How reliable are omega springs?

pbcg said:
I was relating my observations of posts I've read over the years nothing more. I CLEARLY say "Not saying that's the cause but a common theme"

Not sure why you repeatedly can't seem to comprehend that? But no worries, my "bubble" hasen't been burst..
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It was meant in a friendly way - it was obvious to me that you didn't need any convincing. Oh well...
 
crom said:
Also, you have a second as backup if one fails. They are supposed to work with one spring in use. Breaking two simultaneously would happen when you find a unicorn eating 4 leaf clovers.
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- After my first Omega spring broke, I continued to use the knife for a few more weeks. The second spring broke at that time.
 
Professor said:
Never an issue here either. I'm one of those guys who might just have a backup (or several) for his favorite Axis folder, so my hand is filled should the one with the broken spring(s) have to return to the Motherland for repair.

My question is, with all the pimp'n and modd'n of knives going on out there, how come no one has made any aftermarket Omega springs? Perhaps thicker with a little more tension? Perhaps titanium?

I give ti framelocks the nod for overall simplicity (and probably reliability also), especially with the steel lockbar inserts which to me are a great phase of evolution for the framelock in regard to long-term wear. But like Redmasta, the speed of opening and closing, and the manner of the locking mech wearing "in" a opposed to "out" keep me hooked on the Axis folders.
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I started making them for myself and people that need them. I use .022, .024, and .026 piano wire. Ive broke 5 over the years. Just easier to bend up some wire than sending it in.
 
707sequel said:
I started making them for myself and people that need them. I use .022, .024, and .026 piano wire. Ive broke 5 over the years. Just easier to bend up some wire than sending it in.
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What do you use to form them on? Do you do any kind of annealing at the ends? (Not trying to poach trade secrets, just interested.)
 
I don't keep it a secret. You can buy wire bending pliers with round jaws at craft stores. Thats what I use. They work great
 
707sequel said:
I don't keep it a secret. You can buy wire bending pliers with round jaws at craft stores. Thats what I use. They work great
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I love original thinking!

I have a box of BM's and I have never had a spring break. It could happen as they are man made items. But, this is a reliable system and I have seen most of the other locks fail at some point. (I normally detest liner locks...or fail locks, as I call them).
 
I have four BMs with Axis locks (two Grippies, a Mini-Rukus and a 710) and have experienced no problems whatsoever with the springs. I keep them clean and lubed with a dab of BreakFree on the pivot and the springs.
 
I own a Northfork from the Hunt series and have had no issues thus far. It's so smooth and quick that I find myself flicking it a lot too. :)
 
I have one of the first 940's, that I've had for just about forever, and it sports it's original springs. I've yet to have any problems with anything, and she gets used almost everyday. :)
 
I am a Benchmade guy. Own dozens and dozens and dozens. Probably EDC a dozen and a half. My favorite 94x has seen tons of use and more. It did break one of its springs. I decided to keep using it (it was used a lot in that time frame) and it locked up fine with only one spring left. I certainly paid more attention and never put myself in a position that if it failed I could get hurt but it never faltered. After a month I sent it in and got a blade switch (40 bucks ish).

Can they fail? Sure. To me my experience has shown me that the Axis Lock is the best OVERALL lock design out there. Is there stronger, faster, lighter, cheaper? Sure, I guess, but the whole package makes it my favorite. Would I love a Spydie/BM collaboration? Oh yea.
 
My dad has a 10+ year old 440c Griptilian and the springs have never failed.

The failures are almost certainly being reported by weeaboos that needlessly open/close their knives about 200 times per day.
 
evosbu1 said:
My dad has a 10+ year old 440c Griptilian and the springs have never failed.

The failures are almost certainly being reported by weeaboos that needlessly open/close their knives about 200 times per day.
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The 440C Mini Grip was my second BM right after they came out. My first was an early 705 that got carried for a few years. The Mini was carried daily and used hard for several years, and never broke a spring. I've been carrying another 440C Mini for the last 8 months or so, and have had no problem with the springs. Over the roughly 20 years I've been carrying and using BM's, I've never broke a spring, and I rarely if ever lube them. I just keep them cleaned out. I don't sit around and flip my knives though, and if they get wet, I blow them out.

Now watch, I'll probably break a spring today lol...
 
Man I been wanting a 940 for as long as I remember but these springs are the only reason I havnt. Maybe I should just get it dang u guys
 
I have a few benchmade knives, and have yet to have any issues with the axis locks omega springs. My 940 gets used almost everyday, and sits in my pocket when not in use. From the day I bought it, it has remained the slickest, smoothest, action of All my knives.
 
Maybe Benchmade and chime in on how did the omega springs hold up on their fatigue and aging tests. How many X number of tensions does it take to break one or how rust can affect its overall durability.
 
I'd just like to make a few points on human nature here:
It seems, to me at least, that people(most anyway) are drawn to drama and catastrophy.
That's why the news is almost always predominantly bad. It sells. There's
plenty of good news out there if people really wanted to watch it...
They also are usually creatures very easily angered and vengeful when angry.
Because of these things, if one of the millions of AXIS lock knives out there fails,
you are very likely to see it's owner post up his/her rant or complaint.
However, people develop certian expectations and take things for granted alot.
For this reason, you will probably NEVER see someone start a thread just to
say, "Thanks Benchmade! I used my knife responsibly today and it didn't break".
And even if you did, it would not become a sticky. Most people wouldn't even
read it. They'd just say, "yeah so?!?" or "For a $100 it better work right",
and that would be it.
People want restitution for thier "grievances", but appreciation is much more uncommon.
Just cause you see a few cases, doesn't mean it's happening alot.

Also, I've seen a few back springs on traditional folders break. Not just on cheap
flea market knock-offs either. Just as someone else mentioned, any man-made
mechanical item can fail.

If I were to pick a favorite or most reliable lock system, it would be between the
AXIS lock and the Tri-ad lock for me.

I hope this helps.
 
Well I went to our local store and bought a 940. Lol. I'm gonna see for myself. I carry 2 knives anyways so what do I got to lose.
 
evosbu1 said:
The failures are almost certainly being reported by weeaboos that needlessly open/close their knives about 200 times per day.
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I can tell you that I open my knives several times a day for light cutting tasks. Springs break through normal use. May not be common, but it does happen.
 
cut it out said:
Well I went to our local store and bought a 940. Lol. I'm gonna see for myself. I carry 2 knives anyways so what do I got to lose.
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The axis lock only needs one spring to work. The likelihood of both breaking at the same time are slim to none.
 
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