710, TSEK & AFCK Comparison

S

Skunkabilly

Joined
Jun 29, 2002
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86
What is the difference in these three besides aesthetics? I am leaning towards the 710 because of aesthetics and the availability of an equivalent training blade.

Going to pick one up as soon as my roommate gets back from class (unless he cut it and/or left early ;))
 
I personally won't know better.
710 looks better and probably more likely accepted by the public.
I like the TSEK & AFCK's handles much better, and I'd prefer a opening hole, so I'd want an AFCK myself.
 
For me, the main difference from a defensive point of view: While all these knives have handles that are comfortable, the 710's handle is the most comfortable for long-term hard use I've ever used in a folder. However, the TSEK/AFCK's handle is more secure in my hand, which would give it the nod for defensive application.

The other difference for me is carryability. The 710's handle is shorter and thus easier to carry, so I carry it more often than I ever carried my AFCK.

If I remember right, the difference between the AFCK and the TSEK, besides slightly different blade shapes, is that the AFCK has a hole and the TSEK uses a stud. Hole wins out easily for me.

Joe
 
Of the lot I prefer the AFCK. 710 is nice but for me the AFCK's handle feels more comfortable and ergonomic. I know it has a longer handle but it seems to ride more comfortably in my pocket too.

I don't like the TSEK. I'm so used to the round hole that the stud just doesn't look or feel right.
 
I own the 710 and an Axis TSEK. IMO, for general utility they are equal. I love the 440C steel of the Axis TSEK. It has a wider blade than the AFCK version, which makes it an excellent slicer.

As for comfort, I find the handles of the 710 and Axis TSEK comfortable, but for general all-around I think the 710 may get the nod. Both handle styles are very ergonomic.

Although I like the Axis TSEK, mine isn't carried as often because I feel the AFCK handle shape carries better tip down than tip up. And the long studs on the blade sometimes catch on my pocket when I pull it out from tip down position. My old linerlock AFCK carries more comfortably due to the tip down and no studs to stick out.

Jim
 
I recently came across a mini AFCK made in the old days - liner lock, ATS-34 steel and a round bevelled Spydie hole, under license from Spyderco. And it's a lefty. The box has the Spyderco license notice on it.

New in box, I messed around with it for a while and am considering putting it up for sale. Just a tad too small for my large hands, although I really liked it when I got it.

AFCK is much nicer than TSEK, in my opinion.
 
Steel, steel, steel.

The 710 is decent in 154CM, very good in M2 but can be tricky to sharpen.

The TSEK is a good stainless blade of 440C (it does come in a version with oval holes) if you need that.

The Axis AFCK is a great design with great steel (D2) if rust and a lousy, easy to scratch black coating are not an issue.
 
basically to me the afck and the tsek are the same knives, the tsek is just a toned down cheaper version of the afck maybe trying to sell at a different price point, the 710 is a more civilized knife i guess, i personally think the axis afck is the best of the three, if only they made it without the coating i'd order one this instant
 
Either the axis afck or the 710 will serve you well I like the handle on the 710 better though it just seems stonger but other say the AFCK is more ergonomic and I pron to belive them 154cm Or D2 is the real question I think. Is rust an issue... Do you leave your knives out in the rain?? If so go D2. How about the hole? I always think that the hole is a more fun way to open it but it only works for me if its a tip down carry with a hole.

Does anyone know if the is tip down???

Hope this helps!
 
is what a tip down? the afck? the newer model afck have four possible clip positions, the older model is only tip up with left and right carry
 
FWIW i have had (TSEK) or have all 3 (710 and 806SD2) and have carried/used them a bit also.

imho the AFCK and TSEK are the same thing, only the hole vs stud seperates them.

the 710 is a great knife, was my first axis, great blade shape, good ergos, shorter than a AFCK/TSEK in OAL w/the same blade length.

is a good knife, but i prefer the AFCK, just fits my hand better, looks better to me, imho the BM AFCK is one of the all time greats, i have 5 now, a mini AFCK11, a proto AFCK11, a 800BT w/154 steel a 800S w/ATS34 steel, and a 806SD2, my fav production knife, obviously.

i sold the only TSEK i have had, just like the AFCK better, they look funny to me w/out the hole, and have had 2 710's, one std and one proto, swapped the std, still have the proto, but, imho for everyday use, ya cant beat a AFCK, be they axis or liner lock, they RULE

out of the 3 , i would choose the AFCK hands down every time!!!

greg
 
I have owned both the AFCK and the 710. The TSEK is out of the question since it does not have the hole. The AFCK is definitely more ergonomic for me plus its just a better looker than the 710. It just feels better in the hand. Don't get me wrong. I like the 710 very much, but it just does not stoke my fire like the AFCK.

Like many others around here, we are waiting for Benchmade to get off their duff, and produce a satin finished 806D2 AFCK. I think Benchmade knows that, and I am sure that sooner or later we will have our satin finihed D2's. Big D1
 
The TSEK is not 440C, but instead is GIN1(the original Spyderco steel).

Myself, I like the AFCK in M2 best of all the Benchmades. M2 just seems to take a better edge and holds it longer than any ATS34 or 154CM.

I came across a dealer last year that was closing out the mini TSEKs, because the the majority of people preferred the holes of the AFCK. To me, the hole is better, but the thumbstud doesnt bother me that much either. And, when I was able to buy 6 mini TSEKs at dealer cost, it was too good to pass up. I think I still have a couple of them, but several of my friends fell in love with them and talked me out of most of them.
 
I compared the 710HS and 806D2 (AXIS AFCK w/D2 steel blade :cool: ) a couple months ago and opted for the 806D2 for the handle and hole. My only misgiving about the 806D2 was its greater closed length compared to the 710HS, but it has not been an issue.

The 710's recurve is nice. On the other hand, it would be a little more difficult to sharpen.

I was buying primarily for outdoor and utility rather than defensive use, so the availability of a training version was not an issue for me.

They are both great knives. You should be happy with either. I would get a newer 806D2 with the bronze washers and tip-up, tip-down, left right carry options, but then you knew I was going to say that ;)

Good hunting :)
 
I would get a newer 806D2 with the bronze washers and tip-up, tip-down, left right carry options, but then you knew I was going to say that
Click to expand...

I agree with the above so far.
Does anyon think that handel strengh plays a part? Is the 710 a stronger handle or do ther both have full lengh linners???

thanks for the quick answer on that MANJI!!
 
I'm pretty sure they both have full-length heat-treated 410 stainless steel double liners covered in G-10 :cool:
 
If I like the 806D2 but not the black blade coating, do you think it'll be a long time before the Axis lock AFCK is released in a different steel, or in the D2 without the coating?

If it'll be a year, I'll just get the 806D2 and not worry about scratches in the coating. But I don't want to buy one and two months later see an 806 S30v with satin finish or something like that.

Thanks for any thoughts on this...

Johnny
 
The axis TSEK is indeed 440C. I have been impressed with the 440C that Benchmade has been using.

If there was an 806 with a satin finish S30V blade there would be no question as to what I would be carrying. I just cant deal with BT2 :barf:
 
Ok so should I get the M2, and deal with the black blade, or just get the 'lesser' metal and have it in satin, but not as much wear?
 
My advice would be...

if you can deal with BT2 :barf: and you have decided on the 710 then by all means get the M2 version.

The 806 also rocks if you can live with BT2 :barf:
 
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