Looking for Axis lock info

K

kirch

Joined
Dec 19, 1999
Messages
260
I've been a long-time Spyderco fan, having carried a Delica as EDC for nearly 10 years. I'm contemplating -- no decision yet, but contemplating -- purchasing my first Benchmade. I've been out of the knife market for the last few years and am slowly getting back into it. The Axis was just getting popular when I was distracted by other interests and I haven't kept up on it. There seem to be several topics debating it, but I was wondering if anyone could give me a remedial course in the Axis -- what's unique about it, how it works, why people like/dislike it, etc.

TIA
 
+ Perfect 90 degree pressure on the lockbar. Makes it pretty immune to slippery stuff interferring w/lockup.

+ easy to clean. I just run mine under the faucet then dry and relube.

+ dual springs, when one breaks the lock still works fine, gives you plenty of warning that you need to service the thing. Lock won't "suprise" you like most designs when something isn't right. Think of it like an idiot light on your car's dashboard...nice feature for a folding knife IMO. This is the one hang up some people have and I see it as the very best safety feature of the design... :confused: I don't like suprises I guess.

+ fastest knives out there. I could whip out my mini grip as fast or faster than I could with an auto.

+left hander friendly.

+STROOONG and reliable.

+Smoothest mass-produced knives you'll find.

+last but not least. they are fun as hell to flick!!


Let's see negatives......hmmmmmmmmm I'm still thinking......................................................
 
It's actually a very simple lock, basically, it rides up onto a ramp in the tang and sits in there. It's pretty much foolproof because it can't really slip (close to a 90-degree angle here), you'd need it to be very dirty not to lock up, and the tolerances involved are very broad...unlike a frame or liner lock, it can be off quite a bit and still work properly. It's also ambi, and can be flicked more easily than any other lock I've tried (other than an auto or speed-safe).
 
I think the AXIS is a great lock, my AFCK feels like a fixed blade when it's open. The only thing I don't care much for is how quiet it is. It's so well designed and put together that when it locks, you hear a barely-audible "snick". Liner locks may be less reliable, but I love how my SERE 2000 goes ULTRA-CLACK!!! when I open it.
 
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