Question on Axis system

[salduchi]

I bought my first Benchmade With Axis about 3 weeks ago, a 940. I then last week bought a 943. This week I bought a Nakamura. My question is on the 940's I can flip the blade open freely by pulling back on the lock and flipping my wrist. Now I can't do that on the Nakamura I just received. Is that due to the axis lock? Break in required? The others did it right out of the box. Or do I have to adjust that manually? Any and all responses greatly appreciated.

 

[Trevor_Phillips]

I don't have experience with the Nakamura, but I have a bit of experience with AXIS locks. Let it break in a little. If it doesn't free up a bit after a couple weeks, try loosening the screw the blade rotates around. You should measure how much you adjust it in millimeters since Benchmade makes their tolerances so tight. You might also try some oil in there. Regular WD-40 might be all it takes. I personally use a product called "B'laster". It's the silicone version. It runs a bit at first, but I just wipe it off. Have a good time with your new knife

 

[salduchi]

Trevor, thanks. The lube didn't occur to me. I have a couple of decent ones handy. If not I may try to loosen the crew but I just didn't want to have to mess with the knife. I'll give it a little more time to break in.

 

[palonej]

Definitely give it more time to break in! At least a couple of weeks happily flicking away!!
I usually lube the pivot on a new knife, Ballistol or Blue Lube, work it in a little and let it sit overnight. Then flick & flick!!
If this doesn't loosen it up, then adjust pivot a TINY amount!!
Good luck and enjoy that beauty!!
Joe

 

[jpm2]

The axis lock, when pulled all the way back, should have no affect on how free the blade swings. At that point, there is no contact between the two. The only friction should be blade to washers to liners. The pivot tightness affects this.
I don't have a Nakamura, but that's the way all my axis lock benchmades work.

The only other possibilities I can think of is if the pivot to blade geometry is wrong, or the axis bar doesn't clear the blade when pulled all the way back, both of which would be a defects.

 

[DMS1]

My nakamura was a display case model and had a lot of blade play, I expect from being handled (and broke in) a lot. It is the slickest knife I have handled. I put blue loctite on the pivot screw and turned it in until there was zero blade play but the blade swings freely. I can open this knife with a flick of the wrist. I don't need to touch the the axis lock or the thumb stud. Smooth as butter.

I have a used 586 mini barrage that I bought used, (assist is de-activated, HIGHLY RECCOMEND IT!) it is almost as smooth, but I can flick my wrist almost hard enough to dislocate it, and the knife will not open on its own. Not sure why my nakamura does this, but I love it!