Benchmade Axis lock ideas

[Amaranth]

I have a couple BM knives and in my opinion, their greatest asset is the Axis lock.

In my opinion, they could have a real hit on their hands if they combined the smooth opening of a Spyderco with the Axis lock. They could use a thumbhole or thumbstud (as long as it was easy to access).

The Axis lock gives true ambidextrous, one-hand open and close, unlike the linerlock. BM designs in my opinion, are a little lacking in great ergonomics.
So essentially, they should design a Tenacious/Sage-like knife with an axis lock, and I believe they would have a hit on their hands.

I have a BM Presidio, and it's a good knife, but a little thick through the handle, and the hollow ground blade is very thin at the tip, leaving a potential break point if the knife is dropped.

 

[KnifeTurtle]

spyderco uses a similar lock on some of their higher end models like the manix 2, and many people prefer it to the axis lock.

 

[ron_m80]

The axis lock is patented, so thats where it ends, unless Spyderco wants to pay for rights from BM.

 

[FlaMtnBkr]

spyderco uses a similar lock on some of their higher end models like the manix 2, and many people prefer it to the axis lock.

The Ball bearing lock might be nice, but I don't think it is as refined as an AXIS lock. I doubt many people prefer it to the AXIS lock when it comes to ease of use. They are quite a bit harder to get a grip on and disengage even the caged version.

 

[CWL]

In my opinion, they could have a real hit on their hands if

I think that BM has already had a "bit" of success selling axis lock knives over the past decade. Popularity doesn't appear to be declining any time soon.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

In my opinion, they could have a real hit on their hands if they combined the smooth opening of a Spyderco with the Axis lock. They could use a thumbhole or thumbstud (as long as it was easy to access).

I'm not sure what you're looking for. Benchmade has used both thumbstuds and opening holes already.

 

[jill jackson]

Benchmade also opens as smoothly as Spyderco anyway, IMO.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Benchmade also opens as smoothly as Spyderco anyway, IMO.

I deliberately avoided that trap.

Which Benchmade, which Spyderco? Both companies make a bewildering variety of styles and locks.

 

[jill jackson]

The Benchmades I have in axis lock are as smooth as my Spydercos, IMO.
I don't get involved in arguing decent brand vs decent brand, I merely state my opinion.

 

[Smash05]

My top two companies. Only thing I want to see from them is to continue to push the envelope and offer good knives.

 

[tjsulli790]

I like most of BMs designs with the AXIS. I'm not a fan of broad blades tho, mostly because that results in a broad knife which bugs the heck out of me in the pocket. And I don't really know if Spydercos are any smoother but I think for a manual knife most BMs are as fast as I need (or can handle) Not dissing Spyderco, the knives I have from them are great as well, I just tend to prefer BM designs.

Just off the top of my head the only AXIS lock knife with a hole is the 806. The D2 model has an oval hole, the L.E. versions use the round hole. Oh and there's a Grip that uses a hole as well.

 

[chanwahyaoh]

So are you basing your blanket opinion of Benchmade's ergonomics solely off of the Presidio?

 

[ron_m80]

I wished they had made the Skirmish an Axis lock.

 

[Silverdagger]

The axis lock is patented, so thats where it ends, unless Spyderco wants to pay for rights from BM.

Or they could do what Benchmade did. Just use the axis anyway and worry about it later, if caught.

 

[FlaMtnBkr]

Or they could do what Benchmade did. Just use the axis anyway and worry about it later, if caught.

They kind of did. They replaced a bar with a ball and an omega spring with a coil.

I'm not going to get into a debate but a hole in a blade doesn't spell spyderco (it's a trademark after all). I know it's spyderco's thing, but I don't see how drilling a hole in a blade is that big of a deal. Drill bits are round. I guess maybe they could have cut a hole but with a small flat on the bottom with a water jet. Then it wouldn't be a full circle and no one could complain.

 

[orthogonal1]

Not a big fan of the "hole" opening assistance method.

These holes are design drivers that aren't always conducive to a good design. The holes are also often too small, slippery, etc.

I'd rather have well placed studs.

The new Spyderco CBL overcomes the Axis patent, since the cage isn't a load bearing (pun) member, i.e. the plastic cage doesn't transfer forces to the liners.

 

[cj65]

Benchmade Griptilian with Axis lock has good ergos and is smooth. I have no Spyderco as of yet.

 

[knifertheworks]

i would get a grip over an endura anyday

 

[knifertheworks]

but i traded my grip for an endura haha

 

[mmarkh]

I have a Grip and an Endura. NAh,nah, nah.