Omega Springs - Are some stronger than others?

S

sharkattacksw

Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Messages
620
I noticed that the Omega springs on my Crooked River seem nice and stout. I've handled some BM knives in the store and the springs felt pretty weak. Do some models have significantly stronger Omega springs? Do models with large blades have the stronger springs?

I really like the 707 Sequel, and would like for it to have nice stout springs like my Crooked River.

Thanks guys!
 
The springs do vary a lot. I've never really focused on how strong the action was. The variation that has interested me over time is that some models seem to break springs (infrequently, but a forum like this is sort of a lightning rod for complaints like that) while others have essentially zero reports of broken springs. I've never tried to keep track of which models fall into which category, however.
 
There was some talk about the 810 springs being thicker, but I have never broken a spring in ten years of building. And I agree with JN's 'Lightning Rod' reference. I wonder about the experience of what the 'ordinary' person who just owns one and treats it like the tool would be. Overall I think springs will break; but not only is it a seldom thing, there's the no questions asked warranty that will fix what does fail.
 
When it comes to omega springs, I have only this to say. I bought one of the very first 710s back in the late 1990s and I've owned dozens of Axis-lock knives since then (and still do). A couple of my 710s have been EXTENSIVELY used over the last almost-20 years. I have NEVER had a broken spring.
 
No doubt there's differences, I just checked a few by feel. In order starting with the lightest...
north fork 15031-2
mini stryker 903 - slightly more than 15031
limited edition mini grip 556 - much more than 903
custom mini grip 556 - slightly more than LE 556
contergo 810 - much more than custom 556

As for spring failure, my theory is it's either from the spring rubbing the liner, or corrosion.
 
I have never broken an Omega spring (30 + knives), but I have experienced some major corrosion problems on Omega spring. They are a bitch to derust.
 
I have a 556 mini grip. With a quick flick of the wrist I can deploy the blade without touching the thumb stud or the axis lock. Is that normal or is the omega spring weak?
 
rev98 said:
I have a 556 mini grip. With a quick flick of the wrist I can deploy the blade without touching the thumb stud or the axis lock. Is that normal or is the omega spring weak?
Click to expand...
My guess it has more to do with your technique than the Omega spring. I can flick open all of my Axis knives without the thumb stud or axis lock also.
 
If I just look at my old BM 940 and my new Crooked River, it looks like the CR has a thicker spring. However, BM changed the way that the liner is cut for the Omega spring on the newer knives, and I don't know if they changed springs as well. It would make sense to me that a larger blade would require a stronger spring to keep the blade in the closed position, but I don't know if that's the case. I also don't know if the overall size of the spring is larger in the larger blades. If so, they might not fit in the smaller knives.

I have over a dozen knives from Benchmade. I have not had any Omega spring breakage or rusting. However, I put a light coat of oil on all the metal surfaces on my new knives or any time I do a complete disassembly (not often). I also don't open and close the blades hour upon hour for fun (fidgeting) which might lead to premature wearing of the spring. I do fidget with them a little, here and there, throughout the day though.
 
Yes, different model knives have different strength omega springs. Adamas/Loco being an example of one the strongest omega springs and the 707/mini griptilian being an example of an omega spring with the least amount of strength.
However an omega spring from a Adamas/Loco will not fit in a 707/mini griptilian.
 
The lightning rod comment is spot on.
I love reading posts about O springs flying out of knives every day. Read on and find out the poster never owned a BM, it was on a knife his friend's cousin's father's next door neighbor knew a guy.
I am the obsessive flicker and my BMs are flicked incessantly. Never had a spring break.
Going by feel alone, I'd say the springs on my Crooked River are stronger than the springs on my 705.
Don't know for sure though.
 
rev98 said:
I have a 556 mini grip. With a quick flick of the wrist I can deploy the blade without touching the thumb stud or the axis lock. Is that normal or is the omega spring weak?
Click to expand...
that's normal. most axis locks will flip out like that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top