Benchmade Knives

BENCHMADE 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.

LOCKBACK
A basic, functional lock which is relatively simple and low cost to manufacture. In practice the lock design positions a stop bar parallel to and in direct line with the blade at the upper back or rear tang of the blade to lock the blade open. Basically, as the blade is rotated open, the spring tensioned, center pivoted stop bar tracks around the circular portion of the blade tang until it drops or locks into the notched out tang. And to release the lock, the exposed portion of the stop bar in the handle back is depressed into the handle, pivoting the stop bar out, releasing the locked blade. This style of locking mechanism requires two hands to safely close the blade although you may still easily open the blade singlehanded if desired. It's a very functional mechanism and it is used throughout the knife industry today. In the Benchmade line they are used in the ASCENT™ Series Models.

Using thumb motion, open the blade until it clicks into the locked position. To release (close the blade), grip the spine of the blade with one hand and depress the lock bar in the back of the handle with the other hand. Once you feel the lock release, fold the knife closed.

The knife can easily be retrieved from the sheath and then stowed singlehandedly. When drawing the knife from the sheath use a downward pressure with your thumb against the sheath to release the snapfit, while at the same time pulling the knife upward. By doing this you will have a controlled action as opposed to a somewhat uncontrolled jerky motion. In returning the knife to the sheath, simply push it in until it snaps into its secured position.