OregonstanI hear you.....what bothers me is that darn omega spring others have talked about. It seems that it is the weak point in the knife. I sure hope one is included as a extra.
Mick123This would be my first Axis lock knife. I've handled some Benchmade knives at their factory but wasn't too impressed.
I've recently discovered button lock knives and that action is addicting.
Oregonstanmake sure it is out of my pocket before playing with it......this is my first "expensive" and handmade knife made in the U.S.A so for me its an adventure.....
Mick123This knife is definitely not expensive (relatively), and it is not hand made. It is still a production knife. It is a custom DESIGN. And it looks like a damn good one, and is American made which is a big plus.
As for the Omega springs, I don't think they are including any extras. As far as the springs breaking I have never personally known anyone who has had this issue. I have read about it, but you can read about anything and everything on the internet. I have buddies who are hardcore Benchmade guys, it's all they carry, no issues with omega springs breaking. It is a thin piece of metal, which is going to see a lot of bending. So I am not saying it's impossible, I just don't think it is as common as people are making it seem.
Mick123I am hoping it will keep pace with knives in the $150-$200 range. We shall see.
I too could never consider buying a $1000 knife.. what do you with one? Frame it on the wall?
namhodNancy Pelosi would say a $1000 knife is just a "crumb". There are those that walk among us that are beyond filthy rich. By the time I get the knife I will have forgotten that I bought it. I spent 22 years with "hurry up and wait" so 3-4 months won't matter.
Mick123With one spring broken, my 940-2 would still lock up well enough for use.
Worst case scenario, one could either hold the lockbar forward with thumb and forefinger while using the knife or wedge a small stick behind the bar.
Haters gonna hate.
namhod"what do you with...a $1000 knife..Frame it on the wall?"
Nope, you store it inside a moisture/temperature controlled container, then secure it in a fireproof safe. Or so recommended the insurance company. Which kind of seem like both a lot of hassle, and sort of pointless since then no one would get to see it. So I found a museum to take it. Technically I still own it, but its loaned out indefinitely and cared for by conservation experts.
Of course, that only works if the knife's value lies in its historical interest. If you were someone who could afford a thousand-dollar modern custom, well, I suppose you'd just carry it like normal people carry a $100 knife.
Mick123Forget pushing and shoving, a homemade replacement would be my first move before going to the hassle of sending it to Millit or wherever. I don't own a single Benchmade, so I dont have first-hand knowledge, but just looking at the drawing it seems like anyone with decent metal working skills could fab that part. I couldnt personally do it, but I got a guy for such stuff. And if he couldn't, he'd know who could. And if there's a grandfather/cuckoo clock repair shop or service in your town, you've got a guy too. Or a watchmaker/repairer, although not all of those are as good as they claim to be sometimes.
Mick123I've seriously beat on my Benchmade 551 and 943 for a few years now and haven't had a single issue with the springs. Stripped a screw out while cleaning but that's it.
Mick123Maybe. I've heard that they either fail pretty quick or last a real long time. Either way I had my 943 for 3 years before I found out how the axis lock worked (the Omega spring...) And I never felt like it could be an issue. I guess if you're worried about it a framelock is a better option though.
Drblue2112Nor me. I've owned and sold close to 40 Benchmades since the Axis came out in 1999, and never had a broken spring. And just an FYI, the springs are not brass. They're steel.