BM 520 AXIS lock broken?

Devilnut · Oct 20, 2005

I had my 520 in my pocket and I was absently thumbing the axis bar when it just "went dead" - I didn't hear any pops or any other noises that would have lead me to think that something had broken, but now there is no tension in the axis bar at all. Have any of you guys experienced anything like this? I will be sending the knife back to Benchmade. Does anyone have an email address so that I can let someone know that it's coming?

Shmackey · Oct 20, 2005

You mean the bar is just flapping around in its slot? On an intact version, you should be able to see where the two omega springs (one per side) attach to the bar. Are they there?

Devilnut · Oct 20, 2005

Yes, the omega springs are still attached to the bar, but they rotate as you move the bar.

shpshooter · Oct 20, 2005

That is interesting, unless both broke at the same time or one was already broken and you just broke the second one you should still have tension on the axis bar. If they both broke at the same time there may have been a defect in the springs that BM should know about. It is possible the springs just popped out of their holes in the liner, but I believe the scales prevent this. I would definately send it back. Shoot an e-mail over to repair@benchmade.com and they will be able to help you. Angie and the rest of the staff at Benchmades repair department are great.

the possum · Oct 21, 2005

Eh. Sounds like the omega springs broke, to me. This has happened to lots of people here, including myself. It has happened far too many times over a couple years for it to be a "bad batch". It's just poor design, which I saw from the start. I bought one anyway since even with the flawed springs, it's a great design.

So yeah, ship it to Benchmade & they'll fix it.

Artfully Martial · Oct 21, 2005

Far too many times? First time I've heard of it. Everyone, post your axis lock problems so I can guage this better.

marauder220 · Oct 22, 2005

I've owned easily 30 or so AXIS models since they've come out, and in some cases grossly abused them. If both springs failed in the exact same way, then the result would be similar to what is described, i.e. no tension left on the bar, similar would happen if the springs slipped off their anchoring points.
The chances of both going at the same time is rather remote, I'd definatly send it in and BM will make it right. Did you take it apart previously?
BM's great to deal with for anything, and the AXIS is FAR from being a "poor design". Being that you bought one anyway possum, which is it? You go from poor design to it being a great design now that you own one?

Devilnut · Oct 23, 2005

Marauder,
I have never taken the knife apart. Like I said, I didn't feel anything that made me think that the springs had worked themselves loose. The remarkable thing is that there was no hint of a problem before the bar simply lost all tension.

I have been busy with work, where I am unable to access my personal email, and have not as yet had a chance to contact Benchmade. It is not my intent to cast doubts as to the quality of BM's products, however, that being said, I am glad my fingers weren't in the way when it gave out.
-Rad

the possum · Oct 24, 2005

marauder220 said:
BM's great to deal with for anything, and the AXIS is FAR from being a "poor design". Being that you bought one anyway possum, which is it? You go from poor design to it being a great design now that you own one?

Alright, I should have worded that better, as also evidenced by Artfully Martial's new thread.

I believe the spring is a poor design. I feel they could have come up with a spring design that was much more robust and reliable instead of inventing/using the omega spring design.

Otherwise, I really like the axis lock concept. -The sliding bar that blocks the tang, supported by metal handle liners, etc. I think the overall idea is ingenious, so I went ahead and bought an Ares despite my objections about the spring.