Do you find some AXIS locks better than others?

FlaMtnBkr

FlaMtnBkr

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Oct 20, 2004
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I have mentioned this in a few threads and never got much response so thought I would start a thread addressing the subject.

Does anyone else find some Benchmade AXIS locks to perform better than others?

An example would be the 710. This is the model that the AXIS lock first came out on. The liners on the 710 do not have round cut-outs for the AXIS bar to slide through so disassembly of the knife requires the actual lock bar be taken apart. This is not a huge deal as most don't fully disassemble their knives but the newer models all (?) have a cutout so that the lock bar can slide in and out. The big difference is that you have to pull the lock bar all the way back until the travel stops for the blade to clear it and unlock.

On most of the newer models I have handled there is more room for the lock bar to travel. Some models like the 950 and 14205 have a ton of room to pull the lock bar back once it clears the blade. Other models are not quite as extreme as these but still have more 'travel' than the 710.

I find this additional room to feel better although I'm not sure I can put it into words why. On the 710, you pull it back and it stops moving and feels tight and like the spring pressure is higher. But on the 14205 you pull it back and it feels light and you can pull it back a bit and not worry about having to pull it all the way back.

Anyone else notice this? Do you find that the locks with more 'travel' feel better when using them? Any other thoughts on this? Below are some pictures. Look at the space behind the AXIS lock bar and the amount of room the bar has to travel.

What do you say? Am I crazy?

710:
BM710D2.jpg




14205:
bench_14205.jpg
 
I think some fit tighter than others, but I don't think it's exclusive to different models. I have two large Rukus and one is a lot smoother than the other.
 
I love all axis locks equally.

the pull distance isn't even something I ever thought about.
 
Skimo said:
I love all axis locks equally.

the pull distance isn't even something I ever thought about.
Click to expand...

I'll second that. Smoothness of the pull is much more obvious in use than length of pull.
 
You can oull the lock back on the 705 and the blade does not move, the 530 pushes the blade out a bit.

I prefer the 705 by far.

Carl-
 
I haven't got any BMs yet, but I'd sure like to have more travel space. I handled both models you mentioned plus a 530, and I pretty much agree.
 
Interesting. Yes, I've noticed differences in angle and travel. The thing I've noticed more is differences in the degree to which the lockbar sticks up above the scales and other ease of use issues related to scale shape. I hadn't really come to any conclusions about any particular model being harder to use in practical terms, but there definitely are differences.
 
You mentioned this on one of my threads. Then I compared my 557 to a buddies 710 and they felt similar to me in terms of travel distance of the lock. Not much if any "over-travel" on either. Spring tension was a bit less on the 557 but i actually prefer a slightly higher tension.

You recommended to me the 14205 in my thread and I almost got it but ultimately bought the 710. I dunno, it was just calling my name. ;)
 
UpChUcK said:
You mentioned this on one of my threads. Then I compared my 557 to a buddies 710 and they felt similar to me in terms of travel distance of the lock. Not much if any "over-travel" on either. Spring tension was a bit less on the 557 but i actually prefer a slightly higher tension.

You recommended to me the 14205 in my thread and I almost got it but ultimately bought the 710. I dunno, it was just calling my name. ;)
Click to expand...

It is a well loved model for a reason so I'm sure you will be happy with it. I don't mind the lock on the 710, it is still a great lock. I think the narrow blade shape and recurve have more to do with me not owning one.

There are some good points that I didn't think about and to me personally, don't change the feel of the knife as much as the travel. Lock angle, lock bar protrusion, and the lock nudging the blade out are all traits that differ with model. I'm sure to fit the lock in different designs they have to rotate it or make small modifications but it would seem that the travel could be uniform across the board.

However, it seems like I am in the minority as this being a noticeable trait which is what I was wondering.

Thanks for the replies!
 
I have a couple of BM's with Axis Locks, and generally like them - at least when they are engaged. I have a some lingering doubts about the long term durability of the wire spring that moves the stop pin, but so far so good. I think that liner locks and frame locks are simpler and less liable to break under everyday usage, but as with any mechanical device, failures happen. The bottom line is that any of these lock types (Axis, frame, liner) will suit me and not affect my choice of a knife as much as the design and quality of manufacture.
 
An Axis lock is like a mechanical watch...pure extravagance over function. Had a Rukus and felt that blade was too heavy Axis closure...have a HK14210 which is better suited for Axis.
 
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