How do those Omega springs handle water?

[craytab]

I while ago comeuppance started this thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ons-Experiences-Why-is-it-so-rarely-discussed

I expressed concern over the rust resistance of the internals on an Axis lock knife (omega springs). Well, I got a chance to test my concerns. I was on vacation for 12 days. Went to see a guy in Orlando that was mouse related. Anyway, I forgot my h1 salt. This knife has been fantastic and has gone everywhere with me when water is involved. It is the perfect water knife for me. When I realized I forgot it I was like: NOOOO!

I did bring along the 915 Triage I won in a USA Made Blade GAW (thanks again whitty). I took it in various swimming pools and thousands of sweaty steps. No salt water though. Certainly far from a scientific test but I was pleasantly surprised when I got home and took it apart. Not a bit of corrosion anywhere. So, I am curious to hear other people's experiences with their axis lock knives, or any knives really, when you have had them in water. Did they rust?

 

[Czechmate]

I don't believe you; that knife still looks minty fresh inside...





Pretty cool that it stayed so clean; the 915 has been on my list and now I want one even more. :foot:

 

[craytab]

I don't believe you; that knife still looks minty fresh inside...





Pretty cool that it stayed so clean; the 915 has been on my list and now I want one even more. :foot:

Oh come on! Don't you see all the lint in dust in the picture? Though there is more on the table than the knife.


Seriously though, it is a fine knife and held up better than I expected. 12 days of pool water, sunscreen, and sweat. No worse for wear.

 

[Professor]

I have the BM Axis dive folder with the N680 blade (bottom folder pictured):

It's mostly a folding kitchen knife for me, but I do take it to the beach and swim and snorkel in the ocean with it (going on three years). I rinse it in the sink with fresh water upon returning to the beach house, and as a result have never had problems with the internals/springs, etc. There is a tiny hint of corrosion where the stop pin meets the inside of liner. I think some salt water pooled and got trapped in that little crevice, but could easily be cleaned up with some oil on a Q-tip. I just leave it alone, as it gets rinsed often as a kitchen knife.

The BM dive folder has high-polished (near mirror) 410 stainless liners and standoff's to avoid surface micro-crevices for salt water to get into. The Triage, on the other hand, has black-oxide coated liners that I have no idea on in terms of resistance. I will say this, having carried a BM705 mini Axis years ago, hand sweat made it between the liners and the G10 scales and created some brown rust and a hint of pitting. It had satin-finished 410 liners. It cleaned up ok, but had to of course be completely disassembled and sanded -- Flitz alone did not remove it all. Chances are, if I had rinsed it in fresh water regularly, it would have been fine.

 

[Lycosa]

I'd love to see a BM TANTO dive folder.

 

[kniferbro]

I have the BM Axis dive folder with the N680 blade (bottom folder pictured):

It's mostly a folding kitchen knife for me, but I do take it to the beach and swim and snorkel in the ocean with it (going on three years). I rinse it in the sink with fresh water upon returning to the beach house, and as a result have never had problems with the internals/springs, etc. There is a tiny hint of corrosion where the stop pin meets the inside of liner. I think some salt water pooled and got trapped in that little crevice, but could easily be cleaned up with some oil on a Q-tip. I just leave it alone, as it gets rinsed often as a kitchen knife.

The BM dive folder has high-polished (near mirror) 410 stainless liners and standoff's to avoid surface micro-crevices for salt water to get into. The Triage, on the other hand, has black-oxide coated liners that I have no idea on in terms of resistance. I will say this, having carried a BM705 mini Axis years ago, hand sweat made it between the liners and the G10 scales and created some brown rust and a hint of pitting. It had satin-finished 410 liners. It cleaned up ok, but had to of course be completely disassembled and sanded -- Flitz alone did not remove it all. Chances are, if I had rinsed it in fresh water regularly, it would have been fine.

So are the springs the same as their stock springs or does BM use more corrosion resistant springs on the h2o/dive knives?

 

[D-R0CK]

I'd love to see a BM TANTO dive folder.

Why? The purpose of a tanto is the OPPOSITE of most dive blades...

Do you mean you want a waterproof/rust resistant BM tanto folder?

 

[Professor]

So are the springs the same as their stock springs or does BM use more corrosion resistant springs on the h2o/dive knives?

Same springs as far as I know. I asked back in the day and was told by BM that the omega springs were stainless, for what that's worth.

 

[JR88FAN]

If the Omega springs are not stainless and you put them into salt water for any length of time, you would notice that right away, as salt and HC steel have a relatively instant reaction.

That being said, I am sure they are stainless, but not very likely that it's anything more then the minimal amount of Chromium to make steel "stainless"

They would be made of a steel that could endure regular EDC use in all climates, high humidity etc, but I would guess that salt water would be pushing it.... maybe a little soap and a good rinse, after a dip in the salt water should do the trick in terms of removing any salt.