My First BM, 275 Adams - Disapointing Axis Lock.

P

Panta

Joined
Oct 13, 2012
Messages
144
hello
im small collector (10+ knifes)
and i have blades from all big knife companies.
it was first experience with BM and i was very curios how it will be
since BM is well known knife company for quality knifes.

however
i open the box & took it to hand i immediately
noticed just how damn sharp are the axis lock buttons, really abrasive..
to the point i just put the knife down, i try closing & opening several times
later thinking i try it again, but it left me with irritated & sore fingers.

it is also not so easy to close it one handed,
i understand the 275 omega lock is extra thick,
and probably would be assayer with bit of practice
and after it would have loosens up, but

the axis lock studs are a pain to handle
and ruining the hole knife experience for me and its a shame its impressive knife.

it's most expansive knife in my collection & by far the most uncomfortable & abrasive.

is that normal for axis lock, or normal at all for A BM knife, or for 275 adamas?

PS i head the axis lock LOCKED up open completely one time & needed alot of force to disengage it.


disappointing.
 
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No, not normal for the axis lock. I've never had one like that. However, I don't have an Adamas either.
 
I won Adamas among many other BKC AXIS locked blades, but never found any AXIS lock to be abrasive.

I can see that if on is not used to it, it might rub against your finder. Considering there are almost no other knife lock works this way (except ball baring lock of Spyderco and that is even stiffer) My recommendation is to use both thumb and index finger to pinch and pull. Unless you have tougher finger skin, you might feel sore for a while. If that still don't help, may be you can use 600 grit sand paper to rub it a little to make it smoother.
 
I never found the axis lock to be abrasive in anyway. Then again I work with my hands.
 
The Axis lock is metal, until they figure out how to make it out of marshmallow it may be hard on those with sensitive fingers.
 
As mentioned use index and thumb until you are used to it. Then just use your thumb. Once your fingers get used to it you will be able to open and close just using your thumb. The Axis and the Arc Lock types are my favorite as they are fast and tight. I can even just use my thumb on the Spyderco Ball Lock, which I find to be stiffer than the Axis or Arc. Just keep using it, it will get better.
 
Sending it back and per-ordering ZT 0562CF makes more sense.
anyway thanks.
 
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hunterjrg said:
I never found the axis lock to be abrasive in anyway. Then again I work with my hands.
Click to expand...

Likewise, my fingers endure a grueling regiment of clicking my mouse button all day every day. Never had an issue. Perhaps the OP got a bad one? Although I've never heard of this issue before.
 
Not normal - It's possible some of those buttons might get through without deburring after machining. Had one (just one - the other side was fine) on a griptilian that could cut you it was so sharp. It was easy to fix with a rubber polishing cones on a dremel. Unless you're comfortable taking it apart and deburring it yourself, I'd send it in.
 
Sounds very strange for both problems. Never had a Axis lock that felt sharp or any burring on any of mine and all my Benchmades are the easiest to open and close one handed that i own so would have to say you got a dud or something else.
 
AxisFan said:
Not normal - It's possible some of those buttons might get through without deburring after machining. Had one (just one - the other side was fine) on a griptilian that could cut you it was so sharp. It was easy to fix with a rubber polishing cones on a dremel. Unless you're comfortable taking it apart and deburring it yourself, I'd send it in.
Click to expand...

doing that on my most expansive knife, it's just wrong.
even if there wasn't a problem im still not enthusiastic at all
about axis lock safety on this knife when lock disengage the blade stays open
or fly to the handle, not reassuring safety wise for me.

shipping was 82$ so that gonna hurt, but i will sell it locally
or return it this week.

think ill stick with ZT's for a while.
maybe if i get a chance handle a smaller axis lock knife.
 
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Panta said:
doing that on my most expansive knife, it's just wrong.
even if there wasn't a problem im still not enthusiastic at all
about axis lock safety on this knife when lock disengage the blade stays open
or fly to the handle, not reassuring safety wise for me.

shipping was 82$ so that gonna hurt, but i will sell it locally
or return it this week.

think ill stick with ZT's for a while.
maybe if i get a chance handle a smaller axis lock knife.
Click to expand...

Someone would have to see the knife to tell you if it was abnormally sharp. My guess is that the finishing may not have been 100% as this isn't normal with AXIS. But any time different parts of the hands are used in frequent momentum to perform repeating tasks, there is always a chance for that healing curve in which the skin toughens some. For example, someone who has only used knives with opening holes and then goes to a thumb stud will likely have a sore spot on the thumb for a few days, and vice versa. Even the Sebenza can have this effect, so it can happen with any knife when the knife is newer. Additionally, this can be amplified with initial usage because a user will generally apply more force to the opening/locking mechanism initially before they find that 'sweet spot' of opening/usage, and also a general tendency to 'play' with a knife more when it is new (and AXIS locks are generally used a lot at first). I've observed this all on almost every locking type I own or have owned to some effect. I can't say if that is the case here.

If the ZT0562 has thumb studs like the XM-18, chances are you will encounter a sore thumb initially as the thumb studs are pretty aggressive for traction.

I am guessing you live somewhere pretty remote if shipping was $82? My advice would be to contact Benchmade and explain to them the situation. Perhaps they can help you here and save you a significant amount of money as their customer service is excellent. Pictures could also help us see if your AXIS lock or thumb studs appear to be different than the AXIS models we own.

As for the safety, I don't know what you mean by the blade either stays open or flies into the handle. If you mean the variability of what happens when you disengage the AXIS lock, there is generally a break-in period and new knives tend to not be lubricated in a fashion that is for ideal performance given the lube favors preserving and the time period between when a knife is made and when it is sold can be pretty significant...during that time, lube can migrate and evaporate.
 
hi pnsxyr,

about the thumb studs it feels like they haven't bean debarred.
the button is very flat so no pain issue there, just the tactile feel is very sharp.

i keep want to give it second chance because it's new lock & brand for me
but ill try illustrate my concern regardless of sharp studs so it will be clear what im trying to say.



here is what i mean i pinch the axis lock back to close the blade but
i need to wrap my fingers around the handle so ill have enough force to overcome axis lock spring once handed.
but what happens if i close it this way i risk cutting my fingers.
because then the blade either stays open (with lock disengaged) or suddenly
droops with a slight wiggle way pass 90 degrees to a point of which he will get my fingers for sure.


so what i do is i have to wedge strongly my pinkeye against the pocket clip (pinkeye become white from pressure )
so i can put enough force the omega spring to unlock the blade.
either way it does not feel natural nor comfortable, so thats why im not so liking this lock so far,
maybe its due to extra strength omega lock on this specific model.
 
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Panta said:
i keep want to give it second chance because it's new lock & brand for me
but ill try illustrate my concern regardless of sharp studs so it will be clear what im trying to say.


Here is what i mean i pinch the axis lock back to close the blade but
i need to wrap my fingers around the handle so ill have enough force to overcome axis lock spring once handed.
but what happens if i close it this way i risk cutting my fingers.
because then the blade either stays open (with lock disengaged) or suddenly
droops with a slight wiggle way pass 90 degrees to a point of which he will get my fingers for sure.
Click to expand...

I hold the knife slightly tip downward, and blade side slightly up. That will avoid blade swing down to close or you put it, risk cutting fingers. Also, I would recommend getting torx screw driver to tighten the pivot screw, if the blade swing is too lose. I like this is being adjustable.


so what i do is i have to wedge strongly my pinkeye against the pocket clip (pinkeye become white from pressure )
so i can put enough force the omega spring to unlock the blade.
either way it does not feel natural nor comfortable, so thats why im not so liking this lock so far,
maybe its due to extra strength omega lock on this specific model.
Click to expand...

Try placing all of middle finger, ring finger and pinky. Do it slow and figure out what would be the best. Longer bladed Benchmade, I use both pinky and ring finger, so my pinky wouldn't turn while ;)

Once AXIS lock disengages, you can hold in place with just your thumb. Although not many Benchmade enthusiasts, AXIS advocate won't tell you that you would have sore thumb for days when you first start using it. The way one open and closes BKC knife with AXIS lock, it may not be same way as one does with liner/frame lock. Just need few days to get used to it.

As SOLEIL pointed out, Spyderco Ball baring lock is even stiffer. Just paly with it for a while, and you will get used to it. Beside, how many other knives like Adamas can be opened and closed one handedly with either hands?
 
Panta said:
hi pnsxyr,

about the thumb studs it feels like they haven't bean debarred.
the button is very flat so no pain issue there, just the tactile feel is very sharp.

i keep want to give it second chance because it's new lock & brand for me
but ill try illustrate my concern regardless of sharp studs so it will be clear what im trying to say.



here is what i mean i pinch the axis lock back to close the blade but
i need to wrap my fingers around the handle so ill have enough force to overcome axis lock spring once handed.
but what happens if i close it this way i risk cutting my fingers.
because then the blade either stays open (with lock disengaged) or suddenly
droops with a slight wiggle way pass 90 degrees to a point of which he will get my fingers for sure.


so what i do is i have to wedge strongly my pinkeye against the pocket clip (pinkeye become white from pressure )
so i can put enough force the omega spring to unlock the blade.
either way it does not feel natural nor comfortable, so thats why im not so liking this lock so far,
maybe its due to extra strength omega lock on this specific model.
Click to expand...

Panta,

Do you have an up-close picture of both sides of the AXIS lock bar? I think that will help us in being able to speak further on the issue and how you could possibly fix this or get it fixed to avoid having to spend so much on shipping.

Someone here can probably compare it to their own Adamas and I will compare the pictures to a few different BM AXIS models to see if I notice anything on yours that appears out of the ordinary.

Benchmade has a rep that is often on this forum. If there is something out of spec with the AXIS, I think they will certainly be able to help you out and hopefully save you some time and money given I know international shipping is very, very expensive. I know you are not super satisfied now, but I honestly think this can be fixed and they are a fantastic company to deal with.
 
pnsxyr said:
Panta,

Do you have an up-close picture of both sides of the AXIS lock bar? I think that will help us in being able to speak further on the issue and how you could possibly fix this or get it fixed to avoid having to spend so much on shipping.

Someone here can probably compare it to their own Adamas and I will compare the pictures to a few different BM AXIS models to see if I notice anything on yours that appears out of the ordinary.

Benchmade has a rep that is often on this forum. If there is something out of spec with the AXIS, I think they will certainly be able to help you out and hopefully save you some time and money given I know international shipping is very, very expensive. I know you are not super satisfied now, but I honestly think this can be fixed and they are a fantastic company to deal with.
Click to expand...

its not a clear spike so you wont see it,
but if i run it across a wooden table it scrapes deep with very little pressure,
like this 2 scratches:



i think better then send it down and loose it's coating or anodizing,
will be to BM send me 2 replacement studs,
i got the torx drivers to switch them, and it's an elegant solution.
 
Ive contacted BM and Their customer service is nice,
they will send me a replacement part, so i think i'll keep it after all.

it's no love at first sight like with my 0200,
but ill give it more time hoping it will grow on me.
thanks for your suggestions guys, especially pnsxyr.

:thumbup:cheers
 
Nice knife.

Constant prolonged pressure on your pinkeye cannot be healthy or comfortable, I imagine. I dont think it should be turning white under any circumstance, however, Im no expert.
 
Panta said:
Ive contacted BM and Their customer service is nice,
they will send me a replacement part, so i think i'll keep it after all.

it's no love at first sight like with my 0200,
but ill give it more time hoping it will grow on me.
thanks for your suggestions guys, especially pnsxyr.

:thumbup:cheers
Click to expand...

Your lock is definitely out of spec as it should not scratch like that at all. I can understand why it feels sharp!

Give it a try after you get the replacement part. I think the Adamas is one of the finest folders made. AXIS takes a little getting used to, and unlike some locking mechanisms is has a little longer break-in period. It's worth the break in though, because the lock is very strong, very durable (think decades instead of years), and requires minimal upkeep. Initially, the lock may be a little sticky when the knife is opened hard, and the force the blade swings at may not be 100% the same as you experienced. Over time the lock will settle to function super smoothly. A good lubricant will help here a lot (Nano Oil's thicker weight lube or DuPont Extreme Fluoro, for example).

You're most welcome and I'm glad to hear Benchmade came through! While they sometimes make QC mistakes like almost any company does time to time, they stand behind their products and when an issue arises they go out of their way to make it right and provide a quality of customer service that very few companies can match. Purchasing a Benchmade doesn't just mean getting a nice knife, but also premium service and hopefully this avoids you having to spend money on shipping.

AXIS is a pretty easy system to take apart but if you need help a lot of people here can guide you through it. Just as a FYI, the omega springs are a little delicate when being handled outside the lock, and they can sometimes go flying when removing. I am also a big fan of putting a fluoropolymer grease like Finish Line Extreme Fluoro on the outside of the pivot, the inner portion of the locking bar, on the omega springs, and on the bronze washers because I find it to last a long time, reduce wear, and make AXIS knives much smoother than they are from the factory and as smooth as knives costing $1,000+. Doing this will give you 100% consistency on the blade opening/closing and will last a very long time, even if the knife gets wet/washed.
 
Sounds a bit strange. My Adamas is very smooth and easy to operate. How long have you had it? You may just need to let it break in.
 
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