I distrust Benchmade’s QC in general. My general complaints are:
- Soft heat treatments
- Bad centering
- Blade play
The majority of Benchmade knives I have used (~10 over 6 years) had one or more of those issues. Given their often premium price structure for their products, I find it notable that several domestic and international makers produce knives with better quality control AND lower prices.
My sole experience with their warranty department was overall positive, though. I bought a knife used for very little because the owner’s friend had taken an angle grinder to the blade and had done a super ugly sharpening job. I sent in a knife for a blade replacement and the process was completely painless. This was in 2014, so I don’t know what it’s like presently.
But, like the OP, I gave up on Benchmade. Heck, even if their QC was better, I still rarely like the prices of their products. I’ll stick with Spyderco, Hogue, ZT, WE, Kizer, Cold Steel, and the other brands who offer excellent products at generally-acceptable prices.