AFCK II, AFCK in D2, or TSEK?

D

devilboy

Joined
Sep 22, 2001
Messages
94
i've been looking at these knives for a while, and was wondering what y'all thought would be preferable. i've played with the axis lock, and it is fun, but is it worth the price jump from the afck ii to the afck in d2? i'm also looking at the afck ii in m2 bladesteel.

what's the difference between m2 and the 154cm bladesteel?

i know many of you own one, if not all of these knives. any information/ opinions you've got would be greatly appreciated.

btw, i'm also open to looking at the mini models.

as a sidenote: how many of you have griptillians, and how are they treating you?

lastly, liner lock vs. axis lock on these models: aside from cool factor and "flickability," what else does axis lock have going for it?

thanks for your time words,

steve
 
M2 and D2 are both great steels, and I'd certainly take either one over 154CM.

I have the 806D2 and Mini AFCK II in M2 and they are both awesome, but i prefer the 806D2. The AXIS lock is a cool gadget, but it is also ambidexterous, which is good even if you are not a lefty.

I also have the 550S and 555 griptilians, and they are both great, but the mini (555) is too small and doesn't see much use. The Larger 550 model is a great, cheap EDC knife!
 
I've also been debating for a while which to get and actually posted a thread about 3 weeks ago trying to decide between an M2 model and a D2 model. HAven't found a whole lot of M2's left but did find them over at http://www.newgraham.com/ You might want to take a look over there. I am stil debating myself as I wait for the money to come available. But the consensus from my thread was that the Axis lock on the D2 made it worth any blade differences in the M2. By the way M2 is a high speed tool steel so in theory it is harder hence longer lasting cutting edge however slightly less in ductility and stainlessness..is that a word?. D2 I also believe to be considered a tool steel (correct me if I am wrong) and therefore also has the desired differences possibly just a little less. The big question is can you really day to day tell a difference. My guess as far as the steels go that if you're looking as an edc that does relatively light work you probably wont tell a huge difference. Locks on the other hand are a world apart. Go for the axis. Hope that helps and I am also curious to see other more learned opinions on this subject than my own.
 
I don't know for sure, but M2 seems to a stronger steel. It appears to hold an edge longer than D2, but is also harder to sharpen. The D2 won't hold an edge quite as long, but it seems to be much easier to sharpen.
 
Actually, all of the steels listed will serve you well. I am a fan of the M2 models, but D2 is right up there also. 154CM is nothing to sneeze at either. Get the 154CM if corrosion resistance is more of a concern for you. Both M2 and D2 are considered tool steels. M2 is what drill bits are usually made of, and D2 is what metal cutting dies are usually made of. Both take and hold wicked edges, but I find that M2 takes a bit of a finer edge.

And don't automatically eliminate the TSEK from your consideration. The prices on the TSEK has been really very reasonable, and may prove to be too much knife for the money to pass up. Just gotta get used to a thumbstud, is all.
 
I have an 806D2 and it's a beauty of a beater. Same for my 551. Both are designed to be hard use and pretty. That said, M2, D2, 154CM, and 440C are all great steels with M2 being my favorite for taking and holding an edge. The liner locks on the AFCK are very thick, so it shouldn't matter if you're right-handed.
 
Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

The reason i ask the question is because i keep on hearing the term "tool steel" or "high speed steel" and i never really quite understood them with respects to knives.

i don't mind the liner lock, as long as it's sturdy. at this point, while the ambi and cool factor of an axis is pretty cool, my major concern is with balance and handle shape. in that department, the afck/tsek handle is exceptional. i haven't handled the large griptillian yet, but the mini filled the hand surprisingly well.

thanks again. i'll let you guys know what i eventually decide on.

steve
 
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