Spyderco does allow disassembly now. Benchmade on the other hand does not. I called them recently about a broken omega spring and they said I had to send it in and that taking it apart myself voids the warranty.
P3LW all the way baby. I love that CTS BD1-N on the base model. The scales are so much nicer than the grivory on the bugout and it’s much easier to tune out blade play while retaining good action on the P3LW compared to the bugout. The ergos on the P3LW are way better, they’re even better than the regular P3 cause of the extra chamfering on the FRN compared to the g10. The only thing I’d say is better about the bugout is that there’s way more customisation options than the P3LW which basically only has the AWT scales available for it (unlike the P3 which has a million scale options). That’s weird about the warranty, I was under the impression that Spyderco had changed their warranty so that as long as you did your disassembly properly and your disassembly/reassembly wasn’t the cause it of the problem it wouldn’t void the warranty
Knives are not made to pry with the tip. No company should have to pay to replace a knife because somebody tried to use it as a prybar. That's kinda like beating the s*** out of your knife with a hammer and then sending it back to Spider Co. expecting them to fix it for free.
Spyderco all the way, is a better knife for the money. The Bugout flexes and the Spyderco has little to no flex. The axis lock spring is flimsy and breaks easily. Finally the Spyderco warranty does allow you to open the knife now and no longer uses the red loctite
I love your channel, and your videos, but this is a *really important point* - you are not correct about Spyderco's warranty: Here's what it says: "Spyderco’s knives are assembled to exacting tolerances by trained technicians, so we discourage end users from disassembling or adjusting our knives. If a knife has been disassembled and reassembled correctly-so as to maintain its proper mechanical function-this warranty remains in full effect. However, if a knife has been disassembled and reassembled in such a way that, in Spyderco’s sole determination, the proper mechanical function of the knife has been compromised, it is no longer covered by warranty."
Is he though? Please re-read Spydercos warranty statement. If I’m wrong, do tell. Looks like Spyderco has the discretion whether to honor the warranty or not. So did they change it? Due to the reviewer’s experience, looks like a play on words to me.
@@SaigonKick2018 Yes - he is wrong. Here's the exact text: "If a knife has been disassembled and reassembled correctly-so as to maintain its proper mechanical function-this warranty remains in full effect. However, if a knife has been disassembled and reassembled in such a way that, in Spyderco’s sole determination, the proper mechanical function of the knife has been compromised, it is no longer covered by warranty." So, if you disassemble the knife properly, the warranty remains in full effect. Of course, it's up to Spyderco to determine that. That is *exactly* the same as Benchmade's warranty. If they determine that you disassembled or re-assembled the knife improperly, that voids the warranty. So, however you slice it - Benchmade's warranty is no better than Spyderco's, despite what this video says.
One problem, BM has a habit of honoring the warranty, even after abuse. Spyderco, not so much. Sorry, if you don’t have experience with dealing with both companies, I will trust someone who has. Do a little more research, instead of cut and copy. You will find way more examples of BM honoring their warranty than Spyderco. Take in consideration that I am more of a Spyderco fan than BM. But, my chances of getting a knife repaired are way better with BM. This is what Jamie is trying to convey and is one of many reviewers that will tell you the same.
@@SaigonKick2018 You make a good point - thank you. If both warranties are technically similar, but Benchmade is more forgiving and inclined to give you the benefit of the doubt - that is an important point. So, I stand corrected.
I had one experience with the Benchmade warranty where I sent in a 940 for poor action (slow and gritty) a new clip and a sharpening. They did an okay job with the sharpening. And installed a new clip. They did not disassemble and clean the knife. I did that when it came back and there was rust on the blade around the washers causing the poor action. After clean up and a new clip I sold it for what I paid for it. So kind of a wash I guess? I currently do not care for mushy axis lock action. I should also mention I currently own a Bugout that broke a spring and has lock rock. I will be reaching out to have the lock rock addressed. I already replaced the spring. Cheers y’all!
My Para3 LW came centered and even after taking it apart there was no problem with. Because I live in Europe, Benchmade's services are not interesting, and their prices too high...
The axis lock being stronger than the compression lock is debatable tbh, I’ve seen tests that say otherwise as well as confirm it, I think it’s really a use case scenario thing (granted the compression lock videos I saw were with full liner para 2’s)
Hi, most Para 3 LW come uncentered, this is due to the internal conception of the knife... Weirdly, mine became centered after a full disassembly. As a french guy, Benchmade's services are not interesting, and their prices too high...
There’s no warranty on Spydercos . They’re up there in my favorites , both of them . I’ve broke a few spyderco tips , pm2 , para3 . Never broke a BM but if it did there would be no issues I’m sure . The only thing spyderco has going above all others imo is they do a great job with the heat treat .
I bout several of the same teal para 3s from knife joy as well. I put lynch deep pocket clips on them. One of them had the same issues with the pocket clip stripping internally. Knife joy said nothing they could do and to contact spyderco. Sent it in and all the did was drill out the screw and replaced them with a bigger, sloppy machined screw on each sode side. Looks terrible for a brand new knife. Was highly disappointing
Also benchmade gives you lime 2 free clips no charge each year or 2 dont remember, for spyderco i really wish they had vetter warranty its 2023 we need right to repair
Spyderco has better steels. And stronger locks. Benchmade has more diverse designs and way better customer service. It’s a toss up I love em both. For different reasons. The other day I picked up a magnacut ultem hogue deka. And now hogue benchmade and Spyderco are my top 3 midrange knife brands.
Thank you for watching and commenting, but the compression lock is not stronger than the Axis lock. The Spyderco lockback knives like the Native 5 may be, but no compression lock is stronger than any Benchmade Axis lock. With that said I prefer the compression lock, but the Axis lock is stronger.
@@bladesandedc ya benchmade mainly is axis locks and some liner locks besides their OTFs and autos. Spyderco mainly does compression lock or back lock. They do have some axis style locks and a few other kinds but I mainly see back lock and compression. I love the compression but hate the back lock even though to my knowledge the back lock is very strong. I just love fidgety one handed open and close knifes.
Thanks for your thoughts. Tough calls on the different situations with each knife. Personally, if I’m going between these two specifically, I’m choosing Para 3 on account of the multiple steel options and better price (relatively speaking). Why haven’t I? Not sure honestly… maybe I’ll cross that bridge one day.
I prefer the Para 3, but if I had torecommend just one to a non knife person I would recommend the Bugout due to the warranty issues, but IMO the Para 3 is a better knife.
Benchmades website says they dont send out parts to inlcude screws, disassembly of knife voids warranty and their knives are not screw drivers or prybars and wont be covered under warranty if you use them as such or any sigm of abuse is found, and abuse could be anything. So it doesnt sound any better then spydercos warranty to me. Idk iv never dealt with them. But i will say, my experience with spyderco is that their warranty and customer service in general sucks.
Love Spyderco knives. However, as an actual tool, Benchmade gets my vote ONLY because of the warranty. Who doesn’t love a tool they can use and abuse without having to worry about breaking it (because the warranty has you covered). Spyderco changed its policy btw. You can disassemble your knife, but if THEY determine that it was done wrong or put back together wrong you are not covered. As for Benchmade with their prices it’s simple for me…no warranty, no Benchmade.
Own both, love both. I switch between the two except the omega spring broke on my bugout so now I’m carrying the para 3 lw more often. My hot take: the bugout is a near perfect design for edc. Ratio, weight, dimensions I like the para 3 lw more. Better ergos, love the bigger belly on the blade and it’s more fun to fidget with plus after breaking the omega spring I have less confidence in the axis lock system You can’t go wrong with either. Buy the one that makes you happy or buy both
I just got a para3 LW as my first knife. Loving the ergo's and fidget factor. I want a bugout next, specifically the Aluminum 535BK-4, but everyone's concerns over the axis lock is off putting. How do the springs usually break?
They sell the springs on Amazon . I ve replaced a few already on multiple knives . Pain in the ass to get to the one side though . I ve found to stick something in the pivot instead of taking them totally apart works great .
Great video and makes a person think on what is exactly, the best between the two ! My question is, due to crazy 3 inch state laws, would your verdict still be the same if you replaced a Bugout to the Mini Bugout vs the Para 3 Lightweight ? Yes, I was surprised to the out come of your selection, however if Spyderco voids warranty's for adjusting the blade or changing pocket clips that is just wrong !
The mini Buguot is very Mini. Its a 3 finger knife so in that case I would probably recommend the Para 3, but with the understanding the warranty sucks. I actually prefer the Para 3 over the bugout, but if I had to recommend a 1 and done knife to a non knife collector I would recommend the bugout due to the warranty.
The whole warranty thing or lack of warranty on the Spyderco doesn’t leave a good taste in my mouth. The ergonomics are good I get it but considering they don’t exactly give their knives away and have a face only a mother could love they definitely should be 💯 perfect out of the box!
I sold all my Spydercos except the little Dragonfly Tattoo , from Benchmade the Bugout Work Sharp Limited Edition in 20CV is now in my EDC rotation and the little gentlemans knife the Benchmade Megumi 482 :) cheers
Ive owned 2 LW versions of the Para 3. Neither one centered. Why? Only 1 side uses a phosphor-bronze washer. The other side rides on the FRN. I know very few folks who've had a LW Spyderco come centered. Just puttin in my 2 cents. Now, the fact that the pocket clip is reversible, I feel is a STRONG enough argument to tell both Spyderco and Knife Joy to kiss your ass!