Axis lock (Rift) concern

R

RNTbone

Joined
Jul 3, 2014
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Just bought my first quality knife, as the title indicates, a rift. Been messing around with it some for the past few hours since receiving. I've been opening it by initiating the axis lock by pulling it back and flicking the knife open. Maybe every one in 10 times I do this(average), the axis lock will not pull back to let knife close without considerable force. I've read somewhere along my research that the axis lock sometimes takes a break in period but never read anything about this particular problem. Anyone have any experience with this happening to them?
 
It might be more of a concern the amount of force you are using as well as the technique you employ. Just a thought.
 
Do you mean that when the AXIS lock locks the knife open that disengaging the lock is sometimes difficult and almost "sticky"? If so, that is very, very common with AXIS at first, especially on coated blades (or if the AXIS system is black instead of silver), and especially following slightly more forceful opening. AXIS (often more so with coated blades) does have a little more break-in time than some other locking mechanisms. While a good lubricant can mitigate the issue and reduce general wear, most AXIS knives I have owned have had a break-in period regardless between the AXIS mechanism itself, as well as the usage of PB washers, both of which are very durable but do take a little time to reach ideal operating.
 
I had the same problem on my mini Presidio at first. It resolved itself after a couple of weeks. You can speed the process up by pulling the lock bar back and letting it snap open a few times. Next rotate the Axis bar and then snap it open a few more times in the new position. Doing so will wear away the coating which causes the stickiness. Good luck.
 
It is the stainless model. Yes, when the blade is open and I try to disengage the lock, it sometimes sticks. This only happens when I only used my thumb. When I used both thumb and pointer finger and disengage axis lock from both sides, this does not happen ever. No matter how hard I engage the lock when the knife opens. I would think most people don't use both fingers to disengage the axis lock whether opening or closing the knife. Is this possible looser tolerances that should be corrected or common with other peoples experience. I have read of one or two others sticking but don't know if it's due to the same problem.
 
Or are you supposed to use both sides when disengaging the axis lock and I am using improper technique. This is my first axis lock and new to higher quality knifes. Only have a few fixed blade Bowie style knives and a S&W Special Ops tanto folder.
 
If you have a coated blade/lock that may initially happen. Should go away completely as the coating on the lock area wears off.
 
RNTbone said:
Or are you supposed to use both sides when disengaging the axis lock and I am using improper technique. This is my first axis lock and new to higher quality knifes. Only have a few fixed blade Bowie style knives and a S&W Special Ops tanto folder.
Click to expand...

Use both sides to disengage.
 
I'm not sure I've had any problems with only using my thumb, but I never do. Just doesn't feel natural. Always use my thumb on one side and my index finger on the other. If you pull only on one side, it seems like the lock bar doesn't pull back straight. Not like you'll break it either way, I just think the lock is easier to disengage and the knife feels more natural using both sides.
 
RNTbone said:
I know this is what I will have to do but is this how you are "supposed" to only use it? Anyone have problems only using your thumb all the time to disengage lock?
Click to expand...

I never use just my thumb to disengage the lock. It makes the axis bar try to go crooked. Omega springs break for many reasons, or sometimes no reason at all. I do as little as possible to accelerate wear.

As far as the lock sticking when the blade is locked open, that's just part of the break in. I put a drop of thin oil, like CLP, on the bottom of the blade (the smooth part that rubs against the axis lock) while the knife is closed and it makes its way into the washers and around the axis lock after the knife is opened and closed a couple of times.

Edited to Add:

Once the knife is broken in, you should have no trouble disengaging the lock with one thumb only. It's only binding up now because the steel isn't as smooth as it will be after you use it for a while.
 
RNTbone said:
It is the stainless model. Yes, when the blade is open and I try to disengage the lock, it sometimes sticks. This only happens when I only used my thumb. When I used both thumb and pointer finger and disengage axis lock from both sides, this does not happen ever. No matter how hard I engage the lock when the knife opens. I would think most people don't use both fingers to disengage the axis lock whether opening or closing the knife. Is this possible looser tolerances that should be corrected or common with other peoples experience. I have read of one or two others sticking but don't know if it's due to the same problem.
Click to expand...

The Axis lock is designed to use a finger/thumb on each side. Using just one side will cause the lock bar to be crooked and thus difficult to disengage.
 
I was just about to ask what to do regarding the Axis Lock sticking and sometimes freezing on a brand new Ritter MG I just got. The blade is stone washed. My other, a 940-1 is butter smooth. What I gather here is that some break in is required. Hoping that's true.
 
I just picked up a Volli today and for me it feels pretty natural to use my middle finger and my thumb then push the blade forward with my index finger then close the knife one handed. I am right handed, but is an easy enough task with my left hand as well.
 
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