Axis lock and IWB carry - dangerous!?

CanadaKnifeGuy

CanadaKnifeGuy

Joined
Jan 27, 2019
Messages
654
It is my belief that the potential to release the lock accidentally could lead to a serious accident.

If the release was resting against your skin and a bend / twist motion could move it... At a frontal or side position, I fear it could lead to a nasty accident.

I'd love a bugout worn this way... But the fear of this type of disaster keeps me away from it and I am drawn to the safety of a back lock.... Even tip up... Vs a tip-down axis lock.

Are my fears of genital mutilation unfounded?

Anyone been carrying an axis lock IWB for a while without incident?
 
Last edited:
Anything is dangerous in the right (wrong?) persons hands. With that said, I’d not carry it like that.
 
I only iwb a firearm or MAYBE a short fixed blade. The purpose of a folding knife, for me, is to go in my pocket. I do agree that certain knives require thought and planning as to how to carry them safely.

I only carry my AO folders in my righr front with the spine tucked against the seam to ensure a bit of pressure on the flipper won't cause them to open at a dangerous angle.
 
I doubt it would be dangerous, it is really no different than the way it rides in a pocket. In your pocket the lock gets pressure put on it too. That said if you arent comfortable with it, dont do it. Just get a different knife or carry in a pocket. I think the handle of the bugout would be too abrasive to carry it that way anyway (for me).
 
CVamberbonehead said:
I doubt it would be dangerous, it is really no different than the way it rides in a pocket. In your pocket the lock gets pressure put on it too. That said if you arent comfortable with it, dont do it. Just get a different knife or carry in a pocket. I think the handle of the bugout would be too abrasive to carry it that way anyway (for me).
Click to expand...

In a pocket,.you can rest the blade against the edge of the pocket.

Plus, skin can be more grippy than cotton in many situations.

Having said that - I can see a set of keys wedging the release open in the pocket as well. :eek:
 
The only folders I've carried IWB have been either Spyderco or Cold Steel back locks . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Never had any problems in many years of EDC ; and ,of course, the Cold Steel Tri-ad lock is the strongest and best ! ;)
 
All of my Benchmade knives can be opened with a little shake except my 530 so I definitely wouldn’t carry them that way.
 
CanadaKnifeGuy said:
They work GREAT!! For my phone, keys, pocket sheath / BK-14, etc.

No room for folders.

And as discussed, keys could disengage the lock and them you have a benchmade in your femoral artery.
Click to expand...

Lightning could also strike your knife and channel the electricity into your body turning you into a piece of burnt toast, but the likelihood of that is about the same as bleeding out because your keys opened your knife.
 
willc said:
All of my Benchmade knives can be opened with a little shake except my 530 so I definitely wouldn’t carry them that way.
Click to expand...

Funny you say that- I carry all my folders IWB, but recently retired my Benchmade 530 because it would open unintentionally on me. Fortunately not while it was inside my waistband, but enough times that I couldn't trust it anymore.

So to answer the OP, I think your concern is justified. It may never happen, but why take the chance?
 
CanadaKnifeGuy said:
Has anyone had an axis lock open in their pocket??
Click to expand...


I have once. I was driving, baby bear wanted to play with his new toy so i retrieve my grey griptilian and hand it to momma bear. She immediately starts freaking out. I have no idea what she’s panicking about cause I haven’t taken my eyes off the road. I assumed she cut herself until she starts compressing my hand with baby wipes. I got a nice diagonal slice down 3/4 of my index finger, I probably should’ve gotten sutures but I don’t have time for that; super glue saved me a few hours in the er. I don’t know if the knife opened due to a combination of body position and stiff jeans or it was the lock but it’s the only knife to ever open in my pocket.
 
I have a hard time visualizing the Axis lock disengaging like that. The same could be said of a number of other locking mechanisms.
 
The axis lock doesn't provide a "positive" closure as such, but pulling the lock bar does allow the blade to move more freely for sure. Other locks provide more friction, but again, not all, and not all inherent to the design.
If the knife doesn't work for you in that mode, don't carry it like that. I know that I've had knives and pants that didn't play nice with each other, its sort of just another thing that can happen. So long as the user is aware that their knife needs to be carried or handled in a certain way, then they should do that. The user should also ensure that their knife will work in the way they want to carry it. But its not the fault of the knife if a user is going to be in conditions where the knife is going to be subjected to all manner of external forces. For example, is it often mentioned that if you carry a spydie-hole knife and keys, a key might end up in the hole and "wave" your knife as you take it out of your pocket? Not really, because while its more likely than a key pushing against a lock-bar, its also more obvious that it could happen. Carry what and how you want, just know that you might need to think about it a little.
If IWB is what you want, a slipsheath might be just the thing, and add to the comfort level. Wouldn't have to be complex, just a thin bag with a flap that can go under the clip, over the top of your waistband, kinda like a pull-out holster.
 
I carried a Griptilian for a little over a year, IWB as my work knife. I. carried a 710 fo a few months IWB. Ive carried all my folders with clips IWB for the last 15 years IWB. I must admit in the last couple of years my pants are getting a little tighter, but I still have no trouble taking out my knife. I do wear my shirt tucked in.

Even with my shirt tucked, with my folder clipped behind my belt and a belt loop, the carry is not visible. I once went to a MLB game when visiting my daughter with my knife clipped IWB, and was able to keep it in place after going through a line where security was patting all the men s pockets before allowing them in. I wasn't t trying to break any rules. I just didn't t know about the knife restrictions, and I didn't t want to lose my knife.

This form of carry keeps my knife out of the way when I need reach into my pocket. Probably makes it easier for me to edc a bigger knife. The biggest knife I ve edc d IWB is my Spyderco K2. My Cold Steel XL folders have to be carried in my pocket. A guy has to have room to sit down!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top