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Benchmade AXIS Locking System
- Thread starter jimmy123
- Start date
Try the search to find tons of threads discussing the axis.
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Example: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/search.php?searchid=969225
Tips for searching:
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2: Select the "search titles only" option
3: Have fun
Example: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/search.php?searchid=969225
JPD1998
Gold Member
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2004
- Messages
- 3,572
I have four Benchmade knives with Axis locks and while I'm sure others have different opinions , I think it's a pretty fool proof locking system. If I really want to nit pick the only weakness with the BM setup is the 2 small springs used in conjunction with the locking bar.
But let me add that I have not had problems with any of mine and they feel as sturdy as a fixed blades.
But let me add that I have not had problems with any of mine and they feel as sturdy as a fixed blades.
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2006
- Messages
- 5,215
I have several axis lock knives, and my edc for the last two years has been a BM Mini Griptilian with the axis lock. I love it, and it has never failed me once! very strong and no blade play after thousands and thousands of hard openings (I waved my griptilian).
Did you use the Advanced Search function? I followed the directions given in the post just in front of yours and the search engine gave me a list similar to mnblade's link -- just like it has many times in the past. The search function here is just fine.jimmy123 said:
BTW, I have a number of Axis lock knives and EDC one every day. Very strong, very reliable, possibly illegal in NYC.
jimmy123 said:
I have a few Benchmade Axis Lock knives (BM Ares, BM 940, BM 921) and they are all smooth in function.
Pro:
1)Totally ambidextrous--many (not all) are drilled on both sides to allow the pocket clip to be used on either side of the knife.
2) Unlike liner-locking knives, or frame locks which require the use of a ball detent, the omega springs in the Axis locks knives will help keep the blade closed when the knife is close, in a way similar to the way lock back knives keep the knife closed.
3) Design redundancy--there are two omega springs, so that if one fails, the second one should see you thru until you can send the knife to BMKC for a covered warranty repair.
4) The Axis "flip" allows one to open and close the knife w/o even touching the thumbstud on the blade.
5) Strength. Once the Axis bar in positioned in place, the back end, or tang of the knife is effectively blocked from closing when using the blade with steady, even pressure. Except for some unusual conditions, most folks will long lose their grip on the knife before the locking system fails.
Con:
1) The closed architecture where the omega springs reside isn't the easiest to clean, for example, compared to a liner lock, or especially a frame lock. Sand, mud, or whatever can get trapped in there and may require disassembley of the knife which isn't the easiest under field conditions and also would void the warranty.
2) The Axis flip can invite interpretation of the knife as an illegal gravity knife in some jurisdictions.
3) There have been reports of some BM models failing a spine whack test, specifically the 520.
Yes, it's not perfect, but nothing ever really is. For me, I'd say the Axis lock truly rocks.
i have the BM presidio and it has the axis locking system. good locking system. however, i dont think it is better than the Spyderco MBC rated locking systems used in that line of knives. I carry the Manix and i think it has the strongest lock on any large tactical folder that i have seen. either are good but i would side with the spyderco MBC rated line of knives for the ultimate locking folders
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2003
- Messages
- 1,321
I have full trust in my BMs so i disassampled two. After long term edc there was nearly no mud in there, so i found this point is a minor one.m_calingo said:
By me for example. I guess, this was because the ramp is a bit different than on the "older" models. In many cases the lock is secure, even though we never know how hard we whack, when we talk about spine whacks.
I was beating hard. The power was enough to destroy an old lockback after five repeated beats.
Personally I think the Axis lock is one of the strongest out there. If not THE STRONGEST.
The Axis pin is a solid piece of steel. I would imagine that before the Axis lock broke that the pivot would shear or the blade would break.
I think people make too large of a deal about lock strength these days.
The Axis pin is a solid piece of steel. I would imagine that before the Axis lock broke that the pivot would shear or the blade would break.
I think people make too large of a deal about lock strength these days.
joe i think you are right... (about people making too big a deal about locks breaking) truth is, this is really only going to happen if you are abusing the knife.. i still the Spyderco MBC rated blades have the best locking systems of any knives out there...
Bronco
Moderator
- Joined
- Feb 25, 2000
- Messages
- 7,601
Without question, the axis lock is a well designed and well thought out locking mechanism. The amount of force that would be required to facilitate a true mechanical failure (i.e. axis pin shear, etc.) is probably many times more than that which you would ever feel comfortable exerting on any type of folder.
Long before I worried about that, I would first be concerned with the possibility that A) some foreign debris has entered the axis lock allowing the blade to lock open- but just barely, or B) I'm holding the knife during heavy usage in such a way as to inadvertantly contact the axis lock button thereby accidentally allowing the blade to close.
Long before I worried about that, I would first be concerned with the possibility that A) some foreign debris has entered the axis lock allowing the blade to lock open- but just barely, or B) I'm holding the knife during heavy usage in such a way as to inadvertantly contact the axis lock button thereby accidentally allowing the blade to close.
I've had a 710 since 2000, and never have had the slightest problem with the axis lock or failure of any kind.
In fact it was my EDC for 3 years until a Severtech replaced it. I would not have any reservations carrying anywhere for any task that I would use a folder.
Steve
In fact it was my EDC for 3 years until a Severtech replaced it. I would not have any reservations carrying anywhere for any task that I would use a folder.
Steve
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2000
- Messages
- 465
tom19176 said:
I had not heard there were actual cases where Axis Locks were considered gravity knives. Were there posts here about such cases?
Personally speaking, I don't think it's fair to call it a gravity knife if you have to purposely pull back the lock to release the blade. To be safe though, you can just tighten up the pivot screw a tad and it won't easily flick. I prefer to use the thumb studs anyway.
