axis v. arc lock v. ultra lock

S

schwingmichael

Joined
May 18, 2009
Messages
26
Benchmade has pioneered the way in knives, specifically the axis lock. Various other companies have replicated it: such as the S.O.G arc lock and Cold Steel ultra lock. From what I have heard the ultra lock is on loan to Cold Steel by Benchmade... My question is: are there any problems with any of the three?
 
Not that I have experienced.

Occasionally we see reports of springs breaking in them, but so far I haven't had that happen with any of mine.
 
I'm thoroughly unimpressed by the cold steel version. The bar doesn't move as smoothly, and sometimes one end will move farther and then it will jam. The thumb studs of the lock also loosen quickly through normal use (playing around with it for less than 10 minutes caused it to unthread completely), and it's a pain in the ass putting it back together.

Never tried SOG's version, but Cold Steels is a very poor imitation of Benchmades axis lock.
 
i dont like how sog & cs have the buttons with the slotted screwdriver insert in them. it looks kind of crappy.....
 
The springs may fail after fatigue (repeat use).

Axis lock's lockbar 'travels' towards the direction of the pivot, meaning strength reduces in time and use however at one point then it stops moving when it hits the other side.

Arc-lock has a few problems. Though generally stronger than the axis (two pins resisting closing force instead of axis' one pin) the closeness of the top pin to the thumb rest area means it is more likely to have a failure there (crack, mostly minor but a crack nonetheless) on the ss liners. More expensive models of the arc lock has none of this issue since it has no liners.

Ultra lock is generally fine however current models are ruined by poor workmanship resulting in sticky lock for example. Design wise the new lockbars are not cylindrical but have a flat portion on one side which can stick to high heaven, combined with the rough finish on the 'lock-holes' in the ss liners, this problem (if exist) may not be remedied by repeated opening and closing.

Hope this helps. Have a look at the Tri-ad locks which is a pretty good design.
 
Just a personal issue for me with the Arc lock. I don't like you have to pull the lock bar towards the spine of the handle. That motion makes the disengaging of the lock a little more difficult for me. However, I know others who prefer the arc lock over the axis specifically because of that.
 
William McHenry & Jason Williams [custom makers] hold the patent for the Axis lock. Benchmade has pioneered nothing in regards to the lock except for finding a way to mass produce it.

Benchmade got permission to use the design - unlike the conventional frame lock that Chris Reeve pioneered. They took that lock design and gave it a name they dreamed up [Monolock], with no credit towards Reeve.

The Arc and Ultra locks are variations on the McHeney and Williams design.
 
I've tried the Arc and Axis locks, but not the ultra lock. Comparing my sog trident and bm 710, both locks work by driving a pin into the top of the blade tang to stop the blade. The main difference I saw is that the pin in arc lock was parallel to the liners while the pin in the axis lock was perpendicular. IMO, I think the axis lock is the stronger one by design because it is supported by the dual steel liners on either side of the pin. The arc lock on my trident was exerting pressure solely on the spine of the handle.
 

Attachments

Last edited:
Never had a problem with any of the Ultra locks I have owned. Granted may not be as smooth feeling but mine have always locked up tight and released when I wanted them to. They seem to smooth out in time though but still not as smooth as an Axis. But the axis locks I have had especially in a couple of 710's I have had developed up and down blade play. Slight blade play but it was there. Never experienced that with an ultra lock. Never used a Arc lock so can't comment. keepem sharp
 
Never had an Ultra, but the Axis seems to me to be easier to use than the
Arc. Something about having to pull up instead of straight back doesn't
seem as natural.
 
Another thing that the Arc can do is have the studs back out of it. Had that happen before on a few. :eek:
 
The Axis lock is based on a rod that passes through two liners and slides forwards and backwards in the slots in the liners.

The ultra lock is a variation of the Axis lick (sliding through slots) and I believe that Cold Steel pays a royalty to Benchmade for the rights to use the Axis patent (Williams & McHenry patent + additional Benchmade patents).

The Arc lock is a variation of Bob Taylor's "Rolling Lock" where the rod does not slide, but rotates in holes in two liners. I don't think that royalties are paid on the lock. The Rolling lock is now owned by Benchmade (sold to Benchmade by Bob Taylor).

Both lock designs can be made as strong as the manufacturer wishes to make them. Both locks have the ability to be very reliable.

sal
 
Mr. Glesser if you find a way to make a para military in s90v with a lisenced axis lock I will sell my car to pay for it if I had too.

A friend has an arc lock knife, I handled it very briefly and didnt really pay attention to the lock (as I thought it was the same as the axis) and knowing sog Im sure its fine. It wasnt quite up to benchmade's standards though I would have no problem carrying that knife (some carbon fiber business). I dont trust any cold steel knife that folds, Im sure the ultra lock works fine but I dont even want to go down that road.
 
Hi P_Mcmanis,

As I understand it, Benchmade does not license their Axis lock. Cold steel made the lock first, and then found out it was an infringement.

We're working on a Paramil2. Once that is complete, we'll probably try a number of locks. Probably not an Axis though. Compression lock, caged ball lock and Stop lock are lock patents we own, so we would use those.

sal
 
Sal Glesser said:
We're working on a Paramil2. Once that is complete, we'll probably try a number of locks. Probably not an Axis though. Compression lock, caged ball lock and Stop lock are lock patents we own, so we would use those.
Click to expand...

Sal, compression lock, please!!?! I love that lock.
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi P_Mcmanis,

As I understand it, Benchmade does not license their Axis lock. Cold steel made the lock first, and then found out it was an infringement.

We're working on a Paramil2. Once that is complete, we'll probably try a number of locks. Probably not an Axis though. Compression lock, caged ball lock and Stop lock are lock patents we own, so we would use those.

sal
Click to expand...

Caged BBL with nested liners? :D

I'd love to see some more specifics on the elusive stop lock though. Maybe a concept model? I know it took actual handling of the Paramilitary to fully understand the compression lock.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top