Is the AXIS LOCK Unsuitable for SD use?

[Matador]

In a certain system in the Filipino Knife arts, there is a grip known as "sipit". It is a transitional grip change where one lightly pinches the upper part of the handle at the sides, similarly where the axis lock is located. It is here that one "might" encounter a problem. However since it is a specialized technique found within this specific system it is doubtful the regular knife handler would encounter a problem. For those who espouse the "sipit" in their aresenal, it is perhaps best to leave the "sipit" grip to a fixed blade, or one that does not have an axis/ultra type lock.

Best Regards,
Matador-

 

[enderwiggin]

This has been driving me nuts, since I haven't been able to figure out how to get an axis lock to 'accidentally' disengage in a grip.

However, I just tried something on my Griptilian that surprised me. Holding the knife with my thumb on the spine, I 'clamped down' hard on the handle, like I probably would if I were trying to hold onto the knife for dear life. Pinching the knife between the thumb on the spine and with my index on the handle, I let the knife pitch to the side as if it were being twisted in my hand.

Surprisingly, my thumb went from securely holding the knife to disengaging the axis lock as the knife twisted in my grip. I wonder if this is what Mercop was describing when he said it had failed on him in training scenarios.

I'm a little unnerved. I couldn't figure out for the life of me how anyone could 'accidentally' release an axis lock. Now that I've done it once, it does seem to be an issue: if the knife twists to the side from a Sabre (?) grip, your thumb is right there to disengage the axis lock, and the motion of the twist completes the unlocking action.

Of course, this may be a problem identical to linerlocks, only with different mechanics.

 

[enderwiggin]

In a certain system in the Filipino Knife arts, there is a grip known as "sipit". It is a transitional grip change where one lightly pinches the upper part of the handle at the sides, similarly where the axis lock is located. It is here that one "might" encounter a problem. However since it is a specialized technique found within this specific system it is doubtful the regular knife handler would encounter a problem. For those who espouse the "sipit" in their aresenal, it is perhaps best to leave the "sipit" grip to a fixed blade, or one that does not have an axis/ultra type lock.

Best Regards,
Matador-

Nifty piece of trivia. I routinely switch grips on my knives like that while just messing around, and now I know the terminology. :thumbup:

I do it from the opposite end or middle the handle, but it still seems to fit.

 

[OrangeJoe]

This has been driving me nuts, since I haven't been able to figure out how to get an axis lock to 'accidentally' disengage in a grip.

However, I just tried something on my Griptilian that surprised me. Holding the knife with my thumb on the spine, I 'clamped down' hard on the handle, like I probably would if I were trying to hold onto the knife for dear life. Pinching the knife between the thumb on the spine and with my index on the handle, I let the knife pitch to the side as if it were being twisted in my hand.

Surprisingly, my thumb went from securely holding the knife to disengaging the axis lock as the knife twisted in my grip. I wonder if this is what Mercop was describing when he said it had failed on him in training scenarios.

I'm a little unnerved. I couldn't figure out for the life of me how anyone could 'accidentally' release an axis lock. Now that I've done it once, it does seem to be an issue: if the knife twists to the side from a Sabre (?) grip, your thumb is right there to disengage the axis lock, and the motion of the twist completes the unlocking action.

Of course, this may be a problem identical to linerlocks, only with different mechanics.

A first hand user report like this one is awfully valuable for someone choosing a SD folder.

While I don't see dozens of forumites putting their Axis folders on ebay because of it, this is exactly the kind of lesson you want to learn 'the easy way'.

Apparently this thread HAS something to offer.
enderwiggin, thanks for your post. :thumbup:

 

[hardheart]

However, I just tried something on my Griptilian that surprised me. Holding the knife with my thumb on the spine, I 'clamped down' hard on the handle, like I probably would if I were trying to hold onto the knife for dear life. Pinching the knife between the thumb on the spine and with my index on the handle, I let the knife pitch to the side as if it were being twisted in my hand.

Surprisingly, my thumb went from securely holding the knife to disengaging the axis lock as the knife twisted in my grip. I wonder if this is what Mercop was describing when he said it had failed on him in training scenarios.

are you saying you got the knife to twist while you were holding it just by the thumb and index finger? I tried with a full saber grip and a grip without the ring and pinky (actually a stronger grip for pulling), I couldn't get my thumb to come off the spine, torquing against my grip on the blade, covered by wood slabs. Such a release is certainly possible without a real grip on the knife. Actually, thumb contact is how I release my axis locks on purpose, don't most people?