Thanks for not jumping on the axis lock bandwagon

S

stillshot2

Joined
Jun 6, 2014
Messages
525
As soon as the axis lock patent expired it seems every knife manufacturer started pumping out knives using this lock design, some so quickly it almost seemed the knives were already developed and produced and just waiting for the date to be shipped. Not Spyderco. They can even design their own lock mechanisms. When they do use the designs of others, credit is given, not a slight insignificant change to the design and then a rebrand. I have a lot of respect for how Spyderco runs their business.
 
Yes but I have had to take apart the three or four ball locks ( some not caged ) ( one sent back ) and shorten the spring(s) so they work adequately .
I love my Manixes and Dalara (sp) to da max but the space in the knife for the spring forces one to compress the spring ALL THE WAY until the solid stack of coils bulge a little side ways before the ball would clear the blade slot .
!
That's silly . I takes FAR TOO MUCH FORCE to unlock the blade .
Once one and a half coils are removed from the spring the lock is night and day different to use .
I have seen members here put a hunk of para cord through the slot on the ball locks just to get enough purchase on the bare ball .

The white ceramic ball is so cool to look at and I enjoy it !

But personally , from my more than decade experience with carrying LOTS of Axis Locks ( had one on me today Mini Grip ) and a hand full of ball locks over the same more than decade . . .
I never had a moments problem with axis springs . . .
I might go all Axis Locks even on the caged ball Spydercos if I had the choice .

PS : I just counted ; I have five Caged Ball Manixes plus one I sent back and three ceramic ball locks including a Tusk . As far as I recall I didn't mod any of the ceramic ball locks and the Tusk is one of my prized possessions THANK YOU SO MUCH SAL FOR DESIGNING IT AND ERIC FOR FINALLY MAKING IT HAPPEN !
 
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Not a fan of the axis lock. Ball lock is better.

Doesn't matter because I'm in a shark lock phase and my 6 Manix 2 Xl's sit lonely and sad.
 
Never had to cut coils or use a lighter spring in the caged ball lock knives. They work fine out of the box. I have changed the cage, but only because I like metal better than plastic, not due to any functional issue.

I would not be upset with a Axis-type lock on a Spyderco, but I don't think it will happen. I don't think you'll see any Benchmade ideas on a Spyderco.
 
I had a couple Manix 2 XLs that were stiff, even after a significant period of use. I cut coils (and reground the choil into cutting edge, chamfered and reshaped the handles, reground the whole blade thinner behind the edge, and crowned the spine). Then they were perfect.
 
David Mary said:
I had a couple Manix 2 XLs that were stiff, even after a significant period of use. I cut coils (and reground the choil into cutting edge, chamfered and reshaped the handles, reground the whole blade thinner behind the edge, and crowned the spine). Then they were perfect.
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You wouldn't happen to have any pictures of these modified Manix's (Manixi?)? I love the Manix 2 XL, but what you did to them sounds amazing, I'd be delighted to be able to look at them :)
 
img_3864-jpg.1691957
 
When I say they were perfect..... I meant almost perfect. The CBBL Manix sadly does not have tip down clip position, which is my preferred way to carry large (or most) folders. None of those knives is in my possession any more.
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Stillshot,

We're still contemplating using it. Customers have been asking for it and some of our makers would also like for us to do it.

sal
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It definitely wouldn't bother me if you do end up using the axis style lock, if there's a market for it then that makes sense to try it out. I would like and hope to see improvements made to the design, such as possibly a more durable omega spring design and protection against blade over travel when closing since I have experienced edge rolling from hitting a standoff when one handed closing. The design did teach me how to make replacement omega springs out of guitar strings though 😂 No more axis locks for me but I wouldn't rule out a Spyderco design as you guys always seem to get things very right.

David Mary said:
img_3864-jpg.1691957
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I had to do a double take on this pic at first I thought it was a rough Photoshop showing two knives combined before I realized it was a regrind through the blade markings. Now that's one nice long edge.
 
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