Liner and frame lock knives have been around for a very long time. The axis lock appeared later and for a while it looked like that was going to be the preferred, as it generally proves to be more reliable. However, a very well built knife with frame or liner lock will be very reliable under normal circumstances. I’m guessing that this makes the axis lock a bit overkill, even though it’s superior. Does that make sense?
The reason I ask is that in noticing a lot of higher end knife designs (and seriously impressive Chinese clones that attract the budget knife buyer), I see mostly frame lock designs, some with liner lock, and hardly any with axis lock. The advantage with a frame lock is of course a simpler mechanism that also has better aesthetics — thinner body and no unsightly extra studs (for the axis lock release).
It seems to me that higher end knives are more about aesthetics and collect-ability rather than daily use. So my guess is that this is the reason you rarely see them with an axis lock. Would you agree? I’m not entirely sure… because I see some seriously affordable GANZO knives rather beautifully designed sporting a spring assist axis lock design with a nice looking push button, instead of an arc axis lock stud (as you typically see on SOG models). Are there any impressive mid priced Chinese knives using a push button axis lock that is very well received?
The patent on the Axix lock apparently expires in 2016 and i guess more US manufacturers will use the design once they don’t have to pay royalties any more.
As far a Chinese manufacturers go, Ganzo is certainly setting the pace at the moment, i guess more chinese brands will follow the trend
The Axis Lock is a superior locking system and can be used right handed or left handed. The liner lock is a more simpler system and easy to manufacture. Cold Steel and some of the Chinese knife maker tend to copy the Axis Lock on their knives.
The Arc Lock was the first to come up with an bar that lock the blade in place at the back of the blade.
I also like the Speed Safe lock on their DC Speed Bump.
The higher end knife makers uses the more premium steels for their blade and the fit and finish has less of a tolerance and higher quality control. Also, there after service is bar none which also count for the higher price.
I was not aware that there is an expiry date on a patent.
Both the liner and the frame lock can be used right and left handed too.
Personally I like a frame or liner lock more then the Axis lock . I can easily disengage a frame or liner lock with one hand but I cant do that with my ganzo G717 which has a axis lock. (might be because its a ganzo and not so well build?)
I think it also depends on the design of the blade, most (if not all) flipper knives are liner/frame locks knives.
And flippers are more populair in the high end market.
Haven’t found a Ganzo (or other brand) AO knife with an axis lock yet. Don’t think this combination is very common?
However, most Ganzo knives I own come with an axis lock construction/a strong spring which allows a very quick opening with the thumb studs/thumb hole. It is reasonably fast, albeit not as fast as the strongest AO knives out there. The Ganzos I know are hard to open for a few days and then loosen up and become really smooth.
Very interesting — had no idea about this. I wonder if Ganzo was paying a licensing fee or just using the technology at their whim. It’ll be interesting to see if higher end knives will feature more axis lock designs. Ganzo has certainly demonstrated some impressive aesthetics using it.
I’d rather just stick to my spine lock….am I just old fashioned? I don’t like my hand on the inside of the closing blade, because I’m not that coordinated a person and accidents have may happen with the frame or liner things.
I have been carrying a victorinox officer Suisse because I often need a screwdriver or such, I know it’s sacrilege. Any style Locking blades are nice……
As I said, so can the frame and liner lock knives.
I’m left handed and I can perfectly open and close frame and liner lock knifes. (even with my right hand)
But that’s not really what’s the discussion is all about.
Ganzo never had any license or paid royalties to use the axis lock.
I am sure more brands will follow, it is a very neat design with a strong lock up and true ambidexterity.
Very nice knives! I have been looking at some of these models on AE myself….
Not that I am an expert on Shirogorov’s (nor does it really matter) but I have never seen an original F 95 with an axis lock?
The F 95 and the Tabargan 95 are different models. The F95 is a flipper with frame-lock and the Tabargan 95 is an axis-lock with thumb studs (the number indicates the blade length).
You can find a couple of pics of the original Tabargans with 100mm blade HERE.
I own Benchmades with the Axis lock and I don’t prefer it at all. I find the Axis difficult to use. I also have a few Kershaw Specbumps that have a Stud Lock that I love even though it’s smaller. There’s also the button lock, which I do not prefer.
Another great lock is the Spyderco compression lock. I like it on the ATR but not the Paramilitary.
It really depends on the model not necessarily on the lock type for me.
Prefer frame lock as to me, easier to disengage over liner lock or axis lock.
I only have 2 liner lock and axis lock, and they are the Kershaw Blur and Snakehead brand and Ganzo from China, whereas my other knives are framelock, with 2 ZTs and plenty of China-made knives.
(even with my right hand)
