Benchmade Axis lock

troutfisher13111

troutfisher13111

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How strong are the Benchmade Axis locks? From what I have read they seem to be the strongest out there, but I am trying to sort out the truth from the b.s. Thanks.
 
It's not the strongest lock out there but it's one of my favorites. I bought a 710HS when they first came out and have knocked the snot out of it and it has never failed.
I'd say if your on the fence about buying a BM with a Axis lock go for it and join the thousands of other happy Axis owners.


Good luck
Helle
 
Actually it's supposed to be one of the strongest locks out there. It's supposed to be stronger than Benchmade's frame lock knives and liner lock knives according to Benchmade.
 
I'd say that it is for sure one of the strongest out there. Assuming you don't unlock it youself with your hand somehow, which I wouldn't really consider a lock failure anyway, either the knife pivot or the axxis lock bar would have to break for it to fail. The way the lock engages, the portion of the blade that pushes on it isn't pushing on it in the direction that it travels, so there is really no place for it to go.

You'd have to see if there is somebody out there that has tested it to failure, but there is really no way that the lock could "slip" out of engagement due to pressure or torque on the blade. Kind of hard to explain, but if you look on Benchmades site you can see exploded and cutaway views of the lock and you should be able to see what I mean.

Plus its super fun to play with. :D
 
The reason I am asking is because I am looking for a new EDC folder to replace my Endura 4. There is too much blade play for my liking. I am considering a BM Griptilian, but I was wondering how strong the lock was. I have used the Endura for some pretty heavy duty task and want to know if the griptilian will perform as well.

Also, how does the Griptilian compare in size to the Endura? Does anyone have a pic of both knives side by side? Thanks
 
troutfisher13111 said:
The reason I am asking is because I am looking for a new EDC folder to replace my Endura 4. There is too much blade play for my liking. I am considering a BM Griptilian, but I was wondering how strong the lock was. I have used the Endura for some pretty heavy duty task and want to know if the griptilian will perform as well.

Also, how does the Griptilian compare in size to the Endura? Does anyone have a pic of both knives side by side? Thanks
Click to expand...

You'll be happy with the Grip. I've owned both. Still have the Grip and use it regularly (Actually thinking about another one to keep in my a-bag)

Size wize, the griptillian has a thicker profile. That's an advantage when using it, but it might be a disadvantage in carrying it.

I like the BM550 lots.
 
I own both Grippies and Enduras - feel quite comfortable with both . I'd probably give thew grip the edge in lock strength .

Chris
 
It is a great lock and makes for some of the smoothest opening knives you can find. If your using a folder so hard that an axis lock would fail, you really should be using a fixed blade.
 
By far the best functioning lock out there imho, but I really don't like the aesthetics of them at all. Luckily I'm a function over form guy for the most part.
 
Mayor maynot be the strongest, but they're most likely stronger than you need them to be.
 
Grips are a great knife, mini or full size. The mini carries real nice but if you have big hands it might seem a little small at first.. I would send the endura back to Spyderco , I'm sure they would remedy the problem of the blade play, this is not uncommon...
 
I have an M2 Ritter Grip, it is one smooth knife. Lockup is very secure on all the axis locks I have used, I like them. If considering a mini grip you might want to give the 707 a look, very nice knife. It has a very similar blade profile to the 556 mini grip but is thinner overall- IMHO it also has a more solid feel.
 
More important than the strength of the axis lock is its reliability. As strong as it is, it's even more reliable.

The Griptiallian series is a great choice. I'd get another Endura or a D'Allara Drop-point from Spyderco, but you can't go wrong with a Griptillian. One guy tried and he failed.
 
just got my new RUKUS full size did a spine whack test and cut myself to the bone on my knuckle, thought I might have caught the AXIS release with my hand so repeated the test a dozen times it fails about 1 in 10 whacks (hands protected now :P), I am not hitting it excessively hard just a flick on a table leg.

The knife is amazing and I love it and don't want to send it back for adjustment is there any way to adjust the AXIS lock myself?

I know the controversy surrounding this test and my choice is to test things to find their limitations.

ta from the UK
Barra
 
Sorry...I have a tough time buying into the spine-whack tests. A flick on the table leg? Now, a guy who feels masterful enough to go doing spine whack tests on folders is, in my opinion, someone who has been around knives for awhile. That same person recognizes when a knife is locking up and when it isn;t. That same person has the basic understanding of locks to know whether there is a manufacturing problem with that particular knife or whether the design itself is a failure. Are you that person or not? I own a Rukus and, I can assure you, it is not going to come open as long as the blade has opened fully and the lock has engaged. You can;t tellw hether the lock is faulty but you want to keep the knife? C'mon, excuse me for being bold, but I don;t buy your post. There is something lacking - honesty for one.

Who is to say, really, which lock is the strongest out there. Like most people with knives, I own linerlocks, framelocks, slipjoints, lockbacks, and the Axis. In my unprofessional opinion only, I think that you could only improve on the AXIS lock if you had a TIG welder and were good at using it - you could weld the blade open. Or....just buy a fixed blade.

Whatever you do, if you get one, don;t go whacking the hell out of the spine....ok?
Good luck.
 
I can't comment on how strong it is other then to say I've never had a problem with it but I can say this... I love mine to the point that I doubt I will ever buy another folder that doesn't have an AXIS lock. ;)
 
STR seems to be of the opinion that "AXIS is probably the strongest lock mechanism that man has come up with to date". This is not a quote verbatim but pretty doggone close as I asked him this same question a couple weeks ago.

I love Spyderco and Benchmade. I usually carry a BM940 but cycle through BM 960, Navigator2, zdp Caly Jr.(pocket laser), or Para Military. I would suggest any of these for edc. As for AXIS, I think it is hard to beat GOOD LUCK
 
Just read this and I had to get both of my 610's out to see what the deal is. Glad to report that both held up to this test. I do not slam the spine down, but I don't barely tap it either. To make sure I had really tested this, I did the hits in rapid succession, and I did 20 on each blade, and no failure whatsoever. Afterwards I checked blade action, checked for any bladeplay, checked the lock for function, and everything was as if I had never performed the test at all. I usually do a spinewhack test to check the lock geometry, but only do 4 or 5 successive hits and that answer.s my question. Did 20 this time just to make doubley sure.
 
I took my 551 grip and opened my bench vise. I put the spine on one jaw and the back of the grip on the other jaw. The vise was open about 3 inches. I hit it right over the pivot with a LIXIE dead blow hammer using the hard plastic end, not the soft rubber. I hit it not lightly, but not hard either. Sort of light-medium hits. It took 5 or 6 hits and the lock gave out and the knife folded(the Plastic chipped a bit too).

After that, there is now a slight bit of vertical bladeplay and if I repeat the same test it takes a lot less abuse to get the same release. So it IS damaged, but I still us it everyday like a knife is supposed to be used.

The hammer experiment was blatant abuse and WELL BEYOND(IMO) any typical use of a knife. I did this because I was curious about what it'd take - and I am looking to replace the knife with a new long-term edc(see thread "Help me choose..." here in General forum), so I didn't care too much about it.

Hope this gives some idea of what the lock'll take?

-Sean
 
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