Benchmade 4600 Phaeton~disappointed

K

Kenneth Kelly

Joined
Sep 6, 2018
Messages
6
I just took delivery on my new Pheaton today.
I had seen some Benchmade knives locally and thought they were pretty nice.
I thought about it for a week or so and then ordered the Pheaton from Blade HQs.
The first thing I found was that in the extended position the knife wobbles quite a bit.
I guess you would call it a lockup problem, Not sure this is normal.
Not what I expected.
 
A little blade play is to be expected with an OTF. That being said it's hard to say if yours has excess play without looking at it.
 
Some wobble on OTF's is usually always there, it's not like it compromises the lockup because it's completely housed in the handle, it's not like you have a frame lock that can rock or slip out. Never seen it as an issue.
 
imo non-issue as ive never had an otf without blade play/wobble and that's with microtech and dalton otf's.
 
OK, after getting more information here and on the internet I have made a decision to return the knife.
I just don't like the wobble, which is significant.
I will get a side opening auto or assisted to replace it.
 
Could look up the G&G Hawk Deadlock... for a little coin, you can have a solid-locking OTF. Maybe some other makers could look into ways to create a more solid locking OTF. My Infidel has a very slight side-to-side / up-and-down play, but zero in-and-out play, as to be expected from traditional OTF builds. Honestly, (IMO), they are mostly for fidgeting / gimmick / cool factor fun-ness anyway!
 
like everyone else has already said, most otf knives tend to have a bit of blade play. comes from the way the blade is deployed and is normal.

if you’ve decided to go for a side opening auto, you should take a look at benchmades axis auto models. i have a 9555 rift that i just love, ive also played with the mini and full sized presidios and liked them too. what i really like about them is that they use the same mechanism as manual axis knives, which i’ve used for years with no complaints. for me it’s much more intuitive than a push button auto
 
I sent the Phaeton in to Blade HQs for a refund today.
I then went to a local dealer and found another automatic that in my opinion was built better, the Benchmade Coalition.
At least buying in person I could get a feel for the knife.
 
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