I love the axis lock... but hate the Omega springs.

[The_Iron_Joe]

My first really good folder above $150 was the 940. I carried that thing everywhere, and did every kind of cutting task with it for over a year. One of my favorite designs. Now I can't carry it anymore.

The omega springs keep breaking.

I don't know why, but not just my 940 has lost it's omega springs; my mini Barage, mini Griptillian and 530 Pardue have all had their springs break. I'm not exactly a habitual flipper, yet the springs have all given out.

Benchmade doesn't want to send out omega springs and I'm not really willing to send my knives over the border; I've lost expensive things that way a few times, including knives. Kind of wish I could buy a big box of springs, because as is, I won't be buying any more axis lock Benchmades, I can't afford it.

Not a hate thread, more of a sad thread; the axis lock is still one of my favorite designs.

 

[BMCGear]

Have you talked to them about not being in the US?

 

[longun]

I wish they could go to a pair of coil springs, but that might be considered a Spyderco caged ball lock. And I wish companies wouldn't think that all of us are a bunch on non mechanical idiots. I've been tearing things apart and putting them back together since I could hold a screwdriver, and it's kind of insulting when a company won't sell parts. I love the Axis lock too. But if you have that much trouble with them, try one of the Spyderco caged ball knives.

 

[pnsxyr]

Sorry to hear of the issues! I've not had many issues with omega springs at all myself, but I'm pretty adamant about lubricating them since they are a metal-on-metal contact item. I use a grease on them and think it extends the service life a good bit.

I think you could probably send the Benchmade rep on this forum a message and hopefully work something out to save you on shipping, as they are a really responsive company to customer concerns and issues.

 

[The_Iron_Joe]

Have you talked to them about not being in the US?

Yes, I mentioned that to them in my first email, unfortunately.

I wish they could go to a pair of coil springs, but that might be considered a Spyderco caged ball lock. And I wish companies wouldn't think that all of us are a bunch on non mechanical idiots. I've been tearing things apart and putting them back together since I could hold a screwdriver, and it's kind of insulting when a company won't sell parts. I love the Axis lock too. But if you have that much trouble with them, try one of the Spyderco caged ball knives.

I've got a Spyderco Phoenix, it has more of an open ball lock. I understand why you made the recommendation though, I've yet to have any issue with it.

Sorry to hear of the issues! I've not had many issues with omega springs at all myself, but I'm pretty adamant about lubricating them since they are a metal-on-metal contact item. I use a grease on them and think it extends the service life a good bit.

I think you could probably send the Benchmade rep on this forum a message and hopefully work something out to save you on shipping, as they are a really responsive company to customer concerns and issues.

I may end up doing that; I'm on basically my last pair of springs, I've taken them out of less expensive others and into the 940 so I can carry it for a little while longer, at least.

 

[Squashfan]

I have heard it is possible to make those springs out of guitar string. I used to have the recipe two or three computers ago.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

I've never broken an omega spring since they first came out with my first gen 730 Ares, I had a conservation with a friend whose a knife maker machinist and we came to the conclusion that the biggest reason for failure of the omega springs are because they are not completely dried when wet, the design makes it hard to get all the moisture out as a result the springs get rust spots on them.

Having such a small diameter wire and considering the size and location of the rust spots that form it weakens the omega spring and the flexing week typically break the spring radius/curve of the spring where the most stress is applied during compression of the spring when opening and closing the blade.

Best solution is keep it that free, use compressed air to dry the knife completely, if you don't have compressed air, hot water, as hot as you can get it, this hastens the drying because the knife and liners become a great sink holding the temperature and helping to more thoroughly dry the internals, kinda like a dishwasher does to keep the glasses from spotting.

What ever the way you dry it the point is to dry it completely, even a little rust on the spring will begin to weaken it and make it prone to failure.

JMHO & 2¢ worth.

 

[The_Iron_Joe]

I have heard it is possible to make those springs out of guitar string. I used to have the recipe two or three computers ago.

Sounds interesting, I may be searching for that soon.

I've never broken an omega spring since they first came out with my first gen 730 Ares, I had a conservation with a friend whose a knife maker machinist and we came to the conclusion that the biggest reason for failure of the omega springs are because they are not completely dried when wet, the design makes it hard to get all the moisture out as a result the springs get rust spots on them.

Having such a small diameter wire and considering the size and location of the rust spots that form it weakens the omega spring and the flexing week typically break the spring radius/curve of the spring where the most stress is applied during compression of the spring when opening and closing the blade.

Best solution is keep it that free, use compressed air to dry the knife completely, if you don't have compressed air, hot water, as hot as you can get it, this hastens the drying because the knife and liners become a great sink holding the temperature and helping to more thoroughly dry the internals, kinda like a dishwasher does to keep the glasses from spotting.

What ever the way you dry it the point is to dry it completely, even a little rust on the spring will begin to weaken it and make it prone to failure.

JMHO & 2¢ worth.

Good suggestions, maybe that'll save my springs next time.

 

[billym]

I've never broken an omega spring since they first came out with my first gen 730 Ares, I had a conservation with a friend whose a knife maker machinist and we came to the conclusion that the biggest reason for failure of the omega springs are because they are not completely dried when wet, the design makes it hard to get all the moisture out as a result the springs get rust spots on them.

Having such a small diameter wire and considering the size and location of the rust spots that form it weakens the omega spring and the flexing week typically break the spring radius/curve of the spring where the most stress is applied during compression of the spring when opening and closing the blade.

Best solution is keep it that free, use compressed air to dry the knife completely, if you don't have compressed air, hot water, as hot as you can get it, this hastens the drying because the knife and liners become a great sink holding the temperature and helping to more thoroughly dry the internals, kinda like a dishwasher does to keep the glasses from spotting.

What ever the way you dry it the point is to dry it completely, even a little rust on the spring will begin to weaken it and make it prone to failure.

JMHO & 2¢ worth.

Good thoughts. I have half a dozen BM "users" with Axis locks. the oldest is from 2003 not one Omega spring broken. I have used one of the Mini Grips around water but have not noticed any issues. BM should send them out since they are not to hard to remove/install once you are comfortable taking the knives apart.
OP sorry to hear you are having issues.

 

[BMCGear]

Give them a call and explain to them how hard it is to get your knife across the boarder and back safely. They have sent springs to other countries for the same reason.

 

[Redmasta]

Wow you are definitely unlucky, I have yet to have one break (knock on wood). That being said I think it's beyond ridiculous that Benchmade refuses to send out replacement omega springs. Kershaw for example will send out speed safe springs so you don't have to send back the entire knife which is a huge hassle.

If Benchmade is that worried maybe they should have some sort of request/liability form that states they are not responsible for any damage done to the knife or yourself during replacement of the springs. Taking apart the knife is not rocket science...

 

[glocker199]

Why does it seem like most people have no problem with omega springs, a few seem to break them constantly, and almost no in between?

 

[T. Erdelyi]

IIRC when the Axis™ lock first came out there were issues in regards to the heat treat where a lot of springs were too brittle but those should have been replaced by now and the mistempered ones left surely have been weeded out.

I'm sure if someone were to make replacement springs they'd sell like crazy but I'm also sure that their Omega Spring design is still under the protection of the patent laws.

I should make a few outta piano wire and see how well they hold up... I could do a review....

 

[338375]

IIRC when the Axis™ lock first came out there were issues in regards to the heat treat where a lot of springs were too brittle but those should have been replaced by now and the mistempered ones left surely have been weeded out.

I'm sure if someone were to make replacement springs they'd sell like crazy but I'm also sure that their Omega Spring design is still under the protection of the patent laws.

I should make a few outta piano wire and see how well they hold up... I could do a review....

I don't remember where I read it Ted, but I do remember reading about a person who did make some, and hadn't had any failures sense.
The water/rust issue is a possibility. It does seem odd that one person can have multiple knives, and all have failed.

I got my first BM probably about 20 years ago, and have since owned roughly 14. All have been Axis locks, and I have yet to have a failure.

 

[The_Iron_Joe]

I agree with the general thought here that rust is a primary factor. Perhaps I should be looking for better grease, maybe give ball bearing grease a try...

Anyone know of a specific product that won't dissipate noticeably over time?

EDIT; still going to see if I can get springs brought in.

 

[MobileFireLord]

I use Slip 2000 EWL. Also Miltech-1, CLP does the job in lubricating AXIS lock and omega spring as well.

 

[WCEDC]

I'm like the rest of the guys on here: I've never had an omega spring break on me before. I believe drying is the most important thing, and I do what some here have mentioned already.. I'll repeat it since I do it a bit differently. If I wash my knife, which I rarely do, I use hot water, and shake the water out as best I can, opening and closing the blade and moving the AXIS bar over, so I can maximize the amount of water I get out of the knife. Then, I place the hair dryer next to it, on the lowest temperature for maybe 5 minutes, and then move my knife to a different position, let it sit for 2 minutes, and keep doing that, for maybe 15 minutes or so? that seems to get all the water out. Another solution is to either take it apart, or bombard that thing with WD-40. Oil and Water don't mix, so the Oil will move all the water out of the way, and then you can get rid of any extra WD-40, and apply your usual lube.

I've also heard you can make Omega Springs from Piano Wire.
If you're able to make them yourself, I'd suggest looking into the most stainless steel you can find, and buying some wire in it, and using it, since I've heard piano wire rusts even easier than Omega Springs...

Good luck.

 

[Silverdagger]

Get yourself a lockback, like a Spyderco and you won't ever have to worry again.

 

[Honed_Edge]

Get yourself a lockback, like a Spyderco and you won't ever have to worry again.

Or a liner lock, caged ball bearing lock, frame lock, compression lock, slip joint.... there are lots of options. However, many of us buy BM's because we like the action of the Axis lock. After carrying an 940-1 for a month, I put my Sage 2 back in the pocket. I noticed instantly that I prefer the Axis. This was the same for a Grip and a Endura 4. Some, very fer actually, have any problems with springs breaking. For the rest of us, the Axis lock is super strong and more importantly it's super easy and convenient. I can one hand open and close all my knife, but not like an Axis lock.

Don't say ever... http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/822011-Hey-guess-what-happened-to-my-Spyderco-Endura

 

[The_Iron_Joe]

I got some bearing grease on the springs now. The action is much improved and with the amount I put on, hopefully it'll stay that way for a long time without failure.

I was actually a Spyderco fan before I got into Benchmade, I still carry them often. I like the axis lock, the action is awesome, just like Honed_Edge said. My favorite pairing is my ZT-560CBCF in back pocket and my 940 or Delica or Caly 3 CF in front. When I feel like a change, it's usually the 940 that gets swapped out, but still.