How To: Fix Griptilian Blade Play

This may or may not work for you. Hopefully it does, but I cannot guarantee that it will. Maybe someone out there will get some benefit from this!

[@JC-km2io]

Up until I saw your video, I always assumed the blade play was due to a loose pivot. I've always been adjusting the pivot to fix the blade play. Thank you for bringing me out of my ignorance.

[@MrLaklander]

WOW! Worked perfectly on my 550! I didn't realize the difference until I watched this video. Just couldn't get all the blade play out. Before adjustment, it was 4.2 mm at the top and 4.0 mm at the bottom. After I performed "the adjustment", it was a uniform 4.1 mm top and bottom! Thank you so much for the enlightenment!

[@TorstenStett]

I was going friggin' crazy with my Benchmade Adamas. It had just a barely perceptible side-to-side wobble. I watched this video, took a really close look at the knife and saw that the pivot screw didn't look as sunk in as the others holding the scale down. Sure enough it needed to be tightened and now it's rock solid. Didn't even have to mess with the pivot. Thanks.

[@jaceschindler5727]

This fixed the blade play on my full sized Benchmade Barrage M390. Thanks for sharing! I'm big fan of your other vids too.

[@Nastiex]

Glad to see you back bro. Hope I can make it to Blade this year. Keep em comin man

[@CTKTMRIDER]

That Norseman is looking good. Mine should be ready in a few weeks. I ordered the same colors and scales as the one you own. Should be stellar with all the upgrades and new mods John added!

[@pyaoliang]

Benchmade M4 is some of the best steel I've ever used. Good stuff John.

[@OneT1188]

Great informative video! My griptilian had some slight play, It was hitting off of the inner walls when closed. Upon inspection it was the pin that wasn't fully seated. I assume it probably happened after some routine maintenance. Everything is now nice and solid while still smooth. Thanks again.

[@burkeleystinson9438]

Tried this with my grip 551-1 and while I didn’t hear an audible click, when I loosened the pivot, it had significantly less blade play. I can just barely seek out a hint of side to side with the knife set to free fall and it’s not even enough to really notice unless you pay close attention. Thanks!!

[@bt465]

Hi thanks for the video. What kind of modifications would I have to do to a paramilitary 2 to make it cut as good?

[@brenmasl6519]

I can't thank you enuff! I recently got a 940 after years of lusting over it. Was kinda disappointed with it to be honest with ya. Blade entering was ok but not perfect, and loads of blade play. i tightened the pivot to get rid of the blade play but the action was akin to a fixed blade. Now i come across this video, and i notice there is a gap in my blade stop stud. i tighten it down... nothing, pad it and squeeze with pliers... nothing, gently tap it with a rubber mallet... nothing. I tore the knife down to bare bones, and what do ya know? there was a tiny, tiny, tiny machining chip not even the size of a grain of sand stuck between the liner and the stud. I removed the chip, slapped that bad boy back together and now that 940 is everything i was hoping for and then some. no blade play, excellent centering, and a smooth action. again i can't thank you enuff!!

[@joeatkinson6237]

Just gave this a try and all my side to side blade play is gone and nearly gone in the up and down. Thanks for the vid!

[@brian11344]

Glad to see ur back

[@JustAnotherDayToday]

Excellent vid sir-thank you!

[@mrbluenun]

Hi jdavis882, A really great you chose to check what you did before and after so the knife had no play. It is this which sets you out as really caring and passing it on to other members is going to stop the annoyance this problems causes, thank you. Of course that is thank you from me whom does not own one of these, but you know I would like one if you are selling

[@NewToKnives]

Good to hear, you have a lot of really good videos from before it will be nice to see some new content.

[@mitchwells4990]

I got a Benchmade grizzly ridge it's my EDC I absolutely love it but as of yesterday it's got a ton of blade play up and down not side to side I have taken it apart I've cleaned it I've tightened all the screws I've oiled it nothing works I cannot figure out why the access lock is letting this happen

[@Cooldibs]

My benchmade 940 has this problem, any suggestions?

[@ReaIDeaI1]

My benchmade 940 Osborne I just bought has bad blade play side to side. When it's closed the blade will smack against both sides of the scales.

[@Cooldibs]

yzfBrandon mine does the exact same thing!

[@beefcurtainz69]

It’s hitting BOTH sides of the scales!?! Not just one side from being off center? Wow never saw that.

[@jackd96jackd96]

Works on the Triage, thank you so much, this made my day

[@pietermoore]

Great video JD!!!

[@SnwBrdFrvr]

Got any tips on getting the blade centered? I just got a new m390 mini Ritter and the blade is rubbing or almost rubbing the left scale. I have a regular mini grip and that one is perfectly centered. I tried loosening the screws and tweaking it while tightening it. I will probably have to send it back but if I could fix it myself that would be great

[@trentwright3072]

Hey I have a question what's is the better blade the spyderco paramilitary 2 or the manix 2

[@IndianaJoe0321]

Just tried this method on my Ritter Grip and there's no more blade play! Thank you for sharing this -- I was really at a loss as to what to do next. Was ready to throw in the towel & try the warranty service. Now I don't have to!

[@jdavis882]

IndianaJoe0321 oh good! Glad it worked.

[@PittRules55]

Do you think doing this will help eliminate the small amount of up and down movement I have in my 520 presidio?

[@andregross7420]

Your back!!! You gonna stay this time? haha Glad to have you back!

[@free2game]

Does Benchmade's black coating induce drag in cutting very much? I can't stand DLC coated knives because of how much drag that rough coating causes. iirc it's Cerakote which I don't think would be as rough. Also does your stop pin still rotate fairly freely? It seems like you could get vertical play if it doesn't move around since it would be slamming into the same spot on the stop pin and wearing it excessively.

[@IntelDrone]

Do you know if this works with para2's? I have one with a cranked all the way down pivot pin with minor blade play but super smooth open/close. Great to see you making videos again.

[@jdavis882]

On that style of knife I'm not sure how to replicate this effect. I can think on it for a while and maybe come up with something though.

[@cookiesinmynose69]

Whats the blue knife in the background?

[@meuberepic]

how hard did you need to crank the pivot screw? because i dont want to bust my pivot screw...

[@SnwBrdFrvr]

Do you have any experience with striders s35vn? Just ordered a strider pt cc in it but was having a hard time deciding between that and s30v. Already had a sebenza and a manix 2 in s30 so I wanted to try the 35. Hope I'm happy with it

[@afreer84]

Do you think this applies to all benchmarks? I have a rift that either has blade play or the blade won't rotate, can't find a happy medium.

[@MyChuck11]

does the 154cm grip cut as good as your m4 grip? and will it (154cm) cut better then a para2?

[@rapdog90]

awesome, ive had this problem for a while and have stopped carrying my grip because it was rubbing. im gonna go try this out now.

[@edged_mindset]

Is that a CTS-XHP Strider SnG I see?

[@nupersoob]

Awesome video man!

[@nycmaverick]

It worked. I didn't hear a pop but this seemed to tighten up the slop.

[@spikekrossa]

That is what also causes the rattle when closed on some Grips. Mine rattles when closed, but there is no rattle when open because there is pressure against the stop pin and roller. Thanks for the tip.

[@jdavis882]

I'm here to stay. I could never leave this community!

[@vermin33]

Take apart the knife completely. High polish pivot, washers, blade portion that contacts axis lock and the axis lock pin. Carefully reassemble add lube to pivot don't overtighten screws. Takes a little practice

[@LRJ88]

If you've got somewhat strong fingers you can remove the male part of the pivot screw and simply squeeze the sides together. It works on the minigrip, given the larger dimensions of the full-sized griptilian it should be easier to get enough space to press on too. Otherwise you'll have to disassemble the knife and compress the liners when they're "naked".

[@frank123612]

what about up and down play?

[@tobyr5627]

I’m trying it for my mini grip. But it isn’t working

[@vermin33]

That is why I choose the Barrage over the Griptilian. The Barrage has screws to tighten for blade stop and adjustment. Plus if you don't like spring assist just remove the spring.

[@Brockvegas12345]

Nice to see videos ---- hope you're well

[@mrbluenun]

Hi jdavis882 and roundabout136, I am not really the one to be giving advice as I own no knives like the one you speak of, but if it is the same construction as the sample Jdavis882 shows and you still cannot get it to 'pop' and lock or fit properly try this. Quite simply use the finest grade usually used 'sand-paper', and rub the edges if you are able to feel any slight sharpness, and or rub the end of the knife then the edges starting on 2400/3000

[@mrbluenun]

grade grip if the sharpness felt is just too large (though minus) to grind away. In the UK we call any paper such as that used to do this as "Wet-and-Dry", and it is something I know about because I rubbed more than half my dads car down from the original shade of green to bare metal before priming and repainting. The difference is that I used it 'wet' in plain water and sometimes in soapy water. It allows the paper to last very much longer than otherwise. Take care. mrbluenun

[@Burner2608]

Hey, how do I stop my grip from opening at a flick of the wrist? Stupid I know but that's NYC law.

[@Sneakydecoy]

Interesting. I was wondering why i have so much blade play in my Benchmade Triage. There is a 0,2mm difference in thickness between the liners over and under the pivot.. I can see light under the edge on the stop pin, but even clamping it fairly hard in a vice does not set it. Maybe it's something else. I did improve it slightly by clamping it in other places around the pivot. Maybe the liners are bent a little. And I wonder if washers used in knives are always made 100% flat.

[@magnadawg1]

Ever use the KME knife sharpener?

[@nycmaverick]

I just swapped my scales out. Now I have a little play when the blade is closed and deployed .

[@Olumin37]

"Blade not centred, it’s a 100 Dollar knife, so it’s no problem" Incredible what companies get away with these days. Especially Benchmade. Quality control issues for years now, everyone gives them a pass. NO, this is not OK and a big problem. Blade centering is "no problem" on a 20 Dollar knife mate. Had 3 Benchmades, a 940-1 und 2 Grips. ALL had major blade play issues. This is a issue across all Axis lock knifes. MAJOR Problem! Not addressed by Benchmade until you send it back in. Ugly!

[@jdavis882]

I actually agree with you. Blade centering is something that should just be a given on anything 75+.

[@mitchwells4990]

It did get most of the play out of the blade and I appreciate the help I think it's about time for me to upgrade I'm a knife fanatic and as much as I love Benchmade I would like to get something Superior I would put my cap at $300 you need suggestions

[@jdavis882]

Lemme think on that for a bit. If you asked 5 years ago I’d know an answer right away. Haha

[@chipdouglas35]

Thanks for sharing.

[@kjj3rd272]

When I tighten the pivot it gets rid of my blade play but after opening the knife about 30-40 times the play comes back, would this fix the issue or is this vid only for knives that have play no matter what?

[@jdavis882]

You need to use loctite on the pivot screw. Your pivot screw is loosening up which is why the play comes back. Put some thread locker on the pivot screw and adjust it to your liking, then let the knife sit for about 6 hours, to allow the thread locker to cure. Now your knife won’t loosen up like that.

[@roundabout136]

The stop pin is basically the same as the other stand offs. Threaded on both sides with torx screws. I didn't really see a gap but tried it anyway.

[@jackd96jackd96]

Do you think this would work on other Benchmades? I have a 916 Triage, 940 Osborne and a 527 mini Praesidio, all with side/side blade play (each pivot is loose enough for the blade to swing freely, not too loose).

[@ethanmenoni918]

Did it work on the 940

[@jdavis882]

Thanks man. How ya been?

[@IntelDrone]

favorite knife pivot lube?

[@D00MTR33]

I feel lucky, my 550hg grip came solid as a rock a its sooo smooth. I disengage the axis lock and it drops straight down. I havent lubed it yet and its grear already, cant wait to see how smooth it will get with some tufglide. The blade is a lil of like yours but its doesnt rub at all so it ok, it does bug me a lil cuz for me this was a somewhat expensive knife but what are yiu ganna do. Great video as always.

[@canadianknifeExpert]

9 Striders now? WOW! you should do a collection update if you can/want since you haven't been around the last little while. Keep Posting Cya ;)

[@903lew]

People slam the 550-series due to the scales which I guess is fair enough. No one can argue against the cutting capability of the knives though, some real quality blades when done right.

[@jdavis882]

Yep, I am. Can't wait to get back at it. :)

[@LRJ88]

The stop pin is a solid part, made in a lathe.

[@jackd96jackd96]

Omg, I just tried it on my 940, no blade play! Thanks!!!!

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

I think Benchmade should know about what you found. Good Job.

[@jdavis882]

Awesome!!!

[@trickmiggy310]

if a mini griptilian isnt so smooth how would i make it smoth

[@jdavis882]

@whatfor5 I've done that before, and I still get heat from it. So now I just present facts and the doubters can check for themselves. :)

[@kpw528]

Might just be my luck, but my 551BKOD didn't (and still doesn't, had it since Christmas. I know, not that long) have any blade play at all.

[@oinnsheathen5684]

I have a Para 2 in S110V steel and a Grip in 20CV and I love them both but I’m already looking into a second Grip.

[@jdavis882]

They are awesome, no nonsense using knives. Still one of my all time favorites. Especially now that you can get them in M4 steel from Benchmade at any time. I also love that Benchmade will replace blades. I just got a replacement blade on a 940 of mine and it couldn’t have been better. They did an excellent job.

[@oinnsheathen5684]

Jdavis882 - Knife Sharpening and Reviews I surprisingly picked up a leek tonight at Wal-Mart and am in love and now thinking on a higher end version from Blade HQ.

[@jdavis882]

Odin’s Heathen they are nice knives! There’s a copper leak with cpm154 that just came out.

[@oinnsheathen5684]

Jdavis882 - Knife Sharpening and Reviews 😳

[@oinnsheathen5684]

Jdavis882 - Knife Sharpening and Reviews my next is the ZT0452

[@ogenmatic]

Have not seen this anomaly with the 4-5 dozen Grips & Minis I’ve owned. Could be because I take them apart as soon as I get them to polish all the pivot surfaces & put a real edge on the steel. Still have about a dozen Grips & two Minis. Great knives that are fun to modify/personalize & just generally fiddle with.

[@knifeboy3]

what happened to your regular videos?

[@brockly4443]

Great video. I agree with you, 551 performs better than any comparable Spyderco folder, better cutting and half decent for bushcraft when in a pinch. Plus Spyders are just plain ugly!

[@meuberepic]

YAAAYYYY VIDEOS

[@bigboss1990]

Miss you brother :)

[@theedcguy6568]

By the way another way of eliminating lock stick is simply just disassembling the knife and seating the stop pin then you can just reassemble a knife in it should be gone

[@jdavis882]

@rory watson no, the griptilian is flat ground. It out cuts the para 2 because it is ground thinner.

[@trickmiggy310]

thanks

[@jdavis882]

let me know!

[@NewToKnives]

You gonna start posting videos regularly again? I sure hope so.

[@aray9628]

I need your help brother! I got up and down play on my Benchmade Super Freek please tell me you have some kind of fix for this 🙏.... Thanks no matter what I wish u still made videos but thank you for all the information you did put out for us 👊

[@jdavis882]

Super freak is axis lock right? Let me take a look at one and I will get back to you. I’m going to start making videos again soon.

[@aray9628]

jdavis882 Yes it’s an axis lock 👍 thanks. Can’t wait to see some new videos 👊

[@jackd96jackd96]

Works on the Praesidio

[@jdavis882]

@xiuxiu1313 yes it is. Love it!

[@roundabout136]

Please do a video like this for the paramilitary 2!

[@MrWeedpeet]

yep, you are right, its called saber grind, what I meant is, the grind towards the edge is flat. not full flat grind indeed. :)

[@TautologyTechSystems]

"Good use"? Looks like it has cut some paper and sat in a drawer.

[@wahoowahoo777]

Yeah I really don't cut anything with my knives, I need to be able to drive over it with my car.

[@jdavis882]

Don't put all your weight into it, but definitely torque it down pretty good.

[@_mattheweng]

i still have blade play in mine after trying this multiple times :(

[@eugene4439]

Didn't work for me, but the problem is the same. It's a shame that ganzo g704 works better than benchmade 551.

[@nmtoolsandgadgets4963]

What about slight up and down play? Is there any fix for that

[@rexliznelson1]

no the Griptilian is a saber grind. i do apologize for my mistake but it is by no means a full flat ground!

[@knifeboy3]

it is VERY hard to break a pivot screw

[@supra88gte]

love my para 2. Everyday I wish it was a grip... :[

[@roundabout136]

Tried it to the 300sn with no luck.

[@rexliznelson1]

it only out cuts the para 2 because of the hologround. consider the strength you are loosing!

[@Prometheus1111]

i miss my griptillian

[@dustinnop]

was so happy to go do this fix but my T-6 bit is broke -_- i will get a new bit set and tell yall how it goes

[@IISwitchLazerFlipII]

whats up man fairly new subscriber here, maybe you've already done this but i would love to see a video of your knife collection. @jdavis882 keep up the good work, love your videos. Tommy C