Benchmade axis locking mechanism: Is it solid?

In a word, yes. However, if you search the 'Reviews' forum, you'll find a wealth of information. Not meaning to cut you off (I remember being new here
smile.gif
), but this has been covered in-depth, and it's better to read the previous posts than for me to try and summarise them here, as I could not possibly do them justice.

--JB

------------------
e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
If you want a slightly biased review, but lots of pretty pictures, you can see it at Benchmade's website: www.benchmade.com

Look for the sidebar titled 710 Axis Review. In it, they claim that the 710 Axis can withstand 200lbs of negative load before it "gently" collapses.

The knife in general is good all around: good weight, solidly built, super smooth opening. I particularly like the solid closure. If you're used to liner-locks, you'll find one handed closure slightly awkward at first.

The only thing I dislike about this knife is it's terrible factory sharpening job. I -- along with many others -- have gone on in length about this at various threads including "Trusting Benchmade to Get It Right This Time: Lifesharp" below.

I suggest you read it and decide if it's still the right knife for you.
 
I remember reading a post where somebody clamped the blade of an axis lock in a vise and jumped down on the handle with all his weight, trying to force it closed. Nice fellow, wasted a bunch of nice linerlocks for the test. Not really a waste, I suppose, but the moral of the story is only the axis lock and the rekat rolling lock survived the beating. I've got one, and I trust it completely. Solid.
smile.gif
 
You say he "jumped up and down" on the handle of his knife? Why? Did the handle call him a nasty name?

Wow. Some people will do anything for their 15 minutes of fame!

You're right. Probably a nice fellow though!
smile.gif
 
I remember reading that review, but I can't seem to find it now, if someone does find it, can you post a link? Thanks.

------------------
Jason aka medusaoblongata
-----------------------
"I have often laughed at the weaklings who call themselves kind because they have no claws"

- Zarathustra
 
I just recieved my first Axis lock on Thursday (a 720 SBT), and I must say that the lock is rock solid!! This thing does NOT budge AT ALL! I know I'll be buying more BM's in the future, and they ALL will have the Axix lock on them
smile.gif


------------------
"ALWAYS respond CODE 3"..
THE fastest way to get there NOW!
 
Shankman,
Yes, it is very solid, reliable and easy to operate with each hand (especially valuable for lefties and ambies). It is also very obstruction resistant. Please follow this and this links to visit my reviews on some Axis Lock equipped knives.

Full Tang Clan,
Do you think car crash tests are made also for 15 minutes of fame? I think real life approved data about knife strength are worth somewhat more. Even if these data are not obtained strictly scientifically and look somewhat funny.
Anyway it is not fair to make a mockery of fellow who wasted his time and money to display us what we can expect from our folding knives.

My fingers are not interchangeable...


------------------
Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland
 
I agree with Sergiusz. The testing was very useful and it showed just how tough the axis lock is.

If you buy an axis, the last thing you have to worry about is the lockup. It's been out for quite awhile now and I've never read anything bad about it. Mostly what I read is that it's one of the best you can buy.

Benchmade itself is another story. They keep cranking out wickedly attractive knives but QC is another thing. And you may have to resharpen or reprofile an edge, depending on what you plan to use the knife for. If at all possible, handle the knife first before buying. Look it over carefully for smoothness, wobble in the pivot, even grind lines, full edge sharpness, etc. BM QC probably isn't as bad as we all make it out to be but BF people are not your average buyers, being much more knowledgable and particular about their cutlery. But it does pay to learn before you shop.

------------------
Hoodoo

And so, to all outdoor folks, the knife is the most important item of equipment.

Ellsworth Jaeger - Wildwood Wisdom
 
I was a a local knife shop when a guy comes in with his BM 710 AXIS because the lock was broken!!!

I took a look and sure enough the actuating springs had failed. ANYTHING can fail...

Ben
 
Can we get a time of manufacture on that knife? Some of the very early models did have defective springs, but there have been no recent reports of this.

--JB

------------------
e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
Sergiusz,

Sorry if I offended you with the "15 minutes of fame" comment.

It was just sarcasm. I guess I should have either left a
wink.gif
or a
biggrin.gif


Believe me. All of us do appreciate all the ballistic knife tests that you and others volunteer to put your blades through.

 
The axis lock is great; it's very strong and well thought out. My only problem with it is that it's not as vocal about it's solidity as some of my linerlocks--Military, Wegner, etc. I love to hear the "clack!" of the liner snapping over, but the axis is awesome anyway.
 
Full Tang Clan,
This test with knife breaking was not mine, so I wasn't offended by myself.
But let's appreciate without sarcasm and irony what one of us did, especially if it was his money and time wasting for our safety.
Just my proposition...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top