Best lock, AXIS?

gga357

gga357

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I like the AXIS and Tri-AD, but for strength and everyday use the AXIS is tops in my book.

What do you all think?
 
the axis lock is amazingly strong and easy to use its my fav by far.
but the Omega springs wear out after a year or two...
 
I think my favorite lock that I've used (out of liner locks, frame locks, lock backs, and the axis lock) is a standard framelock with a carbide coated lock bar face to prevent sticking/wear. I just don't trust the axis lock because of the omega springs, and I don't like the positioning of the axis lock.
 
For EDC nothing tops the axis lock in my book. It is by far the easiest, strongest and most convenient lock on the market. However if I were deployed to Iraq/Afghanistan, or was a police officer/fire fighter I would definately use a top quality framelock. I have never had ANY issues with the omega springs in an axis lock and have edc'd many benchmades throughout the years, but a framelock is such a simple design that you dont have to worry about anything breaking or the cavity filling with mud or other debri. So I say axis is the best edc lock.
framelock is the best survival lock.
 
gga357 said:
I like the AXIS and Tri-AD, but for strength and everyday use the AXIS is tops in my book.

What do you all think?
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There is a lot to say for quick, easy one handed closing. Axis lock knives are wonderful for on and off work because you can take your knife out, lightly push on the thumb stud, (Because most axis lock knives are extremely well designed and balanced manual folders.) do whatever cutting you need to, then flick the knife right back closed, ready to clip back to your pocket. It's pretty much the best feature the axis lock has to offer, but it also is a pretty strong lock that is just fine for any cutting tasks. Though I don't think it will hold 300+ lbs.
 
I like the frame lock too. The axis is great, and probably stronger in theory, but the frame lock is strong enough for batoning, stabbing, etc., and that's enough for me.
I'm not sure I trust the omega springs either.

Edit - not to say I go around batoning with folders or stabbing people, rather my point is that the frame lock is more than enough to handle any task that you would sensibly put a folding knife through, up to and including survival and SD. As for other knife chores, the sort that could only be described as senselessly, fantastially abusive, either lock has a chance of failing, and which one is more likely to fail should be a moot point. If you're using a folding knife for such a task, you did something wrong.
 
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The Axis is my favorite lock on a folding knife. I also personally feel that it's the best lock out there right now. I'm hoping that Spyderco's Caged Ball Bearing lock is equal to or superior to the Axis but do not have all the info I need right now to say if this is so.

Right now, Axis locks are the only locks I trust on a folding knife that I would use for self defense.
 
Compression lock. Simple, very strong, and easy to use with both hands while keeping fingers clear of the path of the blade.
 
Nikokurausu said:
Right now, Axis locks are the only locks I trust on a folding knife that I would use for self defense.
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I didn't go into detail when I said I didn't like the placement of the axis lock because I didn't want to derail the thread into a huge debate, but since you mentioned it, I'll go into specifics. I think the placement of the axis lock makes it unsuitable for self-defense. while it's very improbable (but since we're assuming a life or death situation probability goes out the window), during a struggle the axis lock could be disengaged by an aggressor with little physical difficulty. I absolutely would not use one for self-defense. so far, the only locks I've found suitable for self defense are liner-locks and frame-locks. I think lock backs are too difficult to close (keep in mind I am very good at closing Spyderco lockbacks, but I still wouldn't want to do it under duress) in the event you need to get away and not worry about tripping on your knife. the main merit of axis locks are their ambidextrous usage, but I'm a lefty, and I have absolutely NO trouble using a right-handed framelock or linerlock as long as it has dual thumbstuds that are usuable (sorry not CRK, but I own an Umnumzaan anyway). I would only prefer that clip be left/right swappable, which it never is for high-end knives. sorry for writing one huge paragraph.
 
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I have trained myself for hours on end attacking and stabbing and wrestling with department store mannequins with my Benchmade Griptilian. I now have developed my skills to the point where my hand stays at least a centimeter away from the axis lock before during and after my training altercations!!!! If I am in a real life and death struggle, I want to be ready! My probation officer says if I stay out of the mall, he may even give me my knives back. I keep telling him that I am just training, but he has his own opinions about me. When I meet with him next week, I will mention it is now time to train with a frame lock. I hope he finally understands me. Had to just throw that out there. I am done trolling now.:D Carry on men!
 
In over three years of training with the 710, Rukus, and 943 I have never once come close to accidentally disengaging the lock on any of them. The training was with wet hands, gloves, and hard stabs and slashes on dummies. That being said, what you wrote is in my opinion the Achilles Heel of the design. I haven't experienced it, but that in no way means it can't happen.

On the other hand, I have had frequent lock disengagements with liner locks and a couple on frame locks. I like frame locks and with a couple of exceptions, hate liner locks. Big, thick liner locks are ok with me though. They seem more frame lockish to me anyway when they're huge.

While I trust the Axis the most out of all the locks I've tried, (had a Manix but never really trained too much with it unfortunately) I still do not trust it completely. I prefer fixed blades and carry them pretty much exclusively now but, my 710s still get some carry time occasionally because I love the design.
 
tf8s said:
I absolutely would not use one for self-defense. so far, the only locks I've found suitable for self defense are liner-locks and frame-locks.
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So you prefer a locking mechanism regarded by many as being the weakest of them all; garnering so much resentment that many people refuse to buy a knife using a locking liner? Not to mention that if the user grips the knife too hard s/he can cause the lock to partially/fully disengage with the right conditions.

Another tidbit to think about... Under duress, when you're acting quickly and your fine motor skills are diminished, don't you think it'd be better for your fingers to be clear of the blade's closing path? Half lobbing off your thumb wouldn't be a great survival tactic :p
 
Lock1454 said:
So you prefer a locking mechanism regarded by many as being the weakest of them all; garnering so much resentment that many people refuse to buy a knife using a locking liner? Not to mention that if the user grips the knife too hard s/he can cause the lock to partially/fully disengage with the right conditions.

Another tidbit to think about... Under duress, when you're acting quickly and your fine motor skills are diminished, don't you think it'd be better for your fingers to be clear of the blade's closing path? Half lobbing off your thumb wouldn't be a great survival tactic :p
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framelocks get stronger as you tighten your grip. and linerlocks are AS strong as any lock as long as it's well designed. i would worry more about deploying the knife as more important than closing the knife in a tactical situation.
 
Lock1454 said:
So you prefer a locking mechanism regarded by many as being the weakest of them all; garnering so much resentment that many people refuse to buy a knife using a locking liner? Not to mention that if the user grips the knife too hard s/he can cause the lock to partially/fully disengage with the right conditions.

Another tidbit to think about... Under duress, when you're acting quickly and your fine motor skills are diminished, don't you think it'd be better for your fingers to be clear of the blade's closing path? Half lobbing off your thumb wouldn't be a great survival tactic :p
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I don't mean the lock would be disengaged by you. I mean someone could put their hand on the spine of the blade and push the lock in. I don't know what kind of resentment is had against a well-designed liner/frame lock. if they're so resented, then why do so many custom folder makers use them as their locking mechanism. I'm also not sure how a properly-made framelock can close by accident. if you're using a right-handed framelock with your right-hand, your grip secures the lock.

it absolutely is possible for someone else to disengage an axis lock knife that you're holding. it may not be very probable at all, but if you're going to buy a self-defense knife, I think it's something to keep in mind. I don't mean to say anything against Benchmade or axis lock knives, I owned a 960 and loved it, I just don't think they're suitable for self-defense.

I'm not sure what you mean by your second paragraph. I meant that if you're stressed and have your blade out and need to get away, it can be difficult to close a lockback one handed, especially since it springs back. I own an Endura 4 and while I can close it very easily one handed, I think it could be a liability once the adrenalin hits.
 
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Lock1454 said:
So you prefer a locking mechanism regarded by many as being the weakest of them all; garnering so much resentment that many people refuse to buy a knife using a locking liner? Not to mention that if the user grips the knife too hard s/he can cause the lock to partially/fully disengage with the right conditions.

Another tidbit to think about... Under duress, when you're acting quickly and your fine motor skills are diminished, don't you think it'd be better for your fingers to be clear of the blade's closing path? Half lobbing off your thumb wouldn't be a great survival tactic :p
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Um. If there is actually enough force hitting the blade to cause the liner lock to fail, that knife would NOT still be in your hands. That much force would knock the knife out of your hands, unless you had a crazy death grip, then it would probably just break fingers/wrist....

Not sure how the second part of your post really makes any relevance. If you're at the point where you just survived a crazy situation, and could put your knife away. I think you'd have time to sit and relax, or just set the knife down, etc... I can't say for sure, I've never been in that situation. But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be trying to put my knife back in my pocket as quick as possible...
 
I like the Axis lock too, but I also believe in the KISS principle and when you factor in design excellence, quality, strength, reliability as well as fit & finish my vote's for the Sebenza Integral Lock.

As for the hypothetical and extremely unlikely SD scenario..... I'm not going to even bother chipping in - there are just too many variables and the General Forum is not the appropriate place to be discussing this topic.
 
VG10 said:
There is a lot to say for quick, easy one handed closing... It's pretty much the best feature the axis lock has to offer, but it also is a pretty strong lock that is just fine for any cutting tasks. Though I don't think it will hold 300+ lbs.
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Pretty certain I've heard it's been tested to around 800 lbs. (fwiw)
 
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