Axis lock vs Arc lock

G

Ganzofan

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Nov 5, 2016
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I have used BM axis lock for a longtime in approximately 40+ knives. I recently tried a Sog Tomcat and Vulcan with he Arc lock and found it to operate much smoother d easier to disengage with one thumb. Due to the swing gate action I can actuate it with one thumb from either side and it does not wiggle at all.

My question is, which is a stronger and more durable lock. I understand the Arc lock, Ball lock and Ultra lock are all semi rip off on the Axis lock idea and am not debating that. But simply, is the Arc lock an improvement over the original Axis?
 
One or two, I'm guessing.

The Axis and Arc locks should be just the same in terms of reliability, strength, and wearability in terms of pure physics. Both feature a rotating blade tang which locks between two pins, one fixed (the stop pin) and one spring-loaded (the locking pin). Any differences between them should come from the materials used, size of the components (pins, springs, liners), and precision of manufacture. It won't just vary between the two lock types but between different models of knives from the same company and even between dates of manufacture of the same models! All other things being equal, these locks should be as close together in strength as to make no difference.
 
SpySmasher said:
One or two, I'm guessing.

The Axis and Arc locks should be just the same in terms of reliability, strength, and wearability in terms of pure physics. Both feature a rotating blade tang which locks between two pins, one fixed (the stop pin) and one spring-loaded (the locking pin). Any differences between them should come from the materials used, size of the components (pins, springs, liners), and precision of manufacture. It won't just vary between the two lock types but between different models of knives from the same company and even between dates of manufacture of the same models! All other things being equal, these locks should be as close together in strength as to make no difference.
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that's a good point, I have noticed that my Griptillians veries in lock strength, smoothness and up/down blade play, seems like the coated blades are usually smoother but have more blade play

I'm just surprised at how smooth the Arc lock is out of the box
 
Ganzofan said:
not cool man, I bought quiet a few knives from you, that's pretty low
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Have you? Didn't mean to offend you bro and didn't recognize your name in all honesty. I think it would be easy to wonder with Ganzo ripping the axis lock off in their folders and your name being "ganzofan".

But yea didn't mean to offend you.
 
The Ganzo copy of the Benchmade HK branded 14205 was so good that it was hard to tell the difference. But while it looked good, the blade steel was very soft, probably 400/420, possibly crappy heat treat. I would suggest this site is about Benchmades, or should be this well moderated. Then maybe I'd toss in a request for a little courtesy please.
 
Have had both single and double sided arc-locks (trident and pentagon elite 2) and axis (standard grip 550hg).
The arc is a more complex lock from a manufacturing standpoint, because it has its own pivot pin. This means that the stud doesn't ride on the knife liner, making it smoother. The axis bar has to deal with the liner, so if the bar gets pushed out of line it can be harder to move. Does this lead to a functional difference? I couldn't say. I've also never pushed either style of lock to its failure point, so I have no info there, but my suspicion is that they are functionally equivalent in that regard (controlling for blade size and steel)
 
I also have found that the SOG arc lock has a smoother feel to it. The axis lock is great but has more sharp and jagged edges to it. I would love to see Benchmade put some QC attention to this annoying issue. Both companies could use more 3-inch folding blades. A Benchmade 3 inch, M390, Solid Green G 10 (Like their smooth and light REI 531), Clip Point and no recurve, stonewashed plain edge. 300 Axis Flipper Folding Knife would be fantastic!
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Not to bash SOG, but having owned 2 models (Flash and Mini Trident) both models having no liners to set the screws in, fell apart. Never got to try out arc lock for any amount of time. My longest running Axis lock BM's are the 2 sizes of Griptilians and a Model 300. I found both to be smoother and easier to open than the SOGs. Could have something to do with the fact that the SOGs are assited openers too. I don't believe that I'm biased on this topic because I prefer liner locks to the axis lock.
 
I've noticed the axis lock on my older benchmades were smoother out of the box than current offerings. Today the axis is difficult to operate one handed on some models and feels scratchy. Overall Benchmade's QC has slipped.
 
Wunderbar said:
Not to bash SOG, but having owned 2 models (Flash and Mini Trident) both models having no liners to set the screws in, fell apart.
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I’m quite willing to bash SOG’s arc lock. I had a Trident’s arc lock fail and close on my finger back in 2013. I had owned it and used it for a few years but never any abuse a folder shouldn’t be able to handle. A little pressure on the tip of the blade and it left me with a nasty scar (should’ve got stitches but I didn’t feel like going to the ER).
I then took the knife and clamped the blade between two blocks of wood and found that the lock would repeatedly disengage with barely the weight of my arm on it. Totally failed. Sent it to SOG and told them what happened and they replaced the whole handle and lock mechanism and I promptly sold it. No more arc locks for me.
 
The locks on the so trident and aegis odels are not really comparable to aog arc lock. They seem similar but the models with the arc lock through the handle are better.
 
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