Tactical Folder - Which Benchmade AXIS ?

[Mulliga]

Well, unfortunately, bladeforums.com is down for the moment (excellent site - once I save some money I'll get a membership ). So which Benchmade AXIS for general utility/EDC and weak-side, last-ditch self-defense?

1. 710 McHenry & Williams - The recurve definitely makes it distinctive. Could you actually fight off an assailant with this, though?
2. 805 TSEK - Neat-looking knife. Sort of concerned about the 440C steel - it's cheaper, and generally you get what you pay for...
3. 806 AFCK - Not a big fan of the thumbhole, but the D2 steel is quite good according to the review on zvis.com.

Does anyone own or know about any of these knives? Where are some good sites to buy from (besides http://www.newgraham.com ) Thanks in advance.

 

[Kevlarman]

I love my 806D2 AFCK! And yes, I did buy it from newgraham.

 

[45R]

I would be all over the 806D2 or the 710. You might want to wait until the Benchmade's Blackwood knife comes out!! ITs one bad motha!!!

 

[tyme]

I hope BM eventually makes an axis version of the Blackwood. Alas, in its current form, it's a monolock.

Doesn't Florida have a 4" limit?

 

[Mulliga]

I don't think Florida has a 4" limit. After all, civilians can still buy automatic knives here. I read the law and it's pretty vague (we're not allowed to carry "dirks"), so I suppose as long as you don't do anything stupid, you won't get in trouble.

 

[tyme]

Yeah. Most State laws stink. However, most courts understand dirk and dagger identically: a double-edged knife. Stilettos and poniards are generally dull-edged stabbing weapons. But courts may interpret any one of those four terms to encompass both types of weapons. They don't want people carrying stabbing weapons.

As for the 4" limit, obviously anything concealed won't be found unless you're doing something unusual and get searched by police. But L.B. v State (1997) suggests that 4" is just about the limit, and State v Ortiz says that the jury can decide what a "common pocketknife" is, which means you could be convicted for carrying anything other than a SAK.

 

[Gary G23]

520

 

[Joe Talmadge]

The 806D2 is the best production defensive folder made, IMO, if you're going to stick with forward grip.

BTW, no reason the 710 can't be a fantastic defensive folder. It's my top choice, since I don't stick exclusively w/ forward grip.

Joe

 

[VaughnT]

Don't forget the Griptillian! Stupid name, but it's a good, solid design and has really done well by me. And it's cheap, too.

BM's 440c steel is very well heat-treated and I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again.

 

[Shootin' Shane]

My vote is for the 710...

 

[Jim March]

The larger size AFCK.

It's not just about the blade steel (D2 rocks) - it's the grip shape, one of the few BM models that prevents "slip up accidents" - situations where the tip hangs up on a hard target and your clenched hand wants to slide down the blade.

It is impossible to overestimate the advantage of a grip so designed. It's as critical as the lock type and the blade steel and BM all too often gets it wrong.

The AFCK got it right.

 

[tex_n_cal]

I have the AXIS with the M2 tool steel, McHenry & Williams.

Not an AXIS but I also have a Stryker, also with M2 steel, and it is very nice.

The AFCK just don't feel as good to me.

 

[ruger357]

Just ordered the 705SBT. Bought the 705 over the 710 because my state laws require the blade to be under 3 inches. The 705 is 2.95.

 

[Combat-wombat]

It's not an AXIS, but I'm sold on the new Blackwood 630. It will no doubt be my next knife purchase. Huge blade, great looks... S30V steel!

 

[VictorLouis]

What VaughtT said...

almost. There's a new Griptilian being offered with a clip-point blade in coated D-2.