Hello

I recently purchased a 943. This is my first Benchmade knife so I am not sure if the side to side play that is present when the knife is closed is normal. The knife seems to lock up nice when open but when it is closed, there is a substantial amount of side to side play.

Please do not get confused and think that I am saying that there is side to side play when opened. Just when it is closed.

Thank you

Have you tried to adjust the pivot screw? If not then I would advise adjusting the pivot screw to a tighter tension. This will likely eliminate the blade play you are experiencing. You will need a T-10 torx bit to tighten the pivot screw.

Well it doesn't really bother me enough to go out and get a torx bit. I was just curious because I always hear about this "side to side" play on forums. I was just wondering if people were experiencing this with their blades closed or open.

I do believe that tightening that screw would fix it though as if I pinch the pivot area with my fingers, the blade is perfectly centered and has no movement.

I did have this problem with my 940. I tightened up the pivot screw and it eliminated the blade play. BTW welcome to the forums.

Paulc, Don't worry about it unless your blade has "play" when opened. All of my Axis lock knives have some side to side play when closed, but they don't have any play when opened. Its just the nature of the beast.

quote:

Originally posted by fastjan:
Paulc, Don't worry about it unless your blade has "play" when opened. All of my Axis lock knives have some side to side play when closed, but they don't have any play when opened. Its just the nature of the beast.

What he said ...... mine has a little too , means nothin.

Welcome, Paulc. I have had a 943 for a month or two, but only carried it a few times. I like it lots. I hope this is the start of a long relationship between you and your 943. They may look a bit delicate to some, but I think they are just right.

If you are going to keep this knife, and especially if you may find another AXIS lock knife or three in your future, you do want to go ahead and get a few Torx drivers. IMO, you will want to make little adjustments from time-to-time, tighten the odd screw, remove the clip or loosen things up a little to better clean and lubricate the knife. Precision tools like these do need a little care and maintenance to keep their function at 100%. One of the many good things about most Benchmades is that you can adjust them. I have had many a knife that was not adjustable by non knifesmiths. When they got loose, they were dangerous.

Sorry for the sermon. Enjoy your new tool.

Ditto on the pivot screw. My 943 needed a very slight adjustment of the pivot screw. Get yourself a good torx screwdriver. Make sure you get a T-6 and T-10 bit. The T-10 fits the pivot screw and the T-6 fits everything else, the thumb stud, clip, and scale screws.
Congratulations, you picked a great EDC. It is light, very sharp out of the box, fits the pocket well, and the S30V is an awesome steel.

Thanks for the welcoming guys. I'm liking this forum already haha.

BTW I love this knife. The lines are sleek and sexy

If you are close to a Home Depot, or a Lowes, you can pic up a small torx kit that subsists of a screwdriver with the different bits inside the handle. It contains from #4 to #15. You will only need the #6 and #10 for most appications. Cost is between $6 to $8. If close to a Sears, you could probably find the #6 and #10 as seperate drivers. The Blue Tool from BM is also available.