Like Haertig I EDC a Spyderco lockback. It is an "Waved" Endura 4 that I carry on my left (off) side. If in a hurry I open it using the Wave feature, if not I use the thumb-hole or 2-hands. It is possible to close it one-handed but you have to be careful.

Mike

Stoneway Hardware (around 43rd) has just about every fastener tool imaginable. The Torex bit should be easy to find there.

It is sort of out of the way for me but maybe it will help someone else.

Thanks,

-john

Just got the knife back today, fully repaired, nice and tight, and shaving sharp. Solid service from Benchmade. BTW, I forgot if I mentioned it earlier in the thread, but I looked for the receipt for a couple of days and couldn't find it. I called the repair center and they told me to just send it along anyway. Nice folks.

Try the Husky 8 in 1 tool, it is quite nice, they make a Torx version, and another version that is slotted and phillips....

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stor...1&langId=-1

Axis cannot be beat, I love Spyderco, but I really love my Rukus....

Luckily I have had no spring failures.

Marion

Sad day... my beloved Min-grip has sprung its springs again.

Just under six months of daily carry since sending it in, opening it with the thumb stud, no flicking, and only using it to open mail, cut cardboard (did a LOT of that last month when we moved), and other light duty chores.

I'm becoming convinced of two things:

1. The springs being used -- in this model at least -- are of not good enough for job.

2. As with all things mechanical, the less moving parts the better.

On the other hand, I tested Doug's advice about putting something behind the crossbolt to hold it forward. I took the bit of rawhide off my hiking stick and threaded it through, then wrapped it a bit, and it provides a pretty solid lockup, as well as a bit more grip.

It sounds like there is something wrong with your grip if it's going through springs like that.

I've got multiple Benchmades axis knives, a few I've been using very hard for years, and never once have I had an omega spring problem.

In fact, my EDC is a 707 that I've had since that model came out (2005). I open and close it pretty much daily, multiple times, as a nervous habit and I still haven't killed a spring in it yet. I've even gone swimming in the ocean with it a few times without issue.

The knife seems to be well-fitted as far as I can tell. I haven't taken it apart, but from what I can see there aren't any signs of unusual wear. It could be there's a rough spot or something that's not visible causing spring wear on the inside. I'd have thought they'd catch anything like that the first time through, though. I'll ask them to investigate that angle. If the springs fail again, I'm going to request a replacement knife instead of a repair.

Honestly, I'd suggest asking them for a replacement, explain your situation, and offer to let them keep it/inspect it for QA purposes.

I too have had a MiniGrip since '03 without problems. For a long time it was my main EDC; the only reason it isn't now is that I have a kershaw leek spring-assist that I love. But the MiniGrip is still my go-to for any outdoor activity. It's a solid instrument.

Good luck getting it sorted; keep us posted on progress please!

I talked to them a few minutes ago. The guy I spoke to said he's seen a lot of axis lock knives come in in all kinds of messed up condition, but hasn't seen one need new omega springs that fast before. He said lock problems are pretty rare overall, and recurring problems haven't been an issue before, and I believe him. I know that some folks who are much rougher on their knives have had no problems. Definitely an unusual case.

So, they're aware of the situation and I'll leave it up to them to decide if they want to replace it or not. They are picking up shipping both ways this time, which was very nice of them.

edit: I forgot to add, the guy said most of the components in the locks are the same between the less expensive and the more expensive knives. So, my Mini Griptilian should have the same springs as his Kulgera.