Sub $20 Axis lock. Enlan EL-02B: Don't buy it.

L

Luis G.

Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Messages
1,855
Received my Enlan EL-02B today, and I can safely say:
It's junk. I bought it originally because I had been surprised by the Enlan/Bee L01 that I gave to my sister. (That thing has seen some serious prying abuse, and still locks up solid).

My recommendation if you want an Axis on budget: Don't.
Save up, get a griptilian, or a Manix.

The bad:
Overly strong axis style lock. Requires 2 handed opening.
Scales smell of plastic/rubber.
Very sharp axis buttons which shreds skin.
Overall a big let down, even for under $20.

PS: Don't worry the knife will be destroyed, I don't approve or support of trademark fraud or IP theft.
 
"PS: Don't worry the knife will be destroyed, I don't approve or support of trademark fraud or IP theft."

Odd that you went ahead and bought the knife then then.
 
It's $17, I planned on destroying it anyways. I just wanted to get a feel for Enlan's quality in slightly more complex knives.
 
Luis G. said:
Received my Enlan EL-02B today, and I can safely say:
It's junk. I bought it originally because I had been surprised by the Enlan/Bee L01 that I gave to my sister. (That thing has seen some serious prying abuse, and still locks up solid).

My recommendation if you want an Axis on budget: Don't.
Save up, get a griptilian, or a Manix.

The bad:
Overly strong axis style lock. Requires 2 handed opening.
Scales smell of plastic/rubber.
Very sharp axis buttons which shreds skin.
Overall a big let down, even for under $20.

PS: Don't worry the knife will be destroyed, I don't approve or support of trademark fraud or IP theft.
Click to expand...

1. The Axis lock loosens up.

2. Yeah, it reeks of industrial solvent. I gave it a good cleaning and it smells fine now.

3. The Axis studs are indeed rough. They are worse when the knife is new, they tear your fingers up less when the knife breaks in.

I don't really think the EL-02 is IP theft. The design is somewhat original, unlike a lot of Ganzo's designs. Sure, the Axis lock is a direct copy of Benchmade's, but alot of other companies (like SOG and Cold Steel) use virtually the same mechanism. Shirogorov, the Russian mid-tech manufacturer also uses it. I don't hear people screaming bloody murder about that. Does it compare to a Griptillian or a Manix? Not at all, but its not supposed to be. It is meant to be a cheap knife you don't mind using for rougher tasks or exposing to potential loss. If a EL-02 convinces some user in the wonders of the Axis lock, and that convinces them to take the plunge and get a Griptillian, awesome.
 
Since you paid good money for it, why not experiment with it before you destroy it? If the Axis is too tight remove one of the "omega" springs. Tear down and tweaking will give you some idea of what the axis type lock is all about. Are there any sharpening techniques you need to practice? The Elan 8CR is very close to and in some cases better than AUS8 depending on the heat treat. Take it apart and put it back together in different sequences. This will give you an idea of how the scale and frame screw tightness affects the function in general. This is a good opportunity to use or acquire the tools you will need to tweak or sharpen your future quality knives. Good luck, have fun.
 
My Enlan was really stiff when I first got it. I worked the spring for about 10 minutes and it loosened up quite nicely. It flicks open quite nicely now.
 
Luis G. said:
Received my Enlan EL-02B today, and I can safely say:
It's junk. I bought it originally because I had been surprised by the Enlan/Bee L01 that I gave to my sister. (That thing has seen some serious prying abuse, and still locks up solid).

My recommendation if you want an Axis on budget: Don't.
Save up, get a griptilian, or a Manix.

The bad:
Overly strong axis style lock. Requires 2 handed opening.
Scales smell of plastic/rubber.
Very sharp axis buttons which shreds skin.
Overall a big let down, even for under $20.

PS: Don't worry the knife will be destroyed, I don't approve or support of trademark fraud or IP theft.
Click to expand...

You don't support this company, yet this is the second knife you've bought from them?
 
Definitely keep it.
Take it apart, color all the moving parts, put it back together and work it around a bit.
Take it back apart and you should be able to see the high friction areas and file them down.
When you take it apart, you will most likely find burrs on the functional surfaces, get rid of those and lube it up as well.
Great way to learn a thing or two.

Those knives come from the same shops that make name brand knives, doubtful it is outright theft.
 
I decided to give it away to this forum instead of destroying it. Figured someone might as well get some mileage out of it.

Chamfered the button's edges and buffed it out. Now it doesnt shred fingers.

Im gonna reprofile it, use it for some cardboard to give a quick edge retention test then give it away.
 
Mine never had a bad smell. I took a dremel to the axis lock buttons so they would not shred my skin. The springs really wore in, and it flicks open and close with the greatest of ease. One of my favorites.
 
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