I have a mini grip where both springs blew on mine after about 4-5 months of use... It was a pocket carry and really was a daily user for misc things. Emailed BM, and got two springs sent to me via USPS since I'm out of country (easier then trying to send the knife to the status for repair then send it back where i'd probably get charged duty again).

I was thinking of contacting them and getting a few more springs and keep them in my EDC bag for when they blow again (its not 'if' but rather 'when'). I wonder what the cost would be since it wouldn't be a 'warranty repair'?

btw: its a very easy repair and can even be done in the wilderness if you have the right torx bit.

It's not really off center. It opens and closes fine, just lacks the spring action. I'm sure that I could do the insert a twig trick easily with it.

@Izzy: What blade steel is yours? I've got the 154CM, and I'm pretty impressed with the ability to hold an edge. That said it's not the best edge, and I think the Ritter grips probably have a lot better blade profile, but for general purpose use, it's good enough.

True, early Grips were 440C.

I've got around 50 Benchmade knives in my collection, but a Grip isn't one of them. Something about them always put me off. I don't want to say that they feel cheap, because that isn't really it. It's more along the lines of, they just don't feel solid/dependable, even if they are. I think it has to do with the hollow FRN handle scales and short axis module (instead of full liners).

Instead of the mini-grip, I much prefer the 705/707 series, as well as the 525 mini-Presidio. Sure, they're significantly more expensive, but they've got a much more substantial feel to them that inspires confidence. For a blade of that size they're pretty overbuilt, but not to the point that would make it a useless sharpened pry-bar.

As someone that has carried a 705 since they came out in a 154cm blade, I have to say I'm very happy with it. Many years of daily pocket carry without ever an issue. I know the Grip series is popular, but they just aren't for me.

Hi Kris -- Speak for yerself! ;-)

I've taken apart my Grips, and found why Benchmade doesn't want you doing it. In general, I found it a PITA to get it back together, but not impossible either.

I've seen reports on knifeforums everywhere from "I don't know what you were smoking, it is a breeze to put back together." to "I gave up. I couldn't get it back together.".

Oh, and the bit is kind of hard to find. I ended up just ordering the kit from Benchmade.

From what I hear, spring failure is rare, but not unheard of. As Doug points out, you can improvise in a pinch.

-john

All you need to fully disassemble and reassemble a Grip is a T6 and T10 torx drivers available at any WalMart or Hardware store.

Takes about 15 minutes.

At one time I liked the way the mini-Grips looked. I handled one in a store and just didn't care for the axis lock very much. Personal preference I guess. I didn't even think about the mechanism inside (little springs) at the time, but hearing about that now makes me feel better about not buying that mini-Grip. I got a Spyderco lockback instead. I've always wondered if the mini-Grip might have been a good choice too, since so many people seem to like them. But that "little springs" thing gives me pause...

I'm not mechanically inclined by any means and I had it completed in about 10-15 mins... trying to remember what the tedious part of it (i think it was keeping the springs in the right spot while getting the scales on with the blade in place)... heck, I'll take it apart tonight when i have some time and try to remember the process (i'm sure there's a youtube video about it!).

I do remember it wasn't difficult and was surprised.

See what I mean? :-)

-john