EDC Quest

[EDCeeker]

First I was all set to get a Ritter Mini-RSK. Then I read about issues with S30V steel chipping. Researched some more, and was all set to pull the trigger on the Benchmade 556 Mini-Grip with 154CM steel. Then I read this:

http://sigforum.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/340601935/m/636102265



So, I thought, maybe an axis-lock ain't such a good idea, after all.

Wouldn't you just hate to have TEOTWAWKI, all you have with you is your trusty EDC knife, flashlight and pistol (you couldn't get to your bug-out stuff). So there you are, surviving TEOTWAWKI, and your Benchmade's axis-lock fails!

Okay, so I don't *really* expect or fear TEOTWAWKI, and two reports of failures doesn't necessarily a pattern make, but still...

I'm thinkin' maybe something with a traditional lock-back or liner-lock would be the better way to go. (Liner-locks appear to more-readily lend themselves to one-handed operation?) Problem is: *All* of Benchmade's small pocket-folders are axis-lock, looks like. Been searching, reading since last night. Ideally: I'd have everything the same as a Mini-Grip (the size, the handle composition and ergos, the modified drop-point blade of 154CM steel, the thumb-studs), but with liner-lock. Doesn't appear to exist?

Many of the possibilities I've identified use AUS 8 or AUS 8A steel. How do those compare to 154CM?

Suggestions?

 

[silenthunterstudios]

DO NOT FEAR THE AXIS LOCK, EMBRACE IT.

Go ahead and get a mini Ritter Grip. As long as you don't abuse your knife, Ritter, Aeromedix and Benchmade stand behind their product.

 

[Redguy]

Many of the possibilities I've identified use AUS 8 or AUS 8A steel. How do those compare to 154CM?

154CM will hold it's edge longer, overall toughness, stain resistance is nearly the same. 154CM is better steel, but AUS-8 isn't bad either.

Why don't you try a Benchmade Monocrome? It's an inexpensive, sturdy, quality knife.

 

[irabren]

the axis lock is great! - the best lock !

 

[orthogonal1]

When I'm thinking of a knife and am unable to recall a name, I'll do the old ebay search. 154CM, ats34, ats, 154, or such in the titles and descriptions search should turn up some possibilities. Even when not planning on buying, it gives a reasonable start of a search.

On to the topic.

Yeah, there have been some failures of the springs in the axis knives, but I'm thinking the incidence is reasonably uncommon.

That 154cm is a better steel than AUS8 I think is pretty much agreed upon for general use pocket knives.

Have you looked at some of the VG10 knives? Better steel than AUS8, IMO. Spyderco is the main U.S. seller, but some of the Japanese offerings probably meet your decriptive needs more. MCusta and such.

 

[JWBirch]

You can get the Ritter in M2. It is a non-stainless steel, but I think most folks around here would agree that for most general purpose needs it is as good or better than the S30V model.

 

[mr.trooper]

First I was all set to get a Ritter Mini-RSK. Then I read about issues with S30V steel chipping. Researched some more, and was all set to pull the trigger on the Benchmade 556 Mini-Grip with 154CM steel. Then I read this:

http://sigforum.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/340601935/m/636102265



So, I thought, maybe an axis-lock ain't such a good idea, after all.

Wouldn't you just hate to have TEOTWAWKI all you have with you is your trusty EDC knife, flashlight and pistol (you couldn't get to your bug-out stuff). So there you are, surviving TEOTWAWKI, and your Benchmade's axis-lock fails!

Okay, so I don't *really* expect or fear TEOTWAWKI, and two reports of failures doesn't necessarily a pattern make, but still...

I'm thinkin' maybe something with a traditional lock-back or liner-lock would be the better way to go. (Liner-locks appear to more-readily lend themselves to one-handed operation?) Problem is: *All* of Benchmade's small pocket-folders are axis-lock, looks like. Been searching, reading since last night. Ideally: I'd have everything the same as a Mini-Grip (the size, the handle composition and ergos, the modified drop-point blade of 154CM steel, the thumb-studs), but with liner-lock. Doesn't appear to exist?

Many of the possibilities I've identified use AUS 8 or AUS 8A steel. How do those compare to 154CM?

Suggestions?

What you neeed is to stop blubbering about TEOTWAWKI and a few scattered lock failures and come back to the real world. ALL lock designes fail eventualy. Once you get practical instead of tactical finding an apropriate EDC will be MUCH more easy, and even if the SHTF, ZOMBOCALYPS, or whatever actualy happens youl still be sitting prety.

Dont worry about 154CM. AUS 8 is plenty for an EDC. 440C is great also. When you start going past these steels, the marginal benifit of each upgrade becomes exponentialy LESS.

Cheap, Affordable, Durrable EDCS are knives such as:
* Buck - Mayo Cutback / Helo
* Spyderco - Byrd Cara Cara
* Kershaw Leek
* Opinels
* Victorinox one hand openers (like the one handed Trecker)

They have TIGHT lockup, good blade steels, good durrability, and are easily affordable. If knives such as those cant do the job, then you need a fixed blade, or another tool besides a knife entierly.

Carry one of those around for a few weeks and THEN ask yourself wheather or not you need a Skirmish or SERE 2K for an ECD.

 

[puukkoman]

ISGAAL. IYDLI, SIBOSITSE.
Know what I mean?

 

[T.K.C.]

Go ahead and GET the Ritter Mini-grip!! I have one and LOVE mine!!! The Axis lock is awesome.

 

[rifon2]

If you want the Ritter, definitely get it.

The Axis Lock is excellent and has a terrific track record.

------------------

If you're concerned about the lock, get a fixed blade.

Because any type of lock on a folder can fail.

 

[WadeF]

http://sigforum.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/340601935/m/636102265

Wow, I thought some of the topics here were dumb, that one is full of idiots.

The guy admits to flicking the knife 50 times a day, everday, for 2 years. That seems a bit abusive and excessive to me. Also what model AXIS did he have? Did he take care of the knife? Did he ever lube it? Ever expose it to salt water? Who knows.

All I know is I have had 0 issues with my AXIS lock folders. I have had my 710 for over 6 years and I flick it all the time and I haven't had any problems. I do try to keep it clean and I do lube it from time to time with products like Tuf Glide and Militec-1.

Also the guy admitted 1 spring broke, but he kept using it, probably flicking it 50 times a day. Once 1 spring broke he should have sent it right back to Benchmade. I think he said it worked for a couple months after the 1st spring broke. So if you were in the field and a spring broke, chances are the other spring will keep you going until you can get the knife fixed or replaced.

I also wonder if the higher end models, 710, 806, etc, have better omega springs than the cheaper models.

The AXIS lock is just a joy to work with I would continue to use it even if I experience a spring breaking.

 

[Halfneck]

"ZOMBOCALYPS"

That made me chuckle.

Every lock can fail. Axis lock is a good lock, and Benchmade makes a quality knife. Get what is comfortable for you to carry as it won't do you any good if it's not on you.

 

[JWBirch]

You can get the Ritter in M2. It is a non-stainless steel, but I think most folks around here would agree that for most general purpose needs it is as good or better than the S30V model.

Because:
M2 will be tougher and hence stronger overall, without sacrificing much at all in the way of edge retention. And when your blade is only .115" thick, you need all the strength you can manage. M2 will sustain more abuse with fewer consequences. It is less likely to chip than s30v. You won't chip the edge when sharpening it. M2 can get as sharp or sharper than S30V.

All that said, there are other Benchmade knives in M2 and D2 that would make just as fine EDC knives as the Ritter. And the jury's still out on the Ritter s30v chipping problem: but even if it turns out to be isolated to a small batch of blades, you can't know that you're not getting a botched blade if you just order one off the internet. So I stand by my recommendation for the tool steel knife in that design.

 

[orthogonal1]

That's an interesting hypothysis, WadeF.

However, I've also read on the forums of 710 and 806 models having a failed omega.

Another thought would be the arc the springs must endure amongst the models. Is it the same?

To the topic: If you want an axis, go for it. Maybe not the "best" lock out there, but darn close to it - if not. But then I like them alot.

As an alternative, I'm suprised no one has brought up Spyderco's Ball-Bearing lock. If one of the models suits your needs, they are worth a serious look IMO.

 

[MrPres]

Problem is: *All* of Benchmade's small pocket-folders are axis-lock, looks like.

Check out the Skirmish/mini-skirmish. Great titanium frame lock from Benchmade

 

[T.K.C.]

I LOVE the Ritter Mini-grip!! Which is why I ordered a second one, with the M2. It IS an EXCELLENT knife!

 

[Hair]

S30V is fantastic. The Axis lock is fantastic.

Stories about S30V chipping and Axis locks failing are more rumors than truth. Yes, S30V has chipped, and yes Axis locks have failed, but it is only the magic of the internet that have made these occurances seem anything but unbelievably rare.

If you are going to not get a certain lock because there are stories of it failing, then I suggest a slipjoint or fixed blade, because every lock has its detractors and stories of it failing. And they all do fail.

 

[mr.trooper]

"ZOMBOCALYPS"

That made me chuckle.

Every lock can fail. Axis lock is a good lock, and Benchmade makes a quality knife. Get what is comfortable for you to carry as it won't do you any good if it's not on you.

Wiskey-Tango-Foxtrot.