anyone have this problem with the griptilian

B

brettofthejungle

Joined
May 18, 2008
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66
Hey again folks. After searching and going back and forth for awhile I decided to stick with a griptilian. However, I am noticing that when i snap the knife open (or just use the knife when it's open), the axis lock seems to stick. When i pull it down to close the knife it gets caught and i have to use a little pressure to break it free. does this happen with new grips or do i need to return this?
 
I have 2 minigrips that I bought NIB and both had no problems closing after flicking it open. Maybe try to email or call them, if that doesn't yield any results I would return it then.
 
Mine is a bit harder to unlock after being flicked open hard. I think the force of the flick allows the lockbar to engage more deeply and get pinched in that position. I never thought of it as a problem, though. It might be that hard use can cause the same thing to happen, but I have never noticed it from use on my sample (only flicking). I'd say it is normal if it is not too severe, but it is hard to quantify what too severe is. I am sure that if you send it in under warranty they will make it right if it is abnormal.
 
I wonder if the omega springs are set right, broken, or if something (grit, lint) is blocking the channel where the lock bar moves? I'm not an expert on knife construction, but maybe try this: with the knife closed, move the lock buttons of the axis lock down and up a few times. Observe if the buttons are moving smoothly or snagging, or slow. Maybe also see if the bar is moving all at the same time or if one end is lagging.

If something is blocking the channel (not sure if this is a real problem for the axis), you can probably take it out with something. If you decide to disassemble to check the omega spring, you might have a better idea of its condition (don't know if this voids any warranties) . A problem with an omega spring may mean you should send it back to Benchmade for repair.
YMMV, good luck.
 
Clean it out with 440. Spray into the axis lock.
Then apply some oil, 3 and 1 works fine.
Hard flipping, for what?
Bobo
 
Yes, I've seen that with a few Grip's when they are new, especially if they are flicked open really hard, once I've used them awhile the parts smooth out and it goes away.
 
their is an adjustment screw (torx) that gives more/less tension, try that.
also if you hold the release/open button longer, it goes smoother.
It could be a safety feature.
 
My axis locks have done that as well. Like others have mentioned, only when flicked really hard. It should break in and smooth itself over time.
 
Several of my Grips, including my Ritter grip stuck a little at first. They have to be worked a bit sometimes. That being said, hard flipping or snapping open isn't needed and just strains the mechanism. My .02
 
I see. Even if i don't flip it open, if i just cut with it and pressure is put on the blade it does that. I can see that when it is open the pin is not FULLY in locked position. I mean it certainly covers the tang but it doesn't slide to it's limits according to the view from the side. When it is open, if i look at the axis bar from the back i can see that it does not sit absolutely level. One side of the bar will be higher than the other slightly. You can change which side is higher without much pressure. Is that consistent with you alls?
 
brettofthejungle said:
I see. Even if i don't flip it open, if i just cut with it and pressure is put on the blade it does that. I can see that when it is open the pin is not FULLY in locked position. I mean it certainly covers the tang but it doesn't slide to it's limits according to the view from the side.
Click to expand...

An axis lock is supposed to be like that, especially when new, so as time goes by with use, they "wear together" and the lock stays solid even with normal wear.
 
I spray mine down with wd-40 every once in a while, then blow it out with compressed ail and oil with 3 in one oil. Never had a problem like you're describing though, I would think about calling them.
 
When i pull it down to close the knife it gets caught and i have to use a little pressure to break it free.
Click to expand...

It's so hard to communicate the symptoms over the net.... How much pressure is a little pressure? Are we talking enough pressure to squash a fly or a mouse or a badger?

Or you can express it in pounds -- try pressing on a scale with the same pressure you're using and see how many pounds it reads.
 
Cougar, its difficult to measure the pressure when i have to consider the pressure of the spring combined with it. If it was the pressure to break it free alone i might be able to tell you. usually it isn't too bad but a few times it has been a little tough to break. thanks for the replies everyone.
 
I say just wear it in. I had this problem when I first bought mine, but after a few snaps, it goes away. You dont have to do it by flicking it open either, just move the blade by hand and work the lock:thumbup:
 
brettofthejungle said:
Cougar, its difficult to measure the pressure when i have to consider the pressure of the spring combined with it. If it was the pressure to break it free alone i might be able to tell you.
Click to expand...

Other Griptilian owners have the pressure of the spring combined with it just as you do. If you can tell them how many pounds of pressure it takes they can compare to their own experience.
 
brettofthejungle said:
Hey again folks. After searching and going back and forth for awhile I decided to stick with a griptilian. However, I am noticing that when i snap the knife open (or just use the knife when it's open), the axis lock seems to stick. When i pull it down to close the knife it gets caught and i have to use a little pressure to break it free. does this happen with new grips or do i need to return this?
Click to expand...

I had this happen with my Grip initially. The extent to which this happened seemed to be a direct result of whether or not and how hard the knife was snapped open as opposed to being opened in a slower controlled fashion with the thumb remaining in contact with the blade's thumbhole until open. This issue did clear up after the judicious application of some Tuf-Glide and repeated openings and closings.

This never happened, however, with the 2 BM/HK Axis Autos I have, both of which open with quite a kick but never stick, but which have a beefier design overall.

I suppose this could be seen as another argument against flipping open knives not designed with A/O or Auto operation specifically in mind, but probably not since the issue seems to clear up fairly quickly...

Ray :)
 
by the way does anyone know if the factory tip on the grip is supposed to be a sharp point or slightly rolled down at the tip? The only two i've seen show this symptom
 
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