To test the strength of the Axis-lock on a BM 710

S

Slowstarter

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Mar 21, 2006
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I read this at Knifecenter about the Axis-lock on the BM 710.

"As simple as the lock is, perhaps its biggest selling feature is its brute strength. In testing, the lock supported a negative load of over 200 pounds without damage. When the lock does finally fail, the liners simply crack over the locking pin, but at no time in Benchmade's testing would the blade have closed on the users hand. The AXIS™ lock features two "Omega" shaped springs that provide outstanding functional redundancy. The springs are lightly stressed and our tests show they should last indefinitely. In the unlikely event that one of the springs does fail, the other will still operate the knife just fine."

Does anyone have any info on the testing procedure? How was the test done? any pics? how much can other locking systems take before they brake? And how much power is 200 pounds in real life? Will I be able to use my BM 710 for batoning? Is any othe lock stronger than the Axis?
 
I would never use a folder for batoning. I'd use a tough fixed blade for that. Just my $.02.
 
Me personally, I'd only use a very thick bladed folder to baton, better yet only a fixed blade, and then only when the blade isn't locked.
 
There is a technique to proper batoning. With correct technique, you can baton with a slipjoint, no problem. Key to the technique- if you're putting any strain against the lock, you're doing it wrong. When batoning, you want to use the blade as a wedge, NOT as a lever.
 
Wow they make the Axis lock sound GODLY. I haven't put mine to such hard use to experience a break, but I do know a couple people who have broken omega springs just from edc tasks. I have BM 710 and it's holding up great.

Strongest lock? I would not think so. Plenty up there, Military Liner Lock, Ti Frame locks, several others that are sure to be on par and stronger.
 
ZippoThisKnifeThat said:
Strongest lock? I would not think so. Plenty up there, Military Liner Lock, Ti Frame locks, several others that are sure to be on par and stronger.
Click to expand...

AXIS lock is far stronger than frame or liner locks. Sorry, it just is.
RELIABILITY may be a different issue; I prefer frame-locks for reliability.
 
stabman said:
AXIS lock is far stronger than frame or liner locks. Sorry, it just is.
RELIABILITY may be a different issue; I prefer frame-locks for reliability.
Click to expand...

Not to troll or start fire, but wasn't the Military tested for greater weight than 200lbs? and I have never heard of anyone ever having a Military Lock fail.

Slowstarter
If you are looking to buy this knife I would definitely pick one up!
Thinking of grabbing a 2nd one.
 
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I think the Axis lock is incredibly strong. That said, a Cold Steel Tri-Ad lock and the Ball Bearing lock are way stronger. I think Tri-Ad is the strongest in the market today.
 
dangreco said:
I think the Axis lock is incredibly strong. That said, a Cold Steel Tri-Ad lock and the Ball Bearing lock are way stronger. I think Tri-Ad is the strongest in the market today.
Click to expand...

Checked that Tri Ad lock out and wow Im blown away! Such technology...
 
moonwilson said:
There is a technique to proper batoning. With correct technique, you can baton with a slipjoint, no problem. Key to the technique- if you're putting any strain against the lock, you're doing it wrong. When batoning, you want to use the blade as a wedge, NOT as a lever.
Click to expand...
:thumbup::thumbup: :D
 
+1 for the tri-ad lock, I can't wait to get my hands on one of the new voyagers or a Recon 1. I've never been a big fan of cold steel designs but this lock is a winner. They've tested the tri-ad to over 600lbs of dead weight. you can check out the video here and see CS's diagram of the lock here.
 
I know at least one member that's had a Military fail on him during normal use, but aside from that I haven't heard of Military failures. As far as I can tell (I don't bring folders to failure), one of the strongest locks in the production market is the Tri-Ad lock used in Cold Steel knives. Regardless of how strong the Tri-Ad lock is, most quality production knives won't fail under reasonable use. From what I can tell, batoning isn't one of those "reasonable" uses for a folder. I can see how using it as a wedge can be argued, but it still sounds risky.
 
dangreco said:
I think the Axis lock is incredibly strong. That said, a Cold Steel Tri-Ad lock and the Ball Bearing lock are way stronger. I think Tri-Ad is the strongest in the market today.
Click to expand...

Just curious but why do you say the BB lock is way stronger than the AXIS lock? I can see them being similar but a lot stronger, even any stronger, I'm not sure I believe.

The back piece that supports the BB is attached with a couple very small screws. I would think the solid liners would be stronger than a couple screws.
 
I feel that the Spydie millie is just a very well designed and executed liner lock. Strength of it depends on the buckling of the liner lock bar (or someother science-type-of-thingy).

The Axis lock is (I think) depends on the shearing of the Axis pin which is pushed into place by the two omega springs. Under load it transfers the load from Axis bar to the liner.

BB lock is (again, I am just thinking) the BB is compressed onto the backspacer which transfers load onto the liner via screws holding the backspacer to the liners.

Tri-ad lock is like typical lockback but addition of bloody thick stop pin. Load is tranferred by compressing the 'teeth' of the lockbar onto the stop pin. Additional security in the shearing ability of the pivot pin in lockbar. Ultimately both transfers onto liners.

-what the heck am I leading to?-

Since all transfers to liners then with assumption of roughly equal sized folders I feel my Lawman Tri-ad is best with my Benchmade 710 second and BB lock D'Allara is third.

Tri-ad is undisputed but the reason why my D-Allara is third is cause the small pin (with screw type) which the backspacer is kept in place through the liner is weaker than the axis pin of the 710. Rough assumption based on the shear capacity of steel and the bending moment from closing force distributing load as shear capacity etc etc etc...... I'm not an expert but I kinda spend a lot of time pondering over many cups of coffee...

Keep in mind I prefer my BB locks the best outta the three types so I'm not prejudiced. I choose these three folders cause they are roughly same size. Lastly I'm talking about strength to resist closing force not cutting/opening force in which its Tri-ad (1st place) followed by BB-lock (D'allara) then Axis (710) cause the stop pin in the 710 is mucho thin...
 
What FlaMtnBkr said in simpler words regarding the screws. I second it.

Need to find way to convey in less words...
 
In terms of lock strength the Mili, BBL/CBBL, Tri-Ad, Frame Lock etc are all "strong enough". Of more importance to me would be the ease of operation of the lock, the construction of the knife (A back lock necessitates closed construction, a frame lock allows 1-piece or very simple construction, a BBL or Axis lock needs a housing at the front of the knife)

The easiest lock for me so far has been the Military's liner lock. The Axis lock is a close second.
 
I haven't tried a BB lock, or owned a good frame/liner lock or a tri-ad lock, but I do own a a couple of Axis lock knives and I am impressed with them. Would I use them to baton with? Only if it was a matter of life or death. Folders have a huge weakness compared to fixed blades and that is that they fold and require some sort of mechanical lock, be it a simple spring or fancy lock to hold them open. If youwant a knife you can baton with just pick up a mora, cheap enough that you don't have to worry about breaking it, tough enough that chances are it wont break.
 
Would someone answer to the original question? Has anybody asked for a comparision of the military lock to any Axis lock?

Has someone asked for the sense of batoning with a folder?

What does 200lbs mean in reality, when someone grabs a knife? What has he to do, to get a negative pressure of 200 lbs on the handle?

That´s all, what was asked!

I don´t know.
 
Does anyone know hoe the Kershaw Stud Lock holds up under testing like what is being mentioned on the Axis. I have two Offsets and would like to know. I don't think I will never abuse my folding knife beyond the capability of the Stud Lock but am curious. I have searched all over the internet but have only found opinion and no raw data. I can understand as I would not want to destroy my own knife to find out but thought that Kershaw may have tested this. I saw that Ken Onion thinks very highly of this lock but.........after all it is his baby.

I have only used the spine whack test on my folders. I feel comfortable with all of my other locking mechanisms but this Stud Lock just seems weak when I look at it. It seems as though the thumb stud cross bar is not very thick and could be the weak point.
 
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Blop said:
What does 200lbs mean in reality, when someone grabs a knife? What has he to do, to get a negative pressure of 200 lbs on the handle?
Click to expand...

if you could penetrate the blade into something, and then hang 200lbs on the end of the handle, that would be 200lbs neg pressure if i understand correctly
 
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