Why do I benefit from newer locks (like Axis?)

EChoil said:
Anytime there's a spring...........

BUT....the development of new locking mechanisms, especially good ones, allows for more competition, creativity and new models of knives that might now be able to take on certain lines or functions not possible with previous locks.

For dependability and length of service I still don't think anything beats a good mechanism that operates on pure physics and does not require the addition of parts, especially springs. Many of them are good but long live the Reeve lock.
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The RIL not only requires a spring, it is a spring.
 
Ajack60 said:
There's really no advantage at all. I just happen to like frame locks the best. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling to be able to see the lock up and how far over the locking mechanism is moving with use.
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AGREE. Framelocks are the way to go.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
The RIL not only requires a spring, it is a spring.
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Indeed, I wonder how EChoil thinks the lock bar on his beloved frame lock is motivated to jump into the locked position when it clears the blade if not for it being sprung. Does it move by some supernatural force that Chris Reeve imbues it with at the factory or something? ;)
 
evilgreg said:
Indeed, I wonder how EChoil thinks the lock bar on his beloved frame lock is motivated to jump into the locked position when it clears the blade if not for it being sprung. Does it move by some supernatural force that Chris Reeve imbues it with at the factory or something? ;)
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Uh K. I"d debate you on that tecnically but why bore everyone more. I'll change the term to "Slinky." That's with a capital 'S.' I used to send em down stairs when I was a kid. Til they broke.

Point being, in the case of thin Slinky springs and torsion bars buried within a handle, something's going to break.

All better now?
 
Insipid Moniker said:
It IS a spring, noun. A type of leaf spring, more specifically. Not all springs are coiled.
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It is part of the B-side of a knife....just as a tree limb is part of a TREE. When we tweak that part of the B-side of the knife it springs (verb). When we pull back and release the tree branch it springs (verb).

Is the tree a spring (noun)?
 
EChoil said:
It is part of the B-side of a knife....just as a tree limb is part of a TREE. When we tweak that part of the B-side of the knife it springs (verb). When we pull back and release the tree branch it springs (verb).

Is the tree a spring (noun)?
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A spring is an elastic object that stores mechanical energy. A bent tree branch is, indeed, a spring, as is the RIL.
 
They all have their advantages. Some are easier to open/close one handed, some are better for ambidextrous use, some use less parts, some are stronger, some are less likely to release if used with gloved hands or with twisting forces. However, most all of them if properly executed will be more than strong enough for "normal" folder use. We almost never see lock failure posts unless the knife was abused till it failed. These days I'd bet the cost of manufacturing and licensing of a particular lock for most companies is a big deciding factor, and it's the reason the liner/frame lock is used so much. Few parts, cheap to manufacturer, and no licensing costs.

However, it's also by FAR the lock design we see the most complaints and issues with. We can't go a couple days without a post about a badly fit frame/liner lock from just about any company you can name no matter the price or amount of respect the brand has. The tolerances on perfectly fitting a liner/frame lock so that there is no lock rock, lock stick, blade retention, is anything but easy and companies have proven time and time again they hard time doing it consistently.

It's for that reason I prefer locks like the axis, compression, ball bearing etc. In my experience those designs are able to be mass produced with much more consistent results. There are more parts, but I see way less posts about those designs failing than poorly fit liner/frame locks.
 
My current group of folders includes 8 different locking mechanisms. At least 5 of which I would say I particularly like. I laugh at myself now when I think of how I was resistant to buying my first BM Axis lock because today the AXIS lock stands head and shoulders above the rest for me. I now have many more AXIS folders than anything else. I have never had any issues with springs in any of my AXIS folders either. Love to open and close them, but it drives my wife nuts.
 
I love the axis lock, and like the framelock as well. Theres only so many ways you can lock a blade,and I don't see anything else that can replace these two designs in the near future.
 
As far as rock solid lockup, the axis has shortcomings. If free enough to flip open, there is bladeplay. Torqued tight it functions well enough, but it's not for me. My personal favorite locking mechanisms are framelock and by a smaller margin button lock. But I also love flippers so that influences my decision.
 
SurpriseGoat said:
As far as rock solid lockup, the axis has shortcomings. If free enough to flip open, there is bladeplay. Torqued tight it functions well enough, but it's not for me. My personal favorite locking mechanisms are framelock and by a smaller margin button lock. But I also love flippers so that influences my decision.
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And how are you certain they have bladeplay when free swinging, have you seen every example of axislock? I have a few axislocks some framelocks and one linerlock, the axis is by far my favorite, no bladeplay on my 551 h20, or my 710-1401, or my 940, there is however bladeplay on my kershaw cryo, and my esee zancudo...so take it for what its worth...
 
Variety keeps interest and fun alive.

I prefer the Compression Lock or a thick Ti frame lock.
 
I'm loving the SLS (Strong Lock System) on my Buck 830 Marksman.
Everything about it just seems "better" to me.
It is strong, It's adjustable and best of all,...
I don't know of any other knife that can be operated as smoothly one-handed:
[video=youtube;C_SkNZ8MlF0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_SkNZ8MlF0[/video]
 
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Cool lock but is this folder^ heavy?
I like the lock on the Svord peasant folder.
 
Lycosa said:
Cool lock but is this folder^ heavy?
I like the lock on the Svord peasant folder.
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Au contraire, The aluminum scales make it extremely light at only 4oz.
This makes it 1.5oz lighter than a similarly spec'd ZT0562CF with carbon fiber scales and titanium back.
 
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