Question on the 9400 Auto Osborne...

[Nephron44]

Hey All,

I'm looking into getting a 9400 Auto Osborne, but I have a couple of questions that I'm hoping the group here can answer.

First, the purple spine piece/spacer, or whatever it is called; what is it made of? Titanium or aluminum? I've seen it listed as both depending on the website, and when I contacted Benchmade directly, the rep I spoke to said they "don't keep a list of internal part materials" and could not tell me. I'm just worried that if it's aluminum, continued use of the steel safety will wear out the contact point with the spine rather quickly.

Second, I noticed the 9400 Osborne does not use any spacers/washers/bushings at the pivot. All of my other knives from Benchmade and others have either teflon or bronze washers. Wouldn't the steel blade rotating in direct contact with the aluminum scales cause excessive wear? I know anodizing is tough, but not THAT tough.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Benchmade]

The backspacer on the 9400 is indeed titanium, not aluminum.

The "washers" are built into the handles so rubbing should not be an issue. Many of the older Benchmade automatic models with aluminum handles use this built in washer, it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Nephron44]

The backspacer on the 9400 is indeed titanium, not aluminum.

The "washers" are built into the handles so rubbing should not be an issue. Many of the older Benchmade automatic models with aluminum handles use this built in washer, it shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks!

I actually got someone else on the line at Benchmade who told me confidently that the backspacer is steel. I thought I remembered during an early announcement of the 9400, like at Shot Show or something, that titanium was mentioned, so I'll trust your answer.

For the built in washers, does the aluminum wear any faster than models with bronze washers?

 

[Delta-v]

Running the blade against aluminum pads is pretty common in OTS autos. Older Benchmades did it, like Jimmy mentioned, and other brands like Microtech and Protech also have been doing the same for decades. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[elde66]

Hey All,

I'm looking into getting a 9400 Auto Osborne, but I have a couple of questions that I'm hoping the group here can answer.

First, the purple spine piece/spacer, or whatever it is called; what is it made of? Titanium or aluminum? I've seen it listed as both depending on the website, and when I contacted Benchmade directly, the rep I spoke to said they "don't keep a list of internal part materials" and could not tell me. I'm just worried that if it's aluminum, continued use of the steel safety will wear out the contact point with the spine rather quickly.

Second, I noticed the 9400 Osborne does not use any spacers/washers/bushings at the pivot. All of my other knives from Benchmade and others have either teflon or bronze washers. Wouldn't the steel blade rotating in direct contact with the aluminum scales cause excessive wear? I know anodizing is tough, but not THAT tough.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

FWIW, I’ve had my 9400 since the day they were released. Carry it maybe 1/4 of the time (for years) and never a single issue.
Still a strong flipper, holds an edge well and the size is handy for carrying in a lot of spots that autos may be frowned upon.
(Just my take.)

 

[Centermass]

Another feature that I like on the BM autos (and I’m pretty sure the 9400 has this, but I haven’t had one for a while to visually confirm) is the hexagonal stop pin. If a little up/down play develops from repeat actuation, you can rotate the stop pin to provide a new contact surface and usually adjust it out.