Benchmade Axis lock...

barcbsa

barcbsa

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Nov 16, 2000
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Is it just me or there others out there that think the Axis lock is the easiest, safest, most convenient and greatest lock made for a folder?

I had a Benchmade 770 for a few years and loved it, but the carbon fiber split at the clip and it was replaced with a 773. Gave that to my son and got a 805 with G10 handle and a 960 with stainless handle and I think I have the ultimate in factory pocket folders. I showed them to a few co-workers and now they're getting them too.

Anyone else out there love 'em?
 
I can't say enough good things about the AXIS lock mechanism! I swear by the 806\805 and 710 series. I've been using them for years now without any problems whatsoever.
 
barcbsa said:
Is it just me or there others out there that think the Axis lock is the easiest, safest, most convenient and greatest lock made for a folder?
Click to expand...

No, You're not alone, it's something very special. Even with only one spring.

And has very high fun factor ;)
 
I have to admit I do like the strength of the lock and the smooth action that goes along with the axis locks. The only thing I don't like about the 420 Resistor that I have is the thumb stud is a little hard to find without looking down on the knife. The other thing is the axis lock itself being positioned right where I hold my index finger when opening the blade. Sometimes the lock bumps my finger because I am inadvertantly stopping it from moving as easy as it should due to my grip on the handle when opening the blade.

This kind of makes me think the buttons would be better if they were recessed just a tiny bit under the handle scale so you could easily get to it when you want but also so it isn't bumped when you don't want it.
 
Yes, the Benchmade Axis-lock is the best thing since sliced bread...Especially for us lefties.:).
 
The Axis lock is so clearly superior to the other offerings, it even gets me to stray from Spyderco every so often.

It's as easy and smooth as a good linerlock, it keeps the blade closed like a lockback (unlike a linerlock), and it keeps the blade open like nothing else. Absolutely brilliant.

If only there were knives with an Axis lock and a proper round opening hole...
 
I love mine too :D

I only have 3, a 710,705 and a 707.

And i am jonesin for a 960 big time, love the whole deal with that line.

Anyhow, one thing i noticed about them, is i would myself be hard pressed to buy anything or anymore, without the Axis.(Knives) No offense to other makers, just this is slick and somewhat reassuring to use. Being a Mechanic, when a tool breaks, you usually wind up donating blood to the car gods, same applies here.

Peace out

WR
 
WarRaven said:
Anyhow, one thing i noticed about them, is i would myself be hard pressed to buy anything or anymore, without the Axis.(Knives) No offense to other makers, just this is slick and somewhat reassuring to use.
Click to expand...

I should have a 520 by Friday. :)

Far as I'm concerned, nobody's really made a knife to displace the 710 as Greatest Folder in the World. But it's too long for legal carry where I live.

Sure, I'll be getting an Ocelot when they come out, but the 520 will probably be my EDC.

I suspect it will never happen, but if Spyderco could just license the Axis lock...
 
Yes, the Axis-lock is great!

I have a 720 Pardue in my pocket right now, and I'm saving my pennies for a 710 Mchenry & Williams.

Allen.
 
The Axis lock is great; it's one of my favorites by far.
 
I love the AXIS lock. It's hard for me to not carry an AXIS lock knife. When I do I feel I'm missing something and not carrying something as useful as my AXIS lock knives. I have other knives that feel better in the hand, look nicer, made with nicer materials, etc, but for plain old ease of use and functionality I can't find anything that beats my AXIS locks, like the BM710, Doug Ritter Grip, etc.
 
I have no idea about "safest". What I like about it is that it opens very smoothly and is very easy and safe to close one-handed. Unlike a lockback, you don't have to put your fingers in the path of the blade.
 
...and its the balisong lock.
But obviously it will never replace the Axis lock on that kind of knife.
 
Ryan8 said:
I have no idea about "safest". What I like about it is that it opens very smoothly and is very easy and safe to close one-handed. Unlike a lockback, you don't have to put your fingers in the path of the blade.
Click to expand...

I consider it the safest because of two things: (1) it's very hard to accidentally close it, unlike a liner lock (torque or disengaging with finger), and (2) when you do want it closed, it keeps the blade snapped shut over a reasonable distance, unlike a liner lock, frame lock, etc.

A lockback is harder to accidentally close than a liner lock, but it's still possible. And a lockback is much more susceptible to contamination, and is not nearly as strong a lock. (The whole "strong" thing is rarely a meaningful comparison, as I think most locks will fail because of accidental relase, but it's fair here.)

And then there's the fun/smoothness factor. I know from experience that it doesn't really come into play on the very small and light Axis models, but the fun/smoothness factor is sky-high on the bigger models.
 
I've never handled one. My understanding is: to close it you have to push that ball thing back. The ball thing looks recessed in there and hard to operate. I guess I'll just have to buy one to find out.

Nevermind, I found this site: http://www.equipped.com/axis.htm

it made a lot more sense than anything else I've seen...

I'll have to get one next time I have a little extra cash.
 
Shmackey said:
If only there were knives with an Axis lock and a proper round opening hole...
Click to expand...

I second that, the 806 D2 is the closest contender.

I would rather have a BenchMade with the round hole than a Spydie with an AXIS though. I believe the fit and finish would be MUCH higher!

Benchmade would have to learn how to sharpen from Spyderco though.
 
Yes, the AXIS lock sets the standards by which all others are judged. It may well be that Spyderco's MBC rated lockbacks have a higher technical lcok strength, but the AXIS is still my favorite. Fast, simple, strong.
 
Danzz said:
There is one lock I like better on a folder... and its the balisong lock.
Click to expand...

Me too! Unfortunately, my bali-toting days are over (legality issues)... Although I'm consoling myself with a 710 that should arrive very soon from NewGraham knives! Thanks, Mike!

Peace.
 
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