anyone NOT like the BM Axis lock?

D

dulaboy

Joined
Mar 9, 2005
Messages
42
I played around with a few BMs at the local gun store and the only reason I didn't buy one was because I wasn't familiar with the Axis lock. I'm no expert but it just seemed that the studs might somehow get pushed and the blade would close. I know there are lots of fans but does anyone else not care for the AXIS? I do like liner-types like on my Amphibian and frame lock on my mini SOCOM and back locks are cool too. Really want a BM 722 but don't feel comfortable with those buttons up front.
 
I had a bm921s for about a year, used it as my dress knife before buying my stainless police...

It's quick and smooth, I'll give the axis lock that much... but simplicity rocks. Only 1 spring to fail in a lockback.
 
I'm not really a huge fan of them. It works great with my wifes BM 940, but I could never really come to like it on my AFCK. The truth is there's not much I can truly hold against it, other than seeming to attract alot of pocket lint and such. Actually, it was a pretty strong lock, smooth, simple, rugged and all that I just flat out didn't like it. No logical reason necessary, since there's a huge market out there with liner locks, frame locks, plunge locks, lockbacks, compression locks, rolling locs arc locks, etc, etc. :D

If the Axis Lock is someone elses perfect speed, then that's awesome for them, it just aint my speed.
 
I didn't like it much. If only because I was continually worried about the springs failing. I saw it as a potential design weakness and I was always afraid or worried about that lock. But that was just me and I never did have a spring break. My own worries were what I had to contend with. Sold all of my Axis locks.
 
Being a lefty,I absolutely recommend the axis-lock.I have EDC'd a 722 for over two years and have "NEVER" had a problem with inadvertantly closing the blade and have never heard of anyone else having a problem either.Be warned that the 722 has been discontinued so if you really want one don't wait. :D
 
I love the Axis lock. I don't collect them, but the 710 and 941 I have are as slick as can be. They lock up strong and there is no play in the blade at all in my two. I am more of a frame lock guy usually, but the 941 sits in my pocket when I am sort of dressed up. I do not worry about the springs breaking. There are two of them. If one fails, one will still do the job.
 
The Axis has a high toy factor, and it is one of the better ambidextrous designs. It would probably be the best choice for someone old and arthritic -- I'm not quite there yet. :)

I have a Griptilian I don't use, even though I think the design is incredible for a working knife, and a 710 that's the only Axis lock I really like enough to use.

I wouldn't worry about accidental release of the lock in any use but hand-to-hand knife fighting, which I am ever so unlikely to get involved in. (I'm fat and ugly, but I an't stoopid.) I've heard of many times when an omega spring broke, and all it meant was a quick repair job. The lock works fine on just one spring for a while.

Given a choice, I like my framelocks and lockbacks, but in actual practice, Benchmade has a winner, and they've designed an awesome array of knives around it. You might as well pick one out you like and give it a chance.
 
dulaboy said:
...it just seemed that the studs might somehow get pushed and the blade would close....
Click to expand...

Probably just a misinterpretation of what you're saying but the lock needs to be pulled to unlock, an action that is much less likely in almost any situation.

I have numerous Axis locks and in my opinion there's nothing better, and the only rival is a lock back and a slect few frame locks.

Why Benchmade is still making any knives with liner locks is beyond me.
 
i like it better than a liner lock but i have only had 1 liner lock fail (dam.n jaguar :mad: :mad: )
 
Although I've played with them at the stores & tried to like them based on their tremendous fanfare, I haven't bought any of BM's axis lock models. I prefer lockbacks first, then framelocks & solid linerlocks from reputable makers second. I too don't like the whole idea of the lockbar being where it is on the handle, it's too close to my thumb's chance of pulling back on it. I just feel much more secure with a lockback. I've heard tons of great things about the axis, but it just doesn't "click" with me.
 
You'd have to be a major idiot to accidentally disengage the AXIS lock. The only down side is it may take away from the knife's appearance. I never though the Axis lock made a knife look better. I just enjoy the functionality. I haven't seen any other lock that allows you to open and CLOSE a knife so quickly. Maybe this isn't a concern for some people, but when you get proficient with the AXIS lock and you can open your knife with one hand, make your cut, and close it again with one hand and put it away, it's pretty slick. With frame locks, lock backs, liners, etc, it takes more effort and concentration to close the knife. I can open and close an AXIS lock knife without even looking at what I'm doing. I just better know I have a proper grip on the knife so my fingers are out of the way. With almost all other lock types you have to put your fingers in the path of the closing blade to disengage the lock. With the AXIS lock you can keep your fingers in the clear.

As far as people worrying about the location of the AXIS lock and accidentally disengaging it, it's stupid BS. I never came close to accidentally tripping an AXIS lock knife and I've been carrying them everyday for 4 years.

It's a very strong lock, if not one of the strongest, it's fast, it's reliable, etc. I've also never had a spring break, but this is maybe the biggest negative about the lock. From the stories I've heard of springs breaking, the lock still worked as 1 of the 2 springs was still operational. We also don't know what these people were doing to break the spring. Maybe nothing, or maybe they were flicking the hell out of the knife over and over for a few weeks. I have carried a BM710 almost everyday for 4 years or more and I flick it open and close many times a day. ZERO problems, other than the pocket clip loosing it's set a bit.

I laugh when people worry about the AXIS lock. Out of all the f'ing locks to worry about, the AXIS lock should be one of the last. Worry about liner locks, or lint in your lock backs. My BM710 often gets filled with pocket lint and other crap, and the lock has never failed to lock up rock solid. I've had lock backs F up with a little lint in them. Frame locks can disengage if you twist the knife handle the wrong way.

If you are afraid of the AXIS lock failing, buy a fixed blade because you should fear every other locking mechanism as well.
 
IMO for everyday use, the Axis lock is more than up to the task for whatever most people will subject their EDC to.

Cutting cardboard? Opening letters? Slicing fruit? No problem.

In fact, in a recent magazine article, the Ritter Griptillian, which also uses the Axis mechanism, was demonstrated to baton thru some saplings in order to make a survival shelter.

I've never needed to use my Axis lock Benchmades in a survival situation, but if with works for the Ritter Grip, I'm certain I don't need to be concerned.

As Wade said, if you're afraid of the Axis lock failing, you need to get a fixed blade.
 
The Axis-lock is simply revolutionary.
Although to the uninitiated it might seem complex, it is really very simple.
And it is also strong, reliable, a breeze to manipulate, and nearly fool-proof (in the hands of your average fool that is--not in the hands of a super-fool).

I'll make a prediction:

If you have never owned an Axis-lock folder, and you have handled one at a store or knife show, you WILL buy one sooner or later.

Don't believe me?
Just give it a little time.

Everytime you open or close your lock-back or your liner-lock or your frame-lock--you'll think "The Axis-lock can't be better than this, can it?".

And everytime you read a forum post about the Axis-lock you'll think "Aww come on, it can't be that good, can it?".

And everytime you're in a knife store or at a knife show you'll ask the man (or woman) behind the counter "Can I take a closer look at that Benchmade Axis-lock folder, please?".

It will haunt you day and night.
You'll see Benchmades everywhere.
The Axis-lock will seem to be stalking you.
It will invade your dreams.
There will be no peace of mind until you have one for yourself.

Don't believe me?
Just give it a little time.

Sweet dreams,
Allen.
 
The Axis works fine for my Griptilian...not only do you have to pull it back, but it's somewhat flush and takes effort. If I play with it a few times, my thumb is sore. I don't see it closing "by accident". Sheit, I've been carrying knives for 10 days now.... :p
 
I think I like them.

I'll have my first Axis lock folder in about 4 days. A Benchmade 722BT.

I think I am going to really like it :)

Cheers,
FoM
 
I'll have my first Axis Lock in about the same time and I can't wait. A Benchmade 520.

WadeF: When you open yours, do you use the thumbstud or thumbhole? Or do you flick it down and up with the Axis mechanism pulled back? I ask because your description of how quickly you deploy your blade has peaked my interest.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
I have a Griptilian I don't use, even though I think the design is incredible for a working knife, and a 710 that's the only Axis lock I really like enough to use.
Click to expand...
Interested in selling it cheap? :)
 
Can anyone point me to some axis lock testing a la Cliff Stamp or other unbiased source? 'Preciated in advance.
 
ChaserAlpha said:
I'll have my first Axis Lock in about the same time and I can't wait. A Benchmade 520.

WadeF: When you open yours, do you use the thumbstud or thumbhole? Or do you flick it down and up with the Axis mechanism pulled back? I ask because your description of how quickly you deploy your blade has peaked my interest.
Click to expand...

Depends. Sometimes I use the thumbstud, but if I'm in a hurry I disengage the lock as I draw it from my pocket and snap the blade open. This takes some practice as you have to rlease the lock at the right time. If you hold it open to long the blade will open and bounce back towards close.

When I first got my AXIS lock it took a little time to get used to. My thumb hurt like hell from playing with it, but if you keep at it you're thumb will toughen up and it won't hurt anymore. Kinda like when you first try and learn to play a guitar and your fingers get sore from the strings.

To make an analogy for people who are afraid of the lock disengaging... It would be like going into a car dealership to see the world's safest car. It has revolutionary new features that make it super safe and reliable. However, you see something that YOU feel might fail and hurt you, even though the car has proven to be the most reliable. You question the dealer, you maul it over, you worry, and you walk out and get in your old reliable Pinto. At this point someone should rear end you!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top