Compression Lock vs. Axis Lock: Optimization and Limitations in Extreme Conditions

[Doc Dan]

Compared to the Axis Lock, I think the Compression Lock would be more reliable. Axis lock springs can and do break. Also, gunk (i know this) can get into the Axis lock and gum things up and it is an unbelievable chore to clean one out. Also, the Axis lock can rebound and close (had that happen). The Compression lock? Rinse and go. There isn't anything to break. The lock should not get stiff unless you are in like -30ºF or colder and then any steel will have issues. It may be your gloves that are the problem as they will get stiff and not a pliable in cold weather. The Compression lock does not need any lubricant. Only the pivot needs it. Clean the knife and don't lube the lock, only the pivot and there should be no issues.

[Evil D]

Axis is allegedly stronger, but the fact that the Omega sprint can fail at all is a detergent for me. Compression lock has basically no moving parts and simple is typically more reliable.

[Wartstein]

Hi everyone,

As a long-time Spyderco user, I’m a big fan of the Compression Lock, especially on models like the Paramilitary 2 and Para 3. Its strength and ergonomics are undeniable, but after testing it in extreme conditions (high humidity, freezing temperatures, heavy loads), I’ve noticed certain limitations codes promos pour meeticcompared to other locking systems, such as Benchmade’s Axis Lock.

A few points I’ve been wondering about:

• Debris accumulation – The mechanism seems to trap more dust and debris than expected, affecting deployment smoothness. Would dry lubricants or other solutions help?
• Cold weather performance – The lock seems to stiffen in low temperatures, making it harder to disengage when wearing gloves.GitHub - se connecter à Meetic
  Is this normal, or are there ways to optimize it?
• Lateral stress resistance – Under significant sideways force, I’ve noticed slight blade play. Would upgrading the washers or stop pin improve stability?

If any of you have experience with these scenarios or have compared the Compression Lock to other systems in similar conditions, I’d love to hear your insights and recommendations.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

I prefer the compression lock over the axxis lock, for two main reasons:

- As Doc said: Axxis lock springs do break (twice on me),
- In my experience the axxis lock has a weaker closing bias than the compression lock (which already does not shine in that regard) - axxis lock knives did come open in my pocket and cut me

For use with gloves, cold, wet hands and so on a good linerlock beats the comp.lock any day of the week imo

- There is a reason why the Millie 1 got/gets praised quite a bit for how convenient it is to operate with gloves
- A good backlock is not far behind a good linerlock in that scenarios, and a CBBL is still better than a comp.lock imo

Personally I´d always go for a backlock for a hard use, outdoorsy knife

- Better closing bias
- Better ergos (no cutout on top the handle)
- Several good and safe one handed closing methods

[nerdlock]

Axis locks have almost NO "lock resistance" to overcome. I've owned several BMs and all of them opened in my pocket, one way or another. The thumb studs always manage to find ways to grab onto the inner linings of my pockets and inadverently open. This wouldn't normally be a problem but the omega springs are so weak, it couldn't act as a reliable detent.

Which is a real shame, because IMHO almost all the BM handles have the chamfers, bevels and smooth edges that I so long in Spyderco handles.

[James Y]

I know this is the Spyderco forum, but even if it wasn't, I would still choose the Compression Lock over the Axis Lock. Even though I own several Axis Locks from many years ago, and so far have never experienced any broken Omega springs, some of them get real gummy, and some barely engage the blade tang in the locked position; it wouldn't take much for the lock bar to be shaken or jolted off of the blade tang to become unlocked. There is also so-so to poor closed retention.

The only maintenance I do on the Compression Lock is to put the tiniest amount of lube on the detent ball, to lessen or prevent enough wear on the ball to possibly flatten it enough to lose its closed retention. I've only done that once on each CL I own so far, after years of owning them.

Jim

[Meadowlark]

I can't speak to compression lock extremes as I only own one or two and they're only carried sporadically, usually dressier occasions.

But I say with certainty that the Spyderco backlocks became my work EDCs after my Benchmade griptilian became so lodged with sand that the lock failed to engage a few different times. (Work is often in sand haunches ditches with knife usually in bib chest pocket)

I loved the axis lock but after seeing this shortcoming I went back to the tried and true backlocks and haven't had an issue. For whatever reason these locks don't seem nearly as prone to foreign matter failure.

Their tendency to stay closed is a big plus, as many here have noted.

[Meadowlark]

Duplicate

[zuludelta]

Hi everyone,

As a long-time Spyderco user, I’m a big fan of the Compression Lock, especially on models like the Paramilitary 2 and Para 3. Its strength and ergonomics are undeniable, but after testing it in extreme conditions (high humidity, freezing temperatures, heavy loads), I’ve noticed certain limitations codes promos pour meeticcompared to other locking systems, such as Benchmade’s Axis Lock.

A few points I’ve been wondering about:

[... ]

If any of you have experience with these scenarios or have compared the Compression Lock to other systems in similar conditions, I’d love to hear your insights and recommendations.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

I've used both Compression Lock knives (Yojimbo 2, PM2, Lil' Temperance 3, Sage 5) & Axis Lock knives (940 Osborne, Mini Presidio 2) for extended periods (8+ hours a day/5 days a week) in freezing temperatures (as low as -26°C/-15°F) & haven't had any notable issues with either design. They can seize up (especially if the mechanisms get wet & freeze), but exposing them to ambient body heat (by holding them in hand or keeping them in a pants pocket) for a few minutes is enough to get them working again. TBH, I'd always expected to see an omega spring failure in such conditions just because of the Axis Lock's online reputation, but either the spring's fragility is overblown or I've just been very lucky.

[vivi]

Hi everyone,

As a long-time Spyderco user, I’m a big fan of the Compression Lock, especially on models like the Paramilitary 2 and Para 3. Its strength and ergonomics are undeniable, but after testing it in extreme conditions (high humidity, freezing temperatures, heavy loads), I’ve noticed certain limitations codes promos pour meeticcompared to other locking systems, such as Benchmade’s Axis Lock.

A few points I’ve been wondering about:

• Debris accumulation – The mechanism seems to trap more dust and debris than expected, affecting deployment smoothness. Would dry lubricants or other solutions help?
• Cold weather performance – The lock seems to stiffen in low temperatures, making it harder to disengage when wearing gloves.GitHub - se connecter à Meetic
  Is this normal, or are there ways to optimize it?
• Lateral stress resistance – Under significant sideways force, I’ve noticed slight blade play. Would upgrading the washers or stop pin improve stability?

If any of you have experience with these scenarios or have compared the Compression Lock to other systems in similar conditions, I’d love to hear your insights and recommendations.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

I've mostly EDC'd lockbacks for the past 20 years, but switched to a Military 2 (compression lock) about two months ago.

I haven't had the issues you note.

1. I manage a pizza shop and corn meal gets in everything,included the nested liners of my Millie 2, the pivot, etc. It's remained very smooth for me. Of course getting it really dirty with sand, mud etc. could be a different story.

2. I've never felt any comp lock stiffen or loosen up due to temperatures, and I've carried them from -10F to 105F. I have no issues using them with winter gloves on either. I have noticed they will come open more easily in the pocket if the pivot loosens itself, so I stay up on loctiting them.

3. I haven't had any blade play issues at all with my Millie 2, Para 2's or Yojumbos. I even check for side to side play while depressing the lock, because a lot of locks will hide side to side play once engaged.

[Red Leader]

I'll go a bit against the grain here and say that I prefer the axis/crossbar lock, conceptually.

With compression (as well as liner) locks, there are a lot of mechanics to get right, or else you end up with a too weak or too strong detent, detent lash, a too early or too late detent catch, too early lockup, too late lockup, lock stick, a lock that could be too easy or too hard to disengage. I do like compression locks, but there is a lot to get right. I find a standard compression lock very awkward to disengage left handed. Not impossible, but less than ideal. I do carry one (Sage 5), and use it for weak-side only carry.

With the crossbar style, a lot of the mechanics are baked in and likely require less tuning. I do think the issue with the omega springs is real, and if a crossbar style lock was to make use of a coil spring setup like the Manix has, it would be the best of both worlds. They are (or could be) easy to tune with lighter or stronger springs. They are truly ambidextrous, something that is important to me.

I'm not a fan of the Benchmade-specific axis lock - to me they feel clunky. Other makers have started coming out with their own 'Axis style' crossbar locks and some are incredibly well done, and theoretically very strong as they utilize the steel liners on both sides for strength.

Most liner/compression/framelock designs are very nice to operate when well tuned and give a knife an enthusiast level feel. When folks talk about 'drop shutty' or 'hydraulic action', they are most likely referring to one of these knives that utilize a traditional detent. They can be made to feel really good, better than most crossbar locks. Though crossbar locks are no slouch, they don't have the same vibe as a well-tuned 'ball detent' knife.

Pros and cons to both. I value high strength and ambi-use, so I have a slight preference to the crossbar (w/ caveats).

[Rival22]

I've had several axis/crossbar locks over the years, and the only one that I have left is a Mini Bugout. It's a great SUPER lightweight knife that disappears in any pocket, and had a lot of cutting edge in such a small package.

But to me, less small parts the better. I've broken a few omega springs and wouldn't rely solely on a crossbar lock where I "needed" a knife. I've also had grit and ice impact the use of a crossbar lock.

I gravitate to lockbacks and have a few compression locks and frame locks which I like as well. I'd trust a compression lock as my only knife before an axis lock.

[SpeedHoles]

I remember when this was a constant discussion and comparison like 10-15+ years ago, and seems like it died off in frequency for awhile.

Every other thread for awhile was a lock strength comparison...

And look where we are now today, still, both locks very capable, proven, and prevalent.

[Wartstein]

Axis locks have almost NO "lock resistance" to overcome. I've owned several BMs and all of them opened in my pocket, one way or another. The thumb studs always manage to find ways to grab onto the inner linings of my pockets and inadverently open. This wouldn't normally be a problem but the omega springs are so weak, it couldn't act as a reliable detent.
...

Same experience here. My BM Minigriptillian cut me twice while in the pocket, despite I even like the pivot screw pretty tight (personally don´t need that "dropshuttyness")

Never considered though that the "grabby" thumbstuds (as opposed to a thumb hole) probably contribute to the issue.
Would be interesting if in the Grip and Minigrip the thumbhole versions stay closed in pocket better than the thumb stud variants (which I happened to own). I assume so anyway.

[Wartstein]

....

• Debris accumulation – The mechanism seems to trap more dust and debris than expected, affecting deployment smoothness. Would dry lubricants or other solutions help?
  ....
  If any of you have experience with these scenarios or have compared the Compression Lock to other systems in similar conditions, I’d love to hear your insights and recommendations.....

I am a big fan of backlock and CBBL and prefer both over a comp.lock.

But I have to say: With both backlock and CBBL I very rarely experienced kind of "debris accumulation", though not concerning deployment smoothness but rather lockup.
Actually mostly (or even almost exclusively?) with snow: Snow can easily bulk up and get compressed in the locking mechanisms and then actually block it so much that the knife can´t lock anymore.
Especially with a backlock this can be detected and to cleaned out easily though.

I can´t recall ever having this issue with a comp.lock (or linerlock), but I am almost certain this is just cause I use backlock and CBBL knives much more often. Technically speaking both comp.lock and linerlock should be prone to get bulked up with snow too.

[Wartstein]

...If any of you have experience with these scenarios or have compared the Compression Lock to other systems in similar conditions, I’d love to hear your insights and recommendations....

Since your question is a broader one (comparing the comp.lock to other systems...) and you like the axxis lock in some aspects:

Ever tried a CBBL? In operation (not really technically) similar to the axxis lock, but imo without the latters two main cons (weak Omega springs and weak closing bias).

Sadly (to me) the CBBL can only really be had in the Manix family. Personally I´d wish a shift in the "distribution" over the Spyderco models between comp.lock and CBBL more towards the latter.

[Bill1170]

I love the simple elegance of the compression lock. The CBBL has the twin benefits of being ambidextrous and having a strong closing bias. However, the CBBL is more limited in the packaging aspect - which knife shapes/styles it can fit into.

The Axis lock is cool but fiddly. I own exactly one example of it. By fiddly I mean the internal workings, not the manipulation.

[Netherend]

Axis locks have almost NO "lock resistance" to overcome. I've owned several BMs and all of them opened in my pocket, one way or another. The thumb studs always manage to find ways to grab onto the inner linings of my pockets and inadverently open. This wouldn't normally be a problem but the omega springs are so weak, it couldn't act as a reliable detent.
...

Same experience here. My BM Minigriptillian cut me twice while in the pocket, despite I even like the pivot screw pretty tight (personally don´t need that "dropshuttyness")

Never considered though that the "grabby" thumbstuds (as opposed to a thumb hole) probably contribute to the issue.
Would be interesting if in the Grip and Minigrip the thumbhole versions stay closed in pocket better than the thumb stud variants (which I happened to own). I assume so anyway.

I had the same experience . Axis lock knives have opened in my pocket or got caught on objects and opened.

I also had my griptilian open when I accidentally dropped it on the ground. I have not had the same issue with bugouts. I assume the weight of the blade had a part to play.

[Fine Swine]

I like Spyderco more as a company, and have owned more Spydies than Benchmades, but I strongly prefer the Axis lock. The compression lock just doesn’t work for me, ergonomically.

[Wartstein]

I like Spyderco more as a company, and have owned more Spydies than Benchmades, but I strongly prefer the Axis lock. The compression lock just doesn’t work for me, ergonomically.

How do you like the CBBL then? (Assumed you have tried one (yet), which practically means some Manix variant)

[Fine Swine]

[/quote]

How do you like the CBBL then? (Assumed you have tried one (yet), which practically means some Manix variant)
[/quote]

I like it. It’s my preferred Spyderco lock.