axis lock ?

C

Ch33no

Joined
Jan 21, 2011
Messages
36
I just recieved my second 585, from amazon. Going to return first one, because the , the axis lock lever seemed loose. And would kinda stick when I unlocked it using my thumb only...... Do I need to use my thumb and my finger to pinch the lever to pull it down? seemed like it worked smoother but more awkward than thumb only. And should the lock wiggle and rock some?
 
The Axis lock is meant to be disengaged by pulling on both sides of the bar simultaneously, not just one. In other words, you'll need to use both your thumb and index finger. Don't worry that it felt awkward at first; you'll get the hang of it quickly.
 
Thanks alot ,. I did call benchmade, they said to send it in. thats why I just sent it back to amazon (free). But the second one, just showed up the same way. thanks again
 
Also, the knife will be tight when you get it. You can loosen the pivot a little if you want it to swing better.
 
From memory, the griptilian I had was pretty easy to disengage. The rift I have was pretty stiff, though after a little opening/closing, it is smoother. The lock can be disengaged with just my thumb or index, though it is much easier to use both...simply because of the strength of the springs and the grip you need with one hand.

Otherwise, it seems like a normal characteristic.
 
neuron said:
The Axis lock is meant to be disengaged by pulling on both sides of the bar simultaneously, not just one. In other words, you'll need to use both your thumb and index finger. Don't worry that it felt awkward at first; you'll get the hang of it quickly.
Click to expand...

For something that's meant to be disengaged by pulling both sides, I sure do get along just fine pulling only one. I can either disengage it with my index finger on the opposite side and flick my wrist to close it, or I can use my thumb to disengage it and either flick closed or close the blade with my index finger. I have several Axis models, and they can all be easily disengaged with only one finger. Only one that was stiff when new was my BM 806D2 from many years ago. If I flicked the blade open real hard, the Axis would take two fingers to undo, but that's the only one I've had to do that with. My Rift, Kulgera, Switchback, 940 and 943, 710 and 707 all can be closed with one finger.
 
Does anyone ever have problems with the lock bar sticking? If blade is flicked open, it is really hard to pull the lock bar back to disengage sometimes.
 
Medic1210 said:
For something that's meant to be disengaged by pulling both sides, I sure do get along just fine pulling only one. I can either disengage it with my index finger on the opposite side and flick my wrist to close it, or I can use my thumb to disengage it and either flick closed or close the blade with my index finger. I have several Axis models, and they can all be easily disengaged with only one finger. Only one that was stiff when new was my BM 806D2 from many years ago. If I flicked the blade open real hard, the Axis would take two fingers to undo, but that's the only one I've had to do that with. My Rift, Kulgera, Switchback, 940 and 943, 710 and 707 all can be closed with one finger.
Click to expand...
I certainly didn't say it was impossible to disengage the Axis lock on many Benchmades by pulling on one side. If that's what has worked best for you, then more power to you. :)
 
Give it a little time to wear in. Anything that is new and hasn't had time to smooth out can be a little rough. Also, using 2 fingers is normal and after they break in, 1 finger can be used but not ideal IMO. Kind of like trying to lift a log only from one end.
 
I will concede that using just your thumb is difficult if you don't have a thumbnail to pull it with. Trying to pull back with just the fleshy part of your thumb pad isn't as easy. For me, this is not the case with the other side. I can pull them back easily with my finger, except my Kulgera. The axis lock stud on the Kulgera is polished and has less of a profile than say the Rift or Osborne 940 and 943. I have to use my thumbnail on the Kulgera to close it. For me, grabbing with the thumb and finger on each side is a bit awkward. To each their own I guess.
 
Nearly all of my Axis lock knives (+ 2 dozen) will open with just one side of the lockbar, but they are all smoother with both sides used. Some Axis knives are easier than others in this regard.

Medic1210 said:
For something that's meant to be disengaged by pulling both sides, I sure do get along just fine pulling only one. I can either disengage it with my index finger on the opposite side and flick my wrist to close it, or I can use my thumb to disengage it and either flick closed or close the blade with my index finger. I have several Axis models, and they can all be easily disengaged with only one finger. Only one that was stiff when new was my BM 806D2 from many years ago. If I flicked the blade open real hard, the Axis would take two fingers to undo, but that's the only one I've had to do that with. My Rift, Kulgera, Switchback, 940 and 943, 710 and 707 all can be closed with one finger.
Click to expand...
 
Alberta Ed said:
Try a little bit of BreakFree on the Axis lock -- like, about 0.00000001 ml.
Click to expand...

Yes to both. Lubrication is good, over-lubrications is way too easy and not so good. One solution is to use compressed air to blow the excess lube out, which is very easy with Axis locks due to their open construction.
 
mine opens just fine by only pulling on one side. in fact, if it didn't, i'd consider it a poor design and avoid it :(
 
I pull my AXIS locks with my thumb and index finger, but they can be pulled back with either just my thumb or index finger.

Here's a guy who sent his 705 in for service, and got it back with an AXIS bar that's too large.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEcbwzFwJ3w
BTW I also measured the distance between the outside of the axis studs:

Tight Lock = 0.565"
Loose Lock = 0.580"
Click to expand...

The thread for that video is on Benchmade's forum if you want to read more.
 
News to me about it being designed to work using both sides at once, I can't even get my thumb and index finger on it at the same time on my 710. Completely unintuitive in my opinion, I don't really see why that would be the design point. I figured it was so the knife would be ambidextrous. I use the fleshy part of my thumb.
 
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