Thursday, August 04, 2005
Locking Designs
The knife mechanism is essential to any folder. It is what provides the means to lock the folding knifes' blade open when you go to use it. There are almost as many mechanisms and variations of mechanisms on the market as there are individual knife designs. It all comes down to several key features to look for in a locking mechanism, they are ease of use (even under non-ideal circumstance), reliability to be certain it will not fail inadvertently, and strength relative to the knife application. Benchmade features a variety of locking mechanisms, several of which are patented and exclusive to Benchmade. No cheap novelties here though, just solid lock up function backed by the best quality in the business.
AXIS LOCK - A Benchmade exclusive, this patented AXIS™ locking mechanism is an ingenious marvel that has been touted by some as quite possibly "the strongest folding lock ever." It's the culmination of four years of "tinkering" by renowned custom knife makers Bill McHenry and Jason Williams. So simple yet so functional, this mechanism is certain to leave you scratching your head and saying, "WOW, why didn't I think of that…" The features of the AXIS lock are significant and greatly enhance the function of knives. First and foremost is the strength. This lock is definitely more than adequate for the demands of normal knife use. A close second to strength is the inherent AXIS advantage of being totally ambidextrous without user compromise. The blade can be readily actuated open or closed with either hand- without ever having to place flesh in the blade path. Lastly, and certainly not any less impressive, is the indescribable "smoothness" with which the mechanism and blade function. By design there are no traditional "friction" parts to the AXIS mechanism, making the action the much smoother. And it's all reasonably exposed so you can easily clean away any unwarranted debris.
Basically, AXIS gets its function from a spring-loaded bar that rides forward and back in a slot machined into both liners. The bar extends to both sides of the knife; spanning the space between the liners and is positioned over the rear of the blade. It engages a ramped notch cut into the tang portion of the knife blade when it is opened. Two omega style springs, one on each liner, give the locking bar its inertia to engage the knife tang, and as a result the tang is wedged solidly between a sizable stop pin and the AXIS bar itself. It's a lot of words in an attempt to describe simplicity, but the very best way to truly appreciate the AXIS lock is to experience it for yourself firsthand. There are several models to choose from with more on the way.
SOG ARC -LOCK
The Arc-Lock™ sets a new standard in tactical engineering. It has all of the attributes knife designers relentlessly search for, but rarely find.
Strength: Arc-Lock™ surpassed standard holding capacity in independent lab tests.
Speed: Action provides fast and smooth one-handed opening.
Safety: Positive closing feature ensures that the blade securely stays within the handle when closed.
Ambidexterity: Blade can be comfortably accessed with either hand.
Durability: Arc-Lock™ is self-adjusting for long-term, optimal performance.
AXIS LOCK - A Benchmade exclusive, this patented AXIS™ locking mechanism is an ingenious marvel that has been touted by some as quite possibly "the strongest folding lock ever." It's the culmination of four years of "tinkering" by renowned custom knife makers Bill McHenry and Jason Williams. So simple yet so functional, this mechanism is certain to leave you scratching your head and saying, "WOW, why didn't I think of that…" The features of the AXIS lock are significant and greatly enhance the function of knives. First and foremost is the strength. This lock is definitely more than adequate for the demands of normal knife use. A close second to strength is the inherent AXIS advantage of being totally ambidextrous without user compromise. The blade can be readily actuated open or closed with either hand- without ever having to place flesh in the blade path. Lastly, and certainly not any less impressive, is the indescribable "smoothness" with which the mechanism and blade function. By design there are no traditional "friction" parts to the AXIS mechanism, making the action the much smoother. And it's all reasonably exposed so you can easily clean away any unwarranted debris.
Basically, AXIS gets its function from a spring-loaded bar that rides forward and back in a slot machined into both liners. The bar extends to both sides of the knife; spanning the space between the liners and is positioned over the rear of the blade. It engages a ramped notch cut into the tang portion of the knife blade when it is opened. Two omega style springs, one on each liner, give the locking bar its inertia to engage the knife tang, and as a result the tang is wedged solidly between a sizable stop pin and the AXIS bar itself. It's a lot of words in an attempt to describe simplicity, but the very best way to truly appreciate the AXIS lock is to experience it for yourself firsthand. There are several models to choose from with more on the way.
SOG ARC -LOCK
The Arc-Lock™ sets a new standard in tactical engineering. It has all of the attributes knife designers relentlessly search for, but rarely find.
Strength: Arc-Lock™ surpassed standard holding capacity in independent lab tests.
Speed: Action provides fast and smooth one-handed opening.
Safety: Positive closing feature ensures that the blade securely stays within the handle when closed.
Ambidexterity: Blade can be comfortably accessed with either hand.
Durability: Arc-Lock™ is self-adjusting for long-term, optimal performance.
Teddy
