AXIS Lock Developments/Derivatives List

SpySmasher said:
One of my favorite aspects of the knife maker's art is in the different mechanisms, especially locks. One of the great modern locks is the AXIS lock, invented by knifemakers Bill McHenry and Jason Williams, and licensed and sold by Benchmade, who continue to own the trademark. The patent, however, expired a while ago and we have now seen other knife companies coming out with AXIS-style locking knives.

I'd like to compile a list. I was, frankly, not expecting so many AXIS-style locking knives being sold. Seeing so many has made me curious if these locks are simply the original AXIS locks with another name or if anyone is actually making modifications/improvements. If you know the answer to this question, please post!

For the purposes of this thread I am defining the "original AXIS lock" as the one most often seen on Benchmades: a round bar sliding longitudinally against the blade tang with ambidextrous buttons and a pair of omega springs.

In making this list I am taking a neutral stance about the ethics of using the AXIS lock design. From previous discussions I know that some members believe that, despite the patent expiration, Benchmade has a moral right to the exclusive use of the AXIS lock. Some members believe that the patent expiration means that the lock should be exploited by others. What I would like to avoid is including any knives that used the lock illegally. Notable scumbag Will Moon's Spindle lock is included on the list despite him being a notable scumbag that hopefully no one will buy from.

KNIVES/COMPANIES:

  • Benchmade Anthem Lock. Modifications/improvements: single coil spring and push rod.
  • Benchmade 665 APB Lock. Modifications/improvements: button actuated.
  • Benchmade 1500-181 Cigar Cutter Lock. Modifications/improvements: "It's pretty similar to a normal AXIS lock, except the base theory is different. The cigar cutter has a dual face wedging interaction in the closed position that's unique among AXIS lock knives. The ramp just below the "lock" face slides the lock stud back, so the geometry of that feature is critical." [CLAIMED]
  • Boker "Ambi-Lock." Modifications/improvements: unknown.
  • Gerber "Pivot Lock." Modifications/improvements: unknown.
  • Hogue/HK "Pivot Lock." Modifications/improvements: unknown.
  • Hogue/Ritter "ABLE Lock." Modifications/improvements: "superior finish and geometry for smoother operation, a tougher lock bar and Wolff omega springs." [CLAIMED]
  • Massdrop/Millit/Schwartz Lock. Modifications/improvements: unknown.
  • SOG "XR Lock." Modifications/improvements: unknown.
  • WE ""Sliderlock/Slidelock." Modifications/improvements: exterior mounted titanium helical spring. Locks open and closed.
  • Wilkins "Sliding Bar Lock." Modifications/improvements: unknown.
  • Will Moon "Spindle Lock." Modifications/improvements: dual coil springs and push rods. Enclosed spring channels.

Can anyone contribute? I suspect that for several of them the answer to "modifications/improvements" is "none."
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Interesting thread, thanks. Didn't know that the Axis lock patent has now expired nor that there are other legit knife companies now producing Axis-type models. Have to say that the Axis lock is my personal favorite lock mechanism, that plus Spyderco's CBBL.
 
The Bear Ops Rancor IV features an axis style lock that they call a slide lock. I find the action of it to be smoother than a Benchmade, in fact, it seems to be more on par with the Hogue Able Lock.
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vanadium said:
I think the list of non-Benchmade knives using the Axis lock, as originally patented, is quite short.

If you're looking for improvements/changes to the Axis lock, I suspect you will find that many more of those were done before the recent expiration of the patent, since improvements are themselves patentable. If that interests you, just look at patents that reference the original Axis patent. Those number 56 in all, spanning 1997 to 2015.
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That's a patent for a liner lock.

The Axis Lock patent is 5737841 https://patents.google.com/patent/US5737841A/en
 
BilboBaggins said:
Wilkins Leafstorm 9 with "Sliding Bar Lock"

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Oh, and the new and bigger knife, doesn't have that "rivertang"? is it? I just say it straight, the blade doesn't go over the handle when closed. This knife is PERFECT ALL WAY THROUGH. And you WILL LOVE IT, if you want a larger working folder that can handle anything, I guess. It feels like a "full tang" knife so sturdy it is. And the fit and finish is superb, AMAZING. And it fits your hand, I guess anyone's hands perfectly.(I'm thinking grown-ups)
 
While I like the size and fully ambidextrous action: The Leafstorm 9 just looks a bit... "Clubby" to me...
But that's probably just me...
 
The Axis Lock is brilliant, one of the most outstanding advances in knife technology, so it's no surprise others have adopted variations -- imitation being the sincerest form of flattery. All my Benchmades with the Axis -- Mini-Rukus, Grippies, 710 -- have performed perfectly with no failures. I'll stick to the original, thinking here of the Bugout... must be a reason I should get one of those...
 
You might find the stud lock from Kershaw interesting. It's a reversed axis lock with the lock itself contained in the blade rather than the handle. I wouldn't call it precisely derivative of the Axis lock, but works on exactly the same principle, backwards.
 
If I remember correctly, the SOG Arc lock was developed at the same time as the axis, so therefore the XR would be a derivative of that. I always liked Arc lock, more than the axis actually.
 
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