To anyone anti-Benchmade, is the Axis lock the reason why you won't buy one?

C

cards94

Joined
Jul 23, 2013
Messages
1,484
Is it the Axis lock with the Omega spring that deters you from buying a Benchmade Ritter or any of the Benchmades?
 
I actually really like the Axis lock (I have five), but Benchmade's MAP pricing policy ruffles my feathers a bit. Plus, there are so many other knives on my "must have" list.
 
I respect the axis lock tremendously.
I think BM's are over priced for what you get. Just my 0.02
 
I've never had an axis lock fail. They are overpriced which is my primary dislike.
 
Axis lock = good. Price to quality ratio, heat treat, poor grinding, and limited steel options in their user class of knives are what I dislike.
 
I love the axis lock, but every freaking benchmade I buy has blade play unless you crank the pivot down to where the blade wont swing freely.
 
It's one of the main reasons why I like Benchmade.

It's the main reason why they continue to be this successful and can command these absurd MAP enforcement prices. Most all of the well loved models are over five years old. They can rest on their laurels so to speak with such an awesome exclusive lock.
 
I'm still looking for the anti-Benchmade crowd to weigh in. Curious about the axis lock thoughts from them.
 
NCCNC said:
I love the axis lock, but every freaking benchmade I buy has blade play unless you crank the pivot down to where the blade wont swing freely.
Click to expand...
bodog said:
Axis lock = good. Price to quality ratio, heat treat, poor grinding, and limited steel options in their user class of knives are what I dislike.
Click to expand...

^^This, my axis lock as always been good to me and i got mine before the MAP enforcement on sale
 
I like the Axis lock, but their overall designs, cost for what you get, and materials leave a bit to be desired. As usual, this is in my opinion.
 
Cards, I'm asking this respectfully - how many months (or years) have you been inquiring about the axis lock? You seem to always be looking for negative opinions on it. Have you owned one yet? I can send you my like new Griptilian if you'd like to try it out for yourself. It seems like you've been on the fence far too long! :)
 
fetzer85 said:
Cards, I'm asking this respectfully - how many months (or years) have you been inquiring about the axis lock? You seem to always be looking for negative opinions on it. Have you owned one yet? I can send you my like new Griptilian if you'd like to try it out for yourself. It seems like you've been on the fence far too long! :)
Click to expand...

What a wonderful example of Bladeforums brotherhood!
 
I've had an omega spring break on one of mine. It still functioned fine since it has 2 springs. If I was a person who only owned 1 knife to my name, it might have bothered me sending it in for repair, 6 days mind you plus the free deep carry clips I requested, but who are we kidding, most of us have so many knives we actually need a few to break just to work the others into rotation. BM's customer service is pretty great if I do say, and having a lock that is solid, ambi, and easy to manipulate in a fat pair of gloves is pretty nice. I haven't let it deter me, and I'm one of the 2% that have probably actually had one break. Just my thoughts tho.
 
fetzer85 said:
Cards, I'm asking this respectfully - how many months (or years) have you been inquiring about the axis lock? You seem to always be looking for negative opinions on it. Have you owned one yet? I can send you my like new Griptilian if you'd like to try it out for yourself. It seems like you've been on the fence far too long! :)
Click to expand...

I just seem to be attracted to the Ritter but can't get myself to pull the trigger. :( I want to have confidence in the axis.
 
Put me down as another axis lock fan. Love them. I'm a ZT freak, but I have several Benchmades, and I really don't think of them as ridiculously priced, at least not the higher end models.

I just picked up the blue G10 handled 710 with M390 blade for $195...about what I paid for my ZT0560 (with Elmax). I also have the 940-1 in carbon fiber and blue standoffs with blade of S90V...got it for $200. Another one I own and love is the HUNT series Grizzly Creek...3.5" blade in S30V, dymondwood G10 scales, gut hook thingy that folds out from the back (which also works awesomely well on boxes) and I got it for $149 with very little thought/effort (bought that on a whim).

That said, I think their plastic handled 154-CM stuff is a little overpriced...no idea why anyone would pay over, if not well over, $100 for a 154 blade and plastic handles, personally.

You can find deals on Benchmades...in many cases all you have to do is ask. MAP is only the minimum advertised price.
 
cards94 said:
I just seem to be attracted to the Ritter but can't get myself to pull the trigger. :( I want to have confidence in the axis.
Click to expand...

The axis lock is actually extremely strong. Even if one spring does break (extremely rare), you still have the other one, which will hold. I think your intial post is interesting.... I own several liner lock Benchmade's that are among the favorites of my accumulated knives. Their H&K line also has some very similar models for a much better price point... specifically (currently) the 14715 and the 14460 Nitrous Blitz. I will agree that the MAP pricing enforcement does suck, and honestly, Benchmade has had very few new appealing designs, but they do have some gems still. I am not a fan of the Griptilian series, but c'mon, they really aren't that expensive. Any reputable dealer has a good return policy, so order one and if you don't like it, send it back.
 
Just picked up an Adamas from a fellow member, it's really great so far and D2 is a good steel with which I hadn't had previously.

Mostly I favor Kershaw as they have a great selection of affordable, budget working tools. I have a few other Benchmades but hadn't carried in awhile, glad to be back to it. I bought/carried BM so infrequently I'm not even sure the MAP stuff really affects me.

That said, it seems like you already have some opinions from people who like the AXIS but don't really care for Benchmade for various reasons. Not sure what you mean by anti-Benchmade crowd... those who HATE Benchmade?
 
cards94 said:
Is it the Axis lock with the Omega spring that deters you from buying a Benchmade Ritter or any of the Benchmades?
Click to expand...

I've been buying Axis knives as long as they've been in production, which is longer than some people posting here have been alive. I have some that have been cycled times beyond counting. The Axis lock is strong, and it is very reliable. In fifteen years, I've never broken a spring. The only turn-off with BM right now is their pricing policy.
 
i own a few benchmades also, I like the 940 a lot, but i do agree with most who have posted about the prices and what you get. Also, most the benchmades i have owned have not been comfortable to hold(especially the griptilians) , but thats just me
 
cards94 said:
I just seem to be attracted to the Ritter but can't get myself to pull the trigger. :( I want to have confidence in the axis.
Click to expand...

I have had a few Benchmades , including Autos that were opened a lot for fun, and have never had an Axis lock break. I am not saying that it cant, just that I don't think its that common. I have never seen a story where the spring broke and someone mangled their hand. Again, I am not saying its impossible, just that I haven't heard it. Plus, so what if it eventually breaks, just send it in for repair and a free sharpening. No biggie. You could always consider one of the assisted or auto models. They have a secondary safety that locks the Axis bar forward, so even if something broke, it would be trapped in the locked position. Something to consider anyway. I think you may be over thinking this, just go for it. Lastly, check out some of the Benchmade Factory videos where they put the knives through their paces and test the lock strength. I think you will come away reassured.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top