Best lock, AXIS?

Personally I prefer the old lockbacks, never had or seen a Buck 110's or my old Gerber Sportsman III fail on me, that said I have had a couple Shrades one Scrimshaw lockback and a Shrade linerlock fail during use, once nicking me.
 
I do like the Spyderco Military's stiff liner. Unfortunately most liner locks I have handled are not as stiff and secure but then again I am not 100 percent sure since I have not given the Spyderco Military a good thrashing to see if the lock holds up.
 
Yes the under rated fixed blade really does rock. I love fixed blades made out of good old cheaply obtained super tough, super sharp, and super edge retaining carbon steel.
 
Axis locks are good. I saw a magazine article where they test one by applying weigth to it and the blade broke before the lock showed any signs of giving out. I like framelocks also.some of them have such think cutouts that in not sure how strong they really are though. I like CRK framelocks most because they leave a nice thick cutout.
 
Like most here, I agree the Axis Lock is currently the pinnacle of knife locks.

I find it funny a left-handed user is worried about accidentally disengaging an Axis Lock but prefers liner locks.

I do hope the Spyderco Caged Ball Bearing eventually becomes as good as the Axis Lock--a Spyderco Military with an Axis Lock would be the best folder in the history of knives.
 
Pete2s said:
I find it funny a left-handed user is worried about accidentally disengaging an Axis Lock but prefers liner locks.
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I'm not worried about accidentally disengaging the axis lock; I don't know how my statement got misinterpreted to mean that. I started a thread in the practical tactial section regarding what I actually meant http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=705626

I don't see how being left-handed and prefering linerlocks means anything. a linerlock, to me, isn't a specifically-handed lock. I can easily open and close all of my frame/liner locks (except the Umnumzaan) with either hand. in my opinion the only thing that determines the handedness of a knife is the cutout for the thumbstud on each side (if there's even two, if not, then obviously it's either a lefty or righty knife) and the pockclip placement. the pocketclip placement isn't even a huge deal since using the reverse grip makes the placement appropriate for a lefty using a right-handed knife
 
Couple things to note here guys.

1. While knives CAN be used for self defense, most are not designed for it, even the ones that the marketing guys say are made for it.

2. locks are fine, you won't have a problem with ANY knife as long as you know your limits and the knife's limits.

3. Button lock is amazing, I like it better than AXIS.
 
I'd agree button locks can be as good as any Axis, ball cage, ARC, ect ect. My CRKT Lakes PAL uses a button lock and it truly feels vault-like.
 
Hey All, One lock I haven't seen mention ...unless I missed it is the "HAWK Lock". It's actually a very durable lock.

I Do Like the Axis Lock followed by the frame lock/RIL ;).

There are some folders out there that are designed for SD and use what's referred to as an MBC Rated Lock (Martial Blade Concept). These folders are dedicated to SD use. The rating goes ...200 lbs or more of lock strength per inch of blade length. For those that are interested/curious ;). Take Good Care and Be Safe Always.


-ROOK-
 
The Axis -Lock is by far my favourite : I have used Griptilians for years, and a Griptilikins Ritter since Kevin Wilkins released his custom grips (awesome BTW)...
And I DO use that knife.

Not only is that locking system fun to use but is IS strong and reliable.

A few month ago, I lost an omega spring when cleaning the knife after a weekend of bushcraft abuse : Benchmade shipped me a pair of brand new ones, with replacement screws for the pivot and a new clip, for free!

As good ol' George would say : What else...

Rémy
;)
 
remy b said:
A few month ago, I lost an omega spring when cleaning the knife after a weekend of bushcraft abuse : Benchmade shipped me a pair of brand new ones, with replacement screws for the pivot and a new clip, for free!
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I thought Benchmade always made you send the knife in for omega spring replacements. that always put me off of Benchmade a little bit (but not enough to stop me from buying the 960 :o)
 
I own lockbacks (in their various incarnations), framelocks, linerlocks, axislocks, of most good knife manufacturers. None have ever failed me, and I put my knives through fair use and a bit more sometimes. So basically it's a moot point for me, the lock is never a showstopper for me if I trust the brand itself.
But I do own one folder that easily tops them all for strength and reliability (and I've tested it severely) and that is the ER RAO. Even without the locking bar it's stronger than any other folder, and with it, it may actually rival some (thinner) fixed blades.
Where strength is concerned, no folder beats the RAO. And I don't like to make absolute claims, but this is one I don't worry about. ;)
 
greater said:
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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Ever been on a ladder with one hand full of wire that you just stripped and you have to pocket your knife to get at your screw driver.

Thank God for one hand open and close.
 
gga357 said:
Ever been on a ladder with one hand full of wire that you just stripped and you have to pocket your knife to get at your screw driver.

Thank God for one hand open and close.
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oh I didn't that part of his post until you quoted it. the situation might require you to run away (not evading the law, but running for your life). it'd be nice to close the knife easily at that point.
 
remy b said:
The Axis -Lock is by far my favourite : I have used Griptilians for years, and a Griptilikins Ritter since Kevin Wilkins released his custom grips (awesome BTW)...
And I DO use that knife.

Not only is that locking system fun to use but is IS strong and reliable.

A few month ago, I lost an omega spring when cleaning the knife after a weekend of bushcraft abuse : Benchmade shipped me a pair of brand new ones, with replacement screws for the pivot and a new clip, for free!

As good ol' George would say : What else...

Rémy
;)
Click to expand...


That is because you are not in the US. They realize that international shipping along with customs and different country's laws can make shipping a knife back and forth not worth the hassle and risks. In this case it is much easier for them to send out the springs and assume you are competent enough to replace the springs.

If you are located in the US the only way to get new ones from Benchmade is to send in the knife. Or you can do like I did when I had one break and make your own.
 
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Oftentimes a frame lock is no stronger than a liner lock because of the cutout. Even though it's thicker for most of its length, it's only as strong as the weakest part. That said, a frame lock may be more reliable because gripping the handle can further engage the lock. Also a frame lock should wear more slowly because of the larger contact area with the blade tang.
The strength ratings do seem impractical for the reason someone else gave - the knife would fly out of your hand under less pressure.
Reliability, longevity and simplicity may be the most important features.
 
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