10 Amazing Axis Lock Pocket Knives Under $40

[@traditionallarry5378]

Jay it’s nice the way you keep things down to reality for most of us budget knife people,thanks for the info.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

You bet Larry. Thanks!

[@technophile419]

How can you promote Efengrow? They sold 9cr as D2 and when called out by LuvThemKnives after the channel had them tested, they kept selling them. I may unsubscribe because of this.

[@hector_dom]

You can replace the pocket clip on the EF966 with a Civivi pocket clip, it is a matter of removing a tiny bit of micarta. The screw holes match perfectly. I did that to mine.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Great idea!

[@Cohen.the.Worrier]

Nice to see the Ganzo G753 again, it's an older knife, and the G753m is quite a bit smaller. The edge is all belly, so the entire length can be used. Tip is both sharp and sturdy, can pierce anything. And on top off that great edge to handle ratio. Most knives with the same edge have at least half an inch, up to an inch longer handle.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Yeah, I always appreciate a good blade-to-handle ratio.

[@48mastadon]

I don't know if you are aware but @Luvthemknives tests many companies blade steels. He tested many Eafengrows and most of the steels were NOT what was claimed and etched on the blades. D2 would actually be 8cr etc...Ganzos on the other hand were always what was stated and the HRC was always good.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Yeah, I remember seeing something about that a few years ago.

[@Killlerbee]

A nice list Jay! My favorite "axis" style knife is still the Ganzo F7562. It's modeled after the Benchmade 940 but just a tad bigger. I love it AND the price tag!

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Thank you KB!

[@andgar1812]

My favorite ganzo is G704. Hi from Ukraine. 🖐 Thenk you Americans people for help Ukraine!🙏 Sorry for my English language!

[@lisovyj]

А в мене critical strike s503 і він чудовий. Механіка неперевершена, він зручний і коштує небагато

[@pmags1331]

Hi , New to the channel . Was into knifes like 13 years ago and just getting back into knifes again . I am looking for a left handed six lock knife that is on the smaller side like 5 1/2” to 7” . On the Amazon budget end . Was thinking the size of the mini bug out or mini Griptilian . Any recommendations? L

[@krefcenz]

Not sure why you are passing on the Gerber Sumo unless it's b/c of the 7Cr17MoV. Agreed the steel isn't premium, but I'd take it over most of the knives on your list. 3.9 inch blade, dual position pocket clip, Under $40. That would be my pick at that price point.

[@rustyknifelover4463]

Jay great list. I have a few Firebird/Ganzo knives in this price range, don't really carry them much anymore.

[@SteveKluver]

You probably don't really carry them much anymore, because they don't rust, and you're the rusty knife lover! 🤗

[@rustyknifelover4463]

@@SteveKluver 🤣🤣No just moved on to other knives.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

I hear ya. For me, it depends on what I'm doing that day. If I'm at home, in the yard or garage, I'll carry a Ganzo. Thanks Rusty!

[@Scott-ye4qh]

I think Benchmade is too expensive Spyderco as well but that's okay I don't care for the looks of their knives anyhow. American greed. Everyone says buy American and as much as possible I do but China and other countries are crushing us as far as our economy. I'm not going to pay $100 bucks for a USA made knife when I can get the same thing for half the price from somewhere else. 🙄

[@Scott-ye4qh]

A few of my pics would be the Sencut Arcblast, Sencut Serene, Boker Kalashnikov Auto, as well as some others. Thank you for the good review. 😎👍

[@frankysour]

Great coincidence, after seeing this relatively old video 4-5 days back I stumbled across a ganzo firebird fb7601-gy (at least that's how it was listed, the blade just says fb760, but I think it's the same knife) on Amazon for 25 euro, which believe it or not is a great deal here in Italy - in fact they are already no longer available. I had to get it. And I almost returned immediately, terrible terrible action, very stiff, even operating the lock was a pain, and when I got to flick or to drop had a terribly muted sound... But then... After a couple of days of flicking, some WD-40 (I know...), Some repetitive cleaning with a q-tip and a couple of good blisters on my index and thumb... Now it's like butter, and the sound is unbelievable! Maybe it had a rough long trip and warehousing, but it was like the factory lube in it had turned into some sticky guncky stuff that killed the movement and contact of the metal parts. Now... I am having a very hard time putting it down, I continue flicking it while my blisters are healing 🤣 And now looking for the most fidgety budget knife ever... Possibly a button lock, kinda like the kizer cormorant or the vosteed thunderbird, but preferably smaller and surely less costly? Any suggestions? All this aside, thanks for the great video!

[@evanmccollum163]

I love the Gerber sumo,lefty love, tank of a knife, finger flick hole, really close to the $40 mark

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Yeah, that is a good looking knife.

[@nickrafuse984]

Been looking for a good knife for my left-handed wife to carry into the woods. An axis-lock knife would be great but... sadly these seem all but unavailable to canadians like us. Where is everyone getting these?

[@noone-vl2cy]

Ganzo 7651-bk is my favorite. Makes me even more sexy. LOL! Thanks for the informative reviews.

[@tomleadbitter1718]

gotta admit the ganzos are hard to beat, I had mine confiscated, I forgot I had it in my camera bag when I went through security at an airport they are about $ 60 to 70 dollars here in New Zealand and thank god it wasn't one of my fox or cold steel knives but I will get a new ganzo, by the way i purchased a maxace samurai with bohler k 110 blade steel for $ 85 and its a great knife, so not much more than a ganzo but knives are thin on the ground here in nz and pricey to pay international postage on an imported knife is crazy and if the total is more $ 350 you pay duty as well , thanks jay

[@drewsmith9809]

Cant do Ganzo.. they gross me out? Anyone else? I do like the srm, one of my fav knifes. Lots of details a features at the price point. Very detailed, youd be suprised..

[@marcthompson4063]

How do you know if the steel is actually D2 Other than it says it on the blade? I have several efengrow knives with "D2" not sure though. Love your content!

[@richardvirchow3390]

Jay, I got into collecting knives during the Covid pandemic. I also discovered knife reviews on KZbin and your channel is my favorite. My first dozen knives of my collection were Ganzo knives and they all had Axis/Glock locks - which I find the easiest way to open & close a knife. Keep up the good reviews!!

[@LostLeftyLimb]

I just got a Ganzo Axis lock and the action is absolutely terrible.

[@dunexapa1016]

The Axis lock was a brilliant concept that was flawed in execution. Failure to make a few small modifications and shortcuts in manufacturing render the Axis lock unsafe in most cases

[@dalecarpenter8828]

axis lock is second strongest lock on the market , the strongest lock on the market is the cold steel triad lock ! liner or frame locks should not be allowed on larger knives ,they are very dangerous as you have to put your finger in harms way to unlock them and your hand strength can easily make them fail , (they only hold long enough for you to get hurt really bad) ,they are OK on small knives that you hand strength can not make them fail but you still have to put your finger in harms way to close them !

[@Dragnmastralex]

any updated list? trying to find a ball baring hinged spring assisted axis lock knife with no serrated blade that's not over $50

[@peenusweenus3169]

On the older ganzos it helps the action a lot to back the pivot screw out just a bit and use some blue locktite. You can get it almost bearing smooth with pretty much no play if you fiddle with it.

[@skcamerican]

Good list as always, Jay! I have the SRM 7063, like it. Have the small Ganzo 753, like it. I’d be happy to have anything on your list.

[@weeral1]

Eafengrow should not make any list but a hate list.. for an honest reviewer anyway. They consistently lie about the steel they are selling you. Is that OK with you?

[@DanielEPiza]

I have 2 axis locked knives , the LG Benchmade Crooker River and one of the first batch of LG Ganzo Firebird G7531 (753), both most carried of the knives I own

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Yeah, those are 2 great knives you got there.

[@Scott-ye4qh]

I agree, Sir, some of those pocket clips are pretty cheesy. We knife lovers really want deep carry.

[@Obliticus]

Jay, check out the Willumsen Copenhagen RED E folder (the latest version). After Benchmade and Hogue, this knife has the best axis like lock I've seen (and I've see a lot of them). Its a smallish, but beefy 14C blade on milled G10 with a well designed forward finger choil... and offers up some lefty love :)

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Oh yeah, I know the knife and I love the look of it! Does it really weigh 7.5 oz?

[@lostfound8112]

Vid. I just ordered the number 2. Wanted orange but they just had black

[@haymaker299]

10:16 "You know, it doesn't do anything crazy, and start to look like a shoe that a goblin might wear"

[@billstoner8138]

I have arthritis, which axis lock has the softest spring of these or other cheap knives of similar quality

[@jameshitch5041]

I'm going to break down and buy an axis lock. I just have a hard time buying anything without a flipper. I'll probably buy the srm as I have one all ready from them I like a lot. My favorite knife I own is my Kubey KU322C its perfect!

[@TheKnifeBeater]

I know what you mean James, I usually prefer flippers as well. Unfortunately, there are not many Axis lock flippers out there anymore. Benchmade had one, but it's been discontinued. I also love that KU322.

[@jameshitch5041]

@@TheKnifeBeater I'm not sure I've ever had an axis lock knife at all. I've had aa bunch through the years like most people do. I recently started to slowly collect a few since I was recently diagnosed with cancer and my mobility has declined. I watched your review of the Kubey and I had to have it. It's not very expensive but sure behaves like it is. Keep them coming...

[@thomaspotter7765]

I just got the Sitiven 124 with the jade g10. Ba ba ba ba baaa I'm loving it!

[@stewartdouglas3723]

Thank you again sir for taking care of the budget minded knife community (bmkc). I have the giant Silkworm and can confirm that is is a nice one. My favorite budget axis falls outside the $40 price range but not by much: the SOG Terminis XR.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

You bet, it's my pleasure. I have a Terminus XR and you're right, great knife. Thanks Stewart!

[@mrsliver45]

I always appreciate your blade knowledge and simple, easy to understand presentations. How do you store your vast folding knife collection? Is there a specific foam-lined case or other storage medium you prefer? Thanks.

[@django1]

Ganzo firebird knife fan here. Best bang for the buck I know of. I've probably got 15 of their knives. Including the 7601. I don't know how they do it. I have had three sativian knives. Every single one of them was returned. Axis lock did not properly engage on any of them. Any civivi knife under $50 is usually of safe bet. I have a free tiger on order from Amazon that might not get here till June. It's not quite May yet. I will wait on it though

[@knuckles-3386]

You don’t know how they do it really? The Chinese don’t care about anything they would give these knives away for free if it would help them dominate the market

[@pragmaticcat7619]

Thanks for showing affordable options. I've made 2 purchases based off of your reviews.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Oh awesome, I hope they worked out so far. Thanks!

[@joelopez3954]

Ganzo G720 modeled after lion steel SR 11

[@hector_dom]

Excellent list. I have all of them except the Harnds. Keep up the good work.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Awesome! Thank you Hector!

[@rcjoe406]

Hi im from the future 😮😅..if tou had 30 to 40 to spend on axis style knife? Any thoughts 😊

[@TheKnifeBeater]

any of these

[@therivermonk]

Ordered the free tiger, nice video. Subscribe sirrah!

[@DB.KOOPER]

First off, great video and thanks for the heads up on some knives I've never heard of mate. Just bought a Vosteed Racoon with the cross-bar lock and the 20CV version of the Keizer Escort for $85 (off Amazon, randomly marked down). Can't wait to get them in and start fiddling around with them. My new EDC knife is the SOG Flash AT XR-lock which has an AMAZING blade shape and edge geometry for general use but is also an awesome whittling knife. Only thing I'd like more would be Linen Micarta handle scales, a manual action with a flipper that hides under the bolster when open (the assisted opening is REAL stiff and the thumb studs kinda suck but it's getting better) and maybe a LITTLE longer blade in the 3.5-4" range. I really like bigger blades and my former EDC is a RAT-1 I've carried for over 10 years and still have in the collection and still love to death. I've been into knives for over 40 years and I've worked with Gerber (up until they started doing business with "Bear" Gryllis... BLECH) and several other local knife makers up here in the PNW helping test and do R/D as a WIlderness EMT/SAR professional and an avid whitewater rafter/backcountry wilderness guy and I can honestly say were in a GOLDEN age of high-quality affordable knives.

[@_MiMo_]

Love the st109! A $28 bar-lock...on bearings! I dyed the army green micarta emerald and bronzed the hardware.👌

[@mattharvey968]

That’s one I still need to get!

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Great idea Michael! I'll bet it looks sweet with those mods.

[@alanseran6944]

I always love your recommendations. I have alot of knives that you have previously had on your channel. Im up to about 80 knives in my collection now.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Oh wow, that's a lot of knives! Glad I could help Alan. Thanks.

[@garystolp9881]

Nice Chinese manufacturing!

[@sabotagesavant5277]

Hey Jay, it's been a while. Another great list especially for us average guys. I like the axis lock & you have some economical choices here for us to choose from. I have the Ganzo 753, it is just right in every way. OK it could be a little lighter but great knife.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Hey, nice to hear from ya again!

[@joethumm8186]

Sitivian and Eafengrow are Leading the Way in Axis locks with D2 steel, under 30 bucks..you can't go wrong !!

[@clayton9seven]

Ozark trail hands down the best

[@davidglazener7921]

I have the Sanranmu 7063 in blue. Beautiful! I also have the Ganzo G712 akis lock in 440C. Fantastic Persian shaped blade.

[@mserrata19]

How does the SOG terminus XR rank up against these? I know it cost a bit more but wondering if it’s worth the price or should I go with the Firebird F7601 as my first knife. BTW also a lefty here.

[@BrandonGavin_EDC]

Great 1st pick, that Ganzo is so sweet, one of the best cheap knives ever.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Yeah, it really is. Thanks Brandon!

[@Huey4214]

Schrade Divergent is another good budget choice . Love mine. Also love your quick , to the point reviews, Thanks!

[@Christopher33312]

Jay, sorry to jump off topic, but do you still consider the HARNDS Warrior for $36 the best budget hard use folder?

[@darylgruet9262]

I have the FreeTiger, Bugout knock off. I'm a lefty and had to try. The liners are actually the same. So both are tapped to receive threads. The difference is in the scales. The right hand scale in drilled the left isn't. I opened it, through drilled from right to left. And hogged out the left side scale. And bam! I have a left handed pocket clip. It's a good knife!

[@whammofammo7346]

"A shoe a goblin might wear". Now I shall start seeing some knives like goblin shoes. Thanks Jay. :) The only budget axis style locks I own are the Ganzo's I abuse them all the time.

[@michaelsantoro170]

I carried a Ganzo for close to 4 years, despite owning a paramilitary 2 and other knives that cost more. I have to say, even though the one I had was effectively a rip off of the griptillian, it was really effective. Looked good, had good ergonomics, was very easy to sharpen, but didn't have the hardness to chip. Really nice blade shape as well with the belly. Carried a Byrd Cara Cara 2 as a secondary knife for a while, and the pocket clip started sliding around to the point where I needed to use JB weld. I never shy away from the budget brands after that experience, BPS knives are great as well if you want to support a Ukrainian company during this conflict.

[@STRIKER520]

Ganzo was the first I have seen outside of Benchmade.I got one years ago and not bad for the price. The only other axis lock I have is a Benchmade Griptilian that I actually found camping.

[@A-Fern]

Love the ganzo’s they are perfect work knives. 7601 is my go to. They have great action and solid lockup. For $20 you can’t go wrong.

[@enriquescott2983]

Thank you for the tutorial in the beginning there was spring-assisted with the thumbs tuts, then just plain thumb stut button lock. I've never used or expensive but in today's tutorial you pushed all the buttons thank you😊

[@KrankyYankyee]

Your number 10 is my favorite knife in my collection so far, first ever axis lock, very pretty and sturdy, nice weight.

[@callyacaos5339]

Sitivien ST109 and ST110 all the way. One of my most beloved beater knives. This list had no bad knife in it. We will not go wrong with any of these. Ergos and material would be your only concern and taste. Great video, Stassa

[@cindyheier3733]

do any of your cheaper axis lock knives like ganzos rattle in the closed position

[@TheKnifeBeater]

no.

[@captainamerica3531]

Sweet deals. Tnx

[@darrenbakewell1469]

Love my albatross

[@rhino5419]

Hello Jay. Nice list as always. I like the system . Only non BM one i have is the Ganzo 704 and that is super smooth. All the best.

[@iceman1bentley763]

I just ordered the Ganzo firebird F7601 and I’m excited to get it

[@piperkennard1039]

Awesome brother 👏

[@drubytoonzoriginals]

I got the Sanrenmu because of this vid and am thoroughly impressed! Great weight in hand, super smooth action, fun to fidget with, nice sharp blade, easy to use axis lock, good in & out clip... and $20 price is absolutely unbeatable! Wish they were made in the US because I’m considering ordering more as gift knives, superb deal without a doubt! 😎👍👍

[@richarde1355]

Which Sanrenmu?

[@drubytoonzoriginals]

@@richarde1355 it’s the 7063 model in copper, will get a blue one soon... no issues so far, great little knife!

[@cctvspystore]

Sitivian is killin it in the budget knife realm

[@mattharvey968]

Yes they are! Very hard to beat at thier price point!

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Yeah, they really are.

[@mattharvey968]

All great choices Jay!! I have the Ganzo F753 and want the F7601. Some other good Ganzo choices are the G741 and the F740. Check them out if you haven’t already! By the way Sitivien is crushing under the $35 range!!

[@TheKnifeBeater]

I totally forgot about the 741 and 740. You're right, they are pretty good. I think you will like that 760. Thanks Matt!

[@Pine_Soul]

Check out the Ganzo FB740, may be the largest one they have, the handle is long and so is the blade, and its currently on Zon for around $16 which is simply insane for the quality. My dad works outside and has big hands, and he loves this knife, and I have a few myself in my Ganzo collection, the green and the black. Hoping I can find it in orange soon!

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Oh yeah, I remember that 740. I had one a while back, but gave it away. I liked it, I'll have to go buy one again.

[@edgblades]

Those are some excellent knives. I’ve grown to appreciate this type of lock more and more. I particularly love the Sitivien line, but Ganzo is another that really does it well.

[@66Impala427]

My Sitivien 110 is the smoothest knife, I don't have a Ganzo that comes close to it.

[@powerplay4real174]

I got that #1 Ganzo also and then the G729 & G733 are the one for me.😎⚔️😎

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Yeah, those are good ones too.

[@doktorb3at]

I agree with the Ganzo 7601. I think the Ganzo 729 is also pretty sweet.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

I agree.

[@powerplay4real174]

Good video pal 😊

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Hey, thanks so much!

[@mewithknives3481]

My 2 favorites are the Gerber sumo and the ganzo fb740

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Very nice. That Sumo is a good looking knife.

[@ben9and1-3rd]

👍🍻

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Thanks Ben!🍕🍺😋

[@roberthead3930]

What great collection of knife choices. Great reviews too. Thank you jay!!

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Hey you bet Robert. Thanks!

[@gohamada1582]

Hi Jay Great lit happy to know axis lock is open for others it’s a great lock system .

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Couldn't agree more. Thanks Go!

[@gregvanderlip7726]

Another great vid 👌 had wife sub channels half the day lol u were def on list

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Lol! Thanks Greg. Welcome to the channel, glad to have ya!

[@Gman1024]

Lots of goody models in this one. Thanks for the upload.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

My pleasure Gman. Thanks!

[@clgraff76]

Jay's the style king of the knife community.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Lol!!! Thanks Corey!

[@davidkurle5418]

Great list, Jay. I really don't have any budget range knives with an axis-type lock, so it was good to see some options. Cheers, buddy!

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Yeah, a few years back there wasn't much of this stuff out there. I think Ganzo was the only one. Thanks David!

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Even without skin in the game, you still stopped by. Thank you!

[@willhernandez7687]

Another awesome list! Thanks Jay!!!!

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Thank you Will!

[@SucculentDoorbell]

Nice, #1 & 2 are prime choices. Nice taste

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Thanks so much!

[@dannyparrish724]

As usual...nice presentation.

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Thanks so much Danny!

[@ckyrooster]

Ganzo FB 7651 GR

[@TheKnifeBeater]

Good one.

[@CamboTriton]

I'm just getting into the "AXIS" lock knives from a few brands. Have to say, they make the best EDC knives. My favorite budget one is the Amare Field Bro. Thanks for this great video!

[@TheKnifeBeater]

I agree. The AFB has been on my list for a while now, been waiting for the price to come down a little. Lately, I've seen them selling for around $95 - $120. Thanks Rich!

[@rafaelterrazas9957]

I PURCHASED A BUSH MASTER ACCESS LOCK THIS KNIFE IS GREAT. IT DEPLOYES AS IF IT WAS ASSISTED, AND THE ACCESS LOCK IS GREAT ON IT. YOU CAN OPEN AND CLOSE THIS KNIFE SO EASILY YOU NEVER GET TIRED. IT'S SUCH A GREAT KNIFE. I GOT A SECOND ONE. ONE DRAW BACK. IT'S NOT $40.00, IT'S $60.00, BUT WELL WORTH THE EXTRA $20.00. BUD K SELLS THE BUSH MASTER LINE OF KNIVES. THEIR CARBON FIXED BLADES ARE ALSO GREAT KNIVES. I DON'T LIKE TO CARRY MY EXPENSIVE KNIVES TOO MUCH, SO I BUY LESS EXPENSIVE KNIVES THAT WON'T FAIL WHEN I NEED THEM. GOOD REVIEW. THANK YOU.