806D2, Military, or Buck Strider?

Originally posted by allenC
I'm not sure about all of the Benchmade folders but the three that I own (722, 550, and 555) all have flat-ground blades. Not flat all the way to the spine like the Military, but definitely flat.
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I hope that I stand corrected. My 551 looks kind of similar to my other Benchmade folders in that they all have shallow-hollow grinds. Nearly flat, but not quite. Maybe the 72x and Griptillian series are exceptions. I apologize if I was incorrect.
 
Hi Gang,

As much as I like, no "adore" my Military's, and in particular the new plain edge in S30V I just got :) ...The Benchmade 806 just has so damned much going for it that it must surely be the clear choice here.

I recently acquired a pre-owned one in partially serrated form, (806SD2) and I like it so much that I have to really fight to give the others any pocket time at all anymore. I also own an original AFCK in M2 tool steel that is a real sweetheart of a knife, but with the addition of the AXIS lock on the 806 even the 800 pales in comparison. The only thing I would prefer on my 806 is a true round "Spyderhole" like the 800 has; and M2 of course.:p

Although I would most certainly "settle" for S30V...hee-hee:eek:

Best wishes, Jeff/1911.
 
You probably wouldn't go wrong with any of your choices. I have a Greco Whisper folder I have been carrying around for about a month in the included sheath. It's lighter than my Schrade LB7, which I also like. The Whisper and LB7 are massive compared to my Benchmade 940. I really like all three as tough folders. You will have the utmost confidence in the Axis lock. But if it came down to it, I'd choose the Whisper folder for sheer bruteness. Besides, you can take it apart and put it back together quite easily if necessary.

I carry the 940 in my pocket when in town around the politically correct crowd. I normally carry the Whisper or LB7 in a horizontal sheath or back pocket the rest of the time.

Mike
 
The Greco is the strongest folder I have. With the spine measuring close to .190 at the widest point it is a folding crow bar with an edge!
 
Thombrogan,
No apology is needed because I think you might be right after all.

I re-examined my Benchmades last night and there might be just a hint of an extremely shallow hollow grind to the blade.
I don't know if it is enough to make a real difference though.

Sorry for the erroneous correction,
Allen.
 
I have never seen a hollow ground BM:confused:
All of mine have been flat/sabre. Put a straight edge on the grind, you'll know.
 
Originally posted by OwenM
Put a straight edge on the grind, you'll know.
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And all mine have been shallow-hollow/sabre. I've reprofiled my 730 and my 806D2 extensively and they still have their hollows. I reprofiled the hollow off of one of my 921s and they're visually apparent on the 705 and 710. They're almost flat, buy not quite.
 
Did you put a straight edge against it? My 710 is flat, my ares is flat, all my BM's are flat. :)
 
WadeF,

A straight edge can span over a hollow and give the same result as if placed over a flat surface. The knives you mentioned, unless they were special made just for you, have a shallow hollow grind.
 
You can verify my findings by taking a very thin file and lightly scoring where you believe they are flat. If it doesn't make a uniform, uninterrupted line, then it's not flat. I've sanded the finish off of my 806D2 and it revealed itself to be hollow; convexed my 730 and it was hollow; my 921 was hollow before I flattened it; and oopsies sharpening my 710 revealed the same.

Edited to add:

Actually, rubbing the straight with graphite and seeing where it does or doesn't mark the knife if a much more finish-friendly way to test.
 
Originally posted by Jeff/1911

....... I also own an original AFCK in M2 tool steel that is a real sweetheart of a knife, but with the addition of the AXIS lock on the 806 even the 800 pales in comparison. The only thing I would prefer on my 806 is a true round "Spyderhole" like the 800 has; and M2 of course.:p

Although I would most certainly "settle" for S30V...hee-hee:eek:

Best wishes, Jeff/1911.
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I just got a 800HSS AFCK. Its my first liner lock Benchmade. I'm very pleased with it. I love the M2 blade. If I could change anything, I would have it in plain edge. (I have a plain edged 730M2HS too).
 
I'm glad I bought a REKAT Carnivore before REKAT stopped making knives. I like it much better than my AFCK, because it has a more ergonomic handle. The rolling lock mechanism is a bit gritty, but I have not heard of any failures with that type of lock.
 
Which blade's got the better steel? the 806 AFCK in D2 or the 805 TSEK in 440C stainless? I like the thumb stud better than the hole in the blade.
 
Properly heat treated D2 should have better edge-holding than 440C. A recent article in Blade Magazine compares D2 to ATS-34 in edge-holding. D2 is usually heat treated harder and can be given a better cutting geometry. I have read complaints about D2 blades being hard to sharpen, though.

440C is considered the minimum good stainless steel. It was very popular with custom makers until ATS-34 came along. 440C has better edge-holding than the cheap stainless steels like 420, 440A, AUS6, etc. It is more corrosion resistant than D2.

I would chose a 440C blade over a D2 blade, if I were concerned about corrosion and ease of sharpening. D2 would be the choice if you want the best cutting performance and edge-holding.
 
I would consider the 806 to have the better steel. Benchmade's D2, in my experience, takes a much easier edge than it's 440C. They both hold an edge very well, probably D2 better though.
 
Originally posted by glockman99
How about a Spyderco Chinook or an Al Mar SERE 2000?
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Took the words right out of my mouth. The SERE 2000 is awesome and, like the ones you mentioned, has a cult like following. I recently got a Chinook II, the original didn't do anything for me, and have to say it is one heavy duty folder.

Of the knives you mentioned, tough decision. All are great knives. All have their strengths. The Military has a full flat grind of S30V. Great cutting efficiency. The 806D2 had the axis lock. The strider has a reputation for being tough as nails.
 
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