I was on hold for 20 minutes with the same recording playing over and over.

Then some girl answers and I tell her, "Hi, my wife got me a Benchmade 485-171 VALET for Christmas. I like the Damascus blade, but not the Titanium handles and low sharp knobs] I just spend all morning making a higher rounder thumb nut. I want to buy orange plastic handles. Do you have any higher rounder lock levers?"

The answer was "You took the Titanium thumb nuts off? Those must be in place if you return the knife for warranty work. We do not sell parts. You would have to contact the custom shop and have them do the work."

After that "You can't get there from here." response, I don't think I will call Benchmade again.

I see there is another knife a Benchmade - Valet 485 Knife, Drop-Point, that has G10 gray handles. I could buy one of those, paint the handles orange and make a new lock lever.

Clark;

Good looking knife!

Why don't you just paint the existing handles orange ?

I'm looking at a Benchmade 4300-ICLA auto W/ textured black/green scales. Also a good looking knife !

Found one for $ 204.

Anyone know of a better deal out there ? Thanks !

Virgil B.

I like the lower specific heat, lower mass, and lower weight of G10 or carbon fiber.

I have spent the last 6 months making tactical bolt handles out of such materials to avoid touching Aluminum.

Understood !

That's still a GOOD looking knife!

Virgil B.

or just by Spyderco