All,

I bought a Mini-Griptillian about 2 months ago. Today I noticed that there is no more spring tension in the "locking bar" (for lack of a better term). Its like the spring is busted.

I did a bit of research and I didn't see a review or comment about this happening to this knife.

Anyone familiar with this issue?

I sent an email off to Benchmade and they mentioned that I should return the knife for repair. But has anyone did the repair on their own? Difficult? It would be cheaper to buy a new knife then to have this one shipped back to the states (reversed through customs here), fixed, then re-shipped back here and pay duty again (usually it doesn't happen, but if paperwork isn't 110% correct you gotta pay).

Kris

There should be two springs. Did both springs break? I'd discuss the shipping issue with Benchmade. Since they are the source of the springs, you'd need to go through them to fix it yourself as I don't know where you can otherwise get them. I've never broken an axis lock spring, but IIRC Benchmade is not big on customers dismantling their knives. Good luck, keep us informed.

I *think* both broke... the locking post just floats around and no tension on either side. The blade will open freely too (didn't know that the locking bar is what provided the tension of keeping the blade closed too). Its now in my bag as I can't pocket carry or even use.

I asked BM about the part and fixing it myself due to the cost associated with shipping, customs, etc. If it turns out thats my only option, i'd probably buy a new knife. I can't justify 60-70 bucks to send a knife in for repair (and back again, plus duty on it - again, etc).

We'll see what happens.

I'm not sure if things are just strange in the Caribbean but it would be really strange for you to get charged duty if the box were labeled appropriately. All they need to do is put 'warranty repair' on the customs paper work. To get charged duty, they would have to actually submit paperwork stating that you paid for the knife again...which is false and could be contested (I've done it)

Its happened in the past, where I had items sent off island for waranty repair (have to go through lots of paperwork to get it done), then when it comes back still have to pay duty on it (even with everything filled in correctly). Typical island saying is, "no worries". Holds true to everything. Contest all you like, your up against people who are holding the parcel you want, therefore its their rules. I have contested before, but doesn't matter. Now, this usually happens 1/2 the times I send stuff off for repair. I don't do it anymore for this reason.

Keep in mind, its a line to wait in to get the paperwork done and all that it entails. So, I would have to take 2-4 hours off of work just to get that done. By that stage, its just not worth it.

Kris

That sucks. Shipping between Canada and the US has gotten remarkably better in the past 5 years. I used to dread it and now as long as I don't have to deal with UPS, it's pretty hassle free.

Yeah... when you purchase something (from whereever), its ok. But when there's a problem (warentee repair), thats when things get messed up here.

Update:
Benchmade emailed back and shipping the springs free of charge to me.

Question:
What tools do i need to take apart a mini-grip?

Why not get a Benchmade BlueBox Service Kit Pocket Tool Set. Something I should probably get too.

hummmm... wish the guys emailing me back from benchmade mentioned that! I would of bought one!