Vertical Blade Play: Lockback vs. Axis

ABN · Jan 21, 2005

I recently used my Buck 110 to chop some small branches out of a tree, and noticed that it developed a small amount of vertical blade play as a result. I know I should have used a hatchet or a sturdy fixed blade for this chore, but I'm also wondering what would be the strongest folder lock for chopping.

I kind of envision a linerlock and framelock being more resistant to developing vertical blade play under these conditions, but suspect the lock would migrate to the right as things got loosened up (but maybe I'm wrong... If so, set me straight). However, the Axis lock, with its apparent rounded mating surfaces looks like it might hold up well.

Can Axis-lock folders develop vertical blade play?

Thanks in advance for any assistance, -Alex

sting7777 · Jan 21, 2005

not really - as the axis bar contact area wears - the bar will just move further in and as such its one of the only locks that will take forever to wear out in terms of metal removal. Because of the angles involved and the "wedging" action - its almost impossible for an AXIS to have vertical bladeplay.

JD Mandrell · Jan 21, 2005

The axis-lock is the most amazing lock I have seen so far! I can make most any liner-lock fail, and compresssion locks to if your willing to spine whack one hard enough. The axis-lock is freaky strong.

p.s. sting7777...that sig' line is to funny!

J.Davey · Jan 21, 2005

I agree about the axis. I wish it was more readily available for other companies to use, since I feel it is the best locking mechanism around. Think about it; a Chinook 2 with an axis lock.

Steven Roos · Jan 21, 2005

sting7777 said:
not really - as the axis bar contact area wears - the bar will just move further in and as such its one of the only locks that will take forever to wear out in terms of metal removal. Because of the angles involved and the "wedging" action - its almost impossible for an AXIS to have vertical bladeplay.

Right. The way the bar wears, it would take a lifetime to wear out!

DRider · Jan 21, 2005

My only axis lock knife is an AFCK... I've never had it fail to go into "lock position" properly on opening (and it has no blade play

)... but I was wondering something: my linerlocks and framelocks pop authoritatively into place when I open them, but the axis kind of gently moves into place. It makes me worry that pocket lint or something like that could possibly clog the action and make it fail to move fully into position.

So, has this happened to anyone? You open your axis and it doesn't quite lock up for some reason?

UnknownVT · Jan 21, 2005

ABN said:
Can Axis-lock folders develop vertical blade play?

Axis locks can have vertical play.

Sometimes if the blade is opened slowly/gently/softly - sometimes the Axis lock-bar does not quite reach its fully locked position - so if one then grabs the blade face near the tip one can feel vertical play/wobble (to be clear this is in the open/close direction).

However as far as I can tell if stress is put on the lock it tends to then fully lock and become solid.

But, yes, one can get play in a non-faulty Axis lock.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net

Steven Roos · Jan 21, 2005

DRider said:
My only axis lock knife is an AFCK... I've never had it fail to go into "lock position" properly on opening (and it has no blade play )... but I was wondering something: my linerlocks and framelocks pop authoritatively into place when I open them, but the axis kind of gently moves into place. It makes me worry that pocket lint or something like that could possibly clog the action and make it fail to move fully into position.

So, has this happened to anyone? You open your axis and it doesn't quite lock up for some reason?

Pocket lint is the Achillies Heel of all fine folders. I have had both my AXIS lock knives and my Sebenza not lock open because of pocket lint in the way of either the stop pin or the AXIS lock bar.

sting7777 · Jan 21, 2005

UnknownVT said:
Axis locks can have vertical play.

Sometimes if the blade is opened slowly/gently/softly - sometimes the Axis lock-bar does not quite reach its fully locked position - so if one then grabs the blade face near the tip one can feel vertical play/wobble (to be clear this is in the open/close direction).

However as far as I can tell if stress is put on the lock it tends to then fully lock and become solid.

But, yes, one can get play in a non-faulty Axis lock.

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net

I would disagree - thats like saying a lockback that isnt locked open has vertical blade play.

When the AXIS mechanism is locked - there is no chance of developing bladeplay.

Anyway - AXIS locks were designed to be flicked open - so why would you open them slowly in the first place?

J.Davey · Jan 21, 2005

If your axis get overly lint filled, use one of cans of compressed air (that you use to clean computer keyboards and such) and blast it out. I usually follow this with a good lubrication of sentry solutions lubricant and than blast out the excess lubricant.

UnknownVT · Jan 21, 2005

sting7777 said:
so why would you open them slowly in the first place?

How about trying to be quiet.... or not flashy?

I have had my non-faulty Axis 710 with vertical blade play when I have opened it normally too
- it's just that it's easier to get that vertical blade play if it is opened quietly/softly.

?? Has anyone ever spine-whacked an Axis hard enough to dent either the lock bar or the tang/heel of the blade?

- if so, wouldn't that make the lock bar fall into a groove and with possible wear to the stop pin - cause vertical play?

Anyway the Axis lock hasn't really been around long enough to truly be worn down for anyone to be that definitive
- my Axis 710 (one of the first) is only just coming up to being 6 years old....

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVT2005.cjb.net
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net
http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net

rs422 · Jan 21, 2005

ABN said:
I know I should have used a hatchet or a sturdy fixed blade for this chore, but I'm also wondering what would be the strongest folder lock for chopping.

Check out the BM 630 Skirmish, it is like a small pocket hatchet and chops very good for its size. The frame lock on it is solid.

collecter · Jan 22, 2005

Your 110 probably already had some vertical blade play but you just never noticed before. I find that on a lot of lock backs and it doesn't seem to matter which manufacturer or price.

The axis lock can wear a little but it's designed in such a way that it will never produce vertical blade play. I prefer the axis lock over a lock back specifically for this reason.

I replaced my 112 with a plain edge 550OD for this very reason.

Collecter

OwenM · Jan 22, 2005

UnknownVT said:
?? Has anyone ever spine-whacked an Axis hard enough to dent either the lock bar or the tang/heel of the blade?

- if so, wouldn't that make the lock bar fall into a groove and with possible wear to the stop pin - cause vertical play?

I have a 710HS that has been heavily used (and intentionally abused) as I got it to check out the M2 steel, and later a BC1 coating I had applied after the BT2 was worn completely off. It has a lot of vertical blade play when opened normally. I assume this was from damaging the lockbar when I tried to kill it by batoning it through a bunch of lumber with a piece of steel pipe. On the other hand, the lock may just be worn out, as there is no more room for forward movement of the lockbar. Or maybe it's a combination of wear and damage. The blade moves up and down while the lockbar shifts back and forth on the tang. When I hold the lock in place manually, there is no play. I really think a new lockbar would make the lockup as good as new.
Though I've reground the edge several times, and the tip certainly doesn't look factory, the knife is still functional. I'm thinking of contacting BM about the possibility of buying a replacement blade, and having a new lockbar installed...