Axis Lock vs. Frame Lock

If fail means it disengages during the work, then absolutly the axis lock is the more reliable lock. Look how it works. The only thing said here is, the spring might break, but if it is opened, the spring will not break without the presure, it gets when pulled back. If it fails, then, when your are opening or closing the knife.
 
I really love my Axis locks for a few reasons, but I don't think that they are necessarily "better" than a frame lock. I like the ease of opening and closing the Axis lock, plus I reduce the opportunity I have of cutting myself as the blade closes. I find the locking bar easy to use and I haven't had one fail on me yet. The frame lock has its strengths also, but I prefer the Axis lock.
 
Compared to a liner lock, any modern type of lock wich engages on the spine, like compression (nearly the same as a frame lock?!) a frame lock, axis or ball bearing lock is more reliable. Even a strong lockback is better, but not as comfort as the modern types.

In theory, the frame lock works like the liner, with the same weak points, as metioned above.

Reliable just means to trust, not that the failure will apear. A slight but important difference. I don´t want to bash framelocks, but personally i trust in the axis for the reasons metioned above.
 
I've never understood what real world significance the "spine whack test" has?
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A knife that disengages during a "whack" is certainly more prone to accidental unlocking during hard use.

It usually signifies that the blade/tang angles are a bit off or the tang finish is a bit off or both.
 
My 705 graced my pocket for close to 3 years, and since I switched to a small Benza, it's gaining on the 705 for the record. Something about these folders attracted me to them, and in my opinion, they are the finest small production folders on the market today in terms of locking mechs, totability, ergos, and overbuiltness (if that's a word ;)).

The only reason I made the switch from the 705 to the Benza back in '01 was the following... I opened my 705 up to de-funk it, and apparently exposure for three years to my freakishly sweaty mitts had caused spot rust to form on the 410 stainless liners, to the point that no degree of cleaning would lift it all away. I cleaned it up as best I could and retired it.

I guess my point is that there are other reasons to consider a Ti-framelock over a stainless-linered Axis, but honestly, if Axis scales were made of Ti (which interestingly they are by Jason Williams and Bill McHenry on their customs), I'd probably still be toting one for EDC.

Both platforms are excellent when executed right, and I'm in agreement that they are the best mechs out there at the moment. The framelock's gonna be around for a while in my opinion due to its utter simplicity. That said, it'd take a heck of a folder to replace my Benza at this juncture...

Professor.
 
Axis locks are easier to disengage by accident. The release mechanism is in line with the handle. If your cutting in a tight spot and brush the release stud against something...your knife isn't locked any more. Happened twice with a BM 722 I was using to cut cable ties. Brushed the handle against the surface and released the lock. Not good timing either. Framelocks or good liner locks offer better protection of the lock control mechanism.
 
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