Thoughts on Benchmade's major mistake last week?

[340pd]

Last week Benchmade was thanked by local PD for cutting up confiscated guns. Raised quite a stir among gun and knife owners.
Rather than rehash, listen to Tom Gresham, an ardent supporter of knife rights and a great producer of weekly podcasts, interview the director of marketing from Benchmade. I found this very disturbing and illustrates how out of touch a company can become once they have achieved some degree of success. The Benchmade segment starts at 5:43 and only runs a few minutes. Just enough time for them to completely bury themselves.

BTW, any of you west coast members better listen to the entire podcast as ugly new proposals are on your doorstep.

[CPTKILLER]

Benchmade chose greed and alienated many customers.

Management stupidity!

[Mike_usn_ret]

Makes me glad I am poor enough to have never spent a dime on their over priced commie crap!!!

[sharpetop]

Makes me glad I am poor enough to have never spent a dime on their over priced commie crap!!!

^^^^ This right here!

[ltxi]

Makes me glad I am poor enough to have never spent a dime on their over priced commie crap!!!

Knda harsh. Politics aside, Benchmade produces excellent knives, fairly priced.

[Mike_usn_ret]

Knda harsh. Politics aside, Benchmade produces excellent knives, fairly priced. Is this one of their better deals you are talking about?
We have a vast separation in our definition of fairly priced.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PZ6C6RY/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00PZ6C6RY&pd_rd_w=nQuRK&pf_rd_p=80559f3c-f83b-49c1-8a72-40f936e9df7a&pd_rd_wg=pO7up&pf_rd_r=5CAR5QPX16K4EEMZ1GCT&pd_rd_r=ef6f51bb-3af1-11e9-bf99-0ff151b4cc44

[jeepster09]

Is this one of their better deals you are talking about?
We have a vast separation in our definition of fairly priced.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PZ6C6RY/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00PZ6C6RY&pd_rd_w=nQuRK&pf_rd_p=80559f3c-f83b-49c1-8a72-40f936e9df7a&pd_rd_wg=pO7up&pf_rd_r=5CAR5QPX16K4EEMZ1GCT&pd_rd_r=ef6f51bb-3af1-11e9-bf99-0ff151b4cc44


Every manufacturer has stuff that is overpriced. They also sell fairly priced well made knives.

https://www.cabelas.com/browse.cmd?categoryId=734095080&CQ_search=benchmade&CQ_view=list&CQ_ztype=GNP&CQ_pagesize=60

[340pd]

Every manufacturer has stuff that is overpriced. They also sell fairly priced well made knives.

https://www.cabelas.com/browse.cmd?categoryId=734095080&CQ_search=benchmade&CQ_view=list&CQ_ztype=GNP&CQ_pagesize=60

On Tuesday I bought one of these to replace my $200 943 Osborne that will be returned to Benchmade on Tues next week. I could not find one negative review on this knife and I am looking forward to its arrival as a replacement for the Benchmade product.


https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-ferrum-forge-gent-s35vn-pocket-knife

[gb6491]

On Tuesday I bought one of these to replace my $200 943 Osborne that will be returned to Benchmade on Tues next week. I could not find one negative review on this knife and I am looking forward to its arrival as a replacement for the Benchmade product.


https://www.massdrop.com/buy/massdrop-x-ferrum-forge-gent-s35vn-pocket-knife

I've seen and handled some WE Knife Co. products and they do seem very well made.

[JohnR]

I can't afford knives like that, or coolers like Yetis.

[Mike_usn_ret]

I can't afford knives like that, or coolers like Yetis.

I am with you on this^^^.

[340pd]

I am glad to hear you say that Greg. I value your opinion. This particular knife is a collaboration and normally I do not seek out products made overseas but looking at my Spyderco's they come from Taiwan, Japan, and Golden, Colorado. I guess I do make exceptions. I am not sure where the s35vn steel originated but everything on that knife is exactly what I was looking for in a replacement blade.I don't know why this Benchmade thing got to me but as with Dicks, Levi's, Yeti, Gander Outdoors, and a few others, I will quietly do everything I can to avoid purchasing from them. A quirk? Yep, and I have a long memory.

[boscobarbell]

I've seen and handled some WE Knife Co. products and they do seem very well made.

Agreed. I'm lusting after their new Roxy model right now, and trying to think of reasons NOT to buy it.

[jeepster09]

WOW I just read about Benchmade's antics NOW I HATE THEM TOO....to bad I do feel they made good knives. Hopefully they go out of business. :target:

[yqtszhj]

I have this issue of never being able to take things at face value, thinking that with things like this there is an underlying motive. The thing about that whole ordeal is I wonder if some marketing ding-a-ling at benchmade thinks that less guns means more knife sales meaning more money in their pocket. The thing is I think across the pond somewhere (England maybe) there is some government move to restrict knives now. I guess that folks don’t realize that the same people that want our firearms today will want the knives tomorrow. Just paranoid pondering on my part.

[dustnchips]

I don't think you're paranoid. Realistic, I would say.

[AJBert]

I've never bought a Benchmade knife but I do own a Yeti cooler. I got it free when I bought a new set of tires for my Blazer last year. Haven't had a chance to use it, though.

And I, too, have a long memory of businesses that I will never deal with for one reason or another. I'm sure I've never put a dent in any of their bottom lines, but I have no problem finding another company to replace whatever it is that I need.

[Bawanna]

I don't own a Benchmade or Yeti either and do have a good memory of business's on my ignore list but something to consider.
As I understand it these were police property room guns. In some instances there is no option as to the future of those weapons. They legally have to be destroyed. Historical, keepsakes, heirlooms, it doesn't matter.
It's possible that Benchmade attempting to stay in the good graces of that department who no doubt carries a lot of Benchmade knives offered to do the task. Had they said no, they most likely would have been boycotted by officers and the guns would still be destroyed someplace else.
I'd respect them more for not wanting to play a part in that destruction but theres some unknown factors.

My biggest career achievement was saving an original old Single Action Colt from the man hole cover queen. I was able with a lot of effort to convince the chief to put all the ones that didn't require destruction up for auction. Worked out good a dealer in Oregon won, gave us 7,500 for just the Colt and offered to sell it back to me at that same price. Course I never seen 7,500 all at once in my whole born days. Everyone here said it was a replica, I looked it over every time I was out there and I knew it was the real deal. Thankfully I'm out of the property and evidence arena these days, still have to back up from time to time but not much contact so I don't get attached to all them guns.

[340pd]

I wanted a thin lightweight EDC blade that would allow my phone to also ride in that same pocket. It was going to be a Benchmade Bugout until they stepped on their privates.
This arrived yesterday. Massdrop Gent. Better quality and 30% less $$. The deep carry clip is very strong and it looks like you are carrying a pen in your pocket.

15947

[yqtszhj]

I wanted a thin lightweight EDC blade that would allow my phone to also ride in that same pocket. It was going to be a Benchmade Bugout until they stepped on their privates.
This arrived yesterday. Massdrop Gent. Better quality and 30% less $$. The deep carry clip is very strong and it looks like you are carrying a pen in your pocket.

15947

I like that.

[gb6491]

I wanted a thin lightweight EDC blade that would allow my phone to also ride in that same pocket. It was going to be a Benchmade Bugout until they stepped on their privates.
This arrived yesterday. Massdrop Gent. Better quality and 30% less $$. The deep carry clip is very strong and it looks like you are carrying a pen in your pocket.

15947


I like that.
Me too! Thanks for the heads up on these 340pd :)
https://i.postimg.cc/tTn4Q1VX/gent-copy2800.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[340pd]

Me too! Thanks for the heads up on these 340pd :)
https://i.postimg.cc/tTn4Q1VX/gent-copy2800.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Outstanding. They are available on a very limited basis.
A few years ago I bought a slightly uses Chris Reeve Mnandi for something in the mid $300 range. It was very similar in size with the same steel, same frame material but nowhere near as smooth in operation and it required two hands to open. I sold that knife because I felt it was too expensive to carry in my pocket for daily use. This Massdrop Gent is priced where it will be used and with its simple construction can be cleaned without disassembly. The included case is a nice addition. I am glad you got one.

[Toast]

Haven’t bought a Benchmade in years. I usually carry a Hinderer. That news doesn’t bother me.

[TXscooterguy]

A little over a year ago Texas changed its laws allowing a Texican to carry an automatic knife. Nothing says, "stay away from me" like the snap of an out the front switchblade (with the exception of racking a 12 gauge).

[Bawanna]

A couple officers here have those although I don't think they carry them anymore. Civilians here in Washington of course aren't allowed although I never could understand the concern.
Personally playing with them here they scare the daylights out of me, definitely wouldn't want to carry in my pocket. The ones here had fairly positive safeties to avoid unwanted opening out the front but wasn't enough to allay my fears.

I'm a fixed blade guy myself these days.

I'm happy that Texas had the common sense to allow the common folks to carry these if they want.

[TXscooterguy]

...they scare the daylights out of me, And that's the same reaction that I'm hoping the bad guy gets when he gets the idea that he's going to stomp my old ass. :-)

[Bawanna]

Thought that was what the Kahr was for. Knives for field dressing.

[ltxi]

I wanted a thin lightweight EDC blade that would allow my phone to also ride in that same pocket. It was going to be a Benchmade Bugout until they stepped on their privates.
This arrived yesterday. Massdrop Gent. Better quality and 30% less $$. The deep carry clip is very strong and it looks like you are carrying a pen in your pocket.

15947

I looked into buying one of these a couple of days ago. Was really interested until I finally realized they are tip up carry. I don't do tip up carry.

[dustnchips]

What is the problem with tip up carry?

[ltxi]

I sllced my my finger with a new tip up knife that opened in my pocket many years ago. Been wary of them since. Second, tip down gives me preferred grip when I pull out/draw it. Holds for both thumb flip manual folders and automatics.

[dustnchips]

I understand #1, But#2 is unclear me. Tip up when you flip it out it is in a user friendly position. Tip down you have to turn it around to use it.


I sllced my my finger with a new tip up knife that opened in my pocket many years ago. Been wary of them since. Second, tip down gives me preferred grip when I pull out/draw it. Holds for both thumb flip manual folders and automatics.
wn

[340pd]

I have also had a tip up finger slice but it was with a Kershaw Leek which was a spring assisted opener. I had it in my back pocket and must have sat in the flipper lever. I sold all my assisted openers and have not had a problem since. This Massdrop Gent will not open as it has a ball detent keeping the blade securely closed.
As for tip up/tip down carry it comes down to what you get used to. My Spyderco's are all tip down and others are tip up and I really don't have to think before I deploy either of them. Understand they are not fighting knives, they are opening packages.
As for full auto's accidentally opening, many of the really good ones will stop themselves if encounter resistance before fully open.

[TXscooterguy]

As for full auto's accidentally opening, many of the really good ones will stop themselves if encounter resistance before fully open.Out the Front automatic knives come in two styles - single action and double action. Double action OTF knives snap both in and out with the button. A single action OTF knife snaps out but must be manually retracted. The springs on a double action OTF are not very strong and if the blade encounters resistance will stop it before it reaches lock up. The manually cocked spring on a single action OTF can be significantly stronger and penetrate deeper. If you like to play with your knife, the double action OTF is a lot more fun.

[markman]

My Stainless Steel Kershaw Leek has a lock on it to prevent it from opening it accidentally, but the downside it is a pain in the ass to operate!


I have also had a tip up finger slice but it was with a Kershaw Leek which was a spring assisted opener. I had it in my back pocket and must have sat in the flipper lever. I sold all my assisted openers and have not had a problem since. This Massdrop Gent will not open as it has a ball detent keeping the blade securely closed.
As for tip up/tip down carry it comes down to what you get used to. My Spyderco's are all tip down and others are tip up and I really don't have to think before I deploy either of them. Understand they are not fighting knives, they are opening packages.
As for full auto's accidentally opening, many of the really good ones will stop themselves if encounter resistance before fully open.

[ltxi]

I understand #1, But#2 is unclear me. Tip up when you flip it out it is in a user friendly position. Tip down you have to turn it around to use it.


wn

Not in the way I draw it. Tip down falls naturally into palm of my hand.

[dustnchips]

I carry a Kershaw on a clip, tip down. I feel it is very vulnerable to drop age as I pull it from my pocket with mu thumb and first finger and then spin it into my palm to flick it open.

[340pd]

In my opinion, the Kershaw spring assisted openers are very vulnerable to accidental opening whether tip up or tip down, in fact, I once dropped my Leek and it opened on impact. Yes, there is safety lock but I found it to be very inconvenient thus my reason for selling them. All I have left are Spyderco's and a couple of oddballs that are currently all manual openers set up for tip down carry.

After Benchmade's screwup, I debated on cutting it in half and sending it back but then realized that would be doing the same thing they had done. I thought even though I had an axe to grind with Benchmade, not all people feel the same way so, I put it on e-bay and the current bid is more than I paid for it pre-owned. Go figure.