Is the Benchmade THAT good?

[Teufelhunden]

In perusing a variety of sources both digital and print, the general concensus seems to be that the Benchmade AFCK is where it's at as far as folding fighting knives are concerned.

I figured I'd consult the hive-mind here to try to get some personal anecdotes...

It's going to be a duty/personal knife. I'm already carrying enough stuff on and off duty to carry a fighting knife and a working knife, so I'd like them to be the one and same. Will the AFCK hold up well enough as a utility knife? I don't abuse my knives; if I have to pry on something, I get a prybar, but other 'fighting' knives I've seen are temperemental enough that they don't like doing double duty.

Comments?

-Teuf

 

[Guyon]

Does the AFCK have Axis Lock yet? If not, I'd take a close look at the McHenry and Williams model 710. I really prefer the Axis lock to a liner lock.

Benchmade makes quality production knives. I have owned several and still have two. You won't be disappointed with one.

 

[Lane Mullins]

I have the AFCK axis lock in my pocket at the moment. I also have the 710 in my other pocket, so I have a good idea of their attributes and faults. I am left handed and drolled before they were released. The AFCK is pre production #699. I had a problem with some slight side to side blade wobble, so I made a new back spacer out of G-10. The production models have a spacer just like the one I made. The 710 is in my opinion a sturdier knife. It is a first production model. It was the start of the axis, and was designed around it. The bearing surface between the sides of the blade and the washers is almost double in the 710. This helps with the side bearing strength. The AFCK is an excellent knife, though. The 710 is ATS-34 and the AFCK is D-2 with the teflon coating. The D-2 blade is a beast to sharpen, but it will cut Supermans cape off and it will hold an excellent edge. The ATS-34 holds an excellent edge and is fairly easy to sharpen, but I'll take the D-2 every day. The black finish wears off if anything abrasive or matallic is cut, but it has not rusted yet. I am kind of(read a whole lot) anal with keeping my blades sharp and clean, so I don't know if it would rust if abused. hope this helps.

 

[Carbonator]

D2 blade, bronze washers, 4 position clip, stainless steel frame. Bought it 1 year ago for $114 but had to wait for the new updated parts to come out. Very happy with it. Nearly got a Microtech Socom Elite, but that was more of a collectors show knife. The AFCK is more of a user and I don't baby it like I would a Microtech. The AFCK has a thinner stainless steel frame, slimmer more effective blade, is lighter, less expensive, and great for all day carry. Perfect size and blade length. I use it daily, it is my "always knife". Plus you can add the zip tie to get the wave action and easier thumb action if that interests you. I haven't tried the zip tie mod yet but seems like a neat thing to try out. Couldn't recommend a better "everything knife".

 

[Coronach]

www.bladeforums.com

Asking what knife is the best is kina like asking what gun is the best.

I have an AFCK and an AFCK II (D2, Pre-Production, #500-something). I like them both, but the nod definatly goes to the AFCK II.

And yeah, Benchmade is a quality manufacturer. There are others nearly as good for a fair bit less, and there are others better for quite a bit more.

Mike

 

[only1asterisk]

Very happy with my AFCK. My is the same model as Lane Mullins and I second his opinion.


David

 

[Gary G23]

Can't go wrong with an AFCK Axis.

 

[hso]

Good knife in the Axis II. I don't recommend using a knife for both defensive and utility purposes though any more than I would suggest using a handgun for a hammer. If your knife is dull when you need it at the most critical moment then it won't serve the purpose. I advise folks to sharpen after every use so that it pops hair or carry a second knife for defense and a small sturdy folder for utility.

 

[David]

My everyday day carry knife for the past 6 months is the Benchmade Griptilian.

It is the best EDC knife I have owned to date -- period.

 

[45R]

The following BM's will serve you well:
AFCK
AFCK II
BM710
BM510



I have owned a ACFK(806D2) at one time and its one of the best knives that I have played with handsdown. My current EDC is a Preproduction 710.

You just cant go wrong with a Benchmade.

 

[BerettaNut92]

 

[Tamara]

Hey, Skunk, if you like carbon fiber and Beretta, check out the bottom knife in this photo...

 

[GW]

Yeah,
They are that good
The only non-Benchmade I occasionally carry is an Emerson Commander
Otherwise its the 710 as my constant companion

 

[Schuey2002]

check out the bottom knife in this photo...

Tams, is that one of those Warren Thomas Combat Folders?

 

[Tamara]

Schuey2k2,

Yup, that's the Beretta Avenger, a Warren Thomas design. Very, very cyberpunk.

 

[Snowdog]

I suppose I'm "old-school" in my love for the Benchmade Stryker, but their price isn't exorbitant (around $90-$100) and they'll last a lifetime. I've been toting my Stryker for about 4 years now with daily use... still looks like new and just as tight as the day it arrived at my door.

ATS-34 blade, G10 scales and titanium liners... decent material with excellent craftsmanship from a production knife. My favorite feature? It fits my hand like a glove.

I'll vote yes, Benchmades are that good.

Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) makes a great product as well, at an affordable price. I've been an enthusiast of CRKT after my purchase of a Point Guard for a mere $35. If on a budget, that's a brand that'll offer plenty of quality for a great price.

 

[Jim March]

I'm of the opinion that the 3.95" blade AFCK Axis with either the D2 or M2 blade is the finest sub-4" class fighting folder made today. Slight preference for D2 for the extra corrosion resistence.

That's based on grip ergonomics, lock strength and overall toughness.

You can find any number of knives that beat it in one category by a lot, or even two categories by a little, but none have as perfect a "features set balance".

At any price.

IF you're limited to 4" for some reason, this is "THE ONE".

One of the biggest problems with most other Axis Benchmades is that the grip isn't shaped to prevent a "slip-up accident" on a hard-target stab. If the point hangs up on you, you need more than just skin-to-grip friction to prevent your clenched fingers sliding down the cutting edge. The AFCK grip shape eliminates the possibility...that's what sets it apart from almost all other Benchmades.

 

[MolonLabe416]

I like the Benchmade McHenry Williams axis lock. It's very strong, and I can both open and close it with one hand. The ability to close the knife with one hand is important if you actually use the knife much. I use mine daily around the ranch.

Benchmade has OUTSTANDING customer service. I have an early river rescue knife. Benchmade later came out with a much imporved sheath and locking system. I inquired about buying a new sheath and have the stocks replaced to work with the new locking system. Benchmade said to send the knife back and they would upgrade it at NO CHARGE. They even paid return shipping.

They now get all my knife business.

Recommended.

 

[VaughnT]

True Story: I was going to buy an Emerson Commander/Mini-Commander to carry across from my duty pistol. The downside to lefthand carry is the Emerson isn't tapped so you can mount the pocket clip on the left scale. I contacted Emerson about this and got a very terse email back stating that it would be an additional $25 to drill and tap the other scale for ambidextrous clip mounting.

Read a whole lot of good things about the Benchmade and decided to drive an hour to a shop I remembered having almost the entire line on display. After looking and feeling the knives, I walked out with a 550S, the Griptillian, and haven't regretted it a minute.

Funny, but of all of their knives, it was their cheapest, the Griptillian, that fit my hand best. I'm not scared to spend money, and was looking at the latest and greatest in steels and scales, but it was the 440c blade and plastic handled model that just fit me perfectly.

What really makes me laugh is that you never hear Benchmade making claims of "hard use" or "SEAL preferred" or anything like that, and yet they are the only maker that I'm aware of that has the handle drilled and tapped to take a clip in any of the four positions possible. How can Strider or Emerson be a true hard-use knife for the hispeed/lodrag if there's only one way you can attach that knife to your body?

Anyhow, after countless hours of carry, the black on the clip is starting to wear off, but that's of little concern. Otherwise, the knife is in pristine condition and will shave the hair off your arm.

The AFCK II is next on my list of gotta-gets but I haven't seen one in any of the local shops. I'll be sure to get the D2 blade.

I did put the ziptie on my 550s and really like how it works. It's not the best thing for opening the blade on the draw, but it is perfect for me to get my thumb on. I've tried using it as a Wave, but it isn't 100% reliable and doesn't feel too natural because I have to swing my arm pretty far back to snap the blade to lockout. Maybe more practice is in order, but.....

Highly recommend the Benchmade line.

 

[45R]

Due to what Jim March said about slipage with Axis lock. This is also a good knife. It can strike hard and soft targets while keeping good control of knife. The spine has grooves for thumb. That below is a 750. The handles are Titanium so it also works for a good impact tool.

 

[Jim March]

The AFCK grip shape still has two major advantages over that 750:



First, the AFCK is going to be more rigid in the hand on a stab. The steep angle on the forward edge area of the forefinger cutout tells the tale. That near-90-degree angle blocks your hand from the cutting edge like a brick wall.

Second, in the reverse grip, the overall "banana shape" (tip to pommel curve when open) lends itself well to reverse grip work, extending the range on slashes and keeping the tip further away from your forearm.

The reverse grip has a lot of merit in close-range encounters and anti-grapple/anti-gun-grab situations.

 

[45R]

Jim-
You dont have to sell me on that knife. That knife sells itself. I had one at one time. YMMV but the 750 feels great with a tradtional or reverse grip. Now before I get flamed the 806D2 has way better ergonomics and more of a belly. I'm just giving the guy more options. I dig both knives and yes the AFCK clearly has an advantage on paper

Best

45R

 

[Tracy Hightower]

VaughnT,
I recently went on the same quest as you looking for a quality weak side carry knife. Off duty I carry an Emerson Commander in my strong side pocket and a CRKT Polkowski/Kasper fixed blade on my weak side for use in weapon retention. My fixed blade sheath will not fit on my duty belt so I went shopping. I ended up with a Benchmade 5000SBT Auto Mel Pardue Design. It is a true ambidextrous knife as it has a movable clip and can be opened from either side. I am very happy with it and even found a limited edition of 50 for only $20.00 more than the standard knife.