Come on gang, let's crucify this blasphemous heretic!!!
Just kidding! HEHEHE!
Can I offer a three-part answer as to why I think there seems to be an AFCK epidemic?
1. Is it possible that the AFCK is in caps, and therefore, and tends to stick out? Perhaps, if everyone all wrote with caps lock on, this may not be a problem.
2. If you think the AFCK is bad, don't even get me started with the Sebenza. Yeah, the Sebenza is a great knife and deserves the public enthusiasm, but IMO, the AFCK doesn't even get mentioned half as much as this knife does.
3. The AFCK really is a good knife for its price range. I could go ON and ON about about the many ways that this knife was done right. In fact, you know what? I will. Not to irk you of anything, but perhaps to shed some light as to why I think the AFCK is one of the finest production folders out there.
Before I begin, however, please bear in mind that the acronym AFCK stands for Advanced Folding Combat Knife. Therefore, I will focus strictly on the "combative" features of the knife.
[Disclaimer: The following only refers to the large AFCK, as Chris Caracci originally designed it, and not the "bastardized" mini that Benchmade made.]
a) Blade length. Just a hair below 4 inches. Generally speaking, the largest legal blade length allowed. The more blade to work with, the deeper your cuts will generally be. Also, this makes it easier to flick the knife open.
b) False edge. This makes stabbing easier, while still making it legal in many states and municipalities that considers double edges as illegal.
c) Curved belly. For slicing, curved bellies are practically a must. And slicing is practically the keystone to defensive work and even offensive work with a knife.
d) Serration. Oh yeah, if you ask me, BM serrations are serrations done right. They're rounded such that they won't dull easily or bend through hard use, but aggressive enough to get the job done. Plus, the combo serrations is a good compromise in getting through materials of varying toughness. (A more aggressive edge might seem to work better, but remember, this is a tactical folder intended for rough use.)
As a side note, AFCK have many different variations (plain-edge, combo-edge, full serration), I personally still prefer the combo edge. Out in the field, I have found uses for both and again, the blade is big enough to accomodate both. Joe Talmadge made a really good point about making a plain-edge rough, but nearest I can tell, both are equally good at getting the job done. So, whatever floats your fancy.
e) Aggressive blade profile. As far as I can tell, the AFCK's a flat grind. That's good. IMHO, it's the perfect compromise between blade strength and good cutting abilities. Personally, I've never heard of anyone complain the blade being weak, except for the tip, which I agree would be nice if they made it stronger.
f) Spyderco hole. I like the spyderco hole. And because of this preference, this is part of the reason why I like the AFCK so much. The hole, however, is done right where I can get a really good grip with my thumb for a secure opening even in stress.
g) Blade coating. The one I own is coated with Black-Ti. Incredible stuff. About the toughest coating I've ever came across. No personal experience with their newer coating though. BT2 is it?
h) Adjustable tension screw. I think every tactical folder should be made such that the user can adjust the tension level to the user's preference. Without it, you might not be able to pull off good, consistent speed openings.
i) G-10 Scales. For handles, I think this material is just about perfect. Better than any Zytel, Kraton, or Micarta that I've ever handled. It's strong, almost impervous to harmful chemicals, and doesn't slip as much as other materials.
j) Titanium liners. TWO of them. Yeah, I know. Some people think that's overkill. Well, I LIKE overkill. You'll never hear anybody complain that the AFCK's handle isn't strong enough. And when it comes to combatives, that's just fine by me.
k) Linerlock. I know, we've had quite a bit of controversy over this, but let's face it. Until something better comes along, a properly-executed linerlock is argueably the best game in town.
l) Scalloped finger groove. Oh yeah, this seemingly subtle and unassuming feature is perhaps the greatest asset to the knife. This is what allows the AFCK to be able to deliver effective, powerful thrusts, regardless of hand size and dimension.
m) Grooved thumb ramp. Another feature I think is done right. Indexes your thumb, but not having a top guard means the top part of your hand can slip off a bit rather than have it break your grip. And if you don't use it, it's not obtrusive at all so it won't even be a problem.
n) Laynard hole. Another feature that is great to have, is totally unobtrusive, so if you don't use it, it not a problem. But, if you do use it, it could save your life!
o) A pointy pommel. Many circles of knife fighting believe in having a pointy pommel to strike with. You can also do some very limited trapping with it. And again, if you don't use it, it's not a problem. Personally, I use them, and I believe in having as many options open to me as possible.
p) Inherent downward design curve. I'm one of those people that prefers my blade to be pointing downward. Thanks to the downward slope of the blade and the scalloped finger groove, this subtle effect is achieved, enhancing not only stabbing, keeping a blade open, and blade turning, but better blade indexing and lessen the strain on your wrist.
q) Last but not least, ALL of this comes in at a very affordable price range. I think you'll be very hard-pressed to find an equally good knife for the same price.
It's true that I think there are better knives out there than this one. For example, for twice the price, the Emerson Commander gets my vote. I would love to get one of the prototypes with the Spydie hole. And for the cream of the crop, the Kasper Fighting Folder gets my vote there. But there's just one last thing to consider for a fighting tool: Expendablility. You might lose your knife during combat, or you can lose it when the police confiscate it as court evidence. And getting it back might cost more than just getting a new one. In short, don't be surprised if you never see your knife again. Therefore, I select tools that are up to the task, but I also don't mind losing. And lo and behold, the AFCK come through yet again.
-> $.02 <-
[This message has been edited by SB (edited 11-15-98).]
