Life is short, flip knives, fidget knives, do whatever you want. Support companies that have good warranties and if you are really worried about your knife failing carry a fixed blade. Good points all around and good for opening up discussion on the matter.

Guilty as charged! I Agree with you 100% - I keep Omega Springs on standby and enjoy the repair and cleaning opportunity.

Why I agree if you fidget with one knife like crazy you can’t complain if certain things happen faster, lock bar travel, omegas what ever. I’ve had omegas break in 10 openings rat after getting them back from being replaced by BM I have others that have never broken and were used way way more. But you can get aftermarket omegas real cheap and they are slightly thicker and last a lot longer. And some other companies use really robust omegas for budget knives. So I think that’s more the argument, omegas shouldn’t break from hard use though there’s no stress on them. That all being said I love Benchmades

I’m over 50. My Demkos are going to outlast whatever fidget-torture I can put them through in my remaining days on this planet.

Myself, I think fidgeting is an important part of testing a folder to see how well the lock type holds up. I am sure, many of your Viewer's like to fidget. Not everyone needs their folders to constantly be cutting things. Some just like carrying their folders and having them for when they need them to do simple chores. Other's need them for heavy-duty cutting chores or for hunting, fishing, or other outdoors duties, like woodcrafting, whittling, or food prep. And, as a Reviewer, it's important to understand that People use knives for all sorts of tasks. And, it's the Reviewer's job to let everyone know what you feel about the knife your reviewing and to let everyone know if it can handle fidgeting and how well it will cut and carry as an EDC Folder and what tasks you feel the folder would be best at... That's my opinion. With that said, I totally agree with you on the wear issue. Especially, if your folder is a Liner-Lock or Frame-Lock without a hardened steel insert... But, most of the if other lock types available can handle fidgeting very well. I have never worn out a Tri-Ad Lock. And, yes I have broken Omega Springs, but they are easy to replace, so that's not an issue for me; Crossbar type Locks are among my favorites for fidgeting. A well made Plunge-Lock, rocks, too. The other one I need to mention is the Compression-Lock, I absolutely luv that one, too... Great Video! I absolutely loved seeing you, a Young Woman, making a Knife Video; I subscribed. :-) Happy New Year! :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

I can't carry a knife at work so that drastically decreases my knife fidgeting. However I really enjoy the sounds knives make and the feel of a lock engaging so I am truly a knife fidgeter. They're my tools and I'll enjoy em how I want. Great video, keep the information coming.

Great points! But I buy my stuff to enjoy it. If it means I go through them more often, so be it...why buy it if you just look at it. Work with it, fidget with it, it's all the same, so long as you enjoy your purchase!

Wow, i came back to this, KZfaq recommended Old-school Dreadlocked Erica! Love it! Take care Graham

Fortunately open and closing a knife doesn’t fall under abuse and should be fully coved under warranty being that it is what the knife is designed to do. I’ve had a few omega springs break and upon disassembly to replace them, they all had developed rust on them causing weak points. It’s probably the biggest flaw in axis/bar lock knives since you can’t easily oil and protect the springs without disassembly. Some companies send them out with a bunch of grease on and around the springs but I don’t recall seeing it on any Benchmade knives. Luckily omega springs are very cheap and easy to keep spares or you can send it to Benchmade and they’ll take care of it no questions asked. I think frame and liner locks wearing quickly is a bigger concern but again should be fully covered by warranty since no company can say you abused the knife by simply opening and closing it. I have framelock knives I’ve had for years that have been opened and closing an inestimable amount of times and the lock hasn’t moved enough to raise any concern. Thin liner locks may move across the lock face quicker since there’s less contact but it still takes a lot to be noticeable on a quality folder. Button/plunge locks are another one that I’ve seen very little advancement of the lock over many openings but is also another easy warranty replacement. Personally I don’t “fidget” with my knives in an extreme way but I also never hesitate to give it a few extra flicks to enjoy and admire the workmanship. You only live once and life is short, they are material objects that will still be here when you’re gone, so cut, flick and do whatever you want with them to enjoy them.

finally-a good knife channel-you got my sub

Guilty as hell! But I can change! Will fidget with my izula2 only from now on! Lol!

You’re exactly right. Thanks for consistently being the best EDC channel!

There you go, bringing logic to the discussion. Thanks for the video on this obvious point. That said, I am on the low side on the fidget scale. If I break a spring, off to Benchmade. Easy peasy. I have plenty of knives, so a few weeks without one is no big deal. As a bonus, it will come back factory sharpened.

I’ve literally never fidgeted with my knives. They’re tools, I don’t give a shit about “fidget factor” nor will I ever especially after this video! Perfect point to make, I want my knives to have a long life! 🤙🏻

I am a spyderco fan but to be honest the only lock that hasn’t developed play In any direction or wear after lots of opening closing and hard use are my triad lock cold steels, I have been using them for years and that’s the only lock I truly trust on a folder.

I view the omega springs and frame lock inserts like brake pads on a car. Some people will wear them out much faster than others. The beauty is that they can be easily replaced. People shouldn’t stress over it and just use their shit. I like your points of view. Keep it up.

I feel you on this I really only open and close when I first get it to break in . I have about 15 Benchmades and use them all not one broken spring yet .thx for sharing my opinion.

Spot on! Well explained!

HELL YESSSSS BOUT TIME SOMEONE DID THIS VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks a lot. But will axis lock last longer than any other type of locking mechanism? And what about back lock longevity?

You have a solid point for sure

Clearly this is true. but i make sure i have enough knives to not wear out. for example i have several ganzos that i fidget with. great action. nothing to replace

Yes! I agree. I fidget with my CS knives, never had an issue.

Haha I was just thinking about this and I saw you video pop up!

So I finally have a good reason to own too many knives, so I can spread my fidgeting :D longevity saved!

Absolutely! Things with friction from mechanical movements, they wear out and get weak.

All summed up your point is good for sure, many people do not consider that they wear out the material like that but after all I think you can still be lucky or unlucky... your stuff can fail after 10 times or it will never fail even if you fidget for ever. Take the boker Kalashnikov as an example... I think they soll 45% just for fidget and collection reasons cause they will always fire.

Good observation! Will be moving smarter going forward with my edc. Thanks!

First view here. Jarad sent me. Great work and topic depth! BTW, fidgeting? There are "therapies" for that. 😁 ...or buy a balisong 👍🗡️

Makes sense, I go days without even opening my knife. Alan R

Yes!!! I stopped fidgeting months ago, but omg, Omg!! I do that while reviewing knives! 🤦🏼‍♂️

Well said. I was thinking about this very thing a few days ago. Everything wears out eventually, It just makes common sense.

Haha love the shout out E! You made some very valid points and this video has inspired me to fidget… less! 😁 love ya sis! Great content per usual 🤙🏻

I can understand your points. Unfortunately my griptillians omega spring broke within a month. Luckily their warranty was super painless for me. Granted I seem to always attract lemons lol

this makes sense to me.

I agree bout the jeans, I go days ands without washing. Alan R

You do raise some good points there!

You have a solid point but we couldn’t ride in the car together because I’d drive you nuts 😂

even on my favorite knives i only figet them at max 50 times a day (by that i mean 1 time means 1 open, one close), granted i have no axis lock or emerson opener knives yet, but i am planning on getting a 940 soon, i will keep your advice in mind, thank you!

Great Video 🤜🏻🤛🏻

Thank you for the advice I'm about to buy a benchmade osborne.

Fidgeting is why a person really needs at least a hundred knives. You have to spread that wear around.

I don't fidget with knives personally but as a reviewer myself I understand that most people actually solely buy knives to play with and I think that's fine. however I think there's alot of over complaining that goes on in this community on alot of things I've never found issue with personally materials, lock types ,blade steels everything under the sun basically..my take it just buy what you like enjoy it how you like and of you break it take responsibility and fix it accordingly Thanks for the video I hope you have a great new year 😀

Nice video I was not thinking of that. I mostly own frame locks and wonder if they're just better in general for longevity than my axis/bar/lockbacks.

I've owned a benchmade 940 for 20 years. Never had a omega spring break. I have around 10 other benchmade knives and never had a spring break. I can think of thing about benchmade I can complain about, but the spring isnt it.

Ha! But wait!! I am not a fidget factor freak!! Honest!! Maybe thats part of why i prefer fixed blades lately! Too funny! You nailed it!!

I don't have what's called "mechanical sympathy". And I'm at peace with it. Freedom Fidgeter here. That said: Use your shit, indeed. Great insight.

I agree, a knife is to cut stuff. Take it out of your pocket or whatever you hold it, open it, cut stuff, close it, put it back where you carry it. Done.

Nice video. 30 years ago everyone owned a Zippo lighter for similar needs. But please ... wash them drawers!

I broke an omega spring just with basic use in a couple months. I think it's just a hit or miss thing and some people get lemons. That said, I agree with your point overall.

I've broken two axis lock springs this year

THANK YOU SOOOOO FUCKING MUCH FOR POSTING THIS VIDEO!!!!!!!!! I also flip mine around in my hand that is my fidget factor. Drives me a bit bat shit seeing people hammer on em for no reason! Lol!!! Have a crazy day in a good way! Keep crushing it!

I agree with you about the knives but I think not washing your clothes is crazy but it's your thang do what you want.

Your points make sense. In my own experience - I’ve had my 940 for 20 years, literally since I was 17, dedicated only knife in my pocket for almost 10 years of that. Fidgeted a lot with that knife and never had one issue. Also beat the tar out of that knife and agree with everything you have to say about it. Proper knife maintenance and cleaning is going to be much better to preserve longevity.

I haven't broken an omega spring yet but I don't usally flick it open a ton usally I use the thumb stud on my 940

That why i sway towards fix blade lol!

I fidget with my knives constantly. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I do think you make some good points for sure. I think people should be aware that it is a possibility of having an issue. I have a button lock that I've had for a couple years. I noticed when I took it apart the button where it locked up had some small dents in it. I am not worried about this specific knife really. Spartan blades had a really good warranty. It was interesting seeing the wear on the button though. I probably flipped the damn knife 10k times. 🤦🏻‍♂️

I fidget to relieve anxiety. That’s why I have a knife budget lol.

Why don't you just get two. One for fidgeting, and one for just laying down and avoiding. And wash things when they're dirty instead of twice a week. I wish these were my biggest problems.

Great point about washing things too many times. I do disagree with the lock thing tho. IMO a well-designed locking interface (which is pretty much the standard now) will last longer than the rest of the blade as the forces from cutting and hard use (prying etc) are (should be) 1. greater than those from the lock interaction, 2. are spread over a smaller area 3. have to deal with variable hardness of the stuff they are cutting/prying; so, durability and safety are more of a concern on the blade side rather than the lock side. Personally, I worry more about cutting myself so I switched to fidgeting with pens idklol

Aha I enjoy your videos 👍🏼

My Benchmade 705( think Osborne 945, 3" blade) is about 26 years old. No blade play or spring issues.. Scratched and worn. Fidget all you want but don't expect never to have to replace a part. You can wear through the toughest knife. Put it untouched in a glass case to keep it pristine or use it. It's up to you.

I'm not a knife fidgeter. I have friends who play with their knives endlessly especially the OTFs. Then they complain when their OTF doesn't work as well as new or breaks after opening/closing thousands of times. Everything mechanical eventually breaks!

I had my Para 3 LW for over two years and I will open and close it like over 50 times a day and it opens and closes better then when it was new. I would love a 940 or Bugout but not with those dumb springs.

Check out dem locks tho! Good point on the lock mechanism too.

I am one of these fidget degenerates. You are right. I recently broke the omega springs on a 2018 bugout.

Truth is they fidget and open closes it. Spring warms up which makes it brittle. I fidget a lot at first just to break it in. But that’s my 2 cents

I fidget my 940. Went through 5 - 6 sets of springs in the 7 years I’ve had if. Bought some springs off of eBay and haven’t had an issue. Benchmade just used cheap springs.

Of course... it's quite obvious!

Totally agree but Benchmades do have a lifetime warranty. Thankfully Microtech and Pro-Tech do too

Socom elite auto - now a button lock. 2 940s and a contego - all broken. Lol i hate it, I use my knives for very simple tasks so it's all from fidgeting. You are spot on. I will still carry my socom elite manual but I'm thinking of carrying a good cold steel at all times to rely on

Not a problem that's why they have warranties. Why torture yourself trying not to fidget? Enjoy your knives the way you choose to.

I've been watching your new videos, but I stumbled onto this old one and I can't believe how long your hair used to be! Wow!

you convicned me to stop figeting with my knives. i bough a bugout about 4 months ago, and for the first month i opened and closed around 100-150 times a day. the omega springs failed 3 months into having it, i know fidget with it less but i know they will break again, and ill buy another set of omega springs. hopefully in the very far future.

I get both sides, whatever gets the job done and makes you happy.

My Benchmade 62 is made for fidgeting. I can do fancy openings and closings with it all day long, forever. And I hardly ever cut myself.

I fidget deal with it gurl I don’t use benchmades though.

I’m not a fidgeter but I did wear a groove in the pivot pin on a CRKT from whipping it open instead of using the flipper tab…glad I learned that lesson before I started buying high end knives. Side note, that’s how you ruin zippos too(stupid human tricks lol)

Finally someone with some sense. It's extremely annoying to watch reviewers who just won't stop moving the knives around or can't stop fidgeting and just keep blurting out "sooooo smoooooth" the entire video(s), drop shut fetish and all that. But their knives still look new two years later. Because the only action their knives get is just the finger actions 🙄.

My Benchmade 790 frame lock has walked over through really hard use but it is as strong as ever IMO because 100% thick titanium lock against the steel. I have a brand new copy of the knife as well and it doesn't open as snappy. I prefer the feel of my really broken-in one.

Ha! I clean my knives more than my Levi's. I've had Levis I've wore out without washing them once!

Why though? Why don't you allow yourself to fidget the knives, theres no reason to worry about wearing out a product with a lifetime warranty, such little material to replace so no real waste, and it's easy to do. Not to mention these knives aren't fragile whatsoever, that Emerson will outlive you, especially with a warranty replacement if it fails. Benchmade and Emerson both are companies that will warranty the lock on the knife. Even if its for a small fee, usually these companies take care of you once you buy into their product line. The warranty and the customer service for these knives are one of the main reasons they are worth the price. It's not like Benchmades are customs that have nice tolerances and impressive machining. It's a mass produced product, there are thousands of replacement locks and it won't cost you a much, if anything. You say enjoy your tools, and I agree, they help me get work done sure, but the only time I feel like I can say they really bring me joy is when I'm looking at them and appreciating what they are, and usually fidgeting with them goes along with that.

Lmao it's not a toy, it's a knife aka a cutting tool 🤣 that's too funny i haven't heard this complaint yet

I carried an OG Benchmade 710 for 15 years and the springs never failed. It is over 25 years old now and no failure.

I use some of my knives as an “adult fidget toy” (to replace my actual toys 🥴) realised the fact I would ruin locks etc so I just bought a couple of inexpensive Uber fidget friendly knives that I don’t mind if I ruin them. Keep my good users as users for tasks and my collection ones barley get opened. Just now and then to enjoy the aesthetic of them.

Omega springs are so cheap on eBay and are good quality and so easy to replace yourself,I have dozens of pairs of omega springs so I never need to worry about them breaking because of how easy they are to replace.

What if I buy knives specifically to fidget with them? Is it ok then?

Never broken an Omega spring, and I fidget like a kid with ADHD. I put in a little cutting work, semi-heavy use, and axis style locks are so much better than standard liners or frame locks for wear. But life is short, enjoy it while you can. Use it, play with it, hell, abuse it if you want. Get your money's worth and then rebuild it.

Just found your channel and subscribed! I dig your style, and enjoy hearing a woman’s opinion about knives, sharpening, EDC stuff, etc. Many male reviewers (not all, certainly) have a tad excess testosterone which oozes into their review as though guns, knives and EDC gear were just a man’s pursuit. Keep up the good work!

love the video...you are telling the truth.

Let's say person A opens their knife 15 times a day, which I'd say is pretty frequent use for an EDC folder. In ten years, which I think is a decent life for a knife with springs, person A will have opened it 54,750 times. Now say person B opens their knife 50 times a day to fidget. The knife of person B, the fidgeter, will have the same mechanical wear after *just three years* that person A's knife had after ten years of frequent use! Either be person A or don't bitch about springs breaking.

Great thing about Benchmade is there warranty. Fidget away my friend Benchmade will take care of you when that spring breaks. I broke mine on my mini Griptilian and Benchmade said I can send it in and they can put a fresh edge on it and put a new spring in and clean it or they could just send me a sping. And they are not nearly as hard to maintain and disassembled as some people think they are there just not simple like liner locks. You are absolutely correct no matter how premium anything that you own is if you use it over and over and over and over again it's going to break. People need to quit bitching about their premium stuff breaking when they abused it. I thought this myself several times how many times a day do I sit here and open my Griptilian but I'm lucky mine is over two years old and it still locks up like a bank vault, no blade play left or right or up and down. Mine is in 20cv and I love it

I like using and fidgeting my shit!😉 The knife makers know we will fidget and they use it as a selling point. See Demko shark lock. Your Osbourne rocks! Now I need one - dammit.

I have never had a omega spring break either

You right, but I do enjoy knife reviewers fidgeting with the knife during the review. I enjoy seeing the consistency of the action.

Any knife is only designed to so many actuations before failure. And thar assumes regular maintenance and cleaning. Some are hundreds of times per day. The compression or liner lock interface will wear even with lubrication. Springs are only engineered to so many cycles.

Those springs were engaged twice to open and close so double your number!!

I've read about about omega springs failing so I pulled my axis bar back on my mini bugout about 6000 times over a few days just to see how long it takes to break and it survived. That was about a year ago. No issues yet. Seems like one would have to be in rust causing conditions and constantly fidgeting for it to be an issue. Though I'm sure those with a broken omega would claim they only opened their knife a few times. I'm sure there were a few dud springs over the years and the vocal minority makes it seem worse than it is or was.

If your ever in South Carolina or Georgia look for a beer called Hop Art it is by far one of the best tasting IPA I've ever had.

Those axis lock types look cool and fun and most people buy them to fidget with them, but they don't look like their ment to last long whether you fidget or not. The triad lock on my 1 cold steel can last lifetimes and can open and close probably hundreds of thousands of times without breaking