Best lock, AXIS?

Really? Tell that to my 710 that I've had since 2000...
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You're one of the lucky ones. Omega springs are very inconsistent.

Originally Posted by Lock1454
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
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Here we go...

istock_can-of-worms.jpg
 
For me, a lefty compression RIL is my dream lock, followed by lefty RIL.

Axis and lockback rate about the same-axis lock knives usually have an open spine, but I just like lockbacks.

Liner locks are great if they're done well-e.g Spyderco Military, BM AFCK (the linerlock, not the 806) and ZT0200. The ZT is one of the strongest folding knives, aintit? Only problem I have with liner locks is that they're usually right handed.
 
wongKI said:
For me, a lefty compression RIL is my dream lock, followed by lefty RIL.

Axis and lockback rate about the same-axis lock knives usually have an open spine, but I just like lockbacks.

Liner locks are great if they're done well-e.g Spyderco Military, BM AFCK (the linerlock, not the 806) and ZT0200. The ZT is one of the strongest folding knives, aintit? Only problem I have with liner locks is that they're usually right handed.
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that's an interesting idea, I'm not very familiar with a compression lock, I thought it was a slightly modified linerlock, where it's swtiched on the spine side. would it be possible to make a frame-compression lock?

btw, what's with some linerlock knives not being drilled for left-handed carry, but are drilled for BOTH tip-up and tip-down right-handed carry :(
 
tf8s said:
that's an interesting idea, I'm not very familiar with a compression lock, I thought it was a slightly modified linerlock, where it's swtiched on the spine side. would it be possible to make a frame-compression lock?

btw, what's with some linerlock knives not being drilled for left-handed carry, but are drilled for BOTH tip-up and tip-down right-handed carry :(
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yes:
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Spyderco ATR
 
wow. I've never even that before. what's the advantage to having the compression lock as part of the frame? does your grip strengthen a compression lock as it would with a RIL?
 
tf8s said:
wow. I've never even that before. what's the advantage to having the compression lock as part of the frame? does your grip strengthen a compression lock as it would with a RIL?
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Possibly, but I think the real advantage of an integral compression lock lies in the fact that the material being wedged is thicker, thus it is a bit stronger than a non-integral compression lock would be. I could be wrong though.
 
loonybin said:
Really? Tell that to my 710 that I've had since 2000...

Besides, even if both springs were to wear out, send it to BM and they'll replace them.
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missin_hobo said:
You're one of the lucky ones. Omega springs are very inconsistent.
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<----Been using my BM Grip for like 6 years now and still no problems. Use it many times and day and just "flick" it for fun pretty often.

Basically the AXIS lock works for me. Is it the best/strongest? Hell if I know, however I do know I like it and again...it works for me.


daddÿ
 
The axis (and its derivatives like the ball bearing lock) is a good system but it does violate the KISS principle in that it relies on springs to function. If you like the axis but hate the omega springs then you might want to try one of the variants that uses a (more reliable) coil spring like the Hawk DOG or Spyderco caged ball.

For the best combination of strength and simplicity the compression lock such as used on the Spyderco ATR or Paramilitary has to get the nod...followed closely by the frame lock design.

My carry knives run the gamut with the exception of the liner lock. The only liner lock I still use is a Kershaw Random Task and it just gets used around the house.

That said, I think a lot of this talk about lock strength is just hobbyist talk with not a lot of practical difference. I don't recall ever having a knife lock fail and none of my friends has ever mentioned it. I think the quality of the maker matters more than the type of lock. Even though I'm not a liner lock fan I would certainly rather have a Spyderco Military than a $10 flea market lock back.
 
Jiggly - I was talking about liner locks primarily, they don't get the benefit of increased lock security from the user's grip. And as far as the deployment vs closing speed/method, that was just something thrown in as an afterthought because tf8s mentioned a knife's ability to be easily closed one handed so that it wouldn't be something you need to be concerned with if you decided to run (running with a knife is even worse than running with scissors! :p)

tf8s = I personally don't hate liner locks (I own quite a few), but the resentment does exist. Whenever a "Which lock is better?" or some other thread of that ilk pops up, there are inevitably people who respond in that fashion and cite that the lock is too weak and/or could be disengaged from the user's own grip.

Ahhh, I was thinking more along the lines of the lock failing or disengaging through the user's own fault, didn't really give much thought to the other party reaching in and trying to disengage the lock or it somehow being pushed hard enough with some sort of rub.

As far as the closing thing goes, imagine closing both a liner/frame lock knife and an axis knife. When you close the liner/frame lock, you are putting your thumb in the way of the blade's path as it closes. The axis lock however has you grabbing the lock studs on either side of the handle and keeps your fingers clear of that channel. I think we can all imagine in a time where we are acting quickly and not being very deliberate that you could catch your thumb, possibly pretty well, while closing a liner/frame lock. Not to say you couldn't mess up and cut yourself while closing a liner/frame lock, trust me I know lol. My BM551 took a nibble out of my finger while I was playing with it while watching the game a few months ago. But yeah, don't imagine mistakenly cutting yourself while getting ready to run would be the best of things given the situation.

Goodeye - I think I addressed these points pretty much up there.

Missin - Mmmm! Just like mama used to make! :D
 
You guys worry too much....switch to decaf....

While I *prefer* frame locks, I could get along just fine with any of the others mentioned....(I DO admit to being impressed by that one Cold Steel video where they hung about 600 pounds of weight on one of their big-ass folders without popping the lock)
 
I myself prefer either a AXIS Lock knife to carry for EDC or a frame lock, that being said, I think the AXIS lock has been tested to with stand 800lbs before breaking... This does not mean I am going to go out and try this but I do carry these variations on Duty and trust them with my life..
 
loonybin said:
Really? Tell that to my 710 that I've had since 2000...

Besides, even if both springs were to wear out, send it to BM and they'll replace them.
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really? my 530's springs broke in 13 months. plus i like RIL framelocks the best. they are extremely strong and there is not much to break. on the axis lock the tiny thin springs that make it work are it's achilles heel. i also find in most situations i do not have to close my knife extremely fast. that being said my EDC is a spyderco paramilitary. and i can flick it closed as easily as i flick it open. just my experience.
 
Why all the controversial on knife locks? All well made locking type are more than strong enough for most tasks they were designed to do. A Swiss Army slip joint knife serve me just fine.
 
I like the Triad lock followed by the ball bearing lock third would be axis, fourth caged ball bearing, fifth compression lock (I love this one it's personal,) sixth a good sturdy lockback, seventh a good sturdy framelock, and lowly last a liner lock which in general (although there are probably exceptions) would be the last thing I would want to deal with in a SD situation.

What use is easy one hand closing, aside from assassination and or evading the law, in a non utility combat SD situation

Oh I forgot to look cool after the kill to each their own just kidding
 
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