Some New Benchmade Knife Questions ???

[David]

So far, my new Benchmade Griptillian is a great knife, however I do have a few questions:

1 -- It seems to open very easily. What is the correct tool (allen wrench ?)to use and the proper way to tighten the blade?

2 -- This model has the Benchmade SBT coating on the blade -- will Militec lubricant harm this SBT blade finish or is Militec okay to use?

3 -- This knife is designed as a "point up" carry and the blade is super sharp. Has anyone had any problems with cutting themselves on the "point up" carry Griptillian?



Thanks...

 

[Phantom Warrior]

To answer #3

I can't address the first two, because I'm fairly unsophisticated when it comes to my Benchmades However, I can safely say that you shouldn't have any trouble w/ "tip up" carry. I carry an Ares, which is tip up because of the Axis lock, and have never even come close to having the blade slip out in my pocket. Benchmades will open very smoothly, but you have to start the first 10 degrees or so of rotation before it will snap open. I wouldn't be worried about #3.

 

[Boats]

Benchmades use Torx head bits.

 

[ed dixon]

Benchmade makes a little kit that comes with six bits that are supposed to cover every knife they make. I just ordered one at New Graham Knives for nine bucks plus s/h. Got my Griptilian last week and really like it. Pondering my "need" for a Mini-Grip in the near future. The AFCK may be stouter with better metal, but it seems very big for EDC.

 

[JShirley]

Wouldn't think militec would hurt it. I used a little moly grease on mine.

Wouldn't worry 'bout #3. Haven't had mine come open in my pocket once in the past few months.

John

 

[only1asterisk]

My AFCK has the coated blade and also opens quite easily. It has come open slightly once or twice in my pocket. The coating stands up well to solvents, but scratches easily.


David

 

[Drjones]

Some have already been answered, but I have something to add:

1. It opens TOO easily or just easily? If I were you, I'd leave well enough alone, unless you are unhappy with it or it doesn't function as intended.

2. Militec is fine as a lubricant, no more. Are you planning on wiping the blade with it? If so, you should know that militec has virtually NO rust-preventative properties whatsoever. You also probably should not lube the pivot unless it really needs it. A brand-new knife most likely doesn't.

Lubing the pivot will just attract gunk, lint and dirt and will gum up.

Again, leave well enough alone.

3. I don't have this particular knife, but if it was designed that way, I'd say you are safe. There have been many debates on Bladeforums.com about point-up vs. point-down carry of folders.

My Strider Tac GB is point-up as well and I'm perfectly happy with it.

You shouldn't have any problems unless the knife comes open on its own. Is that why you posed question #1?

Overall, most knives require very little maintenance. Since yours is coated, it probably doesn't even need any oiling, though if you do want to oil it occasionally, don't use militec as it's worthless for that application.

If you are having problems with the pivot, by all means, try to fix it. Otherwise, if it isn't broken, don't fix it.



Enjoy your new knife.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Militec-1 will not only not harm the knife, it is what Benchmade specifically recommends you use. See http://www.benchmade.com/knife_care.asp.

 

[45R]

# 1 Benchmade knives used Torx 6 and 9 IIRC. I have two laying around that I got at Sears. Those Torx bits also can be used for Oakley sunglasses. Hard to find.

#2 Nope

#3. That only tip up blade that I have come close to losing my fingers to was a Spyderco Merlin.

 

[ed dixon]

Ha-ha. The Benchmade #6 bit broke the first time I tried it. The screw was still turning and the pressure was moderate in my opinion. An e-mail to Benchmade got a response the next day and a new bit's in the mail at no cost. Now, when I warp the ram on my RCBS press and the same happens, then I'll be impressed.

 

[ed dixon]

Just tried the replacement and it too broke on the first turn. Ordered two #6's from another place and hope they're a little sturdier. It is the smallest bit in the set and I suppose not common, but on my Griptilian all but one screw is #6 Torx. Just thought I'd pass along my itty-bitty heartache.