Lock blade pocket knives are ubiquitous, but sometimes they're not very convenient. While most can be opened with one hand, closing them is another matter altogether. Some folding knives simply can't be closed without using two hands and others can close too easily and you run the risk of nicks or scrapes.

Benchmade now has a patented new locking mechanism called the "Axis Lock." A spring-loaded bar slides in a slot cut in both liners. A button on either end allows for completely ambidextrous, one-hand operation, while maintaining a very positive lock on the blade. The pocket clip can be changed to either side-- also important for southpaws. It is very slick.

I'm not the only one who thinks so. Benchmade's Model 710 with the new Axis Lock was voted "Knife Of The Year," by the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence. For the gun business, those are the Academy Awards.

The Axis Lock was designed by custom knife makers Bill McHenry and Jason Williams and continues Benchmade's practice of offering production knives designed by famous custom makers such as Mel Pardue and Allen Elishewitz.

The knife I'm using right now is a Model 705, which is a scaled down version of the award winner. The Model 705 has all the same features, but a 1" shorter blade. As has been the case with all the Benchmade knives I've used, it functions perfectly and cuts superbly too.

Almost all of the 22 different models in their catalog are available with either plain or combo edges. The blades, many of them ATS-34 stainless, are available in either satin natural finish or black coated. In short there's something for just about any taste.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Publishers' Development Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

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