Spydeco Back Lock vs. BM Axis Lock

J

Jake Bauer

Joined
Sep 19, 2007
Messages
4,293
Hey guys, some of you may have read this thread http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=594771 in the general forum. I'm trying to decide between the Black Endura 4, and a BM 551SBK Griptillian. One of my concerns is lock strength. I own 3 Enduras and one older Griptillian. I know the Axis is super solid and tough, and I have not had any failures with Spyderco's lock back. My question is which of the two will be stronger in hard use situations.
 
The Axis lock will ultimately hold out longer and adjust for wear better. However, unless you really beat on your knife you'll probably never see the difference.
Handle and blade design are probably the bigger issue here, and when comparing two of the best entry level knives on the market I agree that it's a really hard decision.
 
Define hard use. I put my slipjoints to what I call hard use - heavy utility cutting and scraping on hard, abrasive materials. I use a liner lock Military for drywall work - hard enough use to dull S90V in a few hours. If you are using it correctly, lock strength doesn't even come into play. If lock strength is vital in your use, you should consider a fixed blade, because all folding knives fold. A lock just makes it a little harder to do.
 
I like the backlock better, to be honest. When it comes to holding the blade open, I think the Axis lock is stronger, but I've heard of a lot more axis lock omega springs breaking that I have backlocks or their springs.

For that reason alone, I think the backlock is more RELIABLE, but not necessarily as strong.
 
Unfortunately in this case you really have to flip a coin because BM and Spyderco make top notch knives with awesome locks.
 
If I had to pick between the two I'd go with the griptilian, more comfortable in the hand. I find the Endura's handle to thin to be comfortable and gripped securely. Both Locks are extemly tough but I prefer the Axis lock.
 
I own several Spyderco lockbacks and several BM axis locks (as I am sure many people do) and they're both very good locks. For your normal range of EDC/utility usages you will be pleased with either.

However, the only gripe I have about lockbacks is that you seem to always get a *tiny* bit of vertical play. But it is usually very small and I love my spyderco lockbacks :)

You enjoy both :)
 
I prefer the Axis lock myself, but there's no knife with it that I like enough to buy, except for the BM 530 which I have.
I don't carry it much though, I prefer the ergonomics of my spyderco knives, and the lockback is way comfortable enough for me (can open/close with either hand without looking).

I'm eager to see knives I like with the caged ball lock from Spyderco. If the Sage comes with this lock, I think I'll take one.
 
well, primarily for my hard use applications, I will be using a fixed blade. I'm just wanting a very tough folder for its backup.
 
Just a thought,

Since you have Enduras and Griptilians the compression lock on the ATR seems just about fail proof to me and the blade design has a thick tip. A person would probably have to put the tip in a vice to break it off.

But between the Endura and Grip it would come down to which felt better in the hand for me.
 
I think they're both reliable but a bit different to totally compare apples to apples. I prefer the Axis lock or the compression lock on the Militarys due to their simplicity of use.
 
Jake, I have one 551, but 3 Enduras. My 551 without thumb studs is a compromise because in Germany we are basically no longer allowed to carry one-hand knives.

The Axis Lock surely is a very strong lock, but it can fail. It´s pretty seldom but it happens. If you want a strong and really safe folder, take a spydie with Compression Lock. They simply don´t fail. Plus they all have a choil/kick, which saves your index or pinky finger in case they should fail or if one fails to operate them properly. Axis Lock folders don´t have this wonderful safety feature. By the way, Enduras also have a kick and they are very reliable and extremely long lasting. I even prefer my linerless Endura 3s over Axis lock folders.

If there were spydie locking folders (like a D4 *hint hint :D) with a very small functionless Spyderhole I would not need Axis Lock folders without thumb studs.

JB
 
Last edited:
J.B said:
If there were spydie locking folders (like a D4 *hint hint :D) with a very small functionless Spyderhole I would not need Axis Lock folders without thumb studs.
Click to expand...

That's interesting. There's places where it's illegal to have a folding knife that locks open, but it's ok for it to be opened with one hand. Then there's places where it's illegal to have a knife that can be opened with one hand, but it's ok if it locks.

What's next? Will they eventually make it illegal to have a point or edge on a knife? Then we can all carry locking, one handed opening, tactical butter knives. Maybe that will make our respective governments happy.
 
shangchi108 said:
That's interesting. There's places where it's illegal to have a folding knife that locks open, but it's ok for it to be opened with one hand. Then there's places where it's illegal to have a knife that can be opened with one hand, but it's ok if it locks.

What's next? Will they eventually make it illegal to have a point or edge on a knife? Then we can all carry locking, one handed opening, tactical butter knives. Maybe that will make our respective governments happy.
Click to expand...

Pretty soon they'll be issuing tactical metal-files and SERE popsicle sticks :rolleyes:
 
shangchi108 said:
That's interesting. There's places where it's illegal to have a folding knife that locks open, but it's ok for it to be opened with one hand. Then there's places where it's illegal to have a knife that can be opened with one hand, but it's ok if it locks.

What's next? Will they eventually make it illegal to have a point or edge on a knife? Then we can all carry locking, one handed opening, tactical butter knives. Maybe that will make our respective governments happy.
Click to expand...

In fact the interior minister of the federal city state Berlin, Germany wanted to modify our weapons law in order to restrict knife carry to butter knife blades, no kidding. It´s too late at night right now. Otherwise I perhaps could find a link to the blade shapes he wanted to enforce. Thank God he wasn´t successful yet.

JB
 
Last edited:
We're kind of in the same boat over here, with our guns. Well, come January it will.

How do you guys think these 2 blade steels will hold up when chopping?
 
Jake Bauer said:
...How do you guys think these 2 blade steels will hold up when chopping?
Click to expand...

You should find both 154CM and VG-10 will handle chopping. In theory the VG-10 is slightly 'tougher', but in practice I doubt you will see much difference.
 
This is really a win/win situation with both being excellent locks just find the one that suits your needs the best.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top