I was too lazy to take mine apart. I just used pencil lead on the tang, lockbar, and the area that you sanded. That helped initially and allowed the knife to break in. Mine was so bad that if you flicked is very hard I could not get it to unlock with my bare hands.
So many people in comments didn’t send it back to get fixed. Benchmade thx you they love free labor and not knowing actually how bad the problems is. Not only are the consumers their QC you guys are the labor in their warranty department. Benchmade is pretty smart.
Just got a mini Freek - freaky smooth and top notch. Got my 535-3 today and my axis lock is just like yours. Sending it back. If take it apart, it voids the warranty.
Hey Marc, I know it's been 7 years but I want to say thanks for the tip. I have a mini bugout that luckily doesn't have lockstick, but has a tiny up/down lockrock in the 3 years I've owned this. Tried 3 different lockbars of different materials, tinkering with all screw tensions, etc. The only thing that actually fixed it was to slightly widen/sand/polish up that space in the liner inserts like you showed in your video and man, the lockrock has been FULLY removed and it locks up solid every time now. Seems like the issue was poor engagement between the blade and lockbar because the channel in the lockbar was stopping the bar just microscopically short from really wedging into the blade. I just want to say thanks because this has always been bugging me about this otherwise great knife. Keeping this comment up for anyone who needs this in the future.
Have the same problem on a brand new Bugout 535 and also didn’t want to go through the trouble of sending it to BM. Only happens when I really open it with force. I’ve just been working it over and over and over, and I think it’s almost completely fixed the problem. If it starts binding again, I’ll try this. Thanks for posting.
Start at 7:45. I did this to a 535 bugout and progressively did 800, 1500 and finally 2000 grit. Reassembled it and after I opened and closed it about 20 times it's 95% better.
Thank you for the video man, Just got my custom mini grip in the mail and the lock bar wouldn't travel all the way up when the knife was opened, but would when closed. I was pissed at first but now it makes sense. Good video.
2024, brand new bugout in hand and it's still the same. Flick out the blade with a bit of force and it's locks up tight. Some good tips in the comments to try before i have to break it down and get out the sandpaper. Cheers for the future!
The issue with the axis lock “binding” to the blade happened with my Freek.... the axis lock has a little bit of a break in period but it’s smooth as butter now, just need to work it for a bit
Just as an update: gave my Freek to a friend and now have the 940... same thing happened to the 940 but after messing with it for the whole day (as us knife guys tend to do with a new knife) it’s butter smooth as well
Good to know, I got my Freak today and it's doing the same thing when you flick it open with some force. I'd always heard Axis locks needed some breaking in so I'm glad to know it's true and not a defect. Also some graphite powder helps a lot until it can get broken in.
@@zackphy congrats on the new knife the Freek is great I personally wanted something nicer which is why I went for the 940 after the Freek being my EDC for a year and a half which I ended up gifting to a friend.... may end up getting a “super Freek” down the road eventually
Ditto, 940-1, a damn $315 retail knife, same exact issue. I have a Benchmade Crooked River, no issues at all, its insane smooth. Same with my SOG Vulcan, 1/4 the cost, waaaay smoother. I'll give this a try, but shame it has to be done.
I recently got a Benchmade Triage 917 and it is ridiculously tight. I added clipper oil and worked the crap out of it. Still no play. Since I like the straight blade of the Triage but enjoy the textured handle of the Stryker 908SBK, of which is flawlessly smooth, and they both have the same blade style, I decided to swap them. Come to find out there is an obvious difference in the washers. The Triage washers are noticably thicker than that of the 908, even though it would take a micrometer to measure the minute differences. After the swap, there's no play in either blade-to-handle and the 908 continues to be very smooth and the Triage remains snug.
I just got my 940-1 and it sticks. With S90V steel I’m wondering if it will ever break in but this video gives me hope because maybe it’s not the blade steel necessarily. I’m going to try graphite lube.
It’s called lock stick bud.. It’s the axis lock bar sticking where it engages with to the blade tang. To get rid of it just color where the blade tang engages with the lock bar with a number 2 pencil. The graphite will keep it from sticking. Also, the washers aren’t copper, they are phosphor bronze.
I have this same issue on a 737 Aileron I just bought new several weeks ago. Set the $$$ aside; a sticking Axis Lock isn't very 'tactical' on a tactical knife... Maybe that's why they say: "don't bring a knife to a gun fight"... lol. Oh. Benchmade. Get your goddamn quality control in order... or get rid of the Butterfly Tax.
Just got a new 940-2 with the same problem. I've recently got a crooked river and a 417 Fact and they were fine out of the box. I'm going to see what some time does to loosen it up before I take it apart. Edit: Sent the knife back to Benchmade and it's better. But I just got a new griptilian with the same problem. Time to get some 1500 grit sandpaper.
thanks man just did my 940-2 and it's smooth as silk even with the hardest flick. great vid but this is way to occurring for $200 knives. this is my first benchmade and I'm glad it's better I just hope it stays this way cause I did lube everything up well see when it dries
Glad you figured it out but it’s Bullshit that you even had to do all that. Benchmade has the worst quality control. I regretted ever buying a Benchmade
Had the same problem on a brand new 535 bugout....did this and very lightly buffed the sanded Edge of the liner with a dremel. Haven't had this problem since
Kind of funny. My 17.95 Ganzo Firebird has the same issue. They dud copy the Axis lock entirely. I put a small drop of mineral oil baed oil on either side where the pin contacts the channels. I figured that any benefit would be short lived. So far it’s still working well. Maybe the iil aided the lock ti break in? PS; I just ordered q mini griptilian.
I got a new Griptillian and holy shit it opens rough. I put a little too much oil on it, but it still opens rough. Id rather not take it apart, so ill use it for a bit and see if I can wear it in.
I’ve had a few to do this. Just bought the same 940 you have and it sticks as well. Eventually it wears in and smooths itself out. It’s only a problem if you have girl hands 😂
Just received a brand new Ritter mini and having the exact same problem. I'm about to take it down and see what's going on. I've heard putting graphite on the tang where the lock bar sits so I'm gonna try that first. It is annoying as shit, and a little painful as well.
Just bought my first Benchmade knife. Super Freek. When opened with a flick same issue. A bit frustrating when spending $200. No patience to take apart a brand new knife. Hopefully it loosen over time.
I’m a spyderco guy but got my first benchmade today the presidio 2 cf-elite have horrible lock stick. People in the forums say you shouldn’t open it too hard. You benchmade fanboys are unreal tbh if you can’t open it too hard without it failing it’s a trash knife some pencil lead made it better but I tell you what my opinion on benchmade has been solidified. Never again
Well now, I have never had a knife with this issue but it makes complete sense. The perennial suggestions of using pencil or markers just would not even begin to solve this issue.
Brand new benchmade bugout cf elite had the axis stick and jam to the rear so it won't even lock the blade open. The blade swings back and forth like a limp dick. I'm sending it back cause for the money spent ($145) I'm not fixing their crap. They can fix it or replace it. I mean seriously I just took it out of the box and began opening and closing it.
I just bought a brand new 940 with the same problem. It's a damn shame that you spend $200 on a knife, then have to fix it. I will never again buy a benchmade.
I've owned quite a few Benchmades, and only had a few with this issue. Still a damn good knife. And the customer service is great. Let me know how it turns out.
I took my 590 boost apart to clean it up had a whole bunch of gunk in it and I was hoping that would that would help but I’m still having the same issue.
So Josh, I have a new drop point, same model brand new. The blade is very tight when dropping down after releasing the axis llock button. What is my problem? It will only go 1/4 the way down.
Loosen the pivot screw. I just bought a new Osborne loosend the screw a little and works like a charm. Dont over loosen or there will be blade play. Torx 8 I believe is the size you'll need
I just got a brand new Crooked River that has the same problem. It binds up when I "over open it" as you say, but also when it's closed too tight. I have to open it just a little bit before the Axis lock will stop binding up.
@@BrassStacks yeah I have the same problem when I oil mine. I just had to rinse mine under some hot water and then I just kept flinging it open and closed while watching a knife review video lol
I have the same orange Griptillian. Never had an issue with not being able to pull the lock back after opening the knife... No matter how hard I slammed it open. But then again. I don't have sissy little girl hands. And yes... I've heard the clicking sound that was in the video.
I believe I'm having the same problem, I wanna try this but I'm a little nervous about taking apart the whole thing & trying to put it back together, did you have any difficulty doing so?
No, the Griptilian line is pretty straight forward. two omega springs, one on each side. The same with the frame/liners. Then it's just the screws that hold everything together. Let me know how it goes.
Same problem with my new Ganzo Firebird F761. My first thought was a $20 knife will always be a $20 knife. Small comfort knowing that problems with the axis lock also occurs in brand new knives costing way, way more.
It seems their qc has suffered over time. My dad has two 940s made in the year 2000: one he has carried a lot and one that is new in box and never been used. Neither of them have any problems with the lock sticking.
Nope. Some axis-locks will just have a bit of lockstick to begin with. The issue will resolve itself without having to take the knife apart. Many good knives just have a little bit of a break-in period.
Four Benchmade into the group, 556-1,555, 527, 319, and never had that problem. I do always pull on each side of the lock bar when unlocking. Is that part of the problem, I mean just pulling down on one side of the lock bar?pretty sure that BM CNC's all of their parts so to have a random problem like that, is probably user error.
I had the same problem on a crooked river, a custom no less. How about they do this at the factory on a multi hundred dollar knife? Really going to look elsewhere next time. Maybe a spartan.
Oh I'm not taking my knife apart. I just have a $200 knife I can't close. I'm gonna mount it in a glass case to remind me to never buy from them again. I expect better quality control from a company that charges what they do.
I was too lazy to take mine apart. I just used pencil lead on the tang, lockbar, and the area that you sanded. That helped initially and allowed the knife to break in. Mine was so bad that if you flicked is very hard I could not get it to unlock with my bare hands.
good idea going to try that also!
So many people in comments didn’t send it back to get fixed. Benchmade thx you they love free labor and not knowing actually how bad the problems is. Not only are the consumers their QC you guys are the labor in their warranty department. Benchmade is pretty smart.
Just got a mini Freek - freaky smooth and top notch. Got my 535-3 today and my axis lock is just like yours. Sending it back. If take it apart, it voids the warranty.
Hey Marc, I know it's been 7 years but I want to say thanks for the tip. I have a mini bugout that luckily doesn't have lockstick, but has a tiny up/down lockrock in the 3 years I've owned this. Tried 3 different lockbars of different materials, tinkering with all screw tensions, etc. The only thing that actually fixed it was to slightly widen/sand/polish up that space in the liner inserts like you showed in your video and man, the lockrock has been FULLY removed and it locks up solid every time now.
Seems like the issue was poor engagement between the blade and lockbar because the channel in the lockbar was stopping the bar just microscopically short from really wedging into the blade. I just want to say thanks because this has always been bugging me about this otherwise great knife. Keeping this comment up for anyone who needs this in the future.
watch @ 7:45 to skip the bs
I know. I almost just went to another video until I saw this comment. He is exhausting.
I know right, it's 8 min of flipping and teeth sucking.
Not all heroes wear capes.
Alex Gersabeck oh God and the way he says WHY sounded like Dr Phil
great Find. I just bought a new 940 with the same problem.
Have the same problem on a brand new Bugout 535 and also didn’t want to go through the trouble of sending it to BM. Only happens when I really open it with force. I’ve just been working it over and over and over, and I think it’s almost completely fixed the problem. If it starts binding again, I’ll try this. Thanks for posting.
Start at 7:45.
I did this to a 535 bugout and progressively did 800, 1500 and finally 2000 grit. Reassembled it and after I opened and closed it about 20 times it's 95% better.
Just got a bugout, and I don't have this exact problem, but, it's so "gritty" feeling to open/close.
I had the same issue with my 940 but I just ended up taking the liver and blade out only and cleaned it out and re oiled it and it worked wonders
Thank you for the video man, Just got my custom mini grip in the mail and the lock bar wouldn't travel all the way up when the knife was opened, but would when closed. I was pissed at first but now it makes sense. Good video.
2024, brand new bugout in hand and it's still the same. Flick out the blade with a bit of force and it's locks up tight. Some good tips in the comments to try before i have to break it down and get out the sandpaper. Cheers for the future!
The issue with the axis lock “binding” to the blade happened with my Freek.... the axis lock has a little bit of a break in period but it’s smooth as butter now, just need to work it for a bit
Just as an update: gave my Freek to a friend and now have the 940... same thing happened to the 940 but after messing with it for the whole day (as us knife guys tend to do with a new knife) it’s butter smooth as well
Good to know, I got my Freak today and it's doing the same thing when you flick it open with some force. I'd always heard Axis locks needed some breaking in so I'm glad to know it's true and not a defect. Also some graphite powder helps a lot until it can get broken in.
@@zackphy congrats on the new knife the Freek is great I personally wanted something nicer which is why I went for the 940 after the Freek being my EDC for a year and a half which I ended up gifting to a friend.... may end up getting a “super Freek” down the road eventually
Ditto, 940-1, a damn $315 retail knife, same exact issue. I have a Benchmade Crooked River, no issues at all, its insane smooth. Same with my SOG Vulcan, 1/4 the cost, waaaay smoother. I'll give this a try, but shame it has to be done.
my lock is stuck and cant close the knife at all. no matter how hard i try. its tough and stuck.
I recently got a Benchmade Triage 917 and it is ridiculously tight. I added clipper oil and worked the crap out of it. Still no play. Since I like the straight blade of the Triage but enjoy the textured handle of the Stryker 908SBK, of which is flawlessly smooth, and they both have the same blade style, I decided to swap them. Come to find out there is an obvious difference in the washers. The Triage washers are noticably thicker than that of the 908, even though it would take a micrometer to measure the minute differences. After the swap, there's no play in either blade-to-handle and the 908 continues to be very smooth and the Triage remains snug.
I also added clipper oil 💀
@@Mylowerbackhurts It’s great stuff…doesn’t attract too much dust or lint.
I’m having same issue w my brand new 940-1 to the point that I returned it and this is my 2nd and same problem. Thank you for this vid
I just got my 940-1 and it sticks. With S90V steel I’m wondering if it will ever break in but this video gives me hope because maybe it’s not the blade steel necessarily. I’m going to try graphite lube.
I had the same problem but quickly realized new springs are stiff and need to be broken in much like new mags for a firearm.
It’s called lock stick bud.. It’s the axis lock bar sticking where it engages with to the blade tang. To get rid of it just color where the blade tang engages with the lock bar with a number 2 pencil. The graphite will keep it from sticking. Also, the washers aren’t copper, they are phosphor bronze.
“long story longer” haha, i like it
Thanks! Just bought a 940-1 and was unhappy with my purchase because with a knife of that price it shouldn’t be locking up. Also it came dull
I have this same issue on a 737 Aileron I just bought new several weeks ago. Set the $$$ aside; a sticking Axis Lock isn't very 'tactical' on a tactical knife... Maybe that's why they say: "don't bring a knife to a gun fight"... lol. Oh. Benchmade. Get your goddamn quality control in order... or get rid of the Butterfly Tax.
Just got a new 940-2 with the same problem. I've recently got a crooked river and a 417 Fact and they were fine out of the box. I'm going to see what some time does to loosen it up before I take it apart.
Edit: Sent the knife back to Benchmade and it's better. But I just got a new griptilian with the same problem. Time to get some 1500 grit sandpaper.
thanks man just did my 940-2 and it's smooth as silk even with the hardest flick. great vid but this is way to occurring for $200 knives. this is my first benchmade and I'm glad it's better I just hope it stays this way cause I did lube everything up well see when it dries
Same problem on a brand new Mini Griptilian, hope it breaks in, if not I try your method…
Glad you figured it out but it’s Bullshit that you even had to do all that. Benchmade has the worst quality control. I regretted ever buying a Benchmade
In my experience...Most axis locks come with this problem. You just need to give it some time to break in.
💯
Good video and depth
Had the same problem on a brand new 535 bugout....did this and very lightly buffed the sanded Edge of the liner with a dremel. Haven't had this problem since
Kind of funny. My 17.95 Ganzo Firebird has the same issue. They dud copy the Axis lock entirely. I put a small drop of mineral oil baed oil on either side where the pin contacts the channels. I figured that any benefit would be short lived. So far it’s still working well. Maybe the iil aided the lock ti break in?
PS; I just ordered q mini griptilian.
I tend to not be able to put a new knife down for a few days after buying it. So playing with it a bunch had always smoothed out my benchmades.
I got a new Griptillian and holy shit it opens rough. I put a little too much oil on it, but it still opens rough. Id rather not take it apart, so ill use it for a bit and see if I can wear it in.
get to the point
I think he was just trying to get to the 10 minute mark
Thank you!!
No shit….
I’ve had a few to do this. Just bought the same 940 you have and it sticks as well. Eventually it wears in and smooths itself out. It’s only a problem if you have girl hands 😂
Just received a brand new Ritter mini and having the exact same problem. I'm about to take it down and see what's going on. I've heard putting graphite on the tang where the lock bar sits so I'm gonna try that first. It is annoying as shit, and a little painful as well.
Agreed! the graphite does work, but it's a temporary fix. When it wears away, the problem is still there.
Just bought my first Benchmade knife. Super Freek. When opened with a flick same issue. A bit frustrating when spending $200. No patience to take apart a brand new knife. Hopefully it loosen over time.
Rebel Lucy it will.... it has a break in period
@@shadowcastyt it did. Thank u
Rebel Lucy no problemo
I had the same issue, fixed thanks to this video. Thanks
I’m a spyderco guy but got my first benchmade today the presidio 2 cf-elite have horrible lock stick. People in the forums say you shouldn’t open it too hard. You benchmade fanboys are unreal tbh if you can’t open it too hard without it failing it’s a trash knife some pencil lead made it better but I tell you what my opinion on benchmade has been solidified. Never again
Same problem. I will try this, thanks.
Big help. Thank you!
Well now, I have never had a knife with this issue but it makes complete sense. The perennial suggestions of using pencil or markers just would not even begin to solve this issue.
Are y’all sure your issue isn’t just tightening the frame screws unevenly?
Brand new benchmade bugout cf elite had the axis stick and jam to the rear so it won't even lock the blade open. The blade swings back and forth like a limp dick. I'm sending it back cause for the money spent ($145) I'm not fixing their crap. They can fix it or replace it. I mean seriously I just took it out of the box and began opening and closing it.
I just bought a brand new 940 with the same problem. It's a damn shame that you spend $200 on a knife, then have to fix it. I will never again buy a benchmade.
I've owned quite a few Benchmades, and only had a few with this issue. Still a damn good knife. And the customer service is great. Let me know how it turns out.
You just got to break it in bro. Personally I look forward to this when I get a new Benchmade haha
Just flip the new knife a lot for a week or so and this problem will resolve without disassembly.
I took my 590 boost apart to clean it up had a whole bunch of gunk in it and I was hoping that would that would help but I’m still having the same issue.
Is it fine after it breaks in?
I’ve got a few knives I would like to sell but don’t know where to sell them. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks brother!!! My knife is fixed..!!
Awesome!
I just got my DLT exclusive Griptilian with the same issue. I don’t want to take it apart so I’ll just break it in with use. Thx
So Josh, I have a new drop point, same model brand new. The blade is very tight when dropping down after releasing the axis llock button. What is my problem? It will only go 1/4 the way down.
Loosen the pivot screw. I just bought a new Osborne loosend the screw a little and works like a charm. Dont over loosen or there will be blade play. Torx 8 I believe is the size you'll need
Took my D2 Grip apart, touched up the flat on my Worksharp with the finest belt, took about 1.5-2 seconds and now my knife glides in and out.
that happens when you over open it, if that makes any sense. you just have to break it in that's all no big deal.
I just got a brand new Crooked River that has the same problem. It binds up when I "over open it" as you say, but also when it's closed too tight. I have to open it just a little bit before the Axis lock will stop binding up.
@@BrassStacks yeah I have the same problem when I oil mine. I just had to rinse mine under some hot water and then I just kept flinging it open and closed while watching a knife review video lol
Can you unlock the knife from one side?
I have the same orange Griptillian. Never had an issue with not being able to pull the lock back after opening the knife... No matter how hard I slammed it open. But then again. I don't have sissy little girl hands. And yes... I've heard the clicking sound that was in the video.
Honestly I’d rather have the knife do it on it’s own than take it apart and break it in unofficially
I believe I'm having the same problem, I wanna try this but I'm a little nervous about taking apart the whole thing & trying to put it back together, did you have any difficulty doing so?
No, the Griptilian line is pretty straight forward. two omega springs, one on each side. The same with the frame/liners. Then it's just the screws that hold everything together.
Let me know how it goes.
I had the same problem with a new 940. After awhile the sticking went away. Maybe it just needed to be broken in.
True, Im just impatient. This was an easy fix for me.
About how long did it take?( i just bought my griptilian yesterday)
How many time are you going to shows get to the point. Vedio starts at 6min mark
Just got 940-1 yesterday and got the same problem
Same problem with my new Ganzo Firebird F761. My first thought was a $20 knife will always be a $20 knife.
Small comfort knowing that problems with the axis lock also occurs in brand new knives costing way, way more.
It seems their qc has suffered over time. My dad has two 940s made in the year 2000: one he has carried a lot and one that is new in box and never been used. Neither of them have any problems with the lock sticking.
Probably cause the owner died
What is the skrew driver he uses?
Just a cheap harbor freight 4mm kit.
U pay 100-200 for a knife that u have to take apart and do the finishing by urselve? 🤔
Nope. Some axis-locks will just have a bit of lockstick to begin with. The issue will resolve itself without having to take the knife apart. Many good knives just have a little bit of a break-in period.
@@esoteric5277 good to know! 👍
I have the same problem!!! Why doesn't Benchmade just fix it from the beginning? Ugggggg!!!
Four Benchmade into the group, 556-1,555, 527, 319, and never had that problem. I do always pull on each side of the lock bar when unlocking. Is that part of the problem, I mean just pulling down on one side of the lock bar?pretty sure that BM CNC's all of their parts so to have a random problem like that, is probably user error.
I had the same problem on a crooked river, a custom no less. How about they do this at the factory on a multi hundred dollar knife? Really going to look elsewhere next time. Maybe a spartan.
Oh I'm not taking my knife apart. I just have a $200 knife I can't close. I'm gonna mount it in a glass case to remind me to never buy from them again. I expect better quality control from a company that charges what they do.
ha ha
John Godwin use it for a couple day it will come good quick
Just return it for warranty. Easy fix.
OMG????
A simple dab of knife oil into the axis lock would’ve solved everything.... complete overkill to disassemble the knife.
I did this with mine and it did not fix the problem.
Nope
long story longer...hahaha
Never had that issue, all the Benchmade knives I've bought were new
Seems to be hit and miss. Just bought another griptilian, new. No problems at all.