Axis Lock, Lock back, Liner lock... which is better?

R

roymail

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Sep 12, 2008
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My Buck 110 convinced me that the lock back is the strongest design since it's practically indestructible. And, Spyderco has also used it quite successfully.

However, liner locks and Benchmade's axis lock are very popular and widely used. I'm just wondering how dependable they are when compared to the old lock back design.

I really like the way the axis lock system works, but is it as strong and dependable as the lock back?
 
The Axis is going to be tough to beat out for shear strength, relibility and frictionless ease of release. The cross bar type lock pin is really a great design.

I like the HK14205 or 14210 or for less money one of the Griptilians as a second economical alternative. There are others I love but at much higher prices also.

Lockbacks are my all time favorite type lock but as far as which is the bad boy in town for all the right stuff its the Axis really. As with any production folders there are exceptions where one can come not engaging the blade enough but overall BenchMade is really doing them right with a very high % of consistant quality control.

Spyderco, Buck, and Cold Steel have some exceptional lockbacks for strength and reliability and Kershaw has some exceptional frame locks.

All of these brands manufacturer a good choice for everyday or field use for good strength, reliable function and safety and overall ease of use. Most of them look and feel quite good in the hand also.

From Spyderco I like the Manix/Mini Manix lockbacks

From Buck the 501 or Buck 112 are my personal choices.

From Cold Steel I like the Voyager, Vaquero, or Ultimate Hunter best. All are super strong locking mechanisms.

From Kershaw the JYDII or Leek are both exceptional knives and if you want a big folder top shelf all the way the Tyrade is perhaps my favorite of all the big ones.

STR
 
If you're not wandering through a rain-forest I'd take the Axis lock anyday. It's very reliable, and even easier to use.
If all knives used that lock (except the ones made for adventuring in rain-forests) I would be a very happy man.
 
the lockback is more simple as is the liner or frame lock
even if the axis lock is stronger, it is more complicated, more parts involved, and i like to keep it simple, at least for the outdoors.
 
With an option between a Axis lock or the Spyderco Ball bearing lock, I'd have to choose that later. Really, the only way for that to break would be for the ball bearing to shatter (never going to happen) or for the handle to completely come apart (pretty much never going to happen). I guess the blade tang could shear, but wouldn't that mess up just about any lock?

Also, CRKT has folders equipped with their AutoLAWKS liner lock system. Another very strong choice for easy of use (simple one-hand closing) and strength.
 
Axis is the strongest...It is too bad though. I have never found a Benchmade that really spoke to me. Nice knives but they have always turned me off. The swedges, gothic swedges, handle shapes and materials... none have ever melded into a knife that I wanted to carry. I wish they would license it out to other makers
 
Axis lock provides smoother action compared to other lock mechanisms. However, I'm not sold on the strength of axis lock. Why ? MY BM520 failed the spine whack test miserably with a light whack. I know this kind of test does not necessarily reflect the lock's strength, but I just can't think of any other test :(

I'm sold on lock back and liner lock.
 
Lockbacks are nice and simple, but I've had instances where pocket lint would accumulate and prevent the blade from fully locking in place. In all the years of carrying my Axis lock, I've never had that happen.
 
I like the Axis lock best for ease of use. But after toting one everywhere I went for 2 years I saw it could not withstand harder outdoor use without ease of maintenance like a lockback or linerlock. Simply put, it takes more time to clean it. So as long as you can keep it clean, the Axis lock is the best. And I'm not just talking about pocket lint. So for easier maintenance I went back to linerlocks and lockbacks.
 
IMO the axis is the best.
But as others have said, it dose have more parts. So it takes a little more care. I think that it is worth it because it is the best.
 
I like axis and lockback equally. I can slam them open hard, and repeatedly, and the lock engagement holds. I have had liner/frame locks change lock placement over the course of a day.
 
Also heard problems with the springs in the axis lock, and you have to get BM to fix it or it'll void your warranty...

Personally framelocks are my pick right now, though we'll see how i like these metal handles in the dead of winter.
 
While Axis is probably the strongest, I've heard of their omega springs failing more than I've heard of any other actual lock failing. I've heard of omega spring failures in Axis locks, I've heard of liner lock fails, but I've never heard of a backlock fail.

That said, backlocks are my favorite.
 
Axis locks. Quick and easy to open and close one-handed without resorting to using your leg, stronger than liner locks, more positive lock-up. and reliable. I've used mine several times a day for the past 7-8 years with no problems.

Stitchawl
 
Axis lock is the best imho. ive seen a lot liner lock knives fail straight from the box. just apply a little pressure in the closing direction and "bingo" the liner slides right off the locking face area on the blade. the only exception to this is crkt's knives with the "lawks" feature which prevents the liner from sliding off. lock backs can fail if enough pocket lint or debris builds up in the notched area of the blade tang where the locking bar is supposed to drop into when the blade locks in place. also i learned the hard way once you have to be careful when using a lock back knife if you are holding it upside down as if trying to cut something like a rope by sliding the blade underneath the rope and pulling upward. i didnt realize it but my middle finger was releasing the lock by accident and when the rope cut into the blade swung closed on my hand from the build up of pressure it had from cutting the rope. i personally have never had an axis lock fail nor break in any way. i hope this helps.,,,VWB.
 
beluga said:
MY BM520 failed the spine whack test miserably with a light whack.
Click to expand...

That was simply a faulty Axis-lock and warranty would fix it. Mistakes happen during mass production.

At the moment I'm on a butterfly kick, but I'm undecided as to whether the construction should properly be called a "lock".

As to locking knives, I have come to prefer the Axis-lock due to reliability and ease of use. Runner up for me is MicroTech's "micro-bar", since I've yet to have a failure with one of these - but that could simply be the single maker maintaining proper tolerances.

A lot of locking mechanisms out there, many are reliable or at least usually. The bolt-action lock, Ball-bearing lock, Paul-lock, plunger lock, etc.

As to liner locks (and the related frame-locks), I no longer recommend knives with them to others. I've experienced too many issued with them.
 
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