Axis lock or Flipper-Which is faster?

A

Aaron04

Joined
Nov 27, 2001
Messages
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I must confess that I haven't handled a Benchmade with an Axis lock. I've heard that it's fast when it comes to opening it. My question is this, is it as fast to open as a folder with a flipper? Is it as reliable? With the flipper, you can't really seem to miss. I have a CRKT M16-14, and the flipper is awesome. Is the Axis lock as fast and as reliable as the Carson flipper on the CRKT?

Thanks
 
The flipper on the CRKT is the opening mechanism whereas the Axis on the BM is the locking mechanism (opening mech is the thumbstud). The Axis really is super smooth. I've never felt a smoother opening. If you're good with your thumbs, than you can flick it open plenty fast, as fast as a flipper. If not (me, it depends on the knife, people I know, they have long thumbs and can flick anything with a thumbstud open super fast), it'll be a bit slower. You really need to try one out tho. Comparing locks tho, I like the Axis much more than CRKT's liner lock. I'm not a fan of CRKTs (except for my Viele Wasp) because of the many (virtually all) CRKTs I've seen where the liner reaches close to the other side of the tang too quickly. I'm not talking about 10yr old liners here...more like 3-6 month old. Best thing to do is try an Axis in person. I doubt you'll not like it.
 
That's true. I realize that the Axis lock is a locking mechanism, not an opening mechanism. But I've read a lot about how it also serves as an opening mechanism as well, when you press it while the blade is closed, allowing you to flick open the blade easily. That's mainly what I was referring to. I also agree with you when you say that the liner lock on the CRKT's isn't very good. I'm quite pleased with the liner locks on my Emersons, but they are a higher grade knife than the CRKT.
 
For once today I actually got to handle a knife before I bought one. It was a BM Mini-Griptilian. The "Axis" lock is smooth as silk. Think I will prolly find a website that handles them and order one to put in the daily rotation this week.

Cheers
 
Well the axis lock is my favorite locking style. You can pull back on the axis thumb stud and swing the knife open or closed. It actually depends on how tight you tighten the pivot screw, but i can swing open/close all my axis BM's. I have no true flipper knives so i really can't compare opening speed. I have some AO kershaws, but thats different. Axis locking knives can be opened super fast. However, I don't know if they are designed for that intended purpose. I don't think BM recommends you swing any of there axis locking knives open or closed. I do it with all mine and have never had any problems tho.
 
tension from the axis bar is easily overcome with a wrist flick, or you can pull the bar back and remove all tension. I find I can open one as soon as I clear the pocket, close to an auto, little slower than a wave.
 
Iv'e owned a BM 710 for years and it is super reliable and smooth and fast opening. I've handled a number of flippers and most of them felt very stiff and awkward. I know you can change some of the stiffness through adjustments ( I don't think all of them are adjustable). Go for a 1st class BM Axis.:thumbup: :D
 
My one AXIS knife, a BM mini-grip, can not be flipped open while disengaging the axis bar. I have tried to loosen the pivot to where it will, but then there is noticeable blade play. The knife has even been sent in to benchmade and the smoothness (or lack thereof) was one of the complaints and it is the same (I don't know if they did anything like replace the washers or not).

However, I have handled a few others and could get the blade to rotate out like what you are talking about. So basically, I'm just saying dont expect it to work with every AXIS knife out there.

That being said, the AXIS lock is by far my favorite lock.

Good luck,

Ryan
 
Once you master inertial openings, they should be all but tied.

We need an axis lock flipper knife. I love Benchmade, but they're just not experimenting with finger choils and flippers nearly enough.
 
The fastest opening knife I have ever handled is an R.J. Martin Devastator. It is a frame lock flipper. It is also the smoothest with wn incredible lock up.
 
In my experience the AXIS lock knives are the smoothest and fastest openers. I have handled a few flippers and all of them required a little snap of the wrist in conjunction with the flip to get them open. I have not been able to handle a custom flipper so I can't comment on them but I am sure they would be a lot smoother and faster when opening.
 
I find with the flippes I've handled that you have to adjust your grip on the knife after you pull it from your pocket to work the flipper and then regrip after you flip. I find I have to adjust my grip much less with an AXIS lock knife. Also I haven't seen a flipper that closes as quickly and easily as an AXIS lock. Keep in mind with an AXIS lock you never have to put your fingers in the blade's path to unlock and close it. With almost all other lock types you at some point have to put your fingers in the way of the closing blade to release the lock.
 
WadeF said:
AXIS for sure from my experience. I have a few flipper knives and I find the AXIS knives much quicker and easier to deploy, and can just as quickly be closed. Well, see for yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y6AKZsApqo
Click to expand...

Impressive video, guess when mine comes in I'll give it a whirl.

On a side note, happened to click to newgrounds.com, looked around, saw alot of "Flash". Sent a link to my son(Masters CS)in charge of a flash division at his company, he told me he's there alot and says its one of the best, if not thee best Flash site going....
 
I just reviewed the Benchmade Mini Rukus in Reviews -- my first Benchmade and first Axis lock. It is simple, ingenious and strong, a brilliant concept.
 
If you must go with a CRKT the lightfoot M1 is about the best one going. The flipper is shaped like a sharks fin. The lock up is strong as well.
 
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