Benchmade Axis lock

[carrot]

I would say the Axis is one of the more ingenious locks invented. It is designed to compensate for wear and minimize vertical blade play, it's fun to play with, and it (correctly) places forces on components in a way that makes them unlikely to fail.

I would say the Axis's most likely form of failure is failure to lock open all the way on the first try, such as with debris blockages (a reported occurrence on EDCF).

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

I would actually pick the Endura over the Griptilian. I find it has better balance, is more comfortable, and I love the sound of a lockback locking into place. In which direction have you experienced blade play? Horizontal play can be adjusted with a simple Torx driver, and some slight vertical play can be considered normal.
I wrote a review here: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=142924

 

[Barracuda]

StrechNM your correct my choice of words "flick on a table leg" is incorrect don't know where I got that from! Gave it a good wack.

As to your conjecture well it's just that.

I first heard about the spine whack test on these forums where I came to look for advice, after reading about all your comments on the axis lock strength I didn't expect it to fail in a million years (hands nearly healed now, very clean cut ).

I have taken out the blade and polished the tang end that runs under the axis bar, it appears to work better, it passes the whack test now and I also tested it in a vice and could put A LOT of weight on it.

I am now reassured on the lock which is what I want when I get somat I test it in every which way and hopefully not to destruction but then I know I can use it.

For those who say it's not a fair test for a folder - well the Rukus didn't pass, I've adjusted the knife, now the Rukus passes to test - so it's a safer knife IMO.

The Benchmade Rukus is a great knife I used it in the garden to chop through 1" fir trees branches in 3-4 cuts I was well impressed for a folder.

The steel S30V steel is scary sharp (it doesn't cut plastic it melts it ) and tough with a polished edge and no chipping.

For sharpening I use a Chefs choice electric 120 sharpener 3 stage with a strop wheel, it does NOT scratch the blade and gets it polished and razor sharp in minutes.

 

[theonew]

One of the things I enjoy the most about an axis lock is how easily it can be closed with one hand and done so in a fashion where your fingers are never in the path of the blade movement.

 

[StretchNM]

BARRACUDA : I might have been a little harsh in that first post and I apologize. These spine whack tests bother me, though they shouldn;t, and I understand the AXIS lock - I own a Rukus. I considered that you might be spamming just to trash the Axis lock. I know now that's not the case.

The only conclusion I could reach after reading your Axis "failed" is that it didn;t lock open in the first place (in which case it's not a lock that failed a spine whack test but rather a lock that never locked!). If an AXIS lock opens properly and the lockbar engages, it will hold. You can see that in the design of the lock.

Glad to hear you got it working. It's a beautiful knife!

 

[therulebookman]

There is a video on google of a guy doing light spine whacks on an axis lock knife, don't remember the model, and it fails nearly every time, but its clear from the video that the lock is out of adjustment and needs to be sent back to benchmade, which is similar to what the poster above is saying. Every once in a rare while one is going to slip through production out of adjustment and need to be sent in.

I've repeated those spine whack tests on my HK 14255 axis, and can't get it to fail. I've also seen video of a guy who stabbed his grip into a tree and stood on the handle without anything giving way. IMO you would damage the handle of a grip before the lock gave way, as long as it is in proper adjustment I can't see it giving way. I spoke with a benchmade engineer at the blade show and he said that the lock has been tested to 2000 lbs breaking strength, meaning you could hang it off a cliff with a volkswagon tied to it and not see it break.

That said, if you rapidly and repeated spine whack it, it could vibrate the lock loose, but this is difficult and not exactly a real world test, if you were spine whacking through something it wouldn't vibrate so much, and I doubt you'd have a problem.

go for it. I love my benchmade.