Benchmade sharpening

MetalMan · Sep 18, 2011

I'm thinking about getting one of those new Benchmade 581 knives, the super steel stuff. However I have been hearing that Benchmade knives can be made much sharper than they come out of the box. I am also a total noob when it comes to sharpening and don't trust myself at all. And since Benchmade is in the area, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to get one of these knives and then directly take it to their sharpening center?

I do not trust myself AT ALL when it comes to sharpening anything more expensive than a wooden stick. So do you think the Benchmade sharpening center would take a factory edge and make it really nice?

Mason3379 · Sep 18, 2011

I can tell you the Benchmade's come SHARP! I have a small collection of them and everyone who checks them out is impressed. Just had a new blade put on one that I broke and it does not take much to cut some skin. My buddy thought he would shave some hair and cut himself in the process. I think you need to buy the knife and be the judge. I can tell you one thing, Kershaw & Gerber do not hold a candle to the Benchmade's. I took my Gerber in last year to have it sharpened ($3) Benchmade is free, but it came back duller than what is was to begin with.
I am impressed with the Benchmade stuff. Good quality and local which makes it a big plus.
Good luck with your purchase, and let us know what you think when you get it!

Bow · Sep 18, 2011

Sharpest knife I've ever had out of the box. Have a scar from my first 5 minutes of ownership that concurs, never felt a thing. tacins7923 -- did you take it to the factory to have it sharpened? How much duller did it comeback -- I thought they resharpened the blades to factory spec? Haven't had mine long enough yet to take it in.

Mason3379 · Sep 18, 2011

Bow said:
Sharpest knife I've ever had out of the box. Have a scar from my first 5 minutes of ownership that concurs, never felt a thing. tacins7923 -- did you take it to the factory to have it sharpened? How much duller did it comeback -- I thought they resharpened the blades to factory spec? Haven't had mine long enough yet to take it in.

I was speaking of the Gerber knives that I had issue with the edge when it came back. I have had two knives, Benchmades, go back to Benchmade and they come back razor sharp. No complaints from me on the Benchmade's!
Sorry if it came across like that!

G1GRANDEUR · Sep 24, 2011

If you decide to sharpen knives somewhere else, keep sharpen it by that place.

Each company/person has their own sharpening edge angles. So every time you bring to different places, profile will be change and more metals will be removed.

Hawaiian · Sep 25, 2011

Benchmade has great customer service and their life sharp program is great for those who do not sharpen their own knives. That said, buy a Spyderco Sharpmaker and practice on a couple of old or cheap knives. You will quickly learn to keep your knives sharp easily. Plus, it is fun.

Eric911 · Dec 26, 2011

Their LifeSharp service is outstanding. Only $5, which covers the return shipping. I've used it a couple times and the results were great.

mookmanjdj · Dec 30, 2011

I would learn how to sharpen it yourself. I've had a Benchmade for 4 years and learned to sharpen with it. With the new tools available, I like the diamond surfaced tools and finish off with ceramic rods. I don't stop until I can shave hair. I'm not an expert and I wasn't when I started either, but it's a fun skill to learn.

mortre · Jan 31, 2012

I would agree with the comment to learn to sharpen yourself. It's a useful skill to have, if for no other reason than to keep the kitchen knives sharp!

With that said, I've owned a couple of Benchmade knives, and they came sharper than any other brand I've bought. With that said, any factory edge I think can be improved with a leather strop. And the easiest to find and use strop I've ever come across is a leather belt with a rough/unfinished back side.

Buddhalux · Jan 31, 2012

mortre said:
I would agree with the comment to learn to sharpen yourself. It's a useful skill to have, if for no other reason than to keep the kitchen knives sharp!

With that said, I've owned a couple of Benchmade knives, and they came sharper than any other brand I've bought. With that said, any factory edge I think can be improved with a leather strop. And the easiest to find and use strop I've ever come across is a leather belt with a rough/unfinished back side.

I completely agree with that!! I use a Lanskey kit to sharpen my SOG and Benchmades then finish it up with a leather/linen strop. You could shave with them when I'm done. I've had one benchmade balisong that I used to wear when I was falling out of planes back in 91 and it's still like brand new with a few dings here and there. I've never had a Gerber last as long as my benchmades.