Will we ever see an axis type lock on a spyderco?

Huntsman Knife Co. LLC.

Huntsman Knife Co. LLC.

Moderator
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Sep 10, 2010
Messages
3,747
I feel like the axis/ arc lock mechanisms will be the dominant locks in the future. I like spyderco's ball bearing lock but still feel as though it is not quite as fluid as an axis or arc lock. Spyderco is my favorite brand of folder due to their awesome blade shapes and ergos but still, how awesome would a military or sage with an arc/axis lock be? Will spyderco develop a rival lock, or perhaps expand upon the ball bearing lock?
 
I used to have the same thoughts when I was EDC'ing my BM 940 LE. But then I got my first framelock (CRK Sebenza). Now I feel that the framelocks are superior to anything else out there -- they are simple (easier to use and understand), use less parts (less to break), and are super reliable. As such, I think framelocks will dominate for some time to come. Just MHO.
 
I think that the TriAd locks will dominate unless cold steel keeps the design for itself. I've never cared for the axis locks, and the TI frame locks just don't seem all that much stronger then other types of locks. Has anyone seen testing on the TI RIL locks? The only testing I have seen is ankerson's test. IIRC the ZT and TriAd knives were fine, while the spyderco ball lock and the BM axis lock knives broke.
 
The Ball Lock is Spyderco's "thing" and works well. Why license competing technology? The ball locks on my Manix 2s are almost as smooth as axis locks after being broken in, and the spiral spring should prove more reliable than the omega springs. Time will tell..
 
The patent will expire on the Tri-Ad lock eventually. When it does it will replace most conventional lock back designs. It provides a new level of safety and security for lockbacks in general, a natural evolution of that style. Can you imagine the Dragonfly, Delica, Stretch, Endura, etc with that style of lock? Those models would automatically be propelled to a whole new level.
 
catamount123 said:
Judging by Mr. Blonde's Amsterdam report on the Sage 3 prototype, Spyderco's version of the Blackie Collins bolt lock is very similar to the axis lock in operation.

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showpost.php?p=562197&postcount=125

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=/&gl=US#/watch?xl=xl_blazer&v=ez7I6DIlqSQ
Click to expand...

It is actually more similar to the ball lock in the way it functions. The user interface may appear similar, but the way it transfers load is totally different than the axis lock.

I seem to recall Sal answering this question at least once with "why would we want to use their lock when we have locks of our own that we haven't even used yet?"
 
Just looked at a USA made spyderco with a lock that seems to work like an Axis lock. Looks like a ball point pen spring in there. Does not seem anywhere near as strong and sure as the Benchmade Axis.

And hey, has the thumb holes about run their course?
 
link2derek said:
I used to have the same thoughts when I was EDC'ing my BM 940 LE. But then I got my first framelock (CRK Sebenza). Now I feel that the framelocks are superior to anything else out there -- they are simple (easier to use and understand), use less parts (less to break), and are super reliable. As such, I think framelocks will dominate for some time to come. Just MHO.
Click to expand...

Less parts does mean less to break, but it also means more damage IF it breaks.

If you break a lockback, you can change the lockbar. If you break a frame lock, you're probably best off changing the whole knife.
 
I really like my Persian, I don't think it would be made better with a Tri-Ad lock.

Comments on the spring size for the BBL, have you seen the springs on the AXIS lock? You do know that the spring doesn't sustain any real load from the lock?
 
Dr Heelhook said:
Less parts does mean less to break, but it also means more damage IF it breaks.

If you break a lockback, you can change the lockbar. If you break a frame lock, you're probably best off changing the whole knife.
Click to expand...

Point taken. It's all about the trade-off.
 
OldKnife007 said:
Just looked at a USA made spyderco with a lock that seems to work like an Axis lock. Looks like a ball point pen spring in there. Does not seem anywhere near as strong and sure as the Benchmade Axis.

And hey, has the thumb holes about run their course?
Click to expand...

Have you actually seen the omega springs in the axis?
 
Dr Heelhook said:
If you break a lockback, you can change the lockbar. If you break a frame lock, you're probably best off changing the whole knife.
Click to expand...

If you're doing something to break a frame lock, you shouldn't be doing whatever it is with a folding knife.
 
ac1d0v3r1d3 said:
I think that the TriAd locks will dominate unless cold steel keeps the design for itself. I've never cared for the axis locks, and the TI frame locks just don't seem all that much stronger then other types of locks. Has anyone seen testing on the TI RIL locks? The only testing I have seen is ankerson's test. IIRC the ZT and TriAd knives were fine, while the spyderco ball lock and the BM axis lock knives broke.
Click to expand...

The AXIS Lock didn't break in my testing, the blade tip snapped off.

That one Manix 2 that I tested failed because I broke the lock, now that said Spyderco fixed the small issue so that shouldn't be a problem anymore so it's a dead topic. The Manix 2 is a good knife with a strong lock.

The Tri-Ad Lock is Andrew Demko's lock, not CS and he has a Patent on it and is under Contract with CS currently so they can use his lock.

I don't see the Tri-Ad being used widely in the near future because of this.
 
SPXTrader said:
If you're doing something to break a frame lock, you shouldn't be doing whatever it is with a folding knife.
Click to expand...

:thumbup: That should probably be in bold! Should also be needle pointed or something, framed, and hung above the workbench. :D

Maybe change it to locks in general.

I know some like to stress their tools, but I think we get a bit carried away.

I read a post the other day where the user was batoning wood with a SOG Flash1, and I'm still shaking my head over that one.
(In fairness he stated he knew if was not a proper use, but was curiouis if the little thing would fail.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top