Axis lock does and don'ts

mkjellgren said:
In my opinion the best way to open an axis lock folder involves just the thumb stud and zero wrist flick but the blade opens nearly as quickly. Don't push the thumb stud out away from the handle, push it straight up to build a little pressure then give it a good solid snap of your thumb up and away from the handle at about a 45° angle. The blade should come flying out of there like it was assisted open. To close it, a properly adjusted axis lock should nearly fall closed when the lock I'd disengaged with very little to no wrist action needed.
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This is precisely how I open all of my axis folders. Just by snapping my thumb on the thumb stud, they open with about the same force as a spring assist. If the assist opens it with the same force as my thumb on the stud, I figure it must be fine. I've never understood these guys who need to give a big wrist snap. I think that's more about machismo really, but to each their own.

If you have a problem with your knife, just pick up the phone and call the manufacturer. Sure, some companies might have bad customer service, but Benchmade's a reputable brand and making a phone call is usually pretty quick!
 
bearcut said:
Anyone who opens a folder with a wrist-snap shows themselves to be without a good understanding of modern folding knife engineering. (I am being nice) Wrist-snapping, on a regular basis, shows that you really don’t know what you’re doing. If you swing your arm you are totally clueless, and should have your knife taken away from you for being completly stupid.
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I must presume that those of us who do indeed use wrist motion to open our knives "lack the understanding of modern folding knife engineering" in the sense that we don't know that low quality parts (e.g., stop pins, and in the particular issue of this thread, Omega springs) are being used?

No knife of any repute should be unable to handle reasonable wrist motion. I'm not talking about "give it all ya got" type of slamming it open.


bearcut said:
First, of all, every major manufacturer does not condone this practice. It is extremely damaging to knives and accelerates wear, fit and function.
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Are you able to offer citations regarding this?


bearcut said:
I guess proper knife handling, and ownership, IS rocket science for many people.
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Yup, everyone who expects a tool to be quality-made - and not a piece of lead crystal - is an imbecile. :rolleyes:

This thread has reinforced my belief to ignore the BM phanbois, and pass on their offerings.
 
Ok I read about four posts on this whole thread. Having owned the original 710 not trying to date myself, anyway slam that sucker open and closed as much as you want it's fine. Only thing I broke cycling about 200 times a day for six months, was a mini reflex. I was out 5 bucks.
 
To me, not flicking my wrist is less about damaging my knife and more about not looking like a complete tool shed ...

There is a guy where I work that is constantly flicking his knife open with a huge arm swing. He carries a crappy knife so I'm sure he's nor worried about breaking it but I can tell you from experience, people look at you differently if you make a big deal out of whipping out your knife. Usually I can open, use, and close my knife without anyone even knowing I have one. Meanwhile, every time my coworker uses his he makes sure everyone notices. He may think he looks cool, but I'll tell ya what...he looks like a douche...
 
i actually buy axis lock knives just for flicking and playing lol. they are a joy to flick around
 
I don't flick as a rule but I have often wondered why flicking is any worse than the force of an A/O knife. Apart from the consistent level of force an A/O might create versus the random forces of a wrist flick, is a mild wrist flick or even a simple thumb flick harder on a stop pin than A/O?
 
themandylion said:
I must presume that those of us who do indeed use wrist motion to open our knives "lack the understanding of modern folding knife engineering" in the sense that we don't know that low quality parts (e.g., stop pins, and in the particular issue of this thread, Omega springs) are being used?



No knife of any repute should be unable to handle reasonable wrist motion. I'm not talking about "give it all ya got" type of slamming it open.




Are you able to offer citations regarding this?




Yup, everyone who expects a tool to be quality-made - and not a piece of lead crystal - is an imbecile. :rolleyes:

This thread has reinforced my belief to ignore the BM phanbois, and pass on their offerings.
Click to expand...


I really doubt that Bearcut is talking about what you are talking about. I'm sure he is referring to those people who loosen the pivot, and try to break the sound barrier as they flick open their knife. As I said in my earlier post, had a neighbor that did that and thought it was cool as hell. He would talk about how he was going to cut up someone if they jumped him, and how he would have that blade out sooo fast, dicing and a slicing! He was quite a few years younger than me, so I decided to try to take him under my wing and show him the error of his ways, how to do things the correct way, and demonstrate to him that the slamming was why the lock had messed up. But when he could not fathom how the slamming had messed up his lock, i.e. 2+2=4, I just let him drift away and continue to play Macho Man.

I really do think that THIS is the type of flicker he was talking of. I also flick my knives and do so so that the blade just falls into lockup with only the slightest of sounds emanating from it. This is not abuse.

Maybe I need to go back and reread this post as I never felt that there was any fan boyism going on here.
 
Sorry you're disappointed...

themandylion said:
I must presume that those of us who do indeed use wrist motion to open our knives "lack the understanding of modern folding knife engineering" in the sense that we don't know that low quality parts (e.g., stop pins, and in the particular issue of this thread, Omega springs) are being used?

No knife of any repute should be unable to handle reasonable wrist motion. I'm not talking about "give it all ya got" type of slamming it open.




Are you able to offer citations regarding this?




Yup, everyone who expects a tool to be quality-made - and not a piece of lead crystal - is an imbecile. :rolleyes:

This thread has reinforced my belief to ignore the BM phanbois, and pass on their offerings.
Click to expand...
 
cutter17 said:
I really doubt that Bearcut is talking about what you are talking about. I'm sure he is referring to those people who loosen the pivot, and try to break the sound barrier as they flick open their knife.
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Perhaps, but he wrote in absolutes: "Anyone who opens a folder with a wrist-snap."


cutter17 said:
Maybe I need to go back and reread this post as I never felt that there was any fan boyism going on here.
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Perhaps I misinterpret an apparent underlying fanatical defense of the Butterfly. I've never owned a BM, and almost certainly won't when I read threads that discuss how delicate the parts can be. I was hoping the butterfly mark wasn't referring to as delicate as a butterfly. My Bucks, my Kershaws, they don't give any impression whatsoever of being sensitive to wrist motion, even in the extreme. I don't think I could even damage an Enlan with wrist motion. I've seen a lot of talk about the famous (infamous?) Omega springs; not just in this thread. BM makes some nice designs and apparently uses a majority of high grade parts, but my instincts say there is a weak link inside.
 
don't be to worried, i walk around holding the lock down and flicking it open and closed as had as i can on my grip, and its fine. the new adamas knife can hold up to 800 pounds, cold steel aint got nuthin on that :D its a beast. the axis lock is a lot stronger than you think. you got a nice knife there :)
 
I agree with those who say don't open or close your axis folder with a solid "THWACK!" and the pleasurable and satisfying experience it produces.

Save it in good condition so that after you pass away your wife's new husband can do it.
 
"THWACK" away my macho men!!:), and I'll join you on those occasion's I'm feeling a little Walter Mittyish:D
 
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