Is it time for a Benchmade button lock flipper?
Clearly the hottest knives rolling into 2022 were the Protech Malibu and Civivi Cogent. Both button lock flipper.
Given their extensive experience with side opening autos, this seems like a good fit for Benchmade.
So come on Benchmade… you got this. Time to make it happen.
-
/|\ I’ve zero interest- I like my axis lock
1 -
I love my button lock flippers, but I would prefer that Benchmade make a functional manual Axis flipper first. The 300 wasn't very functional as a flipper, and seemed more like Benchmade slapped a flipper tab on there because flippers were the new hotness, and they wanted to add one to the lineup. SOG has proven that it's possible to make an axis lock flipper with good, snappy action, and I'd like to see Benchmade do that as well.
I wonder if the Ambidextrous Push Button (APB) mechanism from the 665 could be used for a flipper? That would be bridging the gap between a button lock and axis lock flipper, and it seems like that mechanism could offer a sufficient detent for a flipper.
1 -
Silent, I think you're on to something there. The APB mechanism could have been really cool with a flipper tab. My like of the flipper tab is less for opening functionality and more for the added insurance you're not going to slip your index finger onto the blade if you have to "thrust cut" anything. But it would be cool to see in that combo if it was well executed.
The arcane and the vector both kind of fit the bill and seem well executed and I've read/heard good things, but don't own either. And I agree, the 300 just didn't open well via the flipper. One of my favorite BKC models of recent years is the 928. Great flipper frame lock with phenomenal ergos, so we know they can execute the flipper, but it's not an axis or auto.
The immunity would have been a cool knife to incorporate a flipper into for the extra grip aspect alone. I'm sure we'll see one someday, but I'd also guess it to be among the short lived models. BKC knows where their bread is buttered and focus there, but they also seem to experiment on the moving trends briefly, almost as if only to prove they can. Lot's of knives I love have fit that description and been disco'd early in their life.
1 -
I’ll just add that the Arcane suffers from a polished surface that reall Has almost no traction and makes the knife a slippery gents knife and makes it undes To carry for me, so it just sits idle. The Bectors are both great, especially the 496 with it’s insanely good build qual And 20cv blade, but it’s a big boy. Neither find their way Into my pocket somehow - I don’t know why exactly, although I’m preferring smaller knives, so that’s probably the reason. I don’t find a need for a Vector full-size knife for EDC.
I just wish BM made a Mini Auto Fact that was push button…that would be my ideal. But I’m probably in the minority there
1 -
Go get a auto and remove the spring then you have a button lock and clean blade without thumb studs. I have a 9400 edc everyday. love it.
0 -
The APB lock was just weird. Notice it did not stick around long. It fell into a class of locks that are overly complex (here’s looking at you Spyderco Caged Ball Lock…)
The buyer who wants a button lock flipper wants a button lock flipper. They don’t want an Axis lock or any other type of lock. It is a fidget thing. It’s kinda like your mom saying “we have McDonalds at home…” No I want a Big Mac mom!!! The Axis lock used to be Benchmade’s thing. That is no longer the case and staying welded to it like it is, is not a sustainable model. Also taking the spring out of an auto is not a fix as you don’t have a flipper tab.
Benchmade has the means and experience to make a Malibu killer. And for the record every time Protech resupplies dealers with a drop, they are gone in minutes.
0 -
only if it comes in timascus scales and magnacut
2 -
[@mention:589599268365931705] posted:
The buyer who wants a button lock flipper wants a button lock flipper. They don’t want an Axis lock or any other type of lock. It is a fidget thing. It’s kinda like your mom saying “we have McDonalds at home…” No I want a Big Mac mom!!! The Axis lock used to be Benchmade’s thing. That is no longer the case and staying welded to it like it is, is not a sustainable model. Also taking the spring out of an auto is not a fix as you don’t have a flipper tab.
Benchmade has the means and experience to make a Malibu killer. And for the record every time Protech resupplies dealers with a drop, they are gone in minutes.
I guess I just don't see why Benchmade would want to compete, when they already have a superior lock, both in function and fidgetability IMO. Why not use the lock they already have tons of experience with to make a Malibu killer?
They don't currently make any manual button locks, only autos, and like you said, the internal mechanics to make a detent on a button lock are different. They're different enough that it took ProTech, a master of the button lock auto, three tries (over 4-5 years) to make a runaway bestseller in that market. Don't forget that Protech had two manual button lock flippers before the Malibu, the Cambria and the Mordax. The Malibu became a hit because they completely re-designed their button lock detent interface to make it as snappy as it is.
1 -
And on the topic of the Vector and Benchmade's other flippers: The Vector (especially the 496 version) is hands down my favorite knife that Benchmade has ever made. The 496 is my "default" knife, and goes into my pocket if I spend more than a few seconds thinking about what knife I should carry that day. The assist mechanism is great, but I would absolutely prefer a manual version of it. I've considered de-assisting it, but I'm pretty sure the action would be about as good as on the 300. One of my Vectors had a broken assist spring last year and that was enough to convince me how inadequate that flipper tab would be without the assist.
0 -
I hear all the reasons why they can't. I hear all the reasons why they shouldn't. I hear all the reasons why they will fail. I believe that they can, Benchmade knows they can. What we don't know is if they have the will.
2 -
[@mention:589599268366307319] posted:
They don't currently make any manual button locks, only autos, and like you said, the internal mechanics to make a detent on a button lock are different. They're different enough that it took ProTech, a master of the button lock auto, three tries (over 4-5 years) to make a runaway bestseller in that market. Don't forget that Protech had two manual button lock flippers before the Malibu, the Cambria and the Mordax. The Malibu became a hit because they completely re-designed their button lock detent interface to make it as snappy as it is.
This is a good point and one that is easy to overlook.
1 -
[@mention:589599268365986872] posted:
This is a good point and one that is easy to overlook.
[@mention:589599268366307319] posted:I guess I just don't see why Benchmade would want to compete, when they already have a superior lock, both in function and fidgetability IMO. Why not use the lock they already have tons of experience with to make a Malibu killer?
They don't currently make any manual button locks, only autos, and like you said, the internal mechanics to make a detent on a button lock are different. They're different enough that it took ProTech, a master of the button lock auto, three tries (over 4-5 years) to make a runaway bestseller in that market. Don't forget that Protech had two manual button lock flippers before the Malibu, the Cambria and the Mordax. The Malibu became a hit because they completely re-designed their button lock detent interface to make it as snappy as it is.
...and one look tells you why they can charge $900 retail for the premium versions...
0 -
They are confusing in a sense. The wild popularity of the Protech Malibu and the Benchmade Anthem make it seem like Benchmade should logically include (1) a button lock manual flipper riding on bearings and (2) a titanium integral manual flipper possibly riding on bearings with either a button lock or an axis lock. If they don't want to produce the bearings, they could outsource to Skiff or a similar company, but with the supply chain issues being what they are, I would imagine outsourcing any knife part isn't a very desirable business choice.
Maybe we'll get the best of both worlds and see a titanium integral flipper riding on bearings with a button lock. I think that knife would sell out in seconds.
0 -
/|\ I hope everyone gets the knife of their dreams.
Now I’d like to list some of the downside of your dream knife.
1) button locks are not as strong as the axis lock, nor is it ambidextrous. The axis lock is
2) bearings don’t play well in dirt or sand. A flush under a faucet or a shake in a lake not likely to clean out all the imbedded matter.
3) if a knife with a flipper doesn’t have thumbstuds or thumb hole as a backup then when the flipper fails to open the blade & fully engage the lock - it maybe a very bad day for you. If I was to carry a flipper it would be an Emerson. Ernie’s still have thumb-disks and the flipper is big & designed to act as a bottom finger guard when the blade is open.
4) Noisy. I like a knife that can be opened quietly & with manual axis lock it can be opened in relative silence. Autos, OTF’s, & Assisted Openers all are noisy.
5) I like KISS.
Autos, OTF’s & Assisted Openers all have extra springs & parts to get gunked up regardless of built with or without ball bearing washers.6) extra weight the opening mechanism add.
7) carrying a manual opener to me is like driving a car with stick shift & clutch. It takes some practice to master & be proficient. There is satisfaction in mastering the skill.
My preferences are based on my view of an EDC as a tool & last ditch backup defense tool, and not a fidget toy.
2 -
Hi.
I really like my Hogue X5. Button lock flipper is a bone simple, rock solid, and elegant combination. Many of my favorite folders right now are flippers in spite of the fact that they have liner or frame locks. I love NOT having thumb studs. I am a die hard proponent of the Axis lock, but the button lock is somewhat more refined in my opinion.
No doubt in my mind that Benchmade could do it superbly. Just look at the Vector.
4 -
I’ve come to the point where I only do push button autos - they keep getting better and better and Benchmade has some that I absolutely love. Just picked up a first run Protech Calmigo for far too much, but it is such a fantastic little knife.
0 -
[@mention:589599268365890157] posted:Hi.
I really like my Hogue X5. Button lock flipper is a bone simple, rock solid, and elegant combination. Many of my favorite folders right now are flippers in spite of the fact that they have liner or frame locks. I love NOT having thumb studs. I am a die hard proponent of the Axis lock, but the button lock is somewhat more refined in my opinion.
No doubt in my mind that Benchmade could do it superbly. Just look at the Vector.
Good to see you posting!
I would love to see a few well made domestic left handed button lock options
0 -
96 Vector is my jam
1
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
18 comments