Hey who managed to get one? I mean with absolutely no blade play or lock issue?
I love Benchmade but I have to say these may be the lowest quality controlled Blue class model... maybe lower than Red classes.

I'm still working on getting my final properly made 480 that I spoke of in this thread
http://benchmadeforum.com/eve/...38106573/m/879109732
This was my first ever Benchmade knife, and I've since bought 3 other (axis lock) Benchmades which have all been great. But still waiting on that first Benchmade purchase.

The first time I sent my 480 to Benchmade, it came back to me with every single flaw untouched (..it may have been sharpened). I mean, nothing was fixed. I talked to them on the phone and was told it must have accidentally gotten by-passed. So I sent it back, and also let them know I don't care about the First Production stamp anymore... I'd prefer to just get a non-first production replacement 480 if it has all the kinks worked out of it. They agreed and sent me the replacement, with some complimentary Blue Lube.

But, this replacement came with its own set of problems, including more bladeplay and a lock that totally fails with some pressure on the spine (no spine whacking was needed or done). Not to mention the edge was not very sharp and part of it was actually rolled over...

I've now sent it back this third time and I'm just waiting and hoping.

I've handled a Shoki at a local dealer and it too had vertical play. And I read a post on another forum saying he handled 5 480's at a local dealer, and all of them had vertical play, and two of which had failing locks!

I mean wow.... talk about bad quality control, right?

Well, sorry everybody, I just needed to vent and get some opinions.

I've been very polite and patient with BKC warranty service, I'm not really mad at them and I do realize mistakes happen, and from what I've heard they're usually top notch... and I'll probably get a good one this time (you'd think so, right??).

But jeez, I needed to vent!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Shochi,

I, too, have lock problems on my regular production Shoki, but Gold Class Shoki I have is flawless (as you'd expect from a knife of such price)

Question Rx, how did you convince yourself to shell out the money for a Gold class when your Blue class model wasn't put together right?

Oh never mind, I just saw your Benchmades page. You'll take them all
Nice pics!

quote:

Originally posted by Shochi:
You'll take them all
Nice pics!

Thanks!
And not true. I don't like those red boxes

as a stocking dealer, i've gotten 6 total shokis in. two of my initial three were defective in some way, and were also numbered. i sent those back, they were repaires. the next one i recieved was fine. the next one was wiggley so i sent it back and got back a good one.

every dealer SHOULD be doing that.......

i like my shoki alot but it does have a little play in it, i got it from a dealer for cost so a little play for alot of cash saved is fine by me, i will send it in when i get the time

Also i handled a gold class shoki in a dealer the other day and it was rock solid

quote:

Originally posted by RxEnergy:
Thanks!
And not true. I don't like those red boxes

Speaking of Red class and the Nak-lok, how is the Nagara lockup, anybody? I handled one at a dealer once... the knife itself feels very solid, the button is smoother operating and presses in deeper. Seems the Nak is built in better in that Red class China model than in the USA Blue 480. wow, isn't that just wrong?

I've noticed the 480 Shoki inventory at Benchmade.com recently got depleted. And if you're looking to buy one through the website, it directs you to go find a "dealer" rather than "reserve" a backordered one. Could this mean the knife might be getting discontinued? Or maybe, just maybe they might be refining their manufacturing of this model?

For sure, I think they've done this Blue class, the Nak-Lok, and Nakamura sama a great disservice with the sloppy production of this very beautiful knife. Just my opinion

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Shochi,

The Shoki is a POS IMO. Maybe they have them straightened out by now, but if so it's too late because I'm done trying to get a good one.

I'm not often critical if BM, but they deserve some criticism on this one.

FYI, The red class nak-lock, the Nagara, for half the price works great! Solid with no issues.

I question the reliability of the Nak-Lok. I've handled a couple of 480's and participated in the 10700 Nagara passaround. All the button does is push the lock over to release the blade in closing and spring back against the tang when engaged.

Compared to the 440 with the locking liner, and at about the same size, I would feel safer with that model.

quote:

Originally posted by joe_karp:
I question the reliability of the Nak-Lok. I've handled a couple of 480's and participated in the 10700 Nagara passaround. All the button does is push the lock over to release the blade in closing and spring back against the tang when engaged.

Compared to the 440 with the locking liner, and at about the same size, I would feel safer with that model.

Based on the two Shoki knives I have handled, I would agree.

Based on the design itself, and based on the two Nagara Knives I have handled, I would disagree.

It's basically a liner lock under tension instead of compression. If anything I would guess it to be stronger.

What was your experience with the Nagara?