axis lock edc, cheaper than benchmade...

R

rednalrebo

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Feb 21, 2013
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Im looking for a decent edc knife, i like the action on the benchmade axis lock knives, but i cannot afford to spend bn or spyderco money. anyone know of a decent knock-off or similar knife in the $35-$45 range?
thanks,
nathan
 
Probably a question best asked in the general knife forum.

But I will go ahead and answer until a Mod comes along and moves it, and say take a look at some of the cheaper offerings by Kershaw.
 
If you have your heart set on a knockoff Axis lock, lots of chinese makers put out knives with that mechanism (Bee, Enlan, Ganzo, Sanrenmu, Navy...). They're generally not all that good - I've been happy with my Ganzo 704, but the two other chinese axis locks I bought were junk.
 
I can't recommend a knock off but you may be able to find a deal on one of the Sogs with the Arc lock- which is similar to the Axis. I actually like my Arc lock Arcitech as much if not more than my Axis. I saw a Bluto in the exchange the other day for like $50. Just keep an eye out. Or look for a Mini Grip. I see people picking them up for just over the $50 mark.
 
What size knife? Check out the enlan el02b for a larger knife. Or for a smaller edc check out the srm 763. Both use the axis lock and can be found for very cheap.
 
My first recommendation would be to save up some funds and purchase a Benchmade, you won't be let down.

But if you can't then I second what Bigfatts recommended, you can find a SOG Aegis for a good price on eBay.

Another axis/arc lock knife to consider is the Enlan EL-02.

You can pick it up for roughly $20 and for a Chinese brand it's very good.

First thing would be to look at some SOG blades then go from there.

My Aegis has been put through moderate usage and still looks and functions great.
 
SOG uses the arc-lock, too many moving parts. I'd just say go with a BM Grip. Best knife for the money. You won't regret it!
 
There was a time in my life when I felt the same way. I really wanted the axis lock action but couldn't bring myself to part with the funds to buy the real thing. I found a Ganzo 710 (Benchmade 950 Rift knock-off) on eBay for around $25. I have since found myself unsatisfied in having a cheap conjuring of the honest product and bought a Benchmade 710, which I absolutely love. I also do not support Chinese manufacturers copying original designs from U.S. companies. That being said, the Ganzo performed admirably and the steel (440C) was decent. The fake axis-lock was actually quite well made, although I had to play with it a bit to make it as smooth as my Benchmade.

I'd honestly recommend just saving your money for a real Benchmade sometime down the road. They are expensive but the satisfaction of owning the real thing cannot be experienced with a replica. Again, the Ganzo is an decent option though, particularly for the price.

-B
 
Sanrenmu GB-763. You can get one for around $12 on eBay. Like others have said though it's best to get the real thing from Benchmade themselves. You can get a Mini-Grip on Knifecenter for $70.

Don't bother with SOG. Either get the Chinese cheapo to get a feel for the AXIS system or get the Benchmade.
 
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Yeah no reason to pay more than $70 for a mini Griptilian, unless you want a specific, limited or upgraded version anyway.
 
I would recommend a enlan EL-02 (kinda like a cheep BM710)over a SOG brand .I own both and the Enlan has held up better under use.The blade steel in the SOG is better(vg-10) but the SOG's have developed blade play.The blade steel in the Enlan's is steel (8crmov13)is not as good but I have not had any lock up issues at all.I will say that the BM 710 is well worth the extra money in every aspect.Check this thread for more info
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...and-knives-Fan-post?highlight=enlan+bee+ganzo
 
Just as an example......

I recently purchased a BM 550HG Full Size Grip for $70, of which I just received today.

If you're able to spend $45, then just save a few more dollars up.

You can also look for a nice used BM here on the exchange.

If you don't mind not having an arc lock, check out a Boker Lockback Tactical.

Has a Pardue designed blade just like my 550 and the lockback works really well.

You can find them for around $40-50 on eBay.

Just my .02
 
This is worth repeating.....save a little longer and get a mini grip off the exchange here. My parents always said
"Buy quality the fist time, then you only cry once"
When it comes to tools, you don't want knockoffs in my opinion.
 
An ARC lock on a SOG would be the closest, not Benchmade quality in most cases, the Chinese brands as have been mentioned but also in most cases they won't be as smooth or easy to use, I'd also recommend just saving a little longer and getting a Griptilian.
 
As a proud owner of both Chinese Axis clones and real deal Benchmades, save up and get the real thing. Much smoother than Enlan knives. They are great beaters, but Benchmade is where its at.
 
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