Lock Test Data Compilation & Appreciation Thread
Thanks, again, to all the great folks at Benchmade for going above and beyond our expectations for customer service by this year's online outreach efforts, including these amazing tests. These tests really go to show the strength and quality of Benchmade knives, and give vocal Benchmade supporters objective, strong evidence of quality!
After watching all the videos, I wanted to assemble the data in one place so we can compare the lock strength of the various models tested. Of axis lock models, the axis lock itself was not the source of failure, underscoring the ridiculous strength of the locking mechanism itself.
Lock Strength Data Compilation
1. BM 275 Adamas (7.7 oz) - 1717 lbs of torque (aka: 858 pounds could be hung from 2" away from pivot) [incredible, 2x stronger than any other BM knife tested];
2. BM 520 Presidio (5.6 oz) - 983 lbs of torque (491 pounds at 2" from pivot) [compare: full liners vs. grip partial liners];
3. BM 916 Triage (5.101 oz) - 863 lbs of torque (431 pounds at 2" from pivot)
4. BM 556 Griptilian (3.82 oz) - 763 lbs of torque (381 pounds at 2" from pivot);
5. BM 940 (2.9 oz) - 698 lbs of torque (349 pounds at 2" from pivot);
6. BM 300 Flipper (4.8 oz) - 615 lbs of torque (307 pounds at 2" from pivot).
7. BM 755 Sibert (5.5 oz) - 519 lbs of torque (259 pounds at 2" from pivot);
8. BM 910 (3.8 oz) - 156 lbs of torque (78 pounds at 2" from pivot) [liner lock].
As we can see, the axis lock is a true beast, and the greatest factor in the relatively small deviations in knife strength is explained by blade stock, lock bar, and other factors. It would be interesting to see how the axis lock stacks up against other "hard use" lock mechanisms using BM's objective testing methods, such as the triad lock (tests on youtube show 385 pounds being hung at 4" from pivot), captured liner locks, and titanium frame locks.
I'll do my best to keep this list updated/correct, and again, great job Benchmade!
After watching all the videos, I wanted to assemble the data in one place so we can compare the lock strength of the various models tested. Of axis lock models, the axis lock itself was not the source of failure, underscoring the ridiculous strength of the locking mechanism itself.
Lock Strength Data Compilation
1. BM 275 Adamas (7.7 oz) - 1717 lbs of torque (aka: 858 pounds could be hung from 2" away from pivot) [incredible, 2x stronger than any other BM knife tested];
2. BM 520 Presidio (5.6 oz) - 983 lbs of torque (491 pounds at 2" from pivot) [compare: full liners vs. grip partial liners];
3. BM 916 Triage (5.101 oz) - 863 lbs of torque (431 pounds at 2" from pivot)
4. BM 556 Griptilian (3.82 oz) - 763 lbs of torque (381 pounds at 2" from pivot);
5. BM 940 (2.9 oz) - 698 lbs of torque (349 pounds at 2" from pivot);
6. BM 300 Flipper (4.8 oz) - 615 lbs of torque (307 pounds at 2" from pivot).
7. BM 755 Sibert (5.5 oz) - 519 lbs of torque (259 pounds at 2" from pivot);
8. BM 910 (3.8 oz) - 156 lbs of torque (78 pounds at 2" from pivot) [liner lock].
As we can see, the axis lock is a true beast, and the greatest factor in the relatively small deviations in knife strength is explained by blade stock, lock bar, and other factors. It would be interesting to see how the axis lock stacks up against other "hard use" lock mechanisms using BM's objective testing methods, such as the triad lock (tests on youtube show 385 pounds being hung at 4" from pivot), captured liner locks, and titanium frame locks.
I'll do my best to keep this list updated/correct, and again, great job Benchmade!
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Thanks for your data compilation.
The thing I love about the Axis mech, moreso than sheer strength, is its self-adjustment for wear.
I was a high-end framelock guy for about ten years, and have come back to the Axis out of the sheer joy of opening and closing my folders without cringing everytime the lock engages over concern with wear. No more talk of "early" or "late lockup," no more lock rock, no more lockbar inserts or debates on stainless vs ti. No more paying extra for ambi opening.
I'll always have a love and appreciation for framelocks in regard to their elegant simplicity. However in regard to a rugged, smooth, user-friendly and ambi edc, an Axis-locking folder with a Spydie hole and D2 is about all I could ever ask for.
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I believe the 300 was tested as well. 619 inch pounds or something like that. 0 -
So is the 275 the strongest production folder in existence?
From those numbers I would think it probably is.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Fox184:
So is the 275 the strongest production folder in existence?
From those numbers I would think it probably is.
Supplemented the list to include Triage/Flipper.
I'm not sure if the axis lock is the strongest production folder in existence, the tri-ad lock and a titanium frame lock might be stronger. However, the differences in lock strength between those locks is relatively small, considering the axis lock already endures pressure that is well beyond what is encountered in most knife uses. Its also worth noting that axis lock maintenance is fairly minor (replacing a rare broken spring, opposed to replacing a frame lock handle).
Regardless, the axis lock has advantages over both of those locks because it is much easier to operate, truly ambidextrous, and designed to wear in after use (opposed to, for example, lock rock that develops in titanium frame locks).0
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