Is this a blatent AXIS lock rip off?

The General

The General

Joined
Jun 6, 2000
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http://www.coldsteel.com/Recon1.html

Talk about a piss take?

What do you all think?

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As far as I can tell from the cutaway diagram they provided, no, not similar at all, except for the fact that they both use a lock bar.
 
The Patent office will not think that this is the same as the McHenry and Williams Axis lock, other than spring tensioned lock bar, they are very different ideas. Also Lynn Thompson would not be so stupid as to blatently steal a competitors licensed lock. It looks like any interesting mechanism. I have my doubts about whether this lock will operate as smoothly as the Axis lock, however.

Paracelsus

[This message has been edited by Paracelsus (edited 04-09-2001).]
 
I don't know what does or does not constitute enough difference that a patent is not considered violated. But to me, that lock is exactly an axis lock, except with the slot through the blade instead of riding up on top. Again, that may be distinction enough to keep them safe. Les did mention talking with Cold Steel at a recent show, and here is part of what he had to say:

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Since then, we have been in substantive communication with regard to licensing of their new models featuring a specific adaptation of the Axis lock technology. </font>
Click to expand...

I'm reading into the above that both companies are leaning towards agreeing this is an axis lock variant.

Joe



[This message has been edited by Joe Talmadge (edited 04-09-2001).]
 
Oops! I was going to mention something a bit similar to Joe's post.
Jim

[This message has been edited by James Y (edited 04-09-2001).]
 
Would this even prove to be as strong as an Axis? Seems that it would be weaker since the lock rides in the cut out slot.

Here's a quote from equipped.org on their shot show coverage:

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">What caught my eye first, however, is [Cold Steel's] "Ultra Lock" which looks and functions outwardly like Benchmade's patented Axis Lock.

Instead of acting directly on the aft end of the blade, the ambidextrous locking pin works inside a slot cut into the tang. At least some observers suggested it was a distinction without a difference, but then they said that about SOG's Arc-Lock last year and SOG is still producing it. Cold Steel noted that a patent has been applied for and they don't see it as an issue, that there are fundamental differences between the two locks. They did tell this reporter that as a courtesy they took the step of meeting with Benchmade President Les de Asis at the show's opening. Upon advice of their attorney, Benchmade declined to comment on the matter.</font>
Click to expand...

I found the last line to be very interesting.
 
there is nothing new under the sun!
the axis lock is just a modification of the bolt lock that Kershaw had almost 12 years ago. Everyone just tries to change something enough to get around the patent rights! The new Valloton lock is a speed safe in reverse.
BTW- Ken Onion showed me a knife JUST like the cold steel thing over 6 years ago!! He showed it to Bill then too!
tongue.gif


[This message has been edited by tom mayo (edited 04-10-2001).]
 
The Ultralock blade is just an "encased" Axis lock, working EXACTLY the same way, and at the same time being WEAKER, just by trying to be "different": when you move the lock closer to the blade pivot, you LOSE on strength (see College Physics: fulcrum, torque, etc!!!!!!
 
Actually, based on what I've seen, so far, of this new lock, it does not adjust for wear very well, if at all. So, either the images were faulty, or it really does not, in which case, it is hardly competitive with the Axis, as the wear adjustment is one of the primary reasons for favoring the Axis.

--JB

P.S., not to mention being weaker, for reasons mentioned above.

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Folks, the axis lock in total isn't something new. The principle of a bar locking the blade tang has been used before Michael walker inveted the linerlock.

For reference, I have a garden pliers set that uses the excat same system and I have pics of customs by a japanese dude wo used it too a long time ago.

greetz, bart.

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The last word should go to the patent office.
The axis is a good lock.
Not new though.
The bolt lock from Blackie Collins Is simular
to the axis if you look at it in the same light that you are looking at the Cold steel knife.

Great ideas come and go with time. The Bolt lock was one of them.

I like all of the locks. Remember . Nothing is new. Just a better version of what has been done.


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What is the problem? These are all legitimate companies? If they have a problem with each other, they will deal with it. They are not some Chinese ripoff company. If you don't like it, don't buy it.
 
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