Axis Lock vs. Frame Lock

If your friend is not a knifenut, then I would go with Axis. I would say it's got an edge in "coolness" department. Opening and closing knife in one second is "cool" and very useful sometimes, when you just need to do one quick cut. Or if you want to impress somebody with a legal, safe knife that is as fast as a automatic. Axis also safer than framelock when closing. And I know, a lot of people will say "well... it is all about practice, the technique... I never cut myself closing a framelock...etc". It might be so, but your finger is still in the path of the closing blade. I've cut my thumb closing framelock some time ago. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one. Also framelocks do stick sometimes if not used/maintained properly. To anyone who is not a knifenut, I would recommend Axis. If your friend would've been a knifenut on the other hand, then framelock might be his preference. I love framelocks for simple design, for sturdy lockup. My favorite knives are framelocks, but Axis gets my vote.
 
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Agree with the previous posters that the axis lock is more superior in the 'coolness' or 'enjoyment' department. In terms of pure functionality I think the two kinds of lock are a tie, but if you are going to use a knife pretty heavily/frequently then the enjoyment factor can not be ignored. 'A knife that's a joy to use' and 'A functional knife' are quite different, if you have experience handling the former kind you'll know what I mean.

Anyway good luck in your search and it's very generous of you to be so thoughtful for your friend, especially in these difficult times.:thumbup:
 
elmora2 said:
The one thing I would add, however, is that if you think his "hard use" will include tasks where the knife's pivot/handle/etc. are immersed in dirt/debris/sand/etc., the frame lock will be much easier to clean out than the Axis lock. Cleaning an Axis lock isn't impossible, but it sure is a lot harder to get debris out of the omega spring area than any part of a frame lock.
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You make a good point, though I’d say that he respects his tools enough that it wouldn’t be a huge issue. He knows how to use a knife, how to keep it sharp and how to keep it clean.

It was this guy who got me hooked on knives years ago, not because he had a bunch of them but because of how he used his knife. He’s kind of like a mentor to me and watching him cut things around his farm, use his knife for virtually everything, made me want a knife to, then a good knife, then a better knife, then a really good knife, then another really good knife and another and another and another…well you get the idea.

As a Christmas gift a few years back he gave me a Benchmade 960 I know that because of a number of things this was more then he could really afford he just knew that it was both a good knife and one I didn’t have. I want to do the same for him.
 
Nothing wrong with the Axis-lock, I just prefer the strength & simplicity of a frame-lock.
 
...and watching him cut things around his farm
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He may be careful with his tools but if he accidently drops a framelock knife in the mud it will be a lot easier to clean, as stated above.
Therefore I suggest the framelock in this case.
 
Axis and framelocks done right are equal in their merits. I wouldn't trade my 710 for my 750 or my 750 for my 710. ;)
 
pvicenzi said:
IMO, any lock is good if done properly. Likewise, any lock can be junk if not done properly.
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That is correct, but does Benchmade has a spread variation of quality? They are very constant.

You may get frame lock knives of very different quality but there is just one level of axis lock, made by one maker.

You may compare a frame lock to a back lock that way but not maker specific lock types to generally used ones.

I have uesed and stored different axis lock knives since 2003 and never had a spring break.

If the weak point of the axis are the two springs, the knife will still work with one, no lock failure.

The weak point of the frame lock is the contact between liner and tang. What, if it fails there? That would make a difference to me.

The simplicity of an frame lock is very nice, as long as the rest of the knife is made in the same manner.

Axis offers a number of different models, so you may find the right knive easier.

There are proofs of how strong both lock types are, have a look on the design too.
 
I wouldn ´t consider an axis as a fishing knife.

I have heard about someone doing that, who have had rusted springs after that. I believe, that was true.

I believe, that really is a borderline for that type of lock.

For anything else, there are nice videos about a man, his dog and their BM 550, putting it in any mud with no lock failure.
 
I've never had a problem with either style lock. In the end the choice is up to you. I prefer the axis lock.
 
Both locks are great if made properly that's sure.
However axis has two big advantages IMO:

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgRTTz-lt6c
Probably you've already seen that movie, and some might say that "heh - how many times you will digg a hole with a knife" ... yeah it's true, but i shows that axis is really dirt-resistant ... but try to do that with the frame-lock.
I'm pretty sure it will jam :rolleyes:

2) It's the personal feeling. I prefer liner lock instead of frame, because I really hate when handle edge after lock engagement is cutting into my palm... :grumpy:

As summary.
+1 to axis... :D
 
Another factor is that some people might find the handle of the frame locking folder a little more uncomfortable (not a very big deal, but still).
 
Is that with sweaty hands under pressure, sweat works its way between the G10 scales and 410 stainless liners of an Axis Lock. Titanium framelocks on the other hand have not done this to me.

I stopped carrying my beloved BM705 because upon breakdown and cleaning, it had significant spot rust between the liners and scales that I could not completely remove. Not quite to the point of pitting, but significant nonetheless.

Just one more thing to consider if you've got freakishly sweaty mitts like mine.

Professor.
 
tdrussell said:
I have never owned a Benchmade knife, though i plan on changing that in the near future. Tell me, can http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y6AKZsApqo that be accomplished on any axis lock knife? I played with a mini grip at REI the other day, and i now realize i had no idea what that mechanism was capable of...
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yep... The majority of Benchmades are so smooth that when you release the axis lock the blade will swing freely. So you really don't have to even snap your wrist like that. The axis lock takes a Licken and keeps tickin. I have sat in front of the tv for hours and slaped by mini grip open and closed at least a thousand times and still works like a champ with no blade play
 
amper124 said:
Both locks are great if made properly that's sure.
However axis has two big advantages IMO:

1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgRTTz-lt6c
Probably you've already seen that movie, and some might say that "heh - how many times you will digg a hole with a knife" ... yeah it's true, but i shows that axis is really dirt-resistant ... but try to do that with the frame-lock.
I'm pretty sure it will jam :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

wow. that video should put to rest the old wive's tale that a little bit (or a lot) of mud/sand is gonna f-up your axis lock!
 
The Axis lock is a more intelligent solution. Framelocks are easier to make, but not as strong and don't last as long.
 
I was wondering if anyone has had either of the two locks fail during use? I have some of both ( I own one of each of the knives I’m thinking of actually) but have never really used them very hard.
 
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