more reliable axis or rolling lock?

shootist16

shootist16

knife law moderator
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Joined
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Messages
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I would say that both of these mechanisms are stronger than need be, but which is more reliable? It seems that the general premise is the same but the method of delivery is different. Which is more reliable?

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Dennis Bible
 
Reliable in terms of what? Locking? I don't think there is enough evidence to go either way. Gunk resistance? Again, I think the same applies: not enough evidence. I have read in one test where the rolling-lock didn't resist mud as well as one or two others, but I don't recall that the axis was tested there. Spine whack: again, evidence (or lack thereof) to support one over the other. Same for inadvertent/accidental release (my gut feel, regarding that, is that the RL would be more resistant, but that's just MO). I think what it primarily boils down to is which mechanism do you personally like better, and which knife models you prefer. Axis is available in more variety. RL is available in bigger (SIFU).

Flip a coin?

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iktomi
 
I doubt there is any difference in terms of reliability. The REKAT knives, however have a much more acceptable stud sticking out of the side of the knife. The large Benchmade studs are uncomfortable in the pocket and unattractive in my opinion. Take care.

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Fred
Knife Outlet
http://www.knifeoutlet.com
 
In terms of design, I'd agree with everyone else: there's no evidence of unreliability with the general design. As far as pure implementation details go, REKAT had some problems with the springs early on which caused reliability problems that have long since been fixed. They also had some problems where a shock to the knife could disengage the spring and render the lock useless -- this might have been related to the spring quality mentioned above. Also, in theory, since REKAT has only one spring, that's an obvious single point of failure.

I've not heard of any Benchmade spring quality issues, and there are two in any case, so the system is fail-safed. The stud on the benchmade sticks out farther, so in theory it's a weakness, though I've only heard one report of it being a problem.

All in all, any difference in reliability is probably nothing but statistical noise. If you're having trouble picking between knives from each company, pick whichever knife was built better, feels best in your hand, and meets your needs best. I don't consider lock reliability to be in favor of either company, both locks are great.

Joe
 
Regarding spring failure, IIRC, the Rolling lock uses a standard compression spring, which is less likely to fail due to fatigue than the Omega type spring found on the Axis locks - though spring breakage is not really a wide spread occurance these days.

So, while yes, there is only one spring in the REKAT design, the spring is tougher and isn't exposed like the AXIS lock's. Instead, it's sealed inside the knife.

Now, that being said, the AXIS lock does offer it's own advantages like the aforementioned Ambidexterity... but for reliability under all but the most extreme .005% of situations, either knife should do you just fine.

JMHO - I like both locking systems equally. Never had a failure with either. I prefer the slide bar of the REKAT designs because of it's placement, but I don't have any problems with the location of the AXIS lock regarding utility - both systems work and work consistantly without a question of reliability.

Spark

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Kevin Jon Schlossberg
SysOp and Administrator for BladeForums.com

Insert witty quip here


[This message has been edited by Spark (edited 07-06-2000).]
 
There's one and a half inches worth of reasons why I'll never own an Axis, and will own a second Rolling lock when the D2 Sifu ships.

To BM: grow some cojones.

Jim
 
Jim, I strongly doubt any company that calls a purpose designed pig-sticker the "Advanced Folding CAMP Knife" will get the beans to make a Sifu-killer.
 
D2 Sifu? Why aren't I informed of these things? I'm glad you said something -- I was this close to picking up a carbon fibre sifu in whatever regular old stainless they're using currently.

Any estimate on D2 Sifu ship dates?

Joe
 
Hi Joe,

Stop by the REKAT forum now and then. Last thing I heard there was that the Modified D-2 would be shipping in the fall.

I'm holding out for a D-2M/Carbon Fiber for my second Sifu too!

Oh, and six of one, half dozen of the other in reliability between the Axis and the Rolling lock.
 
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