Axis Lock Patent Expiration..?
Can anyone from BKC provide any clarification on this topic? Will the Axis Lock patent expire anytime soon? This year..? Within the next few years..? Jason..?
I'm curious because I can't find a straightforward answer online and there's a considerable amount of misinformation being spread on different boards regarding this topic. Seems like every post has a different answer..
I'm curious because I can't find a straightforward answer online and there's a considerable amount of misinformation being spread on different boards regarding this topic. Seems like every post has a different answer..
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Patent Number: 5,737,841
Filed: July 12, 1996
Term of utility patent is 20 years from earliest filing date.
You can start manufacturing in your garage shortly....
Reference: https://www.google.com/patents/US57378410 -
I'd note that there are counterfeit/knockoff Benchmades from unscrupulous folks, e.g. copies of the 40-series and the Skirmish series.
AFAIK there haven't been counterfeits of the Axis models. In other words, they aren't going to be stopped by IP laws anyway but they still aren't doing it, so I have to imagine it's just harder.
It'd be interesting for enterprising individuals to try to replicate the lock once it's legal to do so, and see if it really is that much harder than other designs.0 -
One thing is for sure, it will be very surreal to see the axis lock being used on other companies designs... 0 -
PM good thread. Yes will be interesting to see how fast other companies & maybe even custom makers incorporate the axis lock into their work.
Wow 20 years and still the best lock.
I do hope for the sake of safety others start using the axis lock.
PM have you gone on other companies forums and asked if they will be using the axis lock in the future?0 -
A lot of cheap copy cat crap about to hit the market
Innovators who advance their firld and invent truly new technologies should be entitled to their own inventions and designs FOR LIFE.
It's "Reardon Metal" incarnate. Who is John Galt?0 -
quote:Originally posted by Bill Hammer:
PM have you gone on other companies forums and asked if they will be using the axis lock in the future?
Negative, I came across this thread yesterday which sparked the intrigue.0 -
quote:Originally posted by kirbysdl:
I'd note that there are counterfeit/knockoff Benchmades from unscrupulous folks, e.g. copies of the 40-series and the Skirmish series.
AFAIK there haven't been counterfeits of the Axis models. In other words, they aren't going to be stopped by IP laws anyway but they still aren't doing it, so I have to imagine it's just harder.
It'd be interesting for enterprising individuals to try to replicate the lock once it's legal to do so, and see if it really is that much harder than other designs.
There are some axis knock offs out there - I've seen a Bedlam and the HK 14205 from overseas.0 -
Thanks for the correction! Unfortunately that means we have to be even more vigilant about those models now. 
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It's not just the Chinese that have been producing copied axis lock designs, many other mannufactures from across the globe have been doing it for years.
The italians just for one example. And the exact reason I will never buy a lionsteel anything...
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quote:Originally posted by Lightning:
The italians just for one example. And the exact reason I will never buy a lionsteel anything...
What a joke..
quote:Lionsteel Daghetta PDF Catalog Description:
Development of the historical military “Dagha” designed by Max. Equipped with LionSteel TOL Tactical Operation Lock System (patent pending) that allows both the blade opening by one handand the blade blocking in open position. Blade in D2 Stainless Steel.0 -
Here's a better video, basically functions like an axis lock / slip-joint.
02:120 -
Wow, what a wacky design. It uses the sliding "Axis" bar to keep the slipjoint tension bar from lifting and unlocking the blade. The pivoting tension bar means it has more moving parts than an Axis lock, and more surface-to-surface interfaces that could wear out.
It's not a straight clone of the Axis, but I don't see any benefits to this more complex design.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Painstakingly Meticulous:
Here's a better video, basically functions like an axis lock / slip-joint.
02:12
[FLASH_VIDEO]<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7UQ-6JirULo" width="560">[/FLASH_VIDEO]
That design sucks.0 -
quote:Originally posted by BeanBurrito:
That design sucks.
Agreed0 -
During recent email exchange with a premier custom knife maker I asked if he was going to start using the axis lock in the future ( as I'd get on waiting list). He is staying with liner & frame locks. Will be interesting to watch how knife community ( custom & factory makers) incorporate this lock option. 0 -
I'm not too concerned about non Benchmade try to make AXIS.
The design is very sophisticated, and balance of material tolerance and construction is not something to copy easily.
I will continue to favor AXIS lock. IMO, anything comes close is Sage-3 bolt action. ARC lock nor BBL is not as effective.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Mobile Firelord:
I'm not too concerned about non Benchmade try to make AXIS.
Concerned? I'd welcome it. A major reason behind patents expiring is that competitors can learn from each other and make use of competing ideas that work well.
It also means that whoever's on the top must keep innovating to stay ahead.
It moves the industry forward, and it benefits consumers. So regardless of whether we actually see many non-BM Axis knives, I'm glad it's a possibility.0 -
[I MG]http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t362/wmllmoore/2013-03-20_13-49-10_781.jpg[/IMG]
Here are two of the ones I was talking about.
Jason - if posting these rip offs is not allowed let me know.0 -
This makes me wonder if the Axis patent expiration is the reason for developing the APB... 0 -
If the patent expired and I saw another reputable manufacturer copying the Axis Lock, I'd consider it a tribute to Benchmade and an acknowledgement that the other company recognizes Benchmade's engineering as superior. Copying BM would make me want the other brand less, not more - let them innovate something of their own if they're good enough to get my money. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by 1DaveN:
let them innovate something of their own if they're good enough to get my money.
I love innovation, but it's the end product that matters to me, not just the locking mechanism.
Do you own any liner lock or framelock knives? They are about the most common, cookie-cutter locking mechanisms out there, but there's still room for improvements to the basic lock design as well as other areas in which a manufacturer could innovate to create a great product.0 -
A company that is to lazy to do one thing right is too lazy to do many things right.
Alone, the axis lock design brilliant in form and function. It defines a unique type of knife just as the first lock back from Buck did, the first Balisong, and the first liner lock, etc.
That being said a Benchmade while often recognized by the axis lock is ultimately the sum of everything that makes up the Brand.
In other words if everything else was crap I would only own one Benchmade just to have a knife with the Axis lock.
In the end Benchmade stands apart for everything it does, not just the Axis lock.
- Excellent customer service
- Warranty
- Design
- Steel selection
- Materials
- Famous knife designers
- Gold class knives, while sometimes insanely expensive, it shows what a company is possible producing when it pushes the boundaries.
- When BM releases a new steel you know the heat treat has been well developed first.
- Transparency in testing, i.e. the Laboratory
- New knives every year, not just different colors or steels.
- The custom knife program.
- The legacy of the butterfly knife.
- This forum.
The sum of all of these is the Brand name. That is what you pay for. Anyone can legally imitate the axis lock. They can illegally imitate the Butterfly logo. But you can't imitate quality, service, and reputation. You have it or you don't; there is no patent for that.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Geocyclist:
A company that is to lazy to do one thing right is too lazy to do many things right.
Alone, the axis lock design brilliant in form and function. It defines a unique type of knife just as the first lock back from Buck did, the first Balisong, and the first liner lock, etc.
That being said a Benchmade while often recognized by the axis lock is ultimately the sum of everything that makes up the Brand.
In other words if everything else was crap I would only own one Benchmade just to have a knife with the Axis lock.
In the end Benchmade stands apart for everything it does, not just the Axis lock.
- Excellent customer service
- Warranty
- Design
- Steel selection
- Materials
- Famous knife designers
- Gold class knives, while sometimes insanely expensive, it shows what a company is possible producing when it pushes the boundaries.
- When BM releases a new steel you know the heat treat has been well developed first.
- Transparency in testing, i.e. the Laboratory
- New knives every year, not just different colors or steels.
- The custom knife program.
- The legacy of the butterfly knife.
- This forum.
The sum of all of these is the Brand name. That is what you pay for. Anyone can legally imitate the axis lock. They can illegally imitate the Butterfly logo. But you can't imitate quality, service, and reputation. You have it or you don't; there is no patent for that.
Agreed
Excellent write-up0 -
quote:Originally posted by Painstakingly Meticulous:quote:Originally posted by Geocyclist:
A company that is to lazy to do one thing right is too lazy to do many things right.
Alone, the axis lock design brilliant in form and function. It defines a unique type of knife just as the first lock back from Buck did, the first Balisong, and the first liner lock, etc.
That being said a Benchmade while often recognized by the axis lock is ultimately the sum of everything that makes up the Brand.
In other words if everything else was crap I would only own one Benchmade just to have a knife with the Axis lock.
In the end Benchmade stands apart for everything it does, not just the Axis lock.
- Excellent customer service
- Warranty
- Design
- Steel selection
- Materials
- Famous knife designers
- Gold class knives, while sometimes insanely expensive, it shows what a company is possible producing when it pushes the boundaries.
- When BM releases a new steel you know the heat treat has been well developed first.
- Transparency in testing, i.e. the Laboratory
- New knives every year, not just different colors or steels.
- The custom knife program.
- The legacy of the butterfly knife.
- This forum.
The sum of all of these is the Brand name. That is what you pay for. Anyone can legally imitate the axis lock. They can illegally imitate the Butterfly logo. But you can't imitate quality, service, and reputation. You have it or you don't; there is no patent for that.
Agreed
Excellent write-up
+2, and x1000.
Is this forum great or what?!0 -
quote:Originally posted by Geocyclist:
...In the end Benchmade stands apart for everything it does, not just the Axis lock...
Oh, I don't know...
No, hehe, you are right, excellent post, Geo.
Two gold butterflies...
Even back when everything was a liner lock, the AFCK ruled. It's the heart of the balisong that makes every Benchmade a Benchmade.
I'll be a bit surprised if any of the major knife brands significantly changed their brand focus to Axis locks. That would be kind of an admission that, yeah, the Axis lock really was the best all along.
There was a pretty much failed attempt by Cold Steel to hijack the design, and Spyderco did come up with an excellent variation with their ball bearing lock. Hard to imagine they could really compete by just making their versions of Benchmade. ZT-Kershaw seems firmly committed to the frame lock. CRKT, Boker, Gerber? Who cares...Microtech, Chris Reeve? Unlikely, don't you think?
Yeah, don't see the expiration of the patent being a big deal, but a business genius I am not.0 -
Believe credit for invention of axis lock goes to William Henry & accolades to Les for recognizing it as evolution in the history of folders and making it a Benchmade exclusive. 0 -
As a technical support of relatively large software company, I too believe company philosophy needs to be revitalized with attention to the details in all aspects of the company and its product, marketing.
For this, I too agree with all of you in this thread that BKC is doing outstanding job to stick with the company focus, "best quality and material".
Originally posted by Po
There was a pretty much failed attempt by Cold Steel to hijack the design, and Spyderco did come up with an excellent variation with their ball bearing lock. Hard to imagine they could really compete by just making their versions of Benchmade. ZT-Kershaw seems firmly committed to the frame lock. CRKT, Boker, Gerber? Who cares...Microtech, Chris Reeve? Unlikely, don't you think?
Yes. I think so too. AS a right dominant ambidextrous, I am especially interested in a knife that is;
* Non Auto
* Capable of open / close by one hand only.
* Multiple selection of steel type
* Capable t disassemble.
* Sterilizeable
So far, Benchmade is only one. $pyderco comes close, but BBL is not as smooth and debris free as AXIS lock.
As I have trying to said before, AXIS lock patent itself is just an idea. What I love about BKC AXIS lock is over near 20 year in design improvements and incorporating the "lessons" learned from previous models.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Bill Hammer:
Believe credit for invention of axis lock goes to William Henry & accolades to Les for recognizing it as evolution in the history of folders and making it a Benchmade exclusive.
William McHenry and Jason Williams, actually.0 -
Couldn't Benchmade just renew the patent for another 20 years, or are there rules written into the patent laws that prohibit that? 0 -
That is not how a patent works. 0
![http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t362/wmllmoore/2013-03-20_13-49-10_781.jpg[/IMG]](http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t362/wmllmoore/2013-03-20_13-49-10_781.jpg[/IMG]){kind=link}
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