Axis Lock Question

J

JNieporte

Joined
Nov 1, 2004
Messages
3,352
I wanted some input on the Axis Locks that are being used, no matter what they're called. Benchmade has the Axis Lock; Sog has the Arc Lock; Cold Steel has the Ultra Lock; I believe someone else calls it a Bolt Lock.

My questions are;
1. What are the differences between these locks? It looks like they all use an omega spring and a pin, so what's the difference?
2. Which one lasts longer? I've read where Benchmade's omega spring has broken, or Cold Steel's has loosened considerably. Which one requires the least maintenance to keep it functioning, and which has less malfunctions?
3. Which one can get the blade open and closed quickly, without touching the blade? I like the Axis Lock on Benchmades, but it seems like the Arc Lock on Sogs would lend itself more to a faster opening because it opens the blade slightly.
 
I've had all the above mentioned and feel that the Axis lock is tops for smoothness consistancy across the board, reliability across the board and that strength is probably equal on any of those mentioned when they work.

Overall I feel like the Omega springs are the weakness if you just want to point it out and try to find a weakness but the fact is they hold up on most knives made to date and the company has an equal or better warranty than most companies providing you don't do the one thing that will mess that up by taking the knives built by them apart yourself.

STR
 
I've had a total of 41 years of experience with the BM axis locks without failure. Do they fail? Yes, few and far between. Anything mechanical that moves will fail. Your odds of getting stung to death by african killer bees is greater than death by axis lock failure.
 
Guess I better watch out for the killer bees then! :D My first axis busted its springs after a couple of weeks. My identical replacement 921 is still ticking, knock on wood.
 
coop1957 said:
I've had a total of 41 years of experience with the BM axis locks without failure. Do they fail? Yes, few and far between. Anything mechanical that moves will fail. Your odds of getting stung to death by african killer bees is greater than death by axis lock failure.
Click to expand...

Has it been that long? ;) :D
 
my 710 prototype(the very 1st axis made by BM) says "june 1998" on the blade so its 10 yrs this yr.
 
I'm thinking coop means that he has about 8 years with each of the 5 he has for a total of 41 years. I have two of the Rukus 610's and neither have given me any trouble. I keep thinking that I'll go to the local hobby shop to see if they have any piano wire and see if I can fashion some springs myself. I read about someone doing this with success.
 
I sold my Rukus 610 - Blade was too heavy for Omega springs which appear the same size as springs in my BM HK 14210 which has different tang profile and lighter weight blade. Trust the HK to stay closed in my pocket - Omega springs were not strong enough to keep Rukus closed.
 
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