Ganzo Axis lock adjustment - How to soften the actuation 🔧

**To be done at your own risk**
goo.gl/nfhmLm -- Ganzo's at Amazon
Some Ganzo Axis lock knives come very stiff and would do well with a simple adjustment. By removing the scales you have access to the two springs, one on each side, which can be bent slightly to reduce spring tension.
If you cannot actuate your Axis lock with just your thumb (no index finger) our opinion is this is way too stiff.
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[@Oshianis]

You posted this 6 years ago and it is still relevant and useful 6 years later. Thank you

[@Spiral_Out_68.]

I broke one of the springs and I took a piece of guitar string, that is close to the same gauge as the spring and bent it in the same shape as the spring. Works great. Just like the original spring.

[@CliffDaSikk]

brilliant, never thought of that! is ernie ball smoother than elixir?? ;)

[@PanhandlePrepping]

I know this is an older video but this is EXACTLY what I was looking for. I just got a Ganzo 7531, which is similar to the 724, but I believe slightly bigger. It is an 8.5” knife with a large, full bellied, thick(ish), heavy, drop point blade. A bit too big for me for EDC, but a perfect truck, or backpack, or fanny pack knife. The thumb stud opening action is a little tight, but will loosen with use. However, the axis lock is literally painful to operate and you DO NOT want to screw around and slip with the 7531 because it is an absolute guillotine and the weight of the blade alone is enough to lop off a digit with ease. So, thank you for this! New sub here! Btw… Ganzo knives are among my favorite budget production EDC folders. I have several and intend to get many more. For materials, fit, and finish, they offer some of the best bang for your buck, without question. I think CIVIVI is the very best of the budget offerings, but I sure love my Ganzo’s.

[@MikeUman]

I want to thank you guys for doing this video. I just recently bought a Ganzo 712, and, that lock was STIFF. So much so, I was considering shelving it. I had to use both thumb, and, index finger to actuate the lock, and, it was still hard to work. Your how-to worked fantastically. My 712 is now close to Benchmade's Axis Locks in smoothness, and, ease of operation. I can now use just my thumb to actuate, and, work the Axis Lock, just like on my Benchmade folders. Also, this was my first Ganzo knife, but, most definitely will NOT be my last (thanks to you guys). I now have three more on the way. Finally, new subscriber. I like y'all's presentation style, and, content.

[@BirdShotIV]

we really appreciate that Mike!

[@GearReviewDepot]

I actually prefer the lock stiff, but it's good to know the spring can be adjusted. Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks for watching!

[@vladantheimpaler]

Hey guys, since it's your videos that finally prompted me to give the G727 a shot I figure I may as well leave my impressions tuning the knife here: Disassembling the knife and trying to adjust the omega springs by bending them further didn't work so well at first. Then I noticed that the action was super-smooth while the scales were off but got very stiff and gritty when putting them back on. The reason for grittiness was the thumb stud rubbing against the top of the scale groove, so I filed that down a couple of microns until the gritty feel went away. However, this did not solve the overly stiff action. Examining the inner cavity where the springs reside revealed marks where bottom of the spring was being pushed against the scale. I believe that because of the deep finger groove on the handle Ganzo made this cavity too shallow without adjusting the shape of the omega spring. Pulling on the lock thus caused the spring to lean against the bottom of the scale cavity and immediately increase resistance by a tenfold. I fixed this by adding a bit more curve to the relatively straight part of the spring (the original spring is shaped like a comma, I bent it into a more of a "c" shape). Now the action is silky smooth but the modification introduced very slight up/down play on the blade since the lock bar is not being pushed so forcefully forward, and also because filing the scales groove allows it to travel a bit further up. I think I can fix this by filing a few microns from the front portion of the lock groove, allowing the bar to travel further towards the blade. Finally, replacing the nylon washer with a brass one (G727 has one of each) should make the blade centering better and also allow torquing the pivot harder without compromising blade travel. Thanks for the vids, I'm very happy with my purchase, calloused thumb and all.

[@Canto00]

Vladan Radmilovic nice comment man very informative

[@jonthecarguy]

You guys are doing gods work. Thanks for the help my g729 was sooooo bad.

[@sameold77]

Excellent demonstration. I have many Ganzos and the few that the axis lock will not loosen with normal use I will try this mod. Thank you and I subbed.

[@MalintheSamarakoon]

Thank you for this. Did the same on a new Sitivien that was insanely stiff. Works like a dream now.

[@tyliful]

Thanks for the tip. I did this to two of my ganzo knives, g729 and g727m. Works like a charm.

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks Tylor!

[@kjkblade69]

I watched your videos on the Ganzo knives. I was thinking there is no way in hell these knives are any good. $20, no way. So I bought 2 different models to try. Freaking shocked is what I was. Unbelievable quality for a $20 knife. I will be doing this mod on both of the knives as they are both a little to difficult to open and close. My benchmade axis lock was a couple of hundred dollars more. The axis lock is definitely easier to operate. I will be modding these guys to match. I can’t believe I could buy at least 10 Ganzo knives for what I paid for the benchmade. Don’t get me wrong I love my Benchmade but , Ganzo - still shocked! A+ on your videos.

[@BirdShotIV]

awesome! Thanks Ken

[@MikhailVolik]

Thanks a lot, mate! I’ve bought 2 ganzo knifes (one for myself and another one as a gift). The axis lock was about as bad as it was on yous with spiderhole in it, and after doing what you’ve done, I managed to make it open brilliantly. And yeah, you can replace the spring with a guitar string ;)

[@xiii1oneshrimp]

Thank you so much for this video, just did this to all my ganzos and it completely changes them.

[@BirdShotIV]

awesome, thanks for commenting!

[@lancemclean5700]

What i found also helps is to take some 400 grit then 1000 grit paper and smooth out the channel the access lock slides back and forth in. My knife has ever the slightest machining marks and once they were smoothed out the lock slid back and forth alot smoother. I just rolled up the paper put the liners in a vice and fed the paper back and forth through the channel til smooth. Worked great. Now with adjusted springs and a smoother access lock channel it is pretty slick

[@joeyates1428]

I just performed this adjustment on a new G727M, working great now. 👍🏾

[@BirdShotIV]

awesome!

[@gonerydin4225]

Thanks I will be looking into this. I have several Ganzos with this type of mechanism. Great video!

[@BirdShotIV]

we appreciate the comment!

[@rogerdowell4387]

I just love how you guys aren't still snobs you do excellent reviews on all types of knives and I'm the exact same way I appreciate a good knife alma mater if it's a budget knife or a high-end knife so thank you

[@rogerdowell4387]

Sorry about the speech-to-text misspellings.

[@AvengingFade]

Thx for the intro to the Ganzos guys! I’m a little late to the knife addiction but just got the G733-BK today and have a F729-CF is on the way! Also eyeing that FH-41 in Blue you guys showed in a video, I thank you, my wife does not! Ha

[@ihop4no14]

Thanks. This mod helped me get my Ganzos to where I can open them one-handed.

[@poodlenme]

Who 'd a thunk it! Great tip guys! I do have a Ganzo auto and a axis Definitely will carefully try this tweak on my axis lock! 😄

[@bigbore400]

Thanks very much for making the video. I liked before I even watched it

[@BirdShotIV]

we really appreciate that!

[@christianrodriguez823]

This video has helped me out sooooo much, thank you so much for uploading this

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks for watching!

[@SHADOW-ke6xz]

22 gauge memory wire, you can get it at most hardware stores

[@RKLS90]

Can’t imagine that would be easy bending it into the proper shape. For the average person that’s probably gonna be a no-go

[@ricardoito1852]

Thank you. It made my F753M1 action much smoother.

[@drengskap]

Thanks guys, I just got a big-ass Ganzo F740 that needs some fettling (great old word from the north of England - it means fine adjustments)!

[@BirdShotIV]

lol awesome!

[@drengskap]

I have fettled my Ganzo, and it's a lot better now!

[@jhughes8160]

"fettling" is also southern US slang

[@andrewhaley8992]

So I fixed all of my ganzo. Thanks for the awesome video. I did find, and only at your own risk, you can cut down the spring at the bend that fits in the hole on the handle. It reshapes easily. Good luck guys, totally worth it.

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks for watching!

[@ShinyKnife]

Nice I thought was the only one who took everything I had apart lol.. Nice tip guys

[@BirdShotIV]

lol thanks man!

[@floyd27860]

Thank you. Just bought my 1st Axis lock & don't like it. I'm going to try this & I bet I'll reconsider

[@garethlorman1136]

Many thanks for this, I will give it a go.

[@BirdShotIV]

Thanks for watching! (all these years later)

[@marksteddom6941]

Just got my G729 today. Watched this video as my axis lock was very stiff. Thankfully, all screws came out fine and I was able to adjust the "omega" springs. Action is great now. Gave it the spa treatment and it works great!! Only negative is that the tip of the blade is just a touch bent looking. Not a big deal to me. I love it!! Can't wait for my F753M1-CF to get here! ;)

[@marksteddom6941]

Is there a place to get the Phos/Bronze washers? I'm not a fan of the teflon one. Thanks.

[@Ty_The_Bonsai_Guy]

Thanks a lot for this. Now I can fix mine. 😁👍

[@BirdShotIV]

👍👍

[@jasonmcdaniel7878]

I have the same problem with my g729. Kinda weird it happened to you to for the stiff lock. I'll try this. Thanks fir the tip!

[@BirdShotIV]

good luck!

[@slidetek]

Perfect! I got a Ganzo G753 (regular G10) a few weeks ago and the ONE thing I hate about it is that stiff-@ss axis lock. No way I can easily use one thumb to open it. I just took delivery of the black carbon version today, and it is MUCH better, and easy with one thumb (once it heals). I'm ordering one for a friend too - I'm hard pressed to come up with a better knife between $16-23. Anyway, I had considered removing one of the springs, but thought there might be some slight torquing out of alignment, which apparently it sounds like you experienced. What you've done looks like a pretty easy remedy, so thanks for beating me to it!

[@BirdShotIV]

yep, easy mod. Thanks for watching!

[@ronstoner1823]

I just bought the G729. Wasn't aware of the Ganzo version of the Spyderco paramilitary until very recently. I wish I had been able to obtain the earlier model with the round thumb hole. I have several Ganzos, the spring on mine is very stiff but I think I'll just deal with it. Thank you for your video!

[@drewrinker2071]

Wow that is so much better thankx man. I a had a srm that wasn't near as bad as my ganzo but still crap. I was going to drill holes like kizer clutch lock but this is way better than drilling new holes

[@frankyalvarez7160]

Ganzo has all my favorite knife with my favorite locking mechanism. So in conclusion ganzo is my favorite knife company. I just bought there g7533-cf. Can't wait till it gets here. I also have a plethora of benchmade pocket clips to chose from since almost all of benchmades pocket clip fit on it. I'm trying to decide if I should go purplish blue or just purple or just blue. You thoughts will be very appreciated.

[@sk-zi9mw]

My Ganzo G727M definitely needs this...Just got it and the release is absolutely awful. I would suggest finding something to bend the Omega springs around so they are as close to identical and uniform as possible. I know, its a 15.00 knife lol Anyway, Great vid! Just the answer I was looking for...same brand, same problem, Thanks for taking the time to do this!

[@batfish37]

Awesome! I got a ganzo just the other day. The axis lock is quite stiff. I will be sure and try this. Thanks for the video! :)

[@BirdShotIV]

just be careful and try a small adjustment first

[@batfish37]

Thanks. I made smaller adjustments until that "ugly ducking" Spring resembled more of a "swan" like shape lol. It made a big difference. Thanks again for the tip!

[@glenngoins3100]

I'm glad I saw this. Mine is that way. Thanks Byrd! Ganzos are good knives at a cheap price.

[@andrewhaley8992]

Man, I have the exact same kife. It has been sitting on my dresser, because I didn't want to use it. I really like this knife,I have two of them. Know what I will be doing tonight. Thanks.

[@ktownkanak808]

Thank you for helping solve my stiff axis lock issue. My Ganzo G7392 orange knife works way better now. :)

[@BirdShotIV]

awesome, thanks for watching!

[@Macgyver46]

I know this is an old video but very thankful as my new ganzo needs this adjustment really bad.

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks Scott!

[@Macgyver46]

Can't easily get the scale off clip side. Been a long snow day so could be just to tired.

[@coolplayznogame8855]

Nice way to make a good knife better,,,That's gonna make a lot of knife people smile,,,,Take Care

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Nice vid! I haven't got my knife yet, just ordered it... but this is good to know!

[@BirdShotIV]

the newer models seem to be good to go more and more. Depending on what you get, it might perfect right away.

[@grootbeats2650]

Yes finally saw you q and a and it was what I was asking for lol

[@BirdShotIV]

YES!!! lol thats right, good suggestion

[@stevew585]

Fantastic video! Thanks.

[@pelewads]

This was my first Ganzo knife. And it made me shy away from Ganzo. Not only are the springs too hard. But the crossbar is too short. I have decided to try them again, with the 727. I own three Sitviens. And they are each fabulous. I really hope this next Ganzo isn't as bad as the first.

[@PanhandlePrepping]

Give them another shot. The ones with axis locks and thumb studs are a bit stiff, but the flippers with liner locks are great and have excellent action right out of the box.

[@davesanders67]

Without taking my ganzo 741 apart. I put flitz on a qtip and used it on the round part of the blade that you see when the blade is closed. It opens and closes so silky smooth now. Feels like a high end knife. I know this has nothing to do with it being a strong axis lock but trust me this will make your knife open and close like its on rails. The part I polished is what the axis lock bar rubs on.

[@Kendo121e]

which round part?

[@shakerson]

This was my thought. Removing the blade and smoothing out the round part underneath where it pivots and the cutout for the axis lock slides in. I haven't received mine yet but I think I'll also clean up the cutout in the frame and scale for the axis lock, which combined with the previous step should lessen the friction significantly. I shouldn't have to weaken the springs as much then and should get solid lockup.

[@marksteddom6941]

Got the Ganzo G753M1-CF today. The axis lock was very stiff and the pivot was very tight. I took care of those easily. It works very smoothly now. The carbon fiber is very nice. I love this knife!!

[@Thomas_M76]

My 753 pivot is super tight..how did you loosen it, I was afraid I was gonna strip mine ! My axis lock is also stiff

[@xxChemist]

Holy yes thank you so much I never thought of this thought it would losen with time im definitely doing this. risk it for the biscuit

[@mannatuu]

just what I was looking for . my Elan is really stiff on the axis locke . Thanks knife man and knife girl lol

[@BirdShotIV]

lol thanks for watching!

[@getx1265]

Thx for good info! My new G739 is extremely stiff, and was wondering what I had to do to break it in and get it loosened up a bit. My thumb is pretty sore. lol

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks for watching!

[@freddiedorris3788]

Thanks ,, now I have something to do tonight , great review guys

[@BirdShotIV]

Thanks Freddie!

[@MasterDuf]

nd a smooth flip closed when I use the axis lock. bending the spring was THE thing to make the knife more user friendly. Thanks for the advice.

[@tdusty27]

If anybody has an extra set of Drop Bear Omega Springs lying around, they work perfect to replace the springs in a Ganzo g729.

[@JMG896]

Cheers for that guys, the lock on my G727M is a wee bit strong so will give this spring bend thing a try. ATB

[@BirdShotIV]

Thanks Jeff!

[@knifenoob5411]

It's "Super Stiff". That's what she said. Literally.LOL. Seriously though Thx for the info and instructions in the video.

[@hiramysumundowalky-talkytv7719]

Thanks for the information!!!

[@jdonwells]

Think of a Ganzo as a knife kit. You get all the parts but then you have to finish them and reassemble them correctly to get a good knife. Smoothing out irregularities, bending springs to the correct shape, polishing washers that are crudely punched, etc.

[@shubbagin49]

Hi guys, love your banter, I got a few Ganzos, used your mod on them, what a difference it made, I am from the UK and cannot really legally street carry any of these knives. I am just a knife knut and collect usually good American knives, my main EDCs are GEC slips, mostly under 3in blades, which is legal here. Quite glad you started doing mainly knife vids though as the only shooting I do now is 12 bore on birds and bunnys plus a bit of clays to keep my eye in. It might be frowned upon by the British constabulary if I was to walk about with a hogleg strapped on me, LOL. It is a bit disturbing that you guys got so much sick comments about your gun opinions from supposedly legal gun owners in the USA, Anyway love your channel, God Bless

[@BirdShotIV]

we really appreciate the support, sorry about the recent ranting lol

[@iowamv]

How loose should a closed, properly adjusted axis lock knife be? If I crank down the pivot screws to the point where I can just get it open with the thumb stud, I can still get movement of a closed blade by shaking the knife upside down. It does snap back into place, but is that movement of a closed blade normal? If I try REALLY hard, I can get the blade to come out and stay out. Do you feel axis lock knives are as safe to carry in a pocket?

[@tacticalcats7722]

Cool tip. You could also try bend the spring around a rod just to more evenly distribute the pressure when bending and hopefully prevent it from breaking when doing this modification.

[@BirdShotIV]

Probably wise, thank you!

[@LtSurvival]

Cool tip, was wondering why my 729 was so difficult until I forced the axis lock way back whitch kind of bent the spring. But still is a little stiff again.

[@BirdShotIV]

Have a look inside, see if it can be adjusted

[@bigbofo510]

since u guys have plenty of knifes, have you guys every tried to remove a screw on a ganzo knife or any knife in general and it just wont come out? I ask this because im trying to do the things in the video with the correct screwdriver a t-6 and only 2 screw comes out and the other ones just wont even spin. Both on my g741 and on my g712

[@troyhays9651]

ty so much for this video i was going to try and trade mine because of the lock...i hope mine turns out...again ty

[@BirdShotIV]

Good luck Troy!

[@idaho2085]

All right, the baby talk has GOT TA GO. Good lawdy.

[@lexis831]

Cool thanks for the tip.

[@BirdShotIV]

Thanks Alexis!

[@tackleberry5402]

Hope to see a new vid from you soon. 5 days is too long! Hopefully you are both well, and you're not getting burned out.

[@BirdShotIV]

nah, got lazy. It happens here and there lol. String of vids coming!

[@tackleberry5402]

+BirdShot IV No worries.. making vids is a lot of work.. which is why I don't!

[@joro3108]

Thank you. Great info.

[@nmfl100]

I've been using EDCing the G729 - a very good knife, I only had to sandpaper the handle and properly oil the lock, and I removed the pocket clip, which made it a lot more comfortable to hold. My knife needed no spring adjustment, not stiff at all after about 100 actuations of the lock.

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks for the feedback. The newer knife releases have been better and better, requiring this mod less and less

[@nmfl100]

Thank YOU for your great videos :)

[@johnlanger7852]

you can buy spring wire by the spool if you want not sure if it would work well for this use.

[@BratosLocos069]

Hello, i have a Benchmade Rift and one of the springs broke yesterday while i was playing with it... Do the Ganzo Springs fit on Benchmade knives ?

[@akquicksilver]

I bought one of the Spyderco style Ganzos about 2 weeks ago and couldn't get the lock to actuated more than about 1/8". It was like it hit a wall. Sent it back to the big A.

[@dalecarpenter8359]

I lost a spring out of a g704 .i softened up the spring that was left and it worked fine . I leave them on the knife and bend them so that the end that goes in the hole is .25 in. To the hole it seams to be a good tension .operates really well after that .got to watch the blade retention though .its got to have enogh spring to hold the blade in when closed .

[@TheTerribleTen]

thank you! I needed this video!

[@dalecarpenter8359]

Lost one out of a 704 ! Still works good !

[@kevinbodor4930]

Where can i get a spring for it ? (I'm making a spring knife myself)

[@ke6197]

Great video thanks

[@BirdShotIV]

Thanks Kevin!

[@pcxpcxpcx460]

good thx

[@darthstewie76]

Great vid yall. Very helpful.

[@BirdShotIV]

we appreciate that!

[@floyd27860]

I got the screws out but how do I remove the handle skin? I'm fighting with this thing

[@andysnober1895]

thank you very much. Great video :-)

[@BirdShotIV]

Thank you Andy!

[@andysnober1895]

+BirdShot IV :-)

[@floyd27860]

I can't get the middle T6 screw out. It feels stripped & won't come out the handle. Any suggestions?

[@edcgearpocketknife]

Awsome vedio thanks

[@8steve88]

Thank you for your excellent video. I've been doing similar to this on the Enlan EL04MCT, big difference.

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks for watching!

[@farchymuqaddas3780]

whether the bolt behind the blade must be tightened?? because it's mine if the bolt is tightened, it doesn't even run smoothly

[@mikedifeo8344]

I did the mods on my 727. I over did it the first time and ended up with up-down play. Re-did the spring and it is perfect now. It is tricky, if you do too much it ends up with play it affects centering some. If you don't do enough there is no results.

[@BirdShotIV]

good info, glad you got it right!

[@gonefishing976]

Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank youThank you Thank youThank you Thank youThank you Thank youThank you Thank you

[@GunCollector007]

Thanks, i'm going to try that on one of mine

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks 007!

[@alittleolder]

Hi there. I wanted to adjust a Ganzo a 7522 to be exact and I couldn't find the right Torx. Tried all from T8 to T10.. either too small or too big. Do the new blue screws require some special torx drivers? Sorry for this question but I shake pretty heavily so these kinds of things aren't easy for me to acomplish. I have pretty good tools so I am not sure what was wrong there. Some Tip would be highly appreciated-

[@BirdShotIV]

I don't have the 7522 on hand but thats odd. should be T8!

[@alittleolder]

Same torx screws as the 7511 which I know you have because I bought it after seeing it here. Pretty sure it was here. But it's basically the new torx they use the blue anodized one that looks custom but still has just a torx in the middle. At least I hope so. I am pretty sick and my vision has suffered a bit, so I am not always sure so if you know it would really help me out because I have to with those screws that need some work. Have a great sunday!

[@mattmaiden4920]

Awsome tip thanx for info

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks Matt!

[@live4wild968]

Great tip. Thanks

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks man!

[@MarceloMinholi]

I think it will make them more prone to unlock itself by acident on heavy usage scenarios. I have one g704 and a g717 and both ones became smoother after the break in period.

[@BirdShotIV]

In terms of the spring itself though, it is much less subject to break-in. Parts sliding against each other will wear away asperities and smooth together. Springs will take an initial "set" after being stressed the first time or two but they will wear MUCH slower after that. Think of the springs on your car, they will stay more or less they same for a lifetime of use.

[@advooza]

I saw diz, and i adjust my G727, but when it comes to my G702, i dont know how to open the pivot screw, could u see the 702 ones and how do open the pivot screw 😭

[@bigbore400]

is lockup still good and safe with the softer spring pressure?

[@BirdShotIV]

yep, the lockup itself is unaffected

[@onefastnitro]

i dont know why but watching this video make Frankie sound like Dori from (Finding Nemo) and all that was going through my head was Dori singing "just keep swimming just keep swimming"!

[@BirdShotIV]

lol I'll let her know

[@oxdudepoege]

Is the pivot on the 729 loctided? My screws refuse to come out. Or is it just one pivot and one screw and I turned on the wrong side?

[@BirdShotIV]

my want to heat it first

[@oxdudepoege]

@@BirdShotIV soldering iron? But how long to not destroy the g10 scales

[@redlycan23]

How reliable and durable are the ganzo axis locks? I'm a bit skeptical of axis locks to begin with, and even more so on budget knives. The Ganzo axis locks looks a bit......fragile to me. Just my opinion though.

[@BirdShotIV]

never had one fail except for a neglected one due to rust

[@mcnasty624]

very cool!

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks DJ!

[@SparrowAg]

Snuck in the new Osborne there. Nice.

[@BirdShotIV]

Well, an Osborne for sure lol. That was the Contego