I read where someone was told by Benchmade, that if you’re aftermarket scales don’t fit, you likely have a fake. So if you bought from a quality company like Flytanium or Original Goat and the scales don’t fit, you don’t have a real Benchmade.
Flytanium are not high quality products. they are chinese made and sometimes have variances in dimensions. Rockscale Design is an example of a high quality machined product.
Don't forget about the profile of the thumb studs, where the fakes often have taller steps between the levels of rings at the end, with a smaller screw hole in the center.
Damn, that shootout looks like it has a butter smooth action. Was shocked how easily you deployed and retracted the blade with your pointer finger like that. I have a few microtech, s&w and a couple very cheap under 50 bucks OTF knives.... The first one where I was able to deploy the blade with just the pointer finger is the Kershaw Livewire and even then it took a week or two of break in to where the action was like butter and could be deployed with just the pointer finger instead of thumb.
The Shootout is great for easy opening because of the super pronounced button -- it is raised/more sharp when compared to an Ultratech or lots of other otfs. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
It’s getting harder and harder to spot some of the better fake’s. One of the tell’s I look for is the laser etching on the blade, on satin blades anyway, you can feel it on a fake, while I can’t on any of my originals. I recently got to compare a newer fake 940-1 to my original and a 5 or 6 year old clone. They fixed most of the hardware and fitment issues but they still had better but slight variations in matching finishes.
I’m guessing there are multiple manufacturers in China making fakes. The cheap fakes I can tell just by looking at photos but the more expensive versions I would be fooled without a side by side comparison on some model’s.
I really appreciate the comment, thanks for watching! There are certainly fakes that are really obvious, but you're right they are definitely improving and it gets much harder to tell. I agree with you regarding the laser etching, that is usually one of the few ways to tell them apart if one other minor detail isn't off. I have heard that almost all fakes also use T8 screws instead of T10, but it seems to me like that would be a very minor fix if I was trying to pass something off as real so I'm not sure... I also forgot to mention in the video but updated in the description, I think it's quite difficult to fake the "distressed" look of the pocket clip vs a glossy or matte black finish. Thank you again for watching!
The 940-1 I compared recently had T10 pivot screw and larger pivot. They had fixed the thumb stud and bar lock to visually look the same. They got the back spacer anodising very close. They corrected the shape of the body screws but the pocket clip and the hardwares black finish was still glossier. The blade finish was darn near identical except for the raised etching.
It’s getting harder and harder to spot some of the better fake’s. One of the tell’s I look for is the laser etching on the blade, on s'atin blade's anywa'y, you can feel it on a fake, while I can’t on any of my original's. I recent'ly got to compare a new'er fake 940-1 to my original and a 5 or 6 year' old clone. They fixe'd most of the hardware and fitmen't issue's but they still had better but slight variation's in matchi'ng finishe's.
I bought a 940 on eBay. I did some up close picture searching and asked several questions. Appears I have a real one. Thanks for the video. I’m looking to purchase a mini auto Adamas from bladehq
I appreciate the info. Haven't purchased a Benchmade yet and don't own any besides the collab with Harley Davidson that my wife bought me years ago. I do need to get a Bugout, as I have gorgeous carbon fiber scales from Unlocked Composites for one. I received them for free with my CF scales I ordered for Baby Banter. It's good to know what I need to look for when I pick one up.... Haven't been able to bring myself to spend $165+ on one yet.
Glad to hear it! I'm sure they will go on soon, I would be careful with buying bugouts second hand as the fakes are rampant due to it being such a popular/common model. Keep me updated, I would love to see if you end up getting one!
The plunge grind is a taletale on bugouts, the vertical milling lines that are on most satin BMs is on very few fakes. The pocket clip is a tale tale, the hardwear can be a tale tale... the butterfly etch is the biggest tale on most but again Jufule has dailed in the laser etch very closely. Definitely dont go off the foam, that will get you burnt in a heart beat now because jufule corrected it and its identical to the BM foam now and its known so others have prolly updated the foam to.
I'm hesitant about purchasing used axis lock pocket knives. You just don't know what the previous own did to weaken the axis lock. For example, (batoning and prying). It's hard for me to trust a brand new axis lock. I could never see myself depending on a used one. You've got a nice collection. I just bought my first benchmade. It's the 375 fixed adamas. I like it. I agree with you that benchmades are just way too expensive
Thanks for watching and for the comment! It is nice to have the great warranty by Benchmade, but I completely understand the hesitancy to buy used... like you said just a shame they are so overpriced.
Just bought the Bugout shipped in the mail from eBay, glad I came across this video so now I can check if it's legit or not, what should i check for it's in carbon fiber?
With the carbon fiber you can usually compare the patterns on it to the standard Benchmade website picture for the carbon fiber, if you find me on Twitter at DXSharpening and want to send a picture over when you get it I would be happy to take a look at it for you. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
@MidwestAtvGroup Absolutely, if you ever have any other questions feel free to leave a comment on any of my videos or message me on Twitter and I will do my best to answer them!
😮 @@DXSharpeningThe counterfeiters never get the butterfly logo just right. I always look at the patent mark on the lower right side as it faces you. The counterfeiters always make it too big and clear when compared to the actual benchmades. This is easily seen in photos of the genuine product as well. If the knife is in hand you can also feel texture of the butterfly logo on the fakes. There is no texture on the butterfly logo on the real Benchmade when you run your fingers across it.
That doesn't sound right... sometimes you might have to use another bit to hold the opposite side of the thumb stud in order to get it off. If you want to send a picture of it on X/Twitter you can find me @dxsharpening, I'd be happy to take a look! Thanks for watching!
@@DXSharpening no I mean there are is no torx hole and my foam in the box is flat grey damn I knew 150 was to good to be true thank God it's my neighbor he's gonna be pissed he bought it on ebay its soooo nice and sharp crazy if it's clone
@@DXSharpening paid him only 30 out of 150 total so he's getting it back tomorrow he's gonna be pissed or I get to punch him and keep it for 30 😆 🤣 it has t8 on the pivot and the box is marked everyday Carry not hunting shame cause it's really made well soild lockup smooth action oh well I new it was to good to be true
I also buy Benchmades second hand the price is to outrageous when Spyderco offers a moderate price even still I go second hand on those but as simple as it is I always look at the seller rating and location. Anywhere outside of the US I avoid also like you mentioned the butterfly and the M in benchmade on the box I’ve heard is a tell tale
If at all possible, try to buy from an authorized dealer while they are on sale. If you are buying used on eBay, Facebook, etc just be vigilant about making sure you aren't buying a fake by going through and checking the knife against the details in this video and making sure the seller is reputable. There is always a risk when buying second hand on the internet, and thus it is important to make sure you take as many steps as you can to protect yourself. If you ever have difficulty with determining if something is a fake or not please feel free to reach out and I would be happy to help you out. Thanks for watching!
When buying any knives, buy from an authorized retailer There are sights for used knives by knife guys and I’ve seen good deals there Overall though bench made is one of the few brands that has more problems then benefits , between qc issues to heat treat and then prices going up 10 percent year over year I’ve ended up look at other brands mostly the Chinese brands are killing it as far as Kizer and reate go
Great point about buying from authorized sellers, just quite difficult to bring yourself to purchase the obscenely expensive and overpriced Benchmade's when there is a secondary market... that being said it is definitely the best way to protect yourself from fakes. Benchmade has it's flaws as do other companies, but I certainly appreciate the warranty work they do and the customer service they have. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
Kizer and Civivi have been absolutely KILLING it recently. Just picked up the two kizer + damned designs collaboration and they're phenomenal knives that punch WAY above their price point.... Also, if you can ever get your hands on a civivi vision fg then jump on the offer. IMO it's civivi's best knife by a LONGSHOT. Currently have 3, 1 ivory g10 scales with Damascus steel, 1 black micarta scales with Damascus steel and 1 all black with nitro V. The Damascus they're using is very special. From my own testing it holds an edge and toughness comparable to s30v. Easy to sharpen, keeps a razer sharp edge and can easily be stropd back to health.
I was in a gun store yesterday,had all the authorized dealer displays and all. Full of fakes. They had the new water line of blades. They looked real. & were expensive. The others,$120ish . I am just looking for a crossbar lock knife that’s a good knife .don’t care about the butterfly.
There are lots of great crossbar locks out there that aren't Benchmade, Microtechs MSI is on sale at a bunch of places right now for the 4th and I've seen it as low as $150 which is an amazing deal. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
if you don't know how to tell ? the resonable priced knife is not a benchmade ! but even benchamades knives are made by Chinese cnc machines ,benchamade does not pass on the saving on not having to employ people with real knife making skills ! Chinese cnc machine ,load the blank ,unload the part assemble ship ,the programmer is the only skilled worker needed !
There is one huge tell but I dare not list it here as I see no reason to let the Chinese know what it is. It is a part of the knife that is Never Shown in Pic's probably because most have never noticed it. It is a glaring instant tell. Some do come with the proper foam by the way. I don't see a way to send the message but then again, If I tell, some one will post it and the Chinese will no doubt correct it. KnifeMaker/Retired with over 47 years+ in the Craft.
You have me puzzled with what you're eluding to..... I highly doubt Chinese counterfeit makers are searching for these videos and then going to the comment section..... Anyways, from your description you make it sound like this is a VERY wide tell across multiple different actions and locking mechanisms...... I'm assuming you're eluding to either the style of machining used for the scales and the lines produced on the inside of the scales or either you're talking about frame and liner lock styles..... Other than that when it comes to axis locks really the only tell is the actual spring being used as well as the machining done on the axis thumb studs...... Am I close or am I way off?
Haven't considered Benchmade as a knife option, ever since their guns smeltering fiasco in Oregon. Plus the company and their president & owner donate to anti-2A politicians.
how to spot a fake : look for the one with better QC, thatll be the fake
Haha, thanks for watching!
lol was gonna say the same thing 😂
He's not wrong lmao
Ooooh....BURN!!!! haha
Hilarious. That's how I spot a fake Seiko too. No QC issues = a copy
If you have to choose between having tight action or loosening the pivot so it has good action but also bladeplay - it’s real
Ha, thanks for watching!
totally.
I read where someone was told by Benchmade, that if you’re aftermarket scales don’t fit, you likely have a fake. So if you bought from a quality company like Flytanium or Original Goat and the scales don’t fit, you don’t have a real Benchmade.
This is a great point, thanks for watching and for the comment!
Flytanium are not high quality products. they are chinese made and sometimes have variances in dimensions. Rockscale Design is an example of a high quality machined product.
Don't forget about the profile of the thumb studs, where the fakes often have taller steps between the levels of rings at the end, with a smaller screw hole in the center.
Thanks for the comment and for watching!
Great primer video on spotting fake Benchmades! 👍
Thank you for watching and for the comment!
Damn, that shootout looks like it has a butter smooth action. Was shocked how easily you deployed and retracted the blade with your pointer finger like that. I have a few microtech, s&w and a couple very cheap under 50 bucks OTF knives.... The first one where I was able to deploy the blade with just the pointer finger is the Kershaw Livewire and even then it took a week or two of break in to where the action was like butter and could be deployed with just the pointer finger instead of thumb.
The Shootout is great for easy opening because of the super pronounced button -- it is raised/more sharp when compared to an Ultratech or lots of other otfs. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
It’s getting harder and harder to spot some of the better fake’s. One of the tell’s I look for is the laser etching on the blade, on satin blades anyway, you can feel it on a fake, while I can’t on any of my originals. I recently got to compare a newer fake 940-1 to my original and a 5 or 6 year old clone. They fixed most of the hardware and fitment issues but they still had better but slight variations in matching finishes.
I’m guessing there are multiple manufacturers in China making fakes. The cheap fakes I can tell just by looking at photos but the more expensive versions I would be fooled without a side by side comparison on some model’s.
I really appreciate the comment, thanks for watching!
There are certainly fakes that are really obvious, but you're right they are definitely improving and it gets much harder to tell. I agree with you regarding the laser etching, that is usually one of the few ways to tell them apart if one other minor detail isn't off. I have heard that almost all fakes also use T8 screws instead of T10, but it seems to me like that would be a very minor fix if I was trying to pass something off as real so I'm not sure...
I also forgot to mention in the video but updated in the description, I think it's quite difficult to fake the "distressed" look of the pocket clip vs a glossy or matte black finish.
Thank you again for watching!
The 940-1 I compared recently had T10 pivot screw and larger pivot. They had fixed the thumb stud and bar lock to visually look the same. They got the back spacer anodising very close. They corrected the shape of the body screws but the pocket clip and the hardwares black finish was still glossier. The blade finish was darn near identical except for the raised etching.
@dlrmon1 Thank you for sharing, it's a shame it's becoming increasingly difficult to trust buying secondhand now!
It’s getting harder and harder to spot some of the better fake’s. One of the tell’s I look for is the laser etching on the blade, on s'atin blade's anywa'y, you can feel it on a fake, while I can’t on any of my original's. I recent'ly got to compare a new'er fake 940-1 to my original and a 5 or 6 year' old clone. They fixe'd most of the hardware and fitmen't issue's but they still had better but slight variation's in matchi'ng finishe's.
I bought a 940 on eBay. I did some up close picture searching and asked several questions. Appears I have a real one. Thanks for the video. I’m looking to purchase a mini auto Adamas from bladehq
Glad to hear it helped! Thanks for watching!
I appreciate the info. Haven't purchased a Benchmade yet and don't own any besides the collab with Harley Davidson that my wife bought me years ago. I do need to get a Bugout, as I have gorgeous carbon fiber scales from Unlocked Composites for one. I received them for free with my CF scales I ordered for Baby Banter. It's good to know what I need to look for when I pick one up.... Haven't been able to bring myself to spend $165+ on one yet.
Glad to hear it! I'm sure they will go on soon, I would be careful with buying bugouts second hand as the fakes are rampant due to it being such a popular/common model. Keep me updated, I would love to see if you end up getting one!
The plunge grind is a taletale on bugouts, the vertical milling lines that are on most satin BMs is on very few fakes. The pocket clip is a tale tale, the hardwear can be a tale tale... the butterfly etch is the biggest tale on most but again Jufule has dailed in the laser etch very closely.
Definitely dont go off the foam, that will get you burnt in a heart beat now because jufule corrected it and its identical to the BM foam now and its known so others have prolly updated the foam to.
Thanks for the comment and for watching, much appreciated!
I'm hesitant about purchasing used axis lock pocket knives. You just don't know what the previous own did to weaken the axis lock. For example, (batoning and prying). It's hard for me to trust a brand new axis lock. I could never see myself depending on a used one.
You've got a nice collection.
I just bought my first benchmade. It's the 375 fixed adamas. I like it. I agree with you that benchmades are just way too expensive
Thanks for watching and for the comment! It is nice to have the great warranty by Benchmade, but I completely understand the hesitancy to buy used... like you said just a shame they are so overpriced.
Awesome video sir! Very informative.
Thanks for watching and for the comment!
I know this sounds weird but I love your voice. You've got a great voice for voiceover :D
Thanks for watching and for the comment!
The length of the pocket clip often is different with real ones and fakes.
Thanks for watching and for the comment!
Just bought the Bugout shipped in the mail from eBay, glad I came across this video so now I can check if it's legit or not, what should i check for it's in carbon fiber?
With the carbon fiber you can usually compare the patterns on it to the standard Benchmade website picture for the carbon fiber, if you find me on Twitter at DXSharpening and want to send a picture over when you get it I would be happy to take a look at it for you. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
@@DXSharpening will do thank you.
@MidwestAtvGroup Absolutely, if you ever have any other questions feel free to leave a comment on any of my videos or message me on Twitter and I will do my best to answer them!
😮 @@DXSharpeningThe counterfeiters never get the butterfly logo just right. I always look at the patent mark on the lower right side as it faces you. The counterfeiters always make it too big and clear when compared to the actual benchmades. This is easily seen in photos of the genuine product as well. If the knife is in hand you can also feel texture of the butterfly logo on the fakes. There is no texture on the butterfly logo on the real Benchmade when you run your fingers across it.
@@johnruiz6743 Thanks for watching and for the comment, this is also a very helpful tip!
Just got a crooked river everything looks good but the thumb studs are non removable is that right ?
That doesn't sound right... sometimes you might have to use another bit to hold the opposite side of the thumb stud in order to get it off. If you want to send a picture of it on X/Twitter you can find me @dxsharpening, I'd be happy to take a look! Thanks for watching!
@@DXSharpening no I mean there are is no torx hole and my foam in the box is flat grey damn I knew 150 was to good to be true thank God it's my neighbor he's gonna be pissed he bought it on ebay its soooo nice and sharp crazy if it's clone
@rcjoe406 sounds like a fake, sorry to hear it. Silver lining is I guess it wasn't full price!
@@DXSharpening paid him only 30 out of 150 total so he's getting it back tomorrow he's gonna be pissed or I get to punch him and keep it for 30 😆 🤣 it has t8 on the pivot and the box is marked everyday Carry not hunting shame cause it's really made well soild lockup smooth action oh well I new it was to good to be true
Excellent video. Thanks.
Thanks for watching and for the comment!
That little R is not a patent or copyright symbol, it's a trademark symbol.
My mistake, thanks for watching!
I also buy Benchmades second hand the price is to outrageous when Spyderco offers a moderate price even still I go second hand on those but as simple as it is I always look at the seller rating and location. Anywhere outside of the US I avoid also like you mentioned the butterfly and the M in benchmade on the box I’ve heard is a tell tale
Thanks for watching!
very good video, thank you
I just bought a Bailout and now I’m concerned it’s fake. I checked everything you said. You think you can help me out?
Absolutely, send me a message on Twitter @dxsharpening and I am happy to take a look. If you aren't able to reach/find me let me know!
@@DXSharpening I sent you a message on Twitter with the pics, thanks again.
@@ShaunM556 Thanks for reaching out, I will take a look now!
And where to buy them? I mean, what places should you avoid?
If at all possible, try to buy from an authorized dealer while they are on sale. If you are buying used on eBay, Facebook, etc just be vigilant about making sure you aren't buying a fake by going through and checking the knife against the details in this video and making sure the seller is reputable. There is always a risk when buying second hand on the internet, and thus it is important to make sure you take as many steps as you can to protect yourself. If you ever have difficulty with determining if something is a fake or not please feel free to reach out and I would be happy to help you out. Thanks for watching!
@@DXSharpening You are most kind. Your video is very clear and educational.
@@JavierBonillaC thank you for your support! If there is ever anything you need help with don't hesitate to reach out.
When buying any knives, buy from an authorized retailer
There are sights for used knives by knife guys and I’ve seen good deals there
Overall though bench made is one of the few brands that has more problems then benefits , between qc issues to heat treat and then prices going up 10 percent year over year I’ve ended up look at other brands mostly the Chinese brands are killing it as far as Kizer and reate go
Great point about buying from authorized sellers, just quite difficult to bring yourself to purchase the obscenely expensive and overpriced Benchmade's when there is a secondary market... that being said it is definitely the best way to protect yourself from fakes.
Benchmade has it's flaws as do other companies, but I certainly appreciate the warranty work they do and the customer service they have.
Thanks for watching and for the comment!
Kizer and Civivi have been absolutely KILLING it recently. Just picked up the two kizer + damned designs collaboration and they're phenomenal knives that punch WAY above their price point.... Also, if you can ever get your hands on a civivi vision fg then jump on the offer. IMO it's civivi's best knife by a LONGSHOT. Currently have 3, 1 ivory g10 scales with Damascus steel, 1 black micarta scales with Damascus steel and 1 all black with nitro V. The Damascus they're using is very special. From my own testing it holds an edge and toughness comparable to s30v. Easy to sharpen, keeps a razer sharp edge and can easily be stropd back to health.
I was in a gun store yesterday,had all the authorized dealer displays and all. Full of fakes. They had the new water line of blades. They looked real. & were expensive. The others,$120ish . I am just looking for a crossbar lock knife that’s a good knife .don’t care about the butterfly.
There are lots of great crossbar locks out there that aren't Benchmade, Microtechs MSI is on sale at a bunch of places right now for the 4th and I've seen it as low as $150 which is an amazing deal. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
The easiest way to spot a fake Benchmade, it isn't 4x the price of every comparable blade on the market
Ha, definitely. Thanks for watching!
Spot a benchmark fake … is it affordable?
Foolproof, thanks for watching!
If the price seems reasonable for what you get: it's the fake
I got a fake from REI
Sorry to hear it! I hope everything was sorted out and you were able to get your money back. Thank you for the comment and for watching!
What’s REI?
@andyhayward1261 it's an outdoors/equipment store similar to academy sports
if you don't know how to tell ? the resonable priced knife is not a benchmade ! but even benchamades knives are made by Chinese cnc machines ,benchamade does not pass on the saving on not having to employ people with real knife making skills ! Chinese cnc machine ,load the blank ,unload the part assemble ship ,the programmer is the only skilled worker needed !
What with the puppet hands shaking the box and the product? Very distracting.
There is one huge tell but I dare not list it here as I see no reason to let the Chinese know what it is. It is a part of the knife that is Never Shown in Pic's probably because most have never noticed it. It is a glaring instant tell. Some do come with the proper foam by the way. I don't see a way to send the message but then again, If I tell, some one will post it and the Chinese will no doubt correct it.
KnifeMaker/Retired with over 47 years+ in the Craft.
You can find me on Twitter @dxsharpening
@@DXSharpening It says you cannot be messaged. Posting it openly there would be no different than here. KnifeMaker
@@michaell397 I just updated the settings on my Twitter, my apologies
You have me puzzled with what you're eluding to..... I highly doubt Chinese counterfeit makers are searching for these videos and then going to the comment section..... Anyways, from your description you make it sound like this is a VERY wide tell across multiple different actions and locking mechanisms...... I'm assuming you're eluding to either the style of machining used for the scales and the lines produced on the inside of the scales or either you're talking about frame and liner lock styles..... Other than that when it comes to axis locks really the only tell is the actual spring being used as well as the machining done on the axis thumb studs......
Am I close or am I way off?
That’s actually not helping anyone if you’re being cryptic like that. 🤷♂️
Haven't considered Benchmade as a knife option, ever since their guns smeltering fiasco in Oregon. Plus the company and their president & owner donate to anti-2A politicians.
How do you get a fake knife. Buy from certified retailers cheapskates
Thanks for watching
The best way to not buy a fake benchmade .
Don't buy benchmade. 😮
Haha thanks for watching
Put your hands down. Talking with your hands is a mark of poor breeding.
So is making dumb comments like this
Lol
Are you joking? If you’re being serious I feel very sorry for you
Should be, best fake Benchmade knives
I thought that in 2024 everyone knew that it’s really dumb to even buy an authentic Benchmade, but I guess not.