Axis lock - modifiable, replaceable springs?

X

Xacto

Joined
Jan 31, 2002
Messages
16
I'm thinking of getting an AFCK D2 axis and am slightly concerned with lock-up, especially with inertia openings. Lock-up just doesn't feel as solid and snappy as with a frame lock.

1. Would stronger springs improve lockup and consistency?

2. Can you buy stronger springs or "double up" springs to have 2 on each side? Would opening action suffer with the added spring tension? Would closing be too hard to grip and pull back the barrel?

3. How easy is it to get to the springs to replace them on the AFCK?

4. Has anyone had springs break on them?


Thanks
:)
 
Hi I have had the Benchmade 710 axis lock from the beginning and own six or so knives with that lock set up and never had trouble with them. I would not worry about them braking,it's maybe one of the best systems around I don't think there is wide spread problems with them braking. I would buy the afck and not worry!:) Ron
 
I wouldn't try to tamper with what has to be one of the best locking systems out there. It works just fine without any alterations. The new D2 version will probably also be shipped to you with bronze bushings and drilled/tapped for left/right--up/down carry. There have been very few reported probs with the Axis lock.
 
I think Xacto is worried that the knife can be opened in a sharp flick (without touching the blade and flick in one direction)....
I don't know about replacing the springs, but I wouldn't do it myself.
 
Thanks for the replies fellas!

calyth - I want the blade to be inertia opened, but am worried of blade "bounce back" if the lock does not engage.

knifenerd - thanks for the info on the bushings/holes. I definitely will make sure the AFCK I get will be a late model.

Captain Ron - that's what I like to hear. Can't find many negatives about the AFCK or axis!


I know the axis lock is very strong, as long as the barrel stays secured in place by the springs, which brings my point of strengthening the spring tension. Also, I have heard quick inertia (flicked) openings are not as reliable with axis, where the blade bounces back because the springs don't have time (or strength) to seat the barrel when the blade is moving quickly.

Not that it is a likely event, most of it is my urge to tinker and improve things...

Anyone else have axis spring info?
 
I carry both an axis lock and an arc lock folder daily. If you hold down the lock while doing an inertial opening and do not release it before the blade is in place it will bounce back. However if you flick it out as you would a liner lock or lockback abviously not holding the lock open the Axis will always catch and hold with a satisfying click.

When I first got my 710 I gave it a real hard inertial flick to see if it would jam like some liner locks I have known, it did a little at first I must admit but that first time was the only time...the arc-lock never has. The benchmade was increadibly stiff outta the box and after some milspec and a couple days of breaking in the action it is beutifully smooth. My SOG Pentagon Elite was smooth the day I got it and is still smoother than the BM though it doesn't have the cutting power/edge retention of the BM.

I wasnt sure at first, but now after using them both for a while I have to say the arc lock is better, not much, but it is certainly a more solid design (Axis is supported by the liners and spring, Arc by the liners spring and a pivot bar that is screwed to the liners and scales as well) And the backward motion is more natural than strait down. Because the arc lock pushes the blade out about a quarter of an inche when you depress the lock when its closed you can do an inertial opening with a very slight motion....I imagine that it would be pretty much bordering fully auto if it had the assisted opening mechanism in it.

All that being said I love them both and I carry the BM everyday, the SOG almost every day. They are both very ergonomic and have very strong lockups superior to any liner lock I have held and used. But if the SOG had the steel of the BM I the prefference would be reversed....G10 handles would be nice.....(hmmm maybe I should talk about THAT in the other thread :) )


Anyways you gotta trust it to use it, so I say take into account what we say but put more weight in that of handling the knife.
I think they are the best locking systems for a folding knife, hands down.
 
dont hold the button back for more than a milli second to disengage it. as the blade swings open - if your thumb is not holding back the button you will hear and feel it slam tight, locked. If ya wanna bounce it back closed just keep pulling on the button.
 
I've had a Benchmade 710 for about three years now and it has never failed to lock open if I flicked the thumbstuds. However, if I held back the lock bar it has bounced back a bit if I don't release it fast enough. But that, of course, is user error.
 
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