Ball bearing lock more secure than Axis lock?

gglotz83

gglotz83

Joined
Feb 7, 2014
Messages
198
I own several Axis lock knives, but recently I have become more aware of how un-secure they can be (in terms of blade retention). In most of these knives the blades shake out pretty easily; and last week I had one fall out of my pocket in public, and the blade opened when it hit the ground.

Admittedly, these axis locks are fun to play with - but I'm interested in trying out a knife with Spyderco's ball bearing lock (probably a Manix2). From what I have read, it seems that the ball bearing lock has better blade retention, and is a bit more "robust" in general compared to the Axis lock.

For those of you who own both locking mechanisms - what have your experiences been? Did you find that the ball bearing lock was overly stiff?
 
Some of my coworkers carry Benchmade knives (I don't personally own any but have played with and sharpened them numerous times) and the spring that holds the lock engaged is much weaker on them than it is on the Spyderco CBBL. The closest lock Spyderco has to the axis lock is probably the Bolt Action Lock in the Sage3 (Which I do have) and it is also much weaker than the CBBL. Easier to flick the blade in and out for sure, but the CBBL feels much more secure. You may very likely have to use your thumb and forefinger in team to unlock it...I can do both of my Manix's one handed, but the pressure you need to exert is unpleasant with just my thumb. They're stiff but not too much so, and you can still flick the blade open and closed by holding the lock open...you'll just need to operate it from both sides in order to do so.
 
The Axis lock is a strong lock but the CBBL has what I consider to be a big advantage, and that is the style of spring. The coil spring on the CBBL is much stiffer than the omega spring used for the Axis lock. This does potentially make the action of the Manix 2 too stiff for some people's preferences. But if you are specifically looking for a stiffer spring, then that should suffice. Also, coil springs tend to last a lot longer.

But it should be noted, even with the stiffer spring it isn't very hard to shake open a Manix 2. It does take a conscious attempt at shaking out the blade, but it isn't exactly difficult.
 
My main edc since May has been the Manix2 S110V and just this weekend was the first time I carried my BM Bone Collector in a long time and I too couldn't believe the difference in the spring tension.
The BM felt like a toy to me, I thought it broke an Omega spring till I then pulled out my Contego, same thing.
The CBL is way more secure IMO and if you would of told me this a year ago I would of said no way.

I just wish Spyderco made the cage out of metal, not that I have had any problems with it but I think a metal cage would do better as time goes on.
 
willc said:
My main edc since May has been the Manix2 S110V and just this weekend was the first time I carried my BM Bone Collector in a long time and I too couldn't believe the difference in the spring tension.
The BM felt like a toy to me, I thought it broke an Omega spring till I then pulled out my Contego, same thing.
The CBL is way more secure IMO and if you would of told me this a year ago I would of said no way.

I just wish Spyderco made the cage out of metal, not that I have had any problems with it but I think a metal cage would do better as time goes on.
Click to expand...

A metal cage would wear against the plastic of the handle faster and likely cause play over time, compromising the lock itself...at least that's the thought that came to mind when I first thought of the the idea of a metal cage. I've had no problems with plastic durability on my Spydercos...my FRN Native shrugged off a 275 foot fall onto gravel (While closed), and you'd have a hard time finding the mark the gravel left if I handed the knife to you today...and that was 7 or 8 years ago and the knife is still in good working order.
 
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