Benchmade makes a number of pocket clips that all work very well. One of their best decisions was to standardize the screw dimensions (on most models at a 3 screw pattern) so that most models do not have a unique clip. One difference between most models will be the length of screws associated with each clip/model. Too long and it will hit the blade, too short and it will not hold well.

I’ll focus on the 2 most popular clips found on most Benchmade’s.

1.Painted steel clip.
Found on Benchmade Griptilians, 710s and many other models.

Variations on this clip include Black Oxide, Parkerizing or Bluing. A conversion coating for ferrous materials, copper and copper based alloys, zinc, powdered metals. It is used to add mild corrosion resistance and for appearance.

Black Oxide has the old world charm that black painted clips lack. They fade in time giving the clip a nice worn look. They are standard on some Limited Editions at this time. They can be obtained from Benchmade customer service if you ask like a gentlemen, include a model number (so they can include new screws and don’t ask for more than a few at most.)

2. Split Arrow Clip.
These are all Black Oxide (accept for the 530, the only painted split arrow I’m aware of). My opinion is that they are used to dress up various models. They have the same 3 hole configuration as painted/Black Oxide clips and are interchangeable. Most in the Benchmade community prefer these for a number of reasons.


In my opinion, the Split Arrow is most suited for smaller, lighter weight knives. Unfortunately Split Arrow’s come standard on a number of models that would fare better with a standard Painted Clip. The Black Painted/ Black Oxide clip provides a much better purchase on the pocket and helps stabilize a large or heavier knife for the long haul. In addition, I feel the Split Arrow Clip snags the pocket rim when inserting the knife. Sometime taking 2 or 3 attempts to clip the knife into your pocket. Many will disagree with this point. Bending the clip outward a bit will solve this issue.

However, dealing with Benchmade pocket clips has always been an easy task due to the uniformity of switching out clips to your liking. I often switch out the Split Arrow clips with Painted or Black Oxide to obtain a better hold.



Using Gorilla Tape on the clip side to soften an over aggressive G-10 under the clip provides an added bonus. When cut to fit and inserted firmly the tape will stick to most surfaces forever. It will also peel off with very little residue if you decide to remove it. Alcohol removes any remainder with no damage to the handle at all. Many knives I have used Gorilla tape on have been in place for years without any peeling or degradation. A bonus is its grippy texture that aids in holding the knife in place, sliding the knife in your pocket and smooth extraction as well.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_oxide
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluing_(steel)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkerizing

http://gorillaglue.com/tapes.aspx

Slide Show

Good theme,personally,hate painted clips.
Will post tomorrow couple other as evidence that they could do it better.

I am a big fan of the h.d. clips

Always a topic of passion for me, liking/not-liking clips goes in this order:

1. Like the Benchmade 'USA' oxidised clips, which should be standard if not using...the silver coated versions. Tops on my list, and next are:

2. Oxidised split arrows, and silver coated are cool too. Great option for many models.

NOT like:

3. (Actually...I HATE)...the springy and weak painted clips used on the 610/615 and other models that use the same. If ever was a clip that made me sell my 615(s) this is the culprit and a huge mistake on Benchmade's part, IMO, in choosing these for rather expensive and really great knives.

4. Painted 'Benchmade' clips, which instantly scuff and look lousy to begin with...get replaced by the oxidised versions at my first chance. These have no place on our knives and were/are another big mistake.

...oh yeah, I like the knives themselves just fine.

I just put the parkerized "Benchmade USA" on my Presidios (520A and 525). Looks great and will look even better with a little pocket wear! Presidjos RULE!

I use a parkerized arrow clip on my daily-carry black 732. Looks good, matches the rest of the knife nicely, and wears well with time.

quote:

the springy and weak painted clips used on the 610/615 and other models that use the same. If ever was a clip that made me sell my 615(s) this is the culprit and a huge mistake on Benchmade's part, IMO, in choosing these for rather expensive and really great knives.

While digging through my clips I found a spare for the 610/615. It’s hard to tell because the Pika used the same unstable configuration. I have spare Pika parts too. Back in the red box era I had a plain and titanium Pika. I don’t know why? The plain plastic Pika fell apart. Why am I saving the clip? It’s similar to the 610/615 that I also had to sell.

A 610/615 with a Pika clip was a major error in design.

Two best clips IMO.

Agreed

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