Benchmade Rukus

J

J-VET

Joined
Oct 23, 2008
Messages
7
Hello,

While home on R&R from Iraq I started researching knife making. This led me to your fourm as well as a few knife shops. I ended up buying a Bennchmade 610 Rukus with the blk plain edge. I love the knife even though it is pretty large for a EDC. This is my first benchmade so it is also my first axis lock. As I look at the locking mechinism it looks like it is only holding about 1\16 " of the blade. Has anybody had any issues with the lock not holding? If you can tell me anything about the lock integrity or if you have anything to say about the rukus any info would be great.

Thanks
 
The axis lock is by far my favorite lock; it is super smooth and super strong. I have never had any problems with the axis lock, the only problems i have heard about were may be three or four manufacturing defects, but with mass production that is to be expected. You should not have any problems with the lock. Great knife purchase, you will not be disapointed
 
Thanks for the reply. If its strong like you say I think its got to be my favrite style lock as well. I cant get enough of how easy it makes it to open and close the knife.
 
I got a PE Rukus while on sale at Sportsman's Warehouse last winter ($125 !!!). It is the largest, strongest, smoothest folder I own. I trust the lock (and, No, I haven't done any "spine-whack" tests) :D
 
The axis lock is by far my favorite lock, and Benchmade in general makes awesome knives. I am to receive my second Rukus tomorrow (a mini PE). The Rukus is a very strong comfortable knife design, one of Benchmade's best in my opinion. I have a hard time buying a $120 knife from any other company when Benchmade makes such fine knives. A lot of people complain that Benchmade doesn't come up with anything new, I am happy because they seem to have found a general design that works great (axis lock, G-10 slabs, SS liners, 3-4" blade, Saber ground, spear point, etc.), and keep making it better with each new knife design.
 
Neil Blackwood designed that knife. He's a good buddy, and a helluva knifemaker.. I have one of those myself, and its one of my all time favorite Benchmade knives. I think as you use it you will like it even more. And the axis lock works great!
 
The 610 is a great knife. IMHO the axis lock is the best locking system on the market. BUT, there have been four two cases that I can remember of the lock on a 615 (the mini Rukus) failing. The 615 is only BM knife I have ever heard of that has had an axis fail. There seemed to be a problem with a few of them. Other then that, I have never heard any other cases of the axis lock failing.
If it concerns you, do a few spine wack tests. The Rukus will pass with flying colors. I would not be concerned about your lock. Like I said, only two.
 
:thumbup:I got my Rukus 610 BKS about a month ago and had to switch the clip for left pocket carry. One of the torx screws was driven to far in and I couldn't get it out. Called, sent it in and they fixed it. I also asked them to sharpen it cause it had a nick in the blade. Come to find out the blade was out of allignment, they fixed it and overnighted it to me. I got a check in the mail a week later for my shipping costs. The knife is awesome and the customer service is as well...
 
My first Benchmade was the 615 PE. I got it about 3 weeks ago. It is at BM right now for issues with the lock and blade play. I had to push the Axis bar forward to get it to lock up tight about half the time, and the blade had side to side play unless I tighten the pivot to the point it has to be forced open and closed.
I don't have any other BM's to compare to but it sounds to me like the 615 is a bit of a problem child. From what I read on various forums it is about the only model with multiple complaints.
 
I have the 615 making three axis locks I have and the axis is my favorite lock as well. The only posible down side to it is lint etc. gathering in the lock, other wise one of the strongest locks around! The 615 is currently my favorite hard use folder tied with my D2 Spyderco Para Military.
 
+1 for the Axis mechanism. Every great once in a while you hear about one of these failing spine whacks or not fully engaging. As was said above, any full production knife has the chance of coming off the line mis-aligned, not centered, and only engaging 1/16"...but given the odds I would still take my chances with an Axis-based knife over the best liner lock.

On the 610, I find it way too big and much prefer the "Mini" version, the 615. With great ergos and comfy grips these are among my favorite Benchmades!
 
I can't take it anymore....pictures are a must! :thumbup:

The Rukus is a huge knife, maybe too big for a folder, but I love it just the same!
BM-Collection-03.jpg


Here's a sheath I made for my Rukus...my very first folder sheath. It rides horizontally to the right of my belt buckle, spine up. I was inspired by a superb sheathmaker named Gary Graley, though you surely can;t see the inspiration :D
RukusSheath-05-1.jpg
 
Welcome to the forums J-VET & FLymon:):

J-VET: Just so you're aware, there's a Mini Rukus and it's a great size for carrying if the Rukus seems a little large for you. The Rukus is a great design and the locks are generally very secure and fun to use.

FLymon: I used to own a 615 and I had none of the lock problems that you've experienced. That should be fixed by the time you get it back from Benchmade. Like any production knife, not-so-good-quality knives slip by the factories. I'm sure it'll work out fine for you.
 
:thumbup:The Axis Lock is a strong locking system. It will self adjust to any wear over the years and actually just get better and better. The black plain edge is my favorite. Although I had to sell mine I will be getting another one at the end of the month. I'll wait until the end of November and pick up a set of the silver G-10 grips, an option that really sets off the 610!!:thumbup::D
 
Last edited:
So, after thinking it over I went ahead and placed my order for the Rukus 610BK. Only ordered the knife though as I'll get the silver twill G-10 grips next month. Going to be nice having a Rukus again. :thumbup::D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top