Afck Axis Or Linerlock?

B

banditele

SPAM I am, Banned I am, Green eggs and ham.
BANNED
Joined
Nov 5, 1999
Messages
95
Hello all,
I am wanting to get a Benchmade knife with a D-2 blade at least 3 and 3/4 inches long. I have seen some of the Benchmade knives with the AFCK AXIS. Can you guys tell me how that differes from the liener lock system ? Which is better for a EDC I plain to keep it , and use it for a good while ? I saw a AFCK AXIS BM-806 D-2 model. I like the knife , but my favorite style is the tanto blade. Does B.M. make a tanto blade in D-2 that is at least 3 and 3/4 inches long ? If so is it a good knife for EDC?
 
i was wondering the same thing
the AXIS is allegedly stronger though i think but i can't help but wonder if you could accidently and easily brush the release by accident with your finger while holding the knife handle and release the blade onto your fingers

or the fact that anything can brush it for that matter...like if you stabbed through something and as you withdraw the knife the material brushes the release...

the modified liner lock that BM also makes seems harder to accidently release IMO. normal lockbacks (i think that's what they are called) seem better too in terms of safety from accidnetal release.

all this is specualtion as i am a newbie :) i'm sure other forum members can answer our questions
 
Good Evening All-

Both the full-size AFCK and Mini-AFCK are wonderful knives. It seems "fashionable" to complain about linerlock knives, but Benchmade makes them as smooth as silk for both sizes.

I have both AXIS locks and linerlocks and I'm equally comfortable with both. The opening/closing action on the linerlocks strikes me as more "linear" and predictable. If it ever failed, a linerlock would likely fail in the open position.

Go with either mechanism and you won't be disappointed for typical EDC. Chances are you'll find better deals on the linerlocks because they're not the new kid in town. The AXIS is nice because the lock would remain 100% functional even if both omega springs were to break or fall out of the knife.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
Your worries about the Axis are unfounded. My daily carry for a while has been the D2 Axis AFCK. I can't see disengaging the lock by accident in use.

Not to offend or anything, but it's obvious that you've never carried an Axis lock for more than a week. If you did, you'd be impressed with it.

The coolest thing about the Axis is the ease of closing. Just pull back the lock with your index finger under the knife and a flick of the wrist closes the knife. Believe me, it's HANDY to be able to close and put away a knife that fast.

The D2 Axis AFCK is one of the greatest knives in existance as far as I'm concerned (and I've carried a lot of different designs):

Thin for good cutting. Good size for defensive use. D2 is just an UNBELIEVABLE steel if you use a strop!!!:eek:

Seriously, I sharpened mine a year ago so sharp that it would cut a suspended hair if you took a swipe at it! Since then, I've used it and used it. Once a week or every week and a half I'd take it to my leather strop for 10 minutes. It's still sharp enough to pop hair off my arm even though the last time I sharpened it was a year ago and all I've done was strop it every week or two! (Now I pray to the D2 gods!)

This particular knife is the fastest-deploying folder I've ever experienced or heard of. I could, honestly, beat someone with a "Waved" Emerson, HANDS DOWN!

(You really got me going here, I got a woody from this post. Can you tell?;) My favorite knife to talk about.)

Here's how (I can and I can prove it.) you can draw and return to your pocket in 1 second: (assuming a right pocket/right handed draw)

Use visegrips and a vise to bend out the tip of the pocket clip so it points out a bit so you can get a good and quick grip around the tip of the clip with your middle finger when you grab your knife clipped to your pocket. (Write me for more details if you have trouble with the bend.)
Pull up into your palm and draw from your pocket.
As the knife begins to rise in your pocket your index (first) finger should find the hole in the blade on the right side of the blade. As the knife clears your pocket use your right index finger in the hole on the right side to flip the blade out as you raise it into a useful position.
In this way, you can have the knife open as soon as it clears your pocket in a usable grip. This can be especially fast if you have bent the tip of the pocket clip out in such a way that your middle finger hits it immediately when you reach to speed the draw.

After the quick cut, use your index finger on the right (under) side of the knife to pull back on the lock. Flick your wrist back to whip the blade back closed as you return to your pocket. With practise, you can close and return to your pocket in one motion.

This has been my EDC for a long time and I've worked on this for a long time. I'm bragging a bit because this knife is my thing, but I can teach you to be just as good with this knife.

I, honestly, can draw, cut a vertical-hanging string and close and return to my pocket and let go in one second.

THAT'S why I think the BM Axis AFCK is one of the best designs out there! Because I've worked with it for a while, learned it and gotten used to it to the point where it's part of my body.

I've NEVER felt as comfortable or learned any such abilities with any other folder.

Buy the Axis AFCK. It's an absolute MASTERPIECE!
 
i think you work for benchmade!!!

seriously though now i'm interested in an AXIS AFCK. It's hard to guage size from measurements or pictures. Once again I'll draw from my experience of only two Spydies :D

The Endura blade length is only an inch more than Delica's. The measurments don't look too different when staring at your ruler. However that's b/c there's no measurment for "beefiness"!!! the Endura is a MONSTER in size compared to a Delica when you see one for real.

So my question is, how big is the size difference between a 814 mini AFCK and a normal one? it's supposed to be almost 10'' in length opened!!! as an EDC it's a bit large right?

and I checked the BM site. For some reason the only AFCK they have is the D2 one but i prefer the satin finish. Aren't there disadvantages to black blades?
 
I can't speak for the axis lock, because I own a mini AFCK which only comes w/ the liner lock (806 is too big also). But, BM's liner lock in marvelous. I'm left-handed and have no problems at all opening and closing it with my left hand.

EDIT: The only disadvantage to the black (BT coated) blade is that the coating wears off with use. But the steel is impregnated with the stuff so your blade will still be protected. And yes to 806 is huge, in my opinion (it's slender but quite long), the mini is enough knife for my EDC tasks.
 
Originally posted by curious2003
i think you work for benchmade!!!

For some reason the only AFCK they have is the D2 one but i prefer the satin finish. Aren't there disadvantages to black blades?
Click to expand...

I don't work for BM. I'm just a fan.:D

I can't find any drawback to coated blades except maybe looks after the coating starts to wear. Coatings are much more hardy than you would think. They're not like paint. My knives that have been used hard that are coated only have slight wear to the coating. I've found that it's not very easy to scratch down to the metal or wear off. Maybe if you used your knife to cut metal, but other than that you might be surprised.
 
The only AFCK model I own is the 806D2. It's proven to be quite sturdy over the year I've owned it. That being said, the 804/814 models appear nice as well. BM makes fine linerlocks. Additionally, you can get the linerlock models in M2, which I tend to prefer over D2. You can't go wrong with any AFCK.
 
Could any of you 806D2 owners give me a measurement of the width of the knife? Is it as slim as a 710? As of now, my EDC is a 710, but I think that this post is going to end up with me ordering an 806.;)
 
I recently bought a Benchmade 800 AFCK with a plain edge and liner lock.

There were three reasons I wanted the liner lock:
1) It is a far simpler mechanism than the Axis lock, particular in light of fewer parts
2) I have read of Omega spring breakage in some Benchmade Axis lock knives (though these are anecdotal accounts and most surely are a tiny percentage, possibly explained by a bad production run)
3) I already own an Axis lock knife -- a Mini-Griptilian. I am very fond of it and trust it well, but I wanted to mix it up a little.

My AFCK is a sturdy, beefy knife. Yes, it is a bit big for everyday carry, but not too big. It's certainly a different feel from my usual Delica. One complaint is that the edge was not particularly sharp from the factory; but that's not too big a deal since I know how to sharpen pretty well. The only real problem is that the actual grind of the edge is not done well. It is somewhat uneven and seems to steepen toward the tip of the blade, making sharpening a very 'touchy' thing to accomplish. Doable, but a pain in the ass.

---Jeffrey
 
You mentioned you liked tantos, as do I. You really must consider the BM Stryker in M2 steel. I could go on and on about this knife, but suffice it to say, it's the least expensive knife in my EDC rotation, but sees as much carry as any of'em. It is a liner-lock, and a darn good one. I do, however, agree with the above posters on the merits of the axis lock. My next knife purchase will probably be an 806D2. But I'll keep the Stryker in any event.
 
Another knife you may want to consider is the BM940RED-01, it was limited to 50 knives, its a model 940 with red scales and a D2 blade, i've seen them on ebay and also some of the online retailers have them. I have the 806D2 and love it though and reccomend it heavily!.
 
A well designed and manufactured liner lock is nothing to worry about but one reason to choose an Axis lock is that it is truly ambidextrous.
 
I have owned an AFCK with an Axis and with a Liner. To me, there is no comparision. The model with the axis lock was a welcomed addition to my collection and one heck of a knife. The Linerlock ending up being a beater knife. I would even throw the thing at trees when I was bored. :eek: Point being, I valued the axis lock much more. You can open and close it faster than an auto.:)
 
The Axis lock is the best lock in my opinion. I can open it faster and more smoothly then any auto, manual or spring assisst I own. The lock is also much stronger then any other folder, the Axis lock is probably almost as strong as a fixed blade. Trust me, their is no chance of it "disenageing". If there is your liner lock broke before the axis did.
 
Ha ha ha,
That is very funny Joe,
I actually did choose a liner lock AFCK over an Axis lock, but thats just beacause it was so much cheaper.
I like the axis lock just fine and I'd get the 806 eventually anyway.
The liner lock on the AFCK is recessed and can be a little difficult to close one handed. I still love it......
And no I wasn't smoking anything when I made my decision.
 
Yet another one of the mob cheering for the Axis AFCK.

I have the Mini-AFCK and the Axis 806. Both do a fine enough job, but my Axis AFCK is my often carried knife. Here's some of the Attributes of it:

It's easy to carry- admittedly maxing out a bit in length, but it's thin, and carries really well. I don't carry necessarily carry it for defense, but it would definitely due in a pinch. The longer blade is definitely nicer for reaching in tight places, tinkering, and making quick clean cuts. (like cutting hoselines under the truck hood, or opening a refrigerator box)

That D2 blade is strong as hell. My wife's done prying with the tip of my AFCK that made me cringe when I saw what she was doing, waiting to hear "SNAP!" but it didn't faze the knife in any way. The D2 takes a finer edge than I usually like, but it holds it forever. The knife is definitely distinct in it's edge holding ability. The grind is a very efficient cutter, while remaining thick enough to be hell bent for tough.

The coating is a nice thing considering some of the abuse my knife's been put through. It's scratched up and lookin' pretty rough, but to me that's just added character. If you ever wear the finish off, I'd imagine Benchmade could recoat it for ya'. Some would complain that it looks tactical and may upset some people. Wah. Cry me a river, build me a bridge, an' then jump off of it. BFD.

I love the drilling for the pocket clip. It's drilled for tip up, tip down, right hand or left hand carry. Definitely quite versatile. I carry mine tip-up, but Tip down would be a consideration if you wanted it to ride a bit more deeply in your pocket.

The Axis lock itself is extremely strong, very quick to open and close, as well as 100% ambidextrous. It's more mechanically technical, but the lock engagement itself to me is a bit simpler and more reliable in my mind. (hope that makes sense)

Lastly (for now) FullofLead is right- the damn knife is amazingly fast with a modicum of practice. That one second open-cut-close thing probably aint an exaggeration. I can do the same thing with mine. Only thing is I use a slightly different method. I have three zip ties through the opening hole while carrying tip-up. I pull the knife up, it catches my pants, opens right up. Exact same as a waved Emerson, but better. With the zip ties you don't have to rock back for the deployment. It opens completely reliably coming straight up out of the pocket, and even opens fairly reliably going straight forward, as in a thrust. it's very, very, very fast. Ya' actually wanna check on that blade tightness when using this method, cuz if it's not tight enough yer blade will open so fast, that it will bounce shut again before the Axis Lock can even engage. Incidentally that never happens to me anymore, although it did at first.

Not to say that this is a perfect knife. I'd be miserable if I ever found the perfect knife. My hunt would be over and I'd have to take up golfing or something more socially acceptable instead of knife collecting. That would suck!
:D

Some negatives on the Axis AFCK-

The Axis itself is a mechanical spring driven lock. Springs break. It's happened with these on VERY VERY VERY rare occasion around here. BM will always honor thier warranty should this happen, as long as they see no signs of you making a Dremel Tool Commando attack on the knife or anything. They will NOT send you extra springs, period. I've heard of some people making them..in any case though, by and large Benchmade does NOT ship out parts to anyone.

Way back yesteryear, when Chris Caracci had the Urban Jungle forum up here, he badmouthed the Axis pretty badly, saying it could easily be disengaged in combat,etc. but From what I recall it looked more like Benchmade had managed to wound his ego as much as anything in that one. Might check it out in the archives anyways. I know I'm comfortable with the Axis Lock myself. Maybe that's just 'cuz I aint a combative kinda guy myself.

Another minor annoyance is getting fuzz an' crap in the lock mechanism. Just annoying. Never caused lock failure or anything. It's just a lil' harder to keep clean than a plain jane liner lock. I live with it.

This is yet another personal thing...I don't like the plastic back spacer. It's never broken, and I've never heard anyone complain of it on these, but...several years ago when BM had a run of those plastic spacers that was too brittle I managed to break one in my Mini AFCK, and it left a bad taste in my mouth. There's one gent here....uh...T Erdelyi? (forgive me if I butchered the name) that made a very nice looking set of brass spacers for his. I've pondered making an aluminum one piecer for mine. All in all not a big deal though. Probably more like a solution looking for a problem.

Overall it's the best folder I've ever owned, except for maybe a large Sebenza, but then again I can get three or so of these for the price of a Sebbie, and not cry as much when it's used, abused, or misplaced. and the performance of it is VERY near if not equal to a Sebbie. At a third or so of the price...not a bad deal, eh?

Not to slam liner locks, or the AFCK liner lock inparticular. Infact BM makes some of the best fitting liner locks I've seen, but if you can scrape out the extra few bucks for the axis...it's well worth the difference.
 
Originally posted by curious2003
i was wondering the same thing
the AXIS is allegedly stronger though i think but i can't help but wonder if you could accidently and easily brush the release by accident with your finger while holding the knife handle and release the blade onto your fingers

or the fact that anything can brush it for that matter...like if you stabbed through something and as you withdraw the knife the material brushes the release...
Click to expand...

Just to clear up any confusion, you do not close an Axis lock by "brushing" anything. It takes a deliberate, continuous motion to release the lock. There are many reports of linerlocks and lockbacks disengaging by accident. I have yet to hear of somebody whose Axis lock allowed the blade to open against their will. Since it has been out for several years now, if this was a serious issue we would know by now.

Also, if you have the knife buried so deep in something that the material can move the roughly 3/4 of an inch up the handle that would be required to release the lock, that blade won't be going anywhere for quite some time.

Another thing to consider is that an Axis lock keeps the blade closed when you want it closed (in your pocket, for example) much better than any linerlock. People have been injured by folders opening in their pockets. Axis locks will actually spring back to a closed position for the first 30 or so degrees of their opening motion.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top