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awk
1600
Nov 27, 2017
Okay this is my favorite of the high-end Bestechs. When I saw it I had to have it! I really love the way it looks, and ergonomics are good. I couldn't wait for the drop so I got it from BladeHQ for $196 or so.
Mine had issues, though due to the low serial (003/100) I kept it instead of returning it.
Issue #1 was the detent path was not finished/polished. I've never seen this before. The knife would barely open and had to be pressed closed and it felt rough very rough. I put lapping film between the ball and blade and polished it out, now it drops shut. Issue #2 was a very early and unreliable lock-up. I wasn't sure the best way to fix this other than jamming the lock hard and then unlocking it over and over again, but I did it get to the point where more than half of the lock bar gets under the lock face. There were a few more issues including dull blade, sharp burrs on the pocket clip, jimping cut at a slight angle, and a slightly crooked logo.
The knife is fine now but feels a little mushy compared to, say. a similar ZT. Probably because my repairs basically wore in the parts.
I've bought 3 of the high-end Bestechs and 2 had these kinds of fit and finish issues, which makes it hard to justify the $200 price. $150-$175 seems more appropriate. The low-end ones are great though.
Astrodinosaur
198
Nov 28, 2017
awkI really like their stuff, but I've had similar fit and finish issues on the higher end offerings, although only on lower serial numbers. It seems like they must still be ironing out their production or something, since the higher serial numbers are almost always better quality.
To your comment about the lockbar, the best way I've found to deal with lock up being too early is to disassemble the knife and use a diamond file to slightly wear back the lock portion of the blade. You have to be very careful doing this so as not to increase the lock-up too much or create an uneven surface and cause blade play, but as long as you take your time you should be fine. I've done this with a handful of knives now and it's worked out great.
Tragique
712
Nov 28, 2017
awkI know diddly squat about knives but I appreciate a knowledgeable person having issues with a product and dealing with it reasonably without trashing the brand and everything assocywith it. Kudos.
awk
1600
Nov 28, 2017
AstrodinosaurNow that you mention it, my issues have been pretty much inversely proportional to the serial number. I got a Tercel with a higher serial and it is flawless. Since they are new at the higher-end knife game (from what I understand, they were an OEM making cheaper knives) I am willing to cut them a little slack.
I'm afraid to do any freehand modification to the lock areas...especially on a $200 knife... though there was a time I was afraid to even take knives apart so maybe I'll get there someday.
JSG1
71
Feb 10, 2018
awk"I'm afraid to do any freehand modification to the lock areas..." And you shouldn't have to; when you buy a knife brand new, it should work perfectly.
Axeguy
1372
Jul 24, 2018
awk‘Freehand modification’ is a worthy destination: get there soon. Once you’ve seen how essentially intuitive and ‘simple’ it is, it will add enjoyment to your knife hobby (not to mention your confidence with small tools and small spaces).
9volt
18
Jul 24, 2018
AxeguyI agree with this statement very much. I’ve never had such a great knife I could not fine tune to make just that much better. The are production knives a bit of caress can make them magical.
Axeguy
1372
Jul 25, 2018
9voltI like your turn of phrase. When you can make even the tiniest improvements, your ‘good’ knife can become truly spectacular.
14themoney
1395
Jun 14, 2019
awkI screwed up the first couple of knives that I took apart. I have to be happy about buying inexpensive knives to start with. It has been my experience that education rarely comes free. Start on a cheap knife and have some heat handy in case of Loctite. Also, a big, clean flat area is a tremendous asset.