Benchmade Adamas Lock Question.

[Knifenerd#1]

I've been looking into the Benchmade Auto Adamas and have found conflicting info on how the axis opening mechanism is supposed to be opened. Some people say that you can pull back on either side of the lock to open the knife, which makes sense to me, as this is also the way all the regular axis locks I've seen work. For instance I can open the lock on my Contegos by simply pulling back the lock with my thumb. But I've seen other people say that you have to pull back on both sides of the lock simultaneously with your thumb on one side and index finger on the other. This seems like it would not be intuitive at all and would almost end up taking longer to get your hand positioned properly than simply opening the manual version with the thumb stud.


So if someone who has actually used one could tell me how it opens that would be great, and if it has to be pulled on both sides is it as un-intuitive as it sounds.

 

[Centermass]

I don’t have an Auto Adamas specifically, but I’ve been carrying the same Presidio 5000 Axis Auto literally everyday for a few years now. To open it, I use my thumb on one side, which works just fine. To close it, I typically use both sides like I would a manual. Some will assert this causes uneven wear of the Omega springs or other lockup issues, but I’ve never had a problem with my particular knife… in several years of use like this.

I agree with your rationale. I don’t want an auto knife I can’t open one-handed, or that I have to go out of my way to reposition my grip to use. Defeats the purpose of the auto feature IMO.

 

[OldMarineVet]

I've been looking into the Benchmade Auto Adamas and have found conflicting info on how the axis opening mechanism is supposed to be opened. Some people say that you can pull back on either side of the lock to open the knife, which makes sense to me, as this is also the way all the regular axis locks I've seen work. For instance I can open the lock on my Contegos by simply pulling back the lock with my thumb. But I've seen other people say that you have to pull back on both sides of the lock simultaneously with your thumb on one side and index finger on the other. This seems like it would not be intuitive at all and would almost end up taking longer to get your hand positioned properly than simply opening the manual version with the thumb stud.


So if someone who has actually used one could tell me how it opens that would be great, and if it has to be pulled on both sides is it as un-intuitive as it sounds.

Yes, I bought an Auto Adamas a couple of months ago and also had issues opening the axis lock with my right thumb only. It opened rough and the right side of the axis lock rod seemed out of line. Dealer told me to open it simultaneously with thumb and index finger (no way) or just break it in that way.

Just breaking it in using 2 thumbs worked! It wasn't hard. I started off with opening 2-thumbed about 10 times each morning for a week and used just right thumb the rest of that day. Then just opening 2-thumbed 3 times each morning before using just right thumb the rest of the day.

That Auto Adamas is now my 2nd favorite knife. Opens very fast, smooth with authority, and feels great in the hand. Liked it so much I bought another Auto Adamas and broke it in the same way.

By the way, my favorite knife is the Auto Bedlams. I tried using that same 2-thumb break-in technique with the Bedlam and it also started opening faster and smoother. I guess it's just how that axis opening mechanism interacts with the (2?) springs in a balanced way. Easy to start the day with a couple of 2-thumbs or left thumb break-in openings for either a Bedlam or Adamas to get such improved performance the rest of the day.

FYI, I'd also not use an automatic knife if I had to use a thumb/index finger to open it. Last thing I'd want to do especially if stressed. Just right thumb for me.