BM 943 Axis lock versus Endura 4 lockback test results

B

bk400

Joined
Nov 1, 2005
Messages
172
Okay, okay. I'm relatively new to the forum, but I decided to test a "lightweight" BM axis lock (the 943) against an Endura 4 lockback using repeated high impact spine to edge whacks. I've read everywhere that the axis lock is both reliable and strong, particularly under static loads. I'm guessing that most would agree that it takes a heavier static load to cause the 943 axis lock to fail than the Endura 4, which is heavy duty rated by Sal & Company. This said, my hypothesis is that under repeated, high impact spine to edge whacks (each of which do not come close to the reaching the static load failure level) the lockback would perform better because the axis lock would be prone to "rattling" and "inching" back slightly with each whack, which could ultimately cause a failure.

During my test, I whacked each knife rapidly against a concrete wall 30 times in a timed 30 secs. While neither knife failed, by the end of the test, the 943's lock bar was slanted heavily toward one side (as if one pulled back on the lock bar with the thumb but not the index finger). The Endura showed no difference.

I don't know what this means, if anything. Any thoughts?
 
I'm thinking that it cuts toward the argument that well made lockbacks can be more reliable than axis locks under more common stresses. I'm more likely to repeatedly bang the spine of my folder under MBC or hard utility use than hang a weight from the blade. But I'm too new to really know if this makes sense. Most on the forum really like the axis.
 
Well, one thing to watch out for when spine whacking lockbacks is that they occasionally fracture.

They all work the same way...they latch on somehow to the tang and don't let go.

An interesting test.
 
While I do enjoy the fact that the lockback won this round, only testing one of each knife doesn't really give a representative example of each's strength. Cool test though, should you get the chance to perform it on others as well, let us know your findings.
 
Unfortunately, not for free. But I have a couple of the Endura 4s, and the 943 is not one of my favorite axis locks. I just figured I had to try the test for myself.

Artfully Martial, what do you mean by the lockback fracturing? Do you mean the tang itself splits where the locking mechanism engages?
 
bk400 said:
Unfortunately, not for free. But I have a couple of the Endura 4s, and the 943 is not one of my favorite axis locks. I just figured I had to try the test for myself.

Artfully Martial, what do you mean by the lockback fracturing? Do you mean the tang itself splits where the locking mechanism engages?
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I believe he is referring to the lockbar fracturing. I believe in tests like these the piece of the lockbar that hooks into the notch on the tang will break off of the lockbar allowing the blade to close.
 
That's the one...the lockbar...I guess it simply doesn't have the room for flex like a lot of other locks have. I'm sure others know way more about it than I do. The only point being that lockbacks don't seem to gradually worsen...if the lock is abused, it might hold up from the one accidental spine whack and fold completely on the next. Just something to watch out for.

I'm not a big lockback fan, although I see one in my near future. I haven't bought a lockback in...maybe 9 years now. Well, for myself to keep. I've gone through a tons of lockback spydercos (that worked perfectly, by the way) that I gave away as presents.
 
Artfully Martial said:
That's the one...the lockbar...I guess it simply doesn't have the room for flex like a lot of other locks have.
Click to expand...

I believe that Spyderco engineers a slight amount of vertical play into their lockbacks for just that reason, but I've not heard any official word from Spyderco on that subject. Great test idea.
 
Ahh. So that's why I've read the Spyderco lockbacks have vertical play built in. Never really thought that this could be the reason. I thought it was just a function of wear in the lockback.
 
On the job years ago I used to "cut" burnt-out 8' flourescent tubes to a length that would fit in the dumpster by whacking them with the back of the blade of my Parker lockback knife. I didn't do it all that often, but one day the tang broke clear across from the lock notch through the pin hole. So it's not just the lockbar that can fail from impact stress like that.
 
Mahoney said:
On the job years ago I used to "cut" burnt-out 8' flourescent tubes to a length that would fit in the dumpster by whacking them with the back of the blade of my Parker lockback knife. I didn't do it all that often, but one day the tang broke clear across from the lock notch through the pin hole. So it's not just the lockbar that can fail from impact stress like that.
Click to expand...

I'd worry less about your broken knife and more about cancer.
 
well it seems you are one for testing theories, but i have to say, why wreck a perfectly good Benchmade! and next time you decide you dont like one, just send it my way! "poor little Benchmade, ill protect you from the bad man":(
 
BadKarma -- here's the kicker: both knives still work just fine. No significant play in either blade. The finish on both blades got all scratched up, but I'm not picky about that. For me, the risk of damage was worth the peace of mind.
 
bk400 said:
Ahh. So that's why I've read the Spyderco lockbacks have vertical play built in. Never really thought that this could be the reason. I thought it was just a function of wear in the lockback.
Click to expand...
Or just a defect??I don't think they should have any play at all if properly designed.
 
bk400 said:
BadKarma -- here's the kicker: both knives still work just fine. No significant play in either blade. The finish on both blades got all scratched up, but I'm not picky about that. For me, the risk of damage was worth the peace of mind.
Click to expand...

well im glad that it held up and that you wernt "too" mean to it :o

them Benchmades is mighty fine knives!
 
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