An honest question - Axis lock vs Other locks from Benchmade

BMCGear

BMCGear

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Many of you guys have been carrying Benchmades much longer than I have and this isn't a stir the pot question. I'd just like real feedback and your thoughts/opinions. I got my first Benchmade 2-3 years ago? When I think Benchmade I think Axis Lock, which is what the company has mainly focused on. I've seen many people complain that they should release other locks and offer some variety. I've considered buying other locks from them but it just seems a bit wierd to me to buy a framelock from Benchmade.

What do you guys think? On the models that have liners or frame locks how do they stack up to the Axis lock or other liner/framelocks made by companies who focus on those locks?

The Proxy may be in my future but again, I feel weird buying a Benchmade without an Axis lock.
 
Benchmade made some mighty fine pre-Axis knives. The locking mechanisms that came before the Axis lock; AFCK, TSEK and many others, may not be as strong, (to some of us...) but done right I've never had a failure. Among their best designs was the Nitrous lock, based on the Walker locking liner, but assisted. The 907, 912 and 913 are prime examples of a strong pre-Axis knife and are worth seeking.
 
The Axis lock is one of the main reasons I own and use Benchmades. Best all-round lock out there IMO. There are stronger locks but none are as smooth and easy as the Axis lock to operate and the Axis is plenty strong enough for my purposes.
 
I liked the idea of the sibert "pocket rocket" it was a frame lock or subframe lock with an adjustable stop pin . Basically IIRC you turned the stop pin to adjust lockup how you wanted it .

Benchmade is axis lock IMHO . Like someone else said they had great knives that weren't axis locks on the past .

I wouldn't want any of the current axis models with a different lock but if they decided to use a different lock on a new design it's not a deal breaker to me .

The skirmish and other ti frame locks I've had from Benchmade have been some of the best and smoothest knives I've ever owned .
 
I prefer Benchmade's Axis lock to any other lock type and would generally select a knife with that lock given the choice. That said, the Benchmade liner locks I own (910, Vicar) are the smoothest liner locks I own -to the point that I am careful with dropping blades when disengaging to close. They are like greased glass. The 761 framelock is another in this vein of crazy smoothness.

Perhaps some people just prefer liner/frame locks more and know how well Benchmade can execute.
 
If benchmade knives came in both liner lock and axis lock versions, I'd choose the liner lock every time.
 
I've had a liner lock suffer a critical failure, and almost cost me my pinky finger. I moved to Axis locks and have NEVER looked back. As far as I'm concerned, Axis is the best all around, but that has just been based on my personal experience. Your mileage may vary. But most people who notice my knife and are unfamiliar with the Benchmade brand, tend to remark on how great the locking mechanism is, and how it's exactly the type of lock or type of knife they have been looking for. It's one of the main reasons I gravitated towards this brand.
 
For better or worse Benchmade is wedded to the Axis lock! Of the 259 folders listed for Benchmade at BladeHQ 205 (79%) are Axis lock. The next biggest category is liner lock with just 23 (9%).
 
jpm2 said:
If benchmade knives came in both liner lock and axis lock versions, I'd choose the liner lock every time.
Click to expand...

Seriously? I used to like liner locks, but they just feel so cheap and primitive now. Like a slack way of stopping 2 pieces of metal from moving.

Axis lock any day of the week and twice on weekends.
 
Mick_1KRR said:
Seriously? I used to like liner locks, but they just feel so cheap and primitive now. Like a slack way of stopping 2 pieces of metal from moving.
Click to expand...

Yep, seriously.
I have a lot of benchmade axis lock knives.
My preference has nothing to do with lock strength, which btw is just fine in LL version.
 
Some Benchmade autos have a plunge lock and their patent has made it one of the few plunge locks with a safety. My Auto-Stryker plunge lock is excellent and has stood the test of time. I'd like to seem them make some non-auto knives with plunge locks. It's been real successful for William and Henry.

I have a Benchmade Park Avenue liner lock and it is superb, but it's a Terzuola design, so it's to be expected :)
 
I love the axis lock, but the lock is less of a concern to me than other factors when selecting a new knife these days. Back in 2003 or 2004, when I first started carrying Benchmade knives, lock (particularly lock strength) was a bigger factor. The axis lock is what drew me in when I switched from a Spyderco Delica to my first Mini Griptilian.

One of my favorite Benchmade EDCs of late is the H&K Nitrous Blitz. It's light, thin, and strong and possesses a lot of blade length in a compact package. The liner lock is strong enough to do everything I need and easy to use. I set the Nitrous Blitz aside for my 581 Barrage if I'm worried the Blitz won't be enough strength for me.
 
If given a choice I prefer the AXIS. I think it offers the best combination of strength, reliability, longevity, and ease of use compared to other locking mechanisms.

That said if I only had a BM Liner or Frame lock I'd be completely fine with it and feel more then adequately equipped.

My first, and most used and carried knife was the BM 800 AFCK and then the 910 Stryker. Both Liner locks that served me well for many years and stood the test of time.

At this point I think it's a matter of preference. Although I prefer the AXIS if I had to choose, I have complete confidence in BM Liner and Frame locks. I really see no reason not to own and enjoy both.
 
Just coming back to benchmade, 94x series, 943 this time. One of the main reasons... The axis lock. Recent endeavors included plenty of liner and frame locks. Just not on the same level(for me personally, to each their own).
 
I have nothing against liner/frame locks but when it comes down to it I'll always prefer the axis lock. It makes opening and closing a simple one handed flick of the wrist and your hand needn't ever enter the path of the blade.
 
Axis lock all the way for me. I wish BM would make a few lockback models sometime. Liner locks and frame locks are junk. I've never had a decent version of either. Why they are still popular I will never know. I guess there are just too many uninformed knife buyers out there these days.
 
So, Have you ever had a problem with the Axis Lock?

Perhaps not, although I have read a few threads on Broken springs which were not properly heat treated, easy fix.... As Knife enthusiasts we love new stuff, New Designs, New Locks, its is like cell phones the general pop wants the latest.... Myself prefer the axis lock design because it is so easy and dependable. Smooth/Dependable in every design I have ever owned from Bench-Made. This said it will always be a matter of preference for those of us who are constantly looking for the perfect design.

For me, I do my best not to get caught up in the latest and greatest Hype! Most of it is....... And costs significantly more the known and has no impact of the quality of design. This is a fact of our "Perceived Economy" We seem to always want the Best when we really do not know what the Best is other than what is inspired and what is told to us via marketing.

Enough, on my thoughts. It is important that we all make our own decisions based on our own unique person. TD
 
I have 1 BM without the AXIS lock, my 761. That knife is the smoothest knife I have ever felt! Also, it was just the sharpest knife out of box I have ever seen! That thing will slice like a pissed off demon!! Locks up tight with no movement at all! Amazing knife.....
I have about 15 other BMs all with the AXIS lock. It is without a doubt my favorite locking system. I love how they are all ambi. Very little 'break in'.......super smooth out of the box. It is, by far, the most fun to flick away!
Joe
 
Axis lock or I'm not considering the model. I had about 10 Benchmade's almost 20 years ago. I found I could defeat the liner locks on almost all of them with a spine whack in the palm of my hand. Sold them all and didn't like the axis lock when it first came out. I went Microtech. Again, both of mine and my brother in law's Socom's were easily defeated. I am sure Benchmade has fixed the issues, but I have yet to find an Axis lock get defeated by a reasonable (or unreasonable) spine whack. I don't even test them anymore.
 
I know for sure a late 90's benchmade liner lock can be used every day, multiple times a day, doing everything a knife could possibly do, being dropped to concrete and steel floors dozens of times, sometimes open, sometimes closed, without failure, and still work like new 15 years later with original parts.

Can't say the same for an axis, can any of you?
 
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