Smooth axis locks

The Government

The Government

Joined
Aug 21, 2009
Messages
2,932
Just a quick question:

I only own one axis lock, the Osborne 940, and it has a VERY smooth-openning lock. Can anyone tell me what Benchmade models have equal "smoothness."

How about the Sequel?

Thanks everyone!
 
I have two: 806 AFCK, and a 610 Rukus both smooth as silk. Gotta love' em.:thumbup:
 
I think it varies from knife to knife just as much from model to model. I've handled several griptilians from different years and between all of them, there were probably 3 different ranges of smoothness.
 
The Government said:
Just a quick question:

I only own one axis lock, the Osborne 940, and it has a VERY smooth-openning lock. Can anyone tell me what Benchmade models have equal "smoothness."

....
Click to expand...

Personally, I'd like you to define "smoothness" a bit more.

All the Axis-Lock knives are pretty smooth in relation to most lockbacks, many liner-locks and framelocks, etc.

However, the various models of Axis-lock knives do have slightly different resistance to opening.
 
orthogonal1 said:
Personally, I'd like you to define "smoothness" a bit more.

All the Axis-Lock knives are pretty smooth in relation to most lockbacks, many liner-locks and framelocks, etc.

However, the various models of Axis-lock knives do have slightly different resistance to opening.
Click to expand...

The resistance can be altered.



daddÿ
 
orthogonal1 said:
Personally, I'd like you to define "smoothness" a bit more.

All the Axis-Lock knives are pretty smooth in relation to most lockbacks, many liner-locks and framelocks, etc.

However, the various models of Axis-lock knives do have slightly different resistance to opening.
Click to expand...

Sorry, it is this "resistance to opening" that I am referring to. For example, my 940 has almost no resistance; the blade just swings freely when the axis lock is held back. The mini-grip had a little resistance and would not swing as freely when the lock was engaged. I know it is not a huge deal or anything, but I really like the smooth lock on my 940 and if I get another BM I would like to have the same ease of opening.

thanks
 
Try the HK 14205. Benchmade makes it and it is probably smoother than the 940 because of the blade weight. It is one of the best BM's. Also try the 615 mini rukus and 950 rift. They happen to be really smooth as well.

As a whole all BM's axis locks are really smooth due the the rounded smooth blade tang is only contacted by the smooth round axis bar. Some of the knives with coated blades take a little time to smooth out cause of the friction caused by the coating. I also polish my Bronze phospher washers. After the polishing I can get my knives rediculous smooth with no (I mean zero) play side to side.
 
The Government said:
Do you mean there is no difference other than the tightness of the pivot screw?
Click to expand...

From what I have noticed with my Grip. I cannot speak of any of the other models.

*edit*
M2HSSR-910SBK said:
Try the HK 14205. Benchmade makes it and it is probably smoother than the 940 because of the blade weight. It is one of the best BM's. Also try the 615 mini rukus and 950 rift. They happen to be really smooth as well.

As a whole all BM's axis locks are really smooth due the the rounded smooth blade tang is only contacted by the smooth round axis bar. Some of the knives with coated blades take a little time to smooth out cause of the friction caused by the coating. I also polish my Bronze phospher washers. After the polishing I can get my knives rediculous smooth with no (I mean zero) play side to side.
Click to expand...

One could possibly take a high grit sandpaper to smooth the tang of the blade where it contacts with AXIS bar.




daddÿ
 
Like was said it will vary from knife to knife within the same model. But most of them are pretty darn smooth. And knives that have a larger, heavier blade are going to swing open pretty easily with the extra heft.

If you are that concerned about it then your best bet will be to handle the knife you want before you buy it.

My 14205 is probably the smoothest AXIS lock I have and I have heard this claim before. Out of the 7 950s I have they are all pretty darn smooth. My mini grip isn't that smooth and the light blade doesn't help.
 
M2HSSR-910SBK said:
Try the HK 14205. Benchmade makes it and it is probably smoother than the 940 because of the blade weight. It is one of the best BM's. Also try the 615 mini rukus and 950 rift. They happen to be really smooth as well.

As a whole all BM's axis locks are really smooth due the the rounded smooth blade tang is only contacted by the smooth round axis bar. Some of the knives with coated blades take a little time to smooth out cause of the friction caused by the coating. I also polish my Bronze phospher washers. After the polishing I can get my knives rediculous smooth with no (I mean zero) play side to side.
Click to expand...

I might have to try polishing the washers on my 940, thanks.
 
I am going to have to find a 707 sequel to check out in person. That is the one I am really interested in at the moment. I had never considered the simple physics of size and shape as being the reasons for "smoothness" in BM axis locks.

Thanks guys.

I will check out the HK lines as well.
 
I've found that the BM 10700 Nagara actually has a very smooth opening. Possibly due to the fact that the washers are smaller than those on my 943.
 
The Government said:
Sorry, it is this "resistance to opening" that I am referring to. For example, my 940 has almost no resistance; the blade just swings freely when the axis lock is held back. The mini-grip had a little resistance and would not swing as freely when the lock was engaged. I know it is not a huge deal or anything, but I really like the smooth lock on my 940 and if I get another BM I would like to have the same ease of opening.

thanks
Click to expand...

Actually, I wasn't concerned with the "hold the Axis bar to the rear" method of opening. I rarely practice that method of opening.

Your "resistance to opening" can be adjusted by pivot fastener tightness and polishing the various pivot surfaces.

If you like a "free-fall" opening when the lock is released, also look at the Spyderco Manix 2 and P'Kal, as well as the SOG Arc-Lock (when phosphor bronze washers are installed).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top