LOCKING MECHANISMS
Cutaway illustrations (side and top view) of the Model
710 with the AXIS Lock being exposed. Note the ingenious
simplicity of form which supports the solid reliability
of function. U.S. Patent No. 5,737,841.
AXIS
LOCK™
A Benchmade Knives 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 springloaded bar which 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.
As you can see, with very little practice the knife
can be easily actuated singlehandedly.
(CAUTION: The blade opens exceptionally smooth, so
when pressuring the thumb stud with your thumb to open
the blade, be sure not to exert downward pressure on
the thumb stud/blade as you open it, but rather drive
your thumb forward and you will have more favorable
results). Simply open the blade fully until it clicks
into the locked position. (CAUTION: When attempting
to close the blade, ALWAYS first push the lockliner
to the free position BEFORE applying pressure to the
backside of the blade for closing).
AXIS
LOCK™ 
