So, what's the verdict on the Axis Lock?

A

AmadeusM

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The Axis Lock has been around for what, several years now?

Has it proven to be a reliable design?
 
I've had and still have several Axis folders. My EDC is a BM 940 Axis. The reliability and overall soundness of the design has been proven to me. There have been many Axis threads and the concensus seems to be overwhelmingly favorable. Flicks open, stays open, easy to close, safe for tip-up carry. It's a compact design so it allows both big folders or nice, slim ones. Some people fret about the omega springs possibly breaking, but a lot of these knives have passed through my hands and I haven't seen a broken spring yet.
 
4 years on my 730 Ares and not a failure yet, I think cleaning and drying go a long way to extend the life of the omega springs.
 
Excellent locking system - reliable, durable and a noted, accomodates a multitude of blade designs.
 
It's a proven winner. None of mine have ever had a problem. It works great and is also self-adjusting for any possible, incremental wear--virtually fool proof. :cool:
 
I bought my first Axis Lock back in 2000. One of them has been in my pocket everyday since and I haven't had a single problem.
 
I LOVE my Axis-lock Benchmades! I carry two of 'em as my EDC's, and couldn't be more pleased with 'em. They are PERFECT for us "lefties".
 
The Axis-lock is simply awesome.

I don't understand why some folks worry so much about the omega-springs.
I know a guy who will not carry an Axis-lock Benchmade folder because he thinks the springs might break, but he will be quick to tell you just how reliable his M1911 .45 pistol is.
Just think about it--Soldiers and marines around the world rely on weapons that have springs in them everyday.

And have you ever considered how many springs are used in the average car?
How often do they break?

Allen.
 
I think the Axis Lock is the best innovation to come along in quite some time. I have Osborne and TSEK axis knives, and have never had any problems with them (and the TSEK is the best beater-knife I've owned; it takes whatever you throw at it and comes through with flying colors).
 
I had a spring break on my 556. The lock didn't fail at all. A broken spring is NOT a failed lock. I hear too many people equate the two and it simply isn't true. Think of it as a nice advanced warning that your knife needs new springs.
A failure would be the crkt s-2 framelock I had. After applying a small amount of militec-1 lube to the pivot and bit of the lube seeping down onto the tang, the lock failed with a quick unpredictable motion with a very small pressure.
You could dunk an AXIS knife into a barrel of slick 50 and it won't do that even with a broken O-spring.
For a lock system, I'd rely on 2 springs before I would 2 ramped surfaces meeting each other.
 
My BM705 has been 100% reliable. It flicks open easily and predictably and it is easy to close. It is especially nice for us lefties ;)
Dave_B
 
I have not had my 556 all that long but I can say that it is the strongest folder I have ever used. No matter how much pressure I apply during the cutting motion it stays rock solid.
 
verdict = awesome. 100% reliable.

i always wonder why i have (carry) anything else.

i do however have one complaint; sometimes when i stick my hand in my pocket my fingernail snags on the axis button... hurts like a mother too!

thanks,
 
I don't have an Axis-lock knife yet.
I've looked at them, and some of them are tempting to me, but no sale.

One: Broken Springs. The springs do break, let's say infrequently. Benchmade requires that the knife be sent back for repair under warranty. They won't send or sell replacement springs. I understand their reason for that policy, but sending the knife in is a problem if you live outside the U.S; time, shipping, customs, duties, etc.

Two: The lock cavity isn't sealed, and looks like it may be prone to fouling from debris, water, muck, etc., depending on your use of the knife. Kind of high maintenance, perhaps.

Three: The Axis lock requires a thicker handle than other locks, making IWB carry less comfortable than thinner knives.
 
marty123 said:
I don't have an Axis-lock knife yet.
I've looked at them, and some of them are tempting to me, but no sale.

One: Broken Springs. The springs do break, let's say infrequently. Benchmade requires that the knife be sent back for repair under warranty. They won't send or sell replacement springs. I understand their reason for that policy, but sending the knife in is a problem if you live outside the U.S; time, shipping, customs, duties, etc.

Two: The lock cavity isn't sealed, and looks like it may be prone to fouling from debris, water, muck, etc., depending on your use of the knife. Kind of high maintenance, perhaps.

Three: The Axis lock requires a thicker handle than other locks, making IWB carry less comfortable than thinner knives.
Click to expand...
One: So, what about liner locks? Has a liner lock NEVER fallen out of adjustment? What about a framelock?

Two: And this isn't true for a liner/frame/lockback? Much moreso than for the axis.

Finally, you can have a very thin knife with an Axis...just look at the 94x series.
 
I recive my first axis folder today and i'm nicely suprised. The action is so smooth, alot smoother then MOD Tempest and a little smoother even then Sebenza. Easy to close, ambidexterous ... GREAT!
 
Marty123, take the plunge and get a 943.......I bet if you started crying on the phone they'd send you a replacement spring :)

I've had axis lock knives for a couple years and i've opened and closed it countless times with no failures yet. It's open concept for easy cleaning and visual confirmation that nothing is in there gunking it up.
 
I have carried my 943 for a year now and before that I carried a 710HS and as far as I am concerned the AXIS lock Benchmade is the only way to go.

To go along with the reliability of the AXIS lock, Benchmade has great customer service in the unlikely event something should happen to your knife.
 
I've had my 730 since it first hit the market, flick it hard, never clean it, no problems. Also had my 806 for almost 2 years, and waiting on the 420.
 
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