I don't really have concerns about the strength of any Spyderco lock (I don't usually use knives very hard anyway, and when I do, I use a fixed blade).
But, the Axis lock concerned me when I had one, because of the thin wire springs holding the lock in place. They just looked like a weak point, and felt flimsy to me. Then I got a Manix 2, and all was well. Having a compression spring holding the lock closed just seems much more solid to me.
Let's talk locks ...
Having grown up with primarily slip joint knives, this is basically my opinion as well. If you're cutting with a knife like you should be, then lock strength isn't really much of a factor. It's when you start asking a knife to do things beyond what a knife is designed for...especially a folder...then you start having issues with locks.zidfeldts wrote:I can't imagine how a lock can fail if the sharpened edge is used for cutting. I used and still use trappers & stockmen and have never had an issue.
~David
Strength is not my concern when I pick a lock; reliability is, and even more than that comfort. The CBBL and Axis are impressively strong, but I vastly prefer the opening action and comfort of a mid-lock such as that on the Stretch or (better, IMO) the Chinook and Manix. I don't want to give up the great feeling of the detent-less closing bias and easy lock release for a little more strength.
In my experience, the springs on the Axis lock are not an issue. Yes they can break, and I have heard of them doing so. However there are two of them and the one left is still enough to power the lock. There have been thousands and thousands of Axis equipped knives in service for over a decade. I would not worry about it.gbelleh wrote:I don't really have concerns about the strength of any Spyderco lock (I don't usually use knives very hard anyway, and when I do, I use a fixed blade).
But, the Axis lock concerned me when I had one, because of the thin wire springs holding the lock in place. They just looked like a weak point, and felt flimsy to me. Then I got a Manix 2, and all was well. Having a compression spring holding the lock closed just seems much more solid to me.
Yes in theory a coil spring should be less problems, and I am sure spring failure will be virtually non-existent on the CBL.
