My Problem With Benchmade Knives - Griptilian Comparison

This is my second take on my most recent Benchmade quality control experience. I wanted to remake the video and put some positives in there, not just the negatives. Negatives and thoughts on all of that, plus the positives and good stuff with the Pink Mini Grip. Thanks for watching!

[@kuanlee6294]

You can't blame him for having a bad experience just because you happen to have good luck with Benchmade. The Benchmades I've gotten have been great but that doesn't mean his accounts aren't valid.

[@JustIn-op6oy]

It's astounding how many people don't realize that the statements "I have had problems with Benchmade folders" and "John Smith has had no problems with Benchmade folders" are not mutually exclusive.

[@TheFiendRacer]

Benchmade is my favorite company. So far all the knives I’ve bought were very nice.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

I’m seeing some MUCH better quality control recently. Looking forward to checking out some recent models.

[@MrTJohnston]

I have bought 3 benchmade knives this year. The mini grip, bugout, and a 940. All of them are excellent knives. No issues

[@MrTJohnston]

My 940 doesn’t have issues.

[@pole_barn_builder]

@Richard Davis Mabey yours does!

[@pole_barn_builder]

@Richard Davis Lmao! Ok, thanks for the correction!! But it would be "Maybe" not " Maybe" dip shit!

[@bpeberhard]

@Richard Davis my 940 also has no issurs

[@bpeberhard]

Issues

[@ee222]

i bought my griptilian about 1 yr before you posted this. mine was also the full size just like the one you showed w/the 20cv only mine has the thumb studs which i prefer over the hole. like yours, when i opened the package, the blade was not centered in the closed position. unlike yours, it came very sharp with no play and i haven't had to sharpen it. i just strop it now and then. because of the blade being off-centered, i called benchmade and sent it back within days of receiving it in the mail from the vendor, i was only left without it for about 10 days (give or take a day or 2), if i remember right. not trying to justify the 6wk down time, but i think that they were just giving you a kind of worst case scenario to cover themselves. i actually love this knife and am very glad i bought it.

[@silencesir1987]

I took a chance on the mini adamas a few weeks ago after years of feeling the same way about BM QC or lack thereof due to a couple of poorly finished mini grips I bought about 7 years ago. The mini adamas I received is flawless and couldnt be happier with it. I will say however that I am a spyderco guy through and through. Great videos by the way, awesome analysis and delivery.

[@anything_knife_related5647]

I got a blue mini griptilian like two years ago for Christmas for my wife and it came perfect. I own quite a few benchmades but never had any that where that bad. Blade centering is really the worst I've gotten. Great video

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Hey man that’s good luck for you! I’m glad people with positive experiences are taking the time to comment. It really shows the other side of the coin well! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@addictedtodiecast5170]

I bought a griptillian and a 300sn flipper last month and both were excellent out of the box....I fill lucky after seeing several reviews like yourself!

[@jimmymiller592]

just got the 551bk-1 and was pleasantly surprised at how well centered blade is. Everything is pleasing. Got a 940 as well. Had it for years and pleased. Sorry to hear that they are inconsistent.

[@Goodman-4525]

Which knife company's got better QC in your opinion? Looking to get a first knife

[@berzoidberg3272]

Do you still have the large griptillian in this video? I would love to buy it off of you to examine and fiddle about with its issues.

[@Bboykidcombo]

I love benchmade Nice to see both sides of the coins Thank you I just subbed 👑👑 🤠🐶 🙏🙏

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Thanks for the sub! The likes for this video really show how divided everyone is on Benchmade. I find it very interesting . Rock on!

[@mrsw916]

Definitely late to this video, but I recently purchased a mini grip for about 70. Have been struggling to get blade play out and centering fixed. Glad to see I'm not the only one

[@stanzaschulz4339]

how the hell did you find a benchmade for $70 ? Hypnosis? Voodoo? teach me your ways. Im out pretty much 200 bucks for a mini grip

[@mrsw916]

@@stanzaschulz4339 My local Bass pro shop had the D2 coyote brown variant on sale. I guess it was a couple years ago now

[@bentonleach6730]

Just ordered a 555-1. Hopefully I get a good one. It’s sucks having to worry about that.

[@jacobokubo7726]

Where did you but it from? There is some text missing under the makers mark. Maybe a FAKE there are a lot on ebay and dhgate

[@mjnz]

Very fair review. I just bought a 550 in S30v and it's all good except not sharp at all like yours. I can literally tap it into my hand without a mark. Years later and still QC issues. But I can't help it... otherwise I love these

[@fendushi]

My mini grip has centering issue, almost the same issue as yours. My 940 will not perfectly center as well.

[@benperea8483]

I bought the exact knife online and the release spring gets seriously stuck about every 3rd opening! You are right...2 other models are perfect...so annoying that every knife doesn't undergo better inspection before leaving the factory! Good video!

[@Nothingtoya]

Thank you. I know this is 4 years old but I was talking myself into buying my first Benchmade and this video helped me understand why I'm not going to give my money to that company.

[@seanguenette6972]

Deja vu! I actually purchased these two exact knives recently, the full sized sheepsfoot grip for myself, and pink sheepsfoot mini for my lady before coming across this video, and I had a very similar first impression. The full sized grip was totally dull, and had very bad centering. It also had that incredibly fine line between pivot tightness but with a little de-burring and alignments to the internals it’s actually much better and has no play, although the centering is just ever so slightly off no matter what. I truly think its a manufacturing error But the mini grip was ridiculously sharp right away, and had “meh” centering at first but was quickly fixable. Its a shame that Benchmade has these quality issues because although I love the three I own now, they all required an overhaul immediately after opening the box, and many people will be disappointed when they’re not experienced enough to manually fix the problem, or aren’t willing to risk a voiding warranty just to have a properly working knife.

[@seanguenette6972]

Richard Davis Fair enough, and you shouldn’t have to either. I’m fine with doing a little bit of de-burring, polishing up parts to make them a little smoother and more attractive just because its fun from a hobbyist perspective, but it really sucks when you buy something thats supposed to be perfect out of the box, and it requires modification just to make it work as advertised. I’ve actually done quite a bit more modifications to that g-10 griptilian over the past few weeks and got it to work a bit better, but after some proper measurements, I’ve found that internal steel frame was actually manufactured slightly off tolerance, which means it will never be perfectly aligned. Its a minor issue overall, but still bothers me considering its not a cheap product and Benchmade will probably not honor a warranty for a knife thats been “tampered” with.

[@SHADOW-ke6xz]

The only issues I've had with Benchmade is the centering and I like my blades centered so I get it, still love me some bechmade though.

[@MetalsForBrunch]

Where was this purchased from? It might of been returned used in the store. I also bought my first benchmade and itcomes slightly off centered as well but not dull out of the box. The heat treat on that 20cv is probably the issue. I always prefer m390 over 20cv.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

MetalsForBrunch benchmade was actually the seller!

[@TheBigToe69]

I don’t see many production knife companies using m390 regularly and actually getting the heat treat right. Hrc on m390 should be between 60-62 and yet almost every company is being tested at 58-60. That’s too soft and affects the cutting performance big time. I’ve only seen a couple Spyderco sprint runs and custom knife makers actually hit the correct heat treat numbers for m390. If it isn’t atleast a 61hrc, I’d just as well have s30vn or cts xhp or better yet, Cruwear.

[@BenKurth]

The next time your willing to give Benchmade another shot... I recommend checking out the 535 Bugout. Just recently picked up one from a random vender on Amazon. Very impressed. Perfect blade centering. Razor sharp grind. Absolutely zero blade play in any direction. After a few dozen flicks it now drops closed with hardly any effort at all. No complaints whatsoever. Might be one of the best in their entire lineup. As a point of reference I own 8 Spyderco, a ZT 0450g10, the Kershaw dividend in m390 a couple of CRKTs and 4 other Benchmade Knives. Never a problem with any knife. Guess I’ve been fortunate. Nevertheless I highly recommend the Bugout if you get a round it. Take care. Thanks for sharing.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Ben Kurth I’ve been looking at the bugout here and there and while I’m sure it’s a fine knife I’ll probably just be sticking to Spyderco unless Benchmade really drops something amazing . I would take a bugout if I could find one on sale to try tho I will say that! The size looks great as well as the blade profile. Thanks for watching!

[@BaconBeast11]

I got a bugout and the grind was really bad. It looks like the sharpener just messed up the tip so bad that it was ground at a completely different angle at the tip on one side than the rest of the knife. It took a couple hours to finally sharpen it out. I did get a custom mini grip and it was flawless. I think they pay special attention to the custom ordered knives.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Yeah I bet they pay attention to the customs more for sure. Bad grinds seems to be the most common problem I see on benchmades along with centering. To me, the grind is the most important part. It is a knife after all lol. Thanks for watching and the comment

[@3blackguitars995]

In 2020 I just received a mini griptilian with the G10 scales and the upgraded steel. It's perfect

[@allelopathetic]

I have to agree. I got 20CV mini grip but the blade centering was a little off.

[@owwillis]

Nothing but good luck with my Griptillian, Barrage, and Bugout. All purchased in June 2020.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

I’m seeing much better stuff from them recently it seems. Looking forward to checking a few models out again soon.

[@Belovoj]

I bought a 940-2 a month ago as my first Benchmade and the quality was flawless. No blade play, yet flicking easily, perfect blade centering, razor sharp (shaving). And I bought it over the internet without having a chance to see it before the buy.

[@johnpaulvalentine8990]

I have about a dozen different benchmades and a couple have came out of the box with a sub-par edge. But on the action and the centering, I must have lucked out.

[@AndysVideoLog]

Interesting, I've purchased over 10 benchmades and all of them are perfect. I definitely agree that the mini griptilian feeling better than the full size. The full size grip feels cheap when you close it. Yeah if I had your experience I would totally put off. My 940-1501 with 20cv did have a little mishap, the pivot screw kept backing out, but nothing a little blue thread lock couldn't fix.

[@generaldestruction3084]

I’ve purchased 4 in the last month oct-nov 18 yellow mini grip g10 20cv mini grip mini barrage and full-size barrage g10 s30v all have come lining up perfect and sharp the 20cv wasent as sharp as the others but not bad. Mine were purchased in a large dealer near me.

[@MrTomkat030]

But the store you bought from did they give you the display or a brand new untouched unopened box? Either way wow bro that sucks bro I’m sorry for that.

[@adamgibby5701]

Customer service for me is a deciding factor when I choose a knife.A company you buy a product from should go out of their way to make sure you get what you pay for.Thanks for the great video.Maybe they will see this and improve .

[@k9teamzagrebskolazapse149]

Best castumer service I live in EU and o need omega springs they send me every thing I didn't call them one mail and shipping in 48 aures.

[@FarmerTed]

I’ve bought several benchmade and all have been great! The best knife I’ve ever owned was a afck benchmade!

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

I added Wilkins G11 'Swimming Pool Green' scales to my BMG to make it less Fisher Pricey. Blade centering is spot on, feels way more substantial.

[@matsherwood6277]

I have 6 benchmades. I've been pretty happy with all of them. Not all have been 100% perfect I suppose but all have been pretty good. Just got a g10 20cv mini grip. It's excellent.

[@abc456f]

Sorry you had a bad experience. I recently got a griptilian and other than the axis lock sticking if you flip it open very hard, there are no issues. Centering is perfect, no blade play, very sharp. In the last year I've got a 940-2 and a Fact. Pleased with both. But from all I've read, Benchmade's qc is definitely hit or miss. I expect it from Ganzo but for the price it shouldn't be an issue with Benchmade. Spyderco and ZT doing a better job. I've also never, ever had any problems with WE knives.

[@richardalexander5758]

If I ran my Cold Steel out of the box on my hand like that I'd need stitches. I do have several Benchmade knives from years ago that are all fine.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

I was pushing Hard on the hand too. The mini grip was a great knife! The big grip was a total disaster along with the response from benchmade on it. Returned one, kept the pink mini. Looking forward to trying some recent stuff.

[@SnwBrdFrvr]

I've owned 4 mini griptilians. Got a 555-1 on the way. Out of those 4 I only bought 1 new. It was a mini ritter. That had a uneven grind so bad that the knife looked off center. Sent it in so they could fix it. Got it back and it was about the same. Sent it in again and they hand picked me the best one they had supposedly. They were cool about it and pretty fast. Those other 3 I got used and a valet were all pretty good. The valet had a little up and down and side to side but that doesnt bother me with an access lock. I know they wont fail and would rather have them swing free.

[@ralphballinger2159]

I used to work for a very small electric guitar manufacturer . We made very high quality instruments that sounded and played perfectly right out of the box (guitar case). Those guitars were not cheap yet any means. I used to liken their quality to a Ferrari or a Lamborghini. My point is this, when we pay a lot of money for something that has a reputation of excellence it should be perfect every time and customer service has to be exceptional as well. You’re only as good as you last...

[@NYstranger74]

Thank you, you helped me aviod a purchase I could regret. I cant see spending $100 on a knife that is inferior in almost everyway quality wise to my Rat 1. I think I will grab a Cutjack or Skyline instead.

[@NYstranger74]

@Semper Skeptical Since this comment, I have bought 2 full size griptilians, two minis ,and a Freek. I didn't have any of the issues he lays out here. I do still maintain the Rat is a great line, as I have about 4 of those as well. I really do enjoy my benchmades however. I prefer them to the spydercos I've owned.

[@wis1024]

When i went to scheels for a 940 i had to look through 12 of them to find one that was centered and had no blade play.... i found exactly one with good centering and one with no play. I picked the one with good centering and slight play

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

1 out of 12 seems to be about right for a LOT of people except the butterfly koolaide drinkers. I remain objective. If it’s bad, it’s bad regardless of maker. If it’s good it’s good! Thanks for watching!

[@mikwehttam]

Well that's unfortunate... I've had nothing but great experiences with Benchmade, but it's been years since I've purchased one. I'm going to bite the bullet on a mini grip, since I'm need of sub 3" in EDC for my upcoming mood to LA, but I can't help but be worried now...

[@harryyim1012]

I totally agree you about the BM's quality control and the customer service parts. I had some same experiences like you with BM. BM could do better but they won't.

[@harryyim1012]

Especially in this year 2018's products. It sames that BM made their knives came out optionally: "never mind, we have a life time warranty, just send you knife back so that we can do investigation first then we can figure out want to do next."

[@ryansargent9447]

I hate to say I agree with you on not liking benchmade. Every knife I have bought from them have had some sort of problem. 3 of the 4 problems were with the axis lock springs breaking almost immediately.

[@thomasleroy9312]

Just bought mine a week ago. With 20cv. It’s flawless.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Hey Thomas! That’s great to hear. I’ve noticed a BIG jump in Benchmade’s quality control since this video was made. Enjoy the knife!

[@thomaslennon3658]

I bought a full size Grip, partially serrated, off of Ebay about a year ago. It was listed as brand new, and for 70.00 I couldn't pass it up. It, in fact, was brand new, and the 154cm blade was, and still is razor sharp. The only issue I've had, is that the blade pivot screw loosens up constantly, so much so, that I quit carrying it . I have eight dollar Schrade Knives, one in particular sch208, that have served me well for years, I carry them!

[@dictatedbutnotred6681]

I know what you mean. I had the same issues with them over the past couple years. It's only recently that I was lucky and got two models that were perfect. One was the standard green 940, and the newer 556-1 Mini Griptilian in G-10, like your full size one. Both came perfectly centered, and both had a perfect grind on them. I ordered both of them from Cabela's. Maybe that made a difference. Perhaps they send their bad ones to certain stores, and the good ones to other stores. A couple years ago when I first bought the 940, I had to return a bunch of them to varies online stores and just give up for a while. You wouldn't believe what came in those boxes! Well, actually you would believe. I'm just very happy to have these two that are perfect, but they will be the last Benchmade knives I buy. I don't want to go through the hassle of returns any more. I do really like some of there knives, but just can't trust them with their QC any more. You never know whatcha gonna get!

[@dictatedbutnotred6681]

@Richard Davis I meant the one I got was perfect. It had no defects. As to if the model it's self is perfect, that's a debatable topic.

[@Yoko.Kurama]

They don't make these with metal grips?

[@lucky806]

My 550 20cv is great. But the 2 940's I've had were bad. They had blade play and the pivot screws on both got loose after only a few flips.

[@ronlheureux7623]

I bought a Mini Grip in 2018 and found it lacking. The blade centering was awful and the Axis Lock left a lot to be desired. It was rough and couldn't be operated with one thumb, either. The blade was very sharp, though. I called Benchmade customer support regarding the issue that I did have and, as Jon says, they are very nice to speak with. I, however, hate the idea of sending back a brand new product for weeks in order to have it corrected. I spent many years in the Dental Laboratory business making teeth from start to finish and have a lot of experience with handpieces and small finishing tools. I decided to correct the issues myself. I disassembled the knife and smoothed out the channels that the locking bar rides on, while very slightly widening that channel. Also, I adjusted the spring tension to my liking. Slightly less tension for my smaller fingers. I was also able to get the blade centering closer to the center while maintaining blade drop closure. Add a bit of NPL and it works great now. Time spent, maybe 90 minutes.

[@JohnDoe-sx2zk]

The best benchmade QC is Bladehq I got the Bugout and pocketrocket. both are flawless

[@scottclaiborne5123]

John Doe Does that mean BladeHQ does their own QC of their Benchmade knives (or any for that matter) before shipping to customers?

[@My_Bow_L.Y.F]

I have a black sheeps foot griptilian a 940-2 and bought my girl the mini griptilian in pink. And I edc a S.O.G terminus xr crimson red. My griptilian and mini griptilian perfect out the box. My 940 is kinda bad wit the pivot it's either to tight or loose wit alot of blade play. So I feel you on that.

[@totallyradical7]

Yep, I'm getting a spydie. Gonna spend even more money on the spydie than I would've on BM because it looks so much tougher. I mean, Take a griptilian apart and you'll see there's just enough metal frame in it to attach it to the plastic scales and NOTHING else. Overhyped garbage imo. And when it comes to quality control, they only *try* when they feel like it, it seems.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Amen. Spyderco never lets me down.

[@GingrBreadMan]

I've had a benchmade griptilian for about 4 years not in my pocket like jewelery but actually on jobsites working, and it's a tank. Yes benchmades typically are not extremely sharp but I trust my blade on the grip over the blade on my para 3. Also a side note spydies budget line QC is awful. And don't get my wrong my para 3 is absolutely flawless but I don't trust that thin tip.

[@barlow2976]

I never understand why, when you've got a plainly defective knife you don't just send it straight back to the vendor. In the UK they have to pay the shipping, and the biggest knife dealers will also give free returns if you happen to just not like it. just as well really, over here we're paying $150 for the griptillian, and we don't have easy access to Benchmade's service centres, they have no European service. Thanks for the video, you've made my mind up in favour of the griptillian, the lack of liner in the freek was discouraging.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

I got the grip at a good price with a coupon so i was hesitant to return it as I couldn’t get another one exchanged for it due to the terms of the coupon. That’s why I contacted benchmade because I really wanted to try to get it right and give it a shot. Wound up returning it and keeping the pink mini.

[@meegssan5716]

this is unfortunate news, I just ordered a couple benchmades i hope they are good

[@felixf5211]

My experience with BM is similar to yours. Lack of consistency. For example, my 940 M4 sprint came pretty dull. Inconsistent grind. OTOH, the aluminum Bugoot was nothing short of perfect. Other BM knives were similar. No plans to buy more Benchmade.

[@williams.1130]

Ive had 4 benchmades and 2 of those i was not happy with. Very similar problems as this. The two Ive been happy with were because I bought them from a local benchmade/emerson dealer and got to handle them before buying them.

[@jojojaykay]

I can’t find your original video; is it still up? Frankly I just want to hear someone flaming Benchmade.

[@ERRORFACE1]

honest review thanks . i got mine 3-4 years ago same hg 154cm version blade centred , sharp smooth like an operator but the grind is smaller on 1 side like the other. even my 10+ ganzo knives have better grinds like grip well i don't really bother because what could go wrong behind the glass door of the display cabinet init m8 . not much init. so i started to get the feeling to buy some knives an current price and value ratio is do quiet rubbish score on the standard grip £117.95 in he moment i bought it for around £80 back then but after i got it in my hand i thought it's probably worth around £60 ish even now i think it's worth around £60 ish and even if it's priced lower i think i would go a triad lock for cheaper .but around £120 pfff manix 2 just murdering the grip am lawman broken scull fox terzuola hogue micro flip er bf1 lion s tr1 and so on all of them a doctor lecter compare to the grip. all though true must be said i never used the grip as hard and nasty as my military so i don't know what it can take and what i got for 80 quid .

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

The military is my darling model. I can’t get enough of them and carry one version of it daily for the last few years!

[@elmerfudd5925]

I guess I've had good luck. I have five Benchmades and all have been near perfect at the least.

[@My_Bow_L.Y.F]

Is that factory edge on that? That's terrible I have a home depot knife brand Coast that cost me like $20 and was very sharp out the plastic. Perfect centering and I've beat the hell out of it. Now it sits in my car door for a whatever I need knife in case I forget my pocket knife. Which actually has happened a couple times unbelievably. My dad has never gone anywhere without a knife and neither will I.

[@turbotimthree]

I agree with the quality control. My 154cm blade on my griptilian will never be centered. I came to terms with it.

[@adarkerpath5513]

I am also a huge fan of the sheepsfoot minigrip. So much so that I purchased one off of the website, custom with G10 scales and S30V steel. While the function was okay (at best) but the blade finish and grind finish were just ugly. While I do love the knife, I think I got a better value from my Spyderco Para 3 in S110V, for about $50 less.

[@ericthompson3551]

That's the price you pay (literally) for online purchases. I normally buy from a local dealer. I pay a bit more, but I can hold and inspect before purchase.

[@nolanfreeman6495]

I got a new mini grip and the grind is not symmetrical but my full size has a really nice grind

[@mcglothlincutlery725]

I own 0 benchmades currently. I've owned 10-12 models in the past. All same issues as the big grip in the video. I had one HK axis folder that didn't have any issues but still sold. I bought a massdrop folder that was made using an axis lock and nitro v. They nailed it and will be the only axis lock in my collection and not a benchmade

[@dalecarpenter8828]

My problem with benchmade is the butterfly price and the lack of quality control ! I have heard the some one went to the knife store and tried 9 knives of the same model before he found a good one ! I got the crooked river large crap in a box ! It was totally unfinished ! First opening lock stuck and rquired a tool to un lock ! The blade was like a file that wasn't ground down all the way ( used a very fine stone and its flat ground so i could finish it with the stone ) . The handle had all the edges sharp enough to cut you ! the pivot had to be tuned ( even switch the frams side to side still no free drop ) worked and worked on it and finally after even grinding some inside the frame at the pivot to get it to work well ! I tell everyone dont buy benchmade through the mail go tp the store and try them till you find a good ! They must mail the culls that don't work in the store out ( instead of sending them back to the factory ) It seem like they say fuck uou ! I got the mini to . It was perfect out of box the lock worked easy . It was very smooth . Im going what happened with the large ? But then it jammed ! A piece of the lock spring jammed it . Took that out . Then the other spring broke ( there i am with a $200.00 piece of shit in my hand ) i fixed the crooked river mini with (g) lock spring from a ganzo ! Benchmade blows goats I have proof !! Got the 940 green ! I bought that used so I didn't have to deal with benchmades lousy quality control !!! I dont send knive back ! I treat it like a steak house if it aint med-rare i dont send it back I just dont go there again !! Fixed both knives love them ! Dont love benchmade CO. They have no loyalty to the custumer ! As proved from their stupid prices ! BUT THAT CAN BE SAID ABOUT MOST SO CALLED AMERICAN KNIFE COMPANIES !!!

[@eralasch]

I have the same combination of griptilians bought in 2018, just other colours. The big one is optimal, the mini one is really bad. I have fixed the sharpness but couldn't fix the blade centering. And I'm in Austria, where there is no Benchmade office.

[@strangefruit8776]

I do think it’s a little crazy that they said 6 weeks for an answer but I do think you’ve just had bad luck with them. I’ve got a CLA that works flawlessly and a new mini griptilian that’s flawless too. I’d send it in to see what they get back to you with.

[@jimbosliceOG]

My Griptilians have been sharper out of the box than any other knife I've owned. That being said, my Paramilitary 2 (after I personally sharpened it) was sharper and holds an edge longer than both Griptilians.

[@jordanossmann1491]

I bought a custom mini crooked river in 20CV. Gorgeous knife, but the grind was uneven (which I didn’t mind, cause I ended up resharpening it to my liking) but the axis lock springs broke within the first few weeks. Upset that I had to pay for shipping and that it broke within the first week and half. But I expected more out of a $300 knife. Plus I haven’t even heard back a few weeks later. Benchmade is great, but way overpriced. I work at Cabelas and constantly see quality control with centering and uneven grinds through all the displays. Still love the knife tho, and think that they have a unique design, but imo buck has better steel. Bucks BOS S30v, is better than Benchmade’s by a rather large margin imo.

[@jcwindsound]

My standard Mini-Grip is pretty darn nice. Still, the ergonomics and fit-finish of my Chaparral beat the pants off the Mini-Grip.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Agreed. I’m a spyderco fan boy through and through, but that’s because they’ve earned that spot in my heart. They’re always flawless, always sharp, always heat treated right, always centered, and always just perform. Thanks for watching!

[@ramonade_knives]

Purchsed my first benchmade, a 535 sheepsfoot in s30v. The QC was terrible, really uneven grind. The hole in the blade was dangerous, there wasn't a burr but more of a ripped piece of steel on the inner diameter. It was dull AF but eh that's absolutely not a problem, a knife can be sharpened. However, I decided to send it back and not get a new one. I believe this was old stock, and maybe for a reason ? I've handled the "recent" bugouts, they've been really well made, the grind was even and they've come pretty sharp out of the box. I still won't buy any, just because of the random chance I'll have to exchange the knife 3 times before I do not get a lemon.

[@user-wr6wo6vr8r]

I have about 30 benchmade knives and have never had one have any problems or quality control issues. They always come super sharp, perfect centering, no blade play, perfect grinds, and they’re the best knife brand in my opinion.

[@Prometheus1111]

Centering on axis locks isn't what I would see as a problem unless you're worried about blade rub. On a linerlock or framelock where the geometry issues that would arise from an off center blade could cause lock failure. Benchmades are good work knives, I don't really think they're really show knives but, that depends on if you want safe queens that will gain value or if you want a reliable knife for work. Their customer service is very good in my experience. Just don't send any autos in for warranty unless you're a first responder or LEO or you won't get it back.

[@deanalbertson7203]

I like the Spyderco Delica.

[@hanikaram3351]

very sorry you had a problem very disappointing of Benchmade considering i just bought the Foray and the Griptilian at the same time and waiting for the shipment to arrive , thanks for the video i hope Benchmade fix their act specially when it is American made and charge high precises

[@hanikaram3351]

i wonder if Benchmade are manufacturing over seas and claiming it is American made ?

[@sinjon]

A lot of knives, especially benchmade have blade play because they use that collar in the pivot. It doesn’t sit flat enough in the pivot hole and causes the whole pivot assembly to rock.

[@dannyspontan4915]

I have always been fan of Benchmade. But they really do need to get their shit together as far as QC. Any Benchmade I buy I make sure there is always at least a couple I can look over befor buying. Recently I have switched to carrying a Microtech. Every Microtech I have bought has been perfect right out of the box and super sharp.

[@citystar87]

I have a few benchmade(10plus)one has had issue ever

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

patrick wilson that’s awesome luck! I’m really starting to hear reports of good things coming back around large scale from their CQ department.

[@thomaslanders1162]

An off centered blade on an axis lock is difficult if not impossible to fix.. Also, on most models the pivot is way too finicky and it's hard to fix blade play.. I bought a 940-1 at REI 20% off today.. Blade didn't look right but I thought it was the light.. The pivot was way over tightened, enough that it makes me worry about cupped washers.. I have 3 other 940's to compare.. The 940-1 was way oversharpened near tip and was 2-3mm short.. Returned.. I checked out 3-940-1702 (REI ex).. All had blotchy and/or missing G10 patterns in a small area...It's usually around lock area on show side.. I've seen the same problem on 940-2's..There's been some talk about it (blade forums, Amazon review etc) but I'm surprised I don't see more complaints.. I'm near a few knife shops and know BM well.. Some models seem to have better F&F-560, 535, 319, Hunt series etc.. 551's are hit and miss.. 940's are the worst...

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Yeah I’ve been around Benchmade for a long time and have always had this experience with them. Well at least the last 4-5 years have been this way. 8/10 knives should be perfect with one or two here and there with an issue, not the other way around. There is just so much variability I’m buying a benchmade it’s crazy. Thanks for commenting and have a good one!

[@claytoncapers9187]

My unit issues us nothing but benchmade. I work mine hard in the field every day. Ive never once had an issue with the craftsmanship. The only tikme ive broken them is when i was doing something i already knew i shouldnt habe been doing with it, but id just go back to supply and get another one. Abuse doesnt constitute legitimate failure.

[@robgoose8126]

Your unit issues you Benchmade? What the fuck, my maintenance Marines couldnt get a tiny leatherman multitool out of supply. What branch m

[@leoleen5491]

Purchased Benchmade - North Fork 15031-1 Knife for 285$ looks good but in real that trash so small and can’t be opened by one hand, so hard opening like some1 filled it by sand inside. I expected few problems with few different benchmade knife. Never will look on them again, especially buy something. So made good knifes exist to buy with relevant price but Benchmade for sure not in that list.

[@enice617]

My first Benchmade was the 940-1. Not centered and the same blade play issue as with yours. Can't believe I spent this much money on a knife and it came out of the box like shit.

[@tonygalvan78]

So far I’ve had five griptilians and only one had a minor issue. I wouldn’t keep buying them if I didn’t like them out the box so much

[@TheCrappyShooter]

I love spyderco (the USA made ones) and my mini grip is flawless

[@TheBigToe69]

Except the Taichung factory has literally a better fit and finish, and better quality control than the Golden factory. This has been known and documented on the Spyderco forums.

[@HSTMachine]

@@TheBigToe69 Japanese Spydies are great too.

[@ccwstraightshooter9761]

BTW, if you didn’t want to wait for repairs, you could just order a brand new one and return the defective one. That way your not waiting 6 weeks. You’d get your new one in a few days.

[@c.s.johnson7691]

Just guessing, but thinking Benchmade has sold millions over millions of Standard and Mini Griptillion Knives. As your saying you gave their Customer Service your full song and dance, including the overused I'm going to buy only spyderco knives. CS was probably pretty fed-up with you, five minutes into the conversation and you got their standard line. You stated that you had a coupon and bought your knife at a brick and mortar store. Did you stop to think that maybe you could look at the knife, be for you took it home? Sounds to me that you are as much at fault as Benchmade's Customer Service.

[@skye1212]

Spyderco, the "new" Benchmade???

[@richiej2640351]

I’ve had the same experience about 50% of the time, I have 8 benchmades and yes I’m probably the fool buying them over and over but the knife centering of the handle and the dullness is the biggest problems I see and I’ve come to the conclusion for myself I won’t order online because I’ve noticed at FOR ME that when I order online I get a shitty QCed knife, that being said I go to a dealer and most the time I see a really nice quality control is great and I end of given in and buying.

[@stanzaschulz4339]

your not a fool for buying them over and over. Im doing the same thing with only one model of benchmade cuz its one of the smallest and the cheapest that they have (cuz girl pockets are so fucking puny) I break knives like a machine and Benchmade is the only brand that withstands my abuse. Sounds like the full size grips have major issues

[@Torqd_Off]

I got a counterfeit that doesn’t have that many problems… the new model with the hole in the blade and grey and blue scales with blue backspacers!!!

[@joshblalock6953]

my griptilian that i bought off amazon had no issues over than the bevels not being 100% even

[@adrianlongarms8481]

No issues ever with the 5 Benchmade knives I own. Yeah the price could be lower but I feel my money's worth when I pick one up. Spyderco feels so overpriced when I pick one up. Just me but hell stick with what you like. I own a few of each and personally go with Benchmade. Just because one person feels one way about the brands shouldn't mean the other is terrible. Happy knife collecting!

[@matthewjarrod2523]

I guess I've been lucky, all my benchmades have came close to perfect. But like you said QC may be the problem.

[@robthompson8285]

My biggest problems with Benchmade are their prices and their hair thin omega springs. I've had 4 omega springs break on my Benchmades.

[@bullsharkreef]

Think you're talking about the blade sharpening angle, not the blade grind. But yeah, Benchmade QC is terrible, not in line at all with the prices they're demanding; it's becoming a reputation, which is very bad for any company.

[@propblast82nd]

Every time I buy a Benchmade I feel like I've paid too much.

[@christopherbackus5578]

Ditto. I bought a Crooked River, and immediately regretted it as soon as I opened the box. After some tuning and break in, it ended up not being too bad, but I still feel like I overpaid by at least 50 bucks. I bought a 940-1 a couple weeks ago, but only because it was pretty heavily discounted (I love sifting through BladeHQ's bargain bin). It's almost perfect, just a tiny smidge of side-to-side play. Wouldn't have picked one up at full retail though. Benchmade really is hit or miss when it comes to QC, and at the prices they're charging, hit or miss isn't good enough.

[@vaidasmince553]

Benchmade is like Russian roulette:)

[@Bert4s]

Overpriced is my opinion! If you handled a good spyderco (what we all did) then you don’t need a expensive benchmade

[@lenzielenski3276]

With an automatic.

[@johnpaulvalentine8990]

Very relatable comment. Has happened to me once as well

[@heavywelder2]

Nope, I bought. A superfreek that was lined up straight and stiff as hell or sloppy loose and over to one side. It was stolen so I replaced it and the next has a loose blade on the pin. In any position it shakes and is loose like the pin is too small. I am fed up with benchmade sight unseen at those prices. The blade grinds were just all over. I now buy ZT.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

I lost many knives in a hurricane and sold everything else that wasn’t spyderco. They’re just next level cutting tools. I’ve had a few nice ZT’s too! If They made more stuff with forward choils I wouldn’t hesitate to buy more.

[@ryandelehanty8368]

I bought a 940 came with a chip in it and the axis lock broke within 2 weeks. I will say I bought it off amazon but I tried to tell if it was a fake but as far as I could tell it was real was super dissapointed

[@MrSATism]

Keep the other video up, because if Nick is the only one saying it, he's going to sound loony if he doesn't have anyone backing up those claims. On the upside, that dull edge will last you forever haha! You REALLY need to find a b&m if you want to pick up another Benchmade, because you have too much experience with the bad output. I see you eyeing that mini grip, and you'll probably not take your GF's knife (not because of the pink, but because you're nice), and you might get burnt again. I found a new b&m recently that I KNOW that I'll be buying my Benchmade from. When the time comes for a Benchmade, I will sit down with that man and be as picky as I want. If the first one he picks passes the Shabbaz F&F test (I'll add your qualifications for the blade grind too), I will eat my own words and pay full MSRP. I want to love Benchmade, but I really don't want to be burnt.

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

Thanks for the words man. I should have left it up honestly but I took it down pretty hastily when I threw this one up. The coments in the other one were turning into one giant argument section and that's not what I wanted to inspire in people. But, looking back now, I kind of agree it should have stayed up. Thanks for watching both and taking the time to comment dude!

[@Cobesdanktoes]

I've pretty much decided that I'm not getting another benchmade until their qc gets better since earlier last year I got a full size grip it was a complete dud took it back then I got a rift and it was perfect then I got a 940-1 and it was a dud

[@rangerjonoutdoors6429]

I agree Toby. I’m a spyderco fanboy at heart and just stick with that. They never let me down and just perform. Always. I’ve tried the 940 a few times I’ve the last 10 years and they’ve all been duds for one reason or another as well.