Abused Benchmade 975

[hmphargh]

I recently came across a Benchmade 795, the Benchmade produced Emerson CQC7. The knife was in horrible condition, finish on the blade very worn, surface rust, very dull, but no rust on the edge. I took it apart and cleaned it up as well as I could without spending too much time on it. The plastic spacer was broken in several places, so I superglued it back together, and it seems to work, though you can tell it was glued back together. Cleaned up the edge a little bit with some 2000 grit wet/dry automotive sandpaper, not wanting to take too much metal from the edge, especially considering I've never sharpened a chisel ground edge.

Now for the question, what should I do with this thing? I'm considering sending it in to Benchmade to see if they can replace the spacer and maybe clean it up a bit better than I have, and of course for their LifeSharp service. I could also just take it to my local knife shop and have them sharpen it up for me. Past that, I have no clue what to do with this thing, it is really designed for a right handed person, and I'm a lefty, plus it is a huge knife to have in your pocket.

 

[PRM]

Can't answer your question on what you should do with it. From, personal experience, I have carried a Benchmade Emerson CQC7 for well over a decade now and love the knife. So much so, that when I deployed to Afghanistan last year I bought the Emerson Super CQC7 with the wave feature to deploy with. They are great classic knives. When the CQC7 first came out, it was considered to set the standards for tactical folders.

Benchmade is a great company and will do the repairs you need. As far as sharpening, I have never had a problem getting a razors edge. One thing to note ~ never sharpen the flat side of the blade. Part of the design!!! I think it is as easy, if not easier, to get a good edge on one of these than a traditional design blade.

I would have the repairs done and enjoy a very classic and collectible knife.

 

[highorder]

Send it to Benchmade.

Write them a short note asking them what you would like done, and perhaps tell them how you came by the knife. I've always had great service from Benchmade Lifesharp, but I have received little notes reminding me not to pry with a blade, etc.

 

[hso]

Send it to Benchmade.

 

[FTSESQ]

Send it to BM. They are great knives and now sell for more than they retailed for, even used. I have had one in my pocket almost daily for over a dozen years. They are built like tanks and with just a little TLC will make you a very happy camper.

PS- the disk on top should make it fairly easy to open south-paw, just use your trigger finger. Also, the position of the clip keeps it pretty deep in the pocket and comfy to carry.

 

[hmphargh]

I have always been impressed with Benchmade's service as well, I have sent in a mini-grip that I dropped and cracked the scales on. I told them that it was my fault and that I'd be glad to pay for a new set of scales. About 3 weeks later, I got my knife back, no charge, and really sharp.

I was mainly unsure what they could do considering the knife has been discontinued for quite some time. I guess it can't hurt to pay shipping there and in the very least get the thing cleaned up and factory sharpened.

PS- the disk on top should make it fairly easy to open south-paw, just use your trigger finger. Also, the position of the clip keeps it pretty deep in the pocket and comfy to carry.

I'll try practicing that, I was using my thumb like I usually do. If only I found a left handed model randomly!

 

[FTSESQ]

I was mainly unsure what they could do considering the knife has been discontinued for quite some time.

True, but the little washer thing was, and is, used in a bunch of their other knives. Worse case, maybe they can replace it with one of the copper or bronze ones from another knife design...

 

[hmphargh]

True, but the little washer thing was, and is, used in a bunch of their other knives. Worse case, maybe they can replace it with one of the copper or bronze ones from another knife design...

I didn't mean the washers, I meant the black molded plastic spacer at the back of the handle, I'm not holding out hope for them having any of those on hand. If they can't do anything for me, I may get some aluminum spacers that are the same width and see if I can make them work.

 

[FTSESQ]

I meant the black molded plastic spacer at the back of the handle

Oh... I see. If they can't fix you up, shoot me a PM. I had my friend, who is a machinist, make me one out of aluminum. All it cost me was a 6 pack of his favorite suds. I'm sure that he could whip up another on the cheap.

 

[hmphargh]

Oh... I see. If they can't fix you up, shoot me a PM. I had my friend, who is a machinist, make me one out of aluminum. All it cost me was a 6 pack of his favorite suds. I'm sure that he could whip up another on the cheap.

That would be amazing, I'll keep this in mind and may be contacting you in a few weeks.