Axis Lock vs. Frame Lock

J.Mattson · Mar 30, 2009

flatgrinder said:
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 under the impression that a good frame lock wasnt that easy to manufacture. Lots of possible things to go wrong.

a2d2 · Mar 30, 2009

Professor said:
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.

i noticed rust beneath the scales on one of my knives as well, though i was able to completely remove it. since that day, i remove the scales on all my knives with steel liners(if possible), and clean the liners with alcohol, then rub them down with tuff cloth.

Blop · Mar 31, 2009

I have had noticed that kind of rust too and removed the scales aswell. It is very easy to do so. You don´t have to disassample the whole knife.

I have put some Militec - 1 grease on the scales.

Roger999 · Mar 31, 2009

If the framelock is done properly, the lock will not fail if you are grasping the knife, your finger will hold in the lock preventing the frame lock from unlocking.

pvicenzi · Mar 31, 2009

In my experience, only us knife knuts are concerned with things like steel formulation and lock type. A normal knife user is usually concerned with size and weight. Therefore, I think the OP should try to match the knife's size with his friends personality. If the friend is a "more power" type of guy, he will probably prefer a large knife.

allenC · Mar 31, 2009

I think that both locking mechanisms are great.
But I have to give the nod to the frame-lock for ease of cleaning and maintaining (especially in field conditions without screwdrivers), and for quick and easy inspection for locking problems.

antonio_luiz · Mar 31, 2009

Both lock types have their pros and cons and previous posts highlight this with most individuals biased towards one or the other. IMO you need to consider a lot more than just the lock type when choosing a knife for heavy use so not naming the 2 knives doesn't really help

MikeC · Mar 31, 2009

I would choose frame lock, it is simpler, less moving parts, easier to maintain and, plus frame lock is usually going to be titanium so you don't ever have to worry about rust as it is a non issue with titanium.

pvicenzi · Mar 31, 2009

antonio_luiz said:
Both lock types have their pros and cons and previous posts highlight this with most individuals biased towards one or the other. IMO you need to consider a lot more than just the lock type when choosing a knife for heavy use so not naming the 2 knives doesn't really help

Couldn't agree more. Framelocks vary from the cheap junk in souvenir shops, on up to those found in high end knives. Even the axis lock knives vary in quality from the red box stuff on up to the high end benchmades.

Tblock1 · Mar 31, 2009

I would go for the axis lock benchmade. Although that all depends on your price point. I wouldn't get one of the cheaper benchmades, similarly I wouldn't get a cheaper framelock. Are you looking at the Bradley Alias? If that is the framelock you are looking at it will be a good knife, but a benchmade axis lock might be "cooler".

tjsulli790 · Mar 31, 2009

Blop said:
I have put some Militec - 1 grease on the scales.

+1

I do the same and have never had a problem with rust.

FlaMtnBkr · Mar 31, 2009

I don't really want to buy or use a knife any more if it does not have an AXIS lock. AXIS gets my vote out of all the locking mechanisms!

Blop · Mar 31, 2009

pvicenzi said:
Couldn't agree more. Framelocks vary from the cheap junk in souvenir shops, on up to those found in high end knives. Even the axis lock knives vary in quality from the red box stuff on up to the high end benchmades.

Which axis knives are from the red line? Are there any? Aren ´t all axis blue or black line?

pvicenzi · Mar 31, 2009

Blop said:
Which axis knives are from the red line? Are there any? Aren ´t all axis blue or black line?

I stand corrected. I thought my ambush had an axis lock, but upon checking, I see it's lock is different than the one on my sequal. Sorry..

btb27823 · Mar 31, 2009

Have lots of frame locks and one Axis. However, the Benchmade 707 has become my EDC and I use it for all normal chores, in part because of the Axis lock. It is convenient, fast and secure. No failures, no problems of any kind.

Cynic2701 · Mar 31, 2009

I think somebody mentioned something about dirt or debris degrading the performance of the axis lock. Personally, I try never to drop my knives, but it does happen. In my experience mud/dirt/debris doesn't hinder the axis lock in any way. Theoretically though, I could see a small piece of gravel getting in the way of the axis bar itself when it moves forward, and preventing lockup.

Here are several youtube videos that demonstrate the axis lock's performance in dirt/mud/sand/water

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgRTTz-lt6c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c9eufyyXEI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzuV...54B87322&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=13

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8_E...30CE94C3E&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=6

As well I remember seeing a video where the force needed to break an axis lock was 51 kilograms placed on the end of the knife. Of course one would need to factor in leverage (it was at the very end of the knife, not as close as possible to the axis lock). As well it wasn't the 710 which has full steel-lines: which I assume would be stronger to some degree.

Hope this helps J. Mattson