ship to Oregon and back just to get it cleaned or fixed. Unless it's a huge issue where it's beyond my capabilities I'll just clean it myself...

[@shepleonard8695]

@@Phaminator525 no actually comparing a knife in a car or identical. They are both mechanical devices apparatuses wherever what you would like to call them. They both have multiple moving parts within one assembly. listen don't tell me about getting stuff in your knife and what not I've dropped knives into concrete while deployed to Afghanistan in Iraq I've had days upon days upon days of very fine dust getting in everything it even got inside the watches we were wearing it was so fine. in all instances where a folding knife was concerned all it took was some compressed air and a couple of drops of oil and everything returned to normal. This includes when the knife was encased in concrete. People take knives apart because they want to not because they need to period And when you're talking about a bronze phosphor pivot actually no oil at all or any lubrication is needed that's the point of having bronze phosphor washers. I've talked to many many many Custom knife makers and I asked them what do you put on yours and they say nothing the ones that I carry I run dry. Shane Seibert went so far as to tell me he doesn't run any lubrication on his bearings in his custom knives period when I asked him well how come you don't use ceramic bearings and he said it doesn't make a difference whether the ceramic or stainless it doesn't matter in a knife because there's no amount of friction or heat that's going to be built up that we require a change in either. Which is why he runs no lubrication. you see lubrication is only required when there is heat generated that's why you put oil in an engine that's why you put lubrication on moving parts is to reduce heat when you open and close a knife I don't care if you do it a hundred times in a row as fast as humanly possible you're never going to generate enough heat to require a lubricant. Do what you want to do but just note all I'm saying is it's completely 100% unnecessary.

[@Phaminator525]

@@shepleonard8695 so sand and dust is the only thing that could mess up a knife ? Ever thought of water? Salt water? You definitely need to open your knife and clean it if you dropped it in salt water. And no phosphorus bronze do not run smooth if you don't oil them after a while. They still work yes, but they're not smooth. And no a car would not be a good comparison because it takes a level of expertise to take apart the engine. You dont need to be a blades Smith to take apart a benchmade 940. Sharpening and making a knife is a different story but maintenance can be done by ANYONE. It's like cleaning your gun. Will it still shoot if you dont? Some guns yes, but it wont be good in the long run if you dont properly maintain the tools you use. I'm not gonna call sig whenever I want my pistol cleaned. Same with a knife.

[@shepleonard8695]

@@Phaminator525 I live at the beach. I surf and fish weekly. I've never had a knife rust ever. Why? Because I rinse them off with soap and water and I dry them. in 48 years of my life I have never once had to take a knife apart for any reason. You have to go back before the 1980s and look at the folding knife for the most part they were all slip joints or lockbacks. You couldn't take these knives apart we're talking about Buck, Case and Böker. Yet you have knives from these companies that are 50 80 100 years old and still usable today yet they cannot be taken apart. So again I will close with there is no need whatsoever to take any knife apart. as for bronze Foster washers yes they do run smooth the longer you run them smooth the smoother they will become. I have a three sisters forge beast that will drop shut just as easily as a Norseman. what you fail to understand is by cleaning a knife and lubricating it you're inviting in debris to get hung and stuck on that lubricant which will cause things to Gunk up which will cause the knife to not be a smooth and will actually cause the material to start to break down because of the abrasiveness of this concoction. But if you run your knobs dry they don't collect debris and what little bit they do or can can easily be blown out. That ooh and ah super smooth sensation you get right after you take apart a knife and clean it and then lubricate it the moment you stick it in your pocket it begins to breakdown and start collecting debris.

[@markyarger8783]

I appreciate your time and effort in making this video. Doesn't benchmade offer free lifetime maint. I used their new hunt series axis lock to clean a deer and man is it gunked up now. can't I just send it in to BM for cleaning?

[@TheApostleP]

+Mark Yarger I suppose you could, but I like to call their lifetime sharpening service "Lifedull." LOL! They can't sharpen well, either on the production line or in their Lifesharp department.

[@mostlysaneredneck1228]

How often do you do this to the 940

[@TheApostleP]

Dakota Greenwood Every few years. Once you get it tuned up properly, and that pivot Loctited, it pretty much stays where you put it.

[@jmn-5554]

Does this mess with the warranty

[@TheApostleP]

Not if you don’t screw it up 😉

[@joeykimball5705]

great video. i just received a 940 and was wondering how i could send it to you for a spa treatment as well as a sharpening. i think the edge could be much sharper on a near 200 dollar knife. i love it though. i did get a lot of dust and dirt into it at work today and the axis lock feels gritty. sometimes is difficult to pull the axis lock down to close.

[@garyparker2631]

Would you swap my hardware and scales on my 940Bk-2004 sir. I world really appreciate it

[@matthewsbernier]

How on earth did you get that thumbstud off? I've destroyed 3 screwdrivers trying. It cuts right through them.

[@TheApostleP]

They're just a T6 Torx head. Most of the time you can do it with one. When it cracks loose you don't need another one on he other side. I've never had one be very stubborn at all.

[@matthewsbernier]

+TheApostleP On my knife, it's not quite a regular T6. The shape the torx interlocks with doesn't go all the way down the hole. Instead, it forms a torx hole shaped blade, and it cuts right through the metal of the torx heads. Excepting my really nice Craftsman torx driver, but the amount of force I'm applying without it budging is scary, and anymore will definitely cut that head too. I can already see where the metal started bending.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

+toadstkr I was about to say it too, as a guess, that it may well be lock tight, and your right toad, most torx drivers are indeed cheap, and they do break in many situations. I heard Craftsman tools are now made in China. I can't say I know for sure if that's true, but I've heard it from several sources. ??????

[@matthewsbernier]

+toadstkr Thanks very much for the spot-heating heat advice! I see upon some research that that's the way to do it. I'll have to get ahold of a soldering iron somehow. The driver that's survived, the craftsman, is USA made, the nicest driver I could find in the nearest three hardware stores. It bent a little, but it started to twist like a spiral, rather than cut or snap.

[@matthewsbernier]

+Howabouthetruth Some are, some aren't. Kinda like Red Wing boots, you have to put a bit of research into buying them now. My particular one is made in the USA.

[@jojojeep1]

Bob I get my 940 - one next Friday do you have any room in your work future to take my blade in for one of your beautiful edges, just take it and do your thing, comment me back thank you

[@warreningreborn6517]

How long do you wait to flick you knives after applying locktight.

[@Henk_Hakvoort]

+TheYoungSheepdog Regular Loctie 222 needs 2 hours to sit, before you go ahead flicking and flipering.

[@2873lonewolf]

And now ladies and gentlemen, you learn that you no longer have a "burr side" of washer to not put toward blade. Even smarter is to put washer "burr side" at 45 degree angle to sand paper, before polishing washers, and spin it a few times, walla no more sided washers. You will also find, after doing this procedure a few times, you can no longer get rid of blade play or centering issues, because you will have removed too much from washers...TA DAAA

[@sarachen1457]

What happened to thumbstud?

[@AdamasOldblade]

I've literally NEVER had an easy time ever putting a Benchmade back together... I accidentally destroyed my Boost trying to once, threw that away because it was unfixable. Recently took apart my Crooked River and that thing WOULD NOT go back together. No matter how many videos I copied exactly, that pivot would NOT go back in. Ended up getting so angry at it that I threw it and it started coming apart, threw it in the trash. Waste of money for me of course, but it's like... why is this so difficult?! I did fully disassemble my Freek and it was painful to get back together but I DID do it, that Crooked River had to have something wrong with it the moment I took it apart because the only answer I could've seen by that point was bagging up all the parts and waiting 2 months for Benchmade to reassemble it.

[@axtra92]

Whats your job?

[@roughroosterknifesharpenin5531]

Yeah let's sand the washers down and create blade play.

[@tekhen-px9wl]

I tried doing this without watching any videos. Men in white coats indeed! Washers on blade prior to pin is futile!

[@delav83]

What knife is that?

[@nathan_navaja]

delav83 The 940 Osborne.

[@roughroosterknifesharpenin5531]

This is your spa treatment you charge so much for? Wow

[@loneflwolf]

Any one notice drip or me just crazy

[@connoreby4468]

We’re are the thumb studs