A Tough Question...

[FliGuyRyan]

In the SOG Knives forum, I read a discussion about the Axis, and Arc lock-types, and whose was stronger? I personally own a CRKT M16-13M model, with the secondary lock that results in locking the primary liner-lock. I find this secondary lock makes the knife practically a fixed blade, and I don't see why it isn't mentioned as much as the Arc or the Axis.

But, this is my question. How DOES the Arc and Axis locks work? I've fooled around with Benchmade's Osbourne 940 and loved it, but I'm not so experienced with Sog's.

Can anyone explain by word or diagram as to how these both operate, and the advantages, strengths of both?

Thanks in advance...
Cleary

 

[Lurp]

Well the arc and axis lock work by having that little bar that you slide to release the lock fitting into a notch in the blade. The bar of steel that you use to realse the lock is surrounded by steel liners that also line part of the handle to re-inforce the lock so it wont tear our of the handle. The strengths of the axis lock as quick and easy release and a very strong lock, because to break it you need to either break part of the blade thats inside of the handle, break the steel bar or tear through the steel liners inside the handle. I am very bad at explaining it but hopefully someone with a better way of explaining it will come along.

Benchmade was the first to make the Axis lock while other company's like SOG copied the lock by changing the name to ARC lock and putting a slight arc in the track of the lock. I personally prefer SOG's arc lock because its alot smother in my opinion but the BM Axis lock is the original.

 

[FliGuyRyan]

Interesting history lesson about the two locks, and who was first. I really wish we had a knife retailer in town that I could compare the two, side-by-side.
I appreciate though your explanation of the two... thank you.