AFCK question

[manicreader]

I have a Benchmade 690 and am impressed with the quality. I'm hankerin' to buy another, and alot of people seem to like the 806D2.

I'm sold on that, but the trouble is, my daily attire and work environment require a more subdued appliance, so I'm looking at the 814 mini AFCK.

However, I'm suspicious of the much lower price. Is the 814 a quality item? How does it compare to the 806, or the 690 for that matter, aside from the obvious difference in blade steel and lock design?

 

[Steven Roos]

I have both the 806D2 and the 814HS. The 814 is a very nice knife! It is by far my favorite liner locking knife!

If you can't carry the full size AFCK, the mini will serve you well!

 

[made2cut]

The 814 was my first high end knife and the first of many BM's I own. The 814 is a liner lock and not the AXIS like the 806d2 has. After carrying the 814 for so long and becoming quite attached to it I thought the 806d2 would be twice as good. For me it turned out that the 806 was way to big for me as an EDC and I hardly ever carry it. Both are quality knives, the price difference is mainly due to the lock difference and size.

I'd say go for the 814 if you like the 690

 

[thombrogan]

The price is lower for a few reasons:

It's discontinued (apparently due to lack of customer demand now that the 806D2 is out and wishes for an axis-locked mini-AFCK abound).

It's ATS-34 instead of D2 or M2

The lock seems less complicated to machine

I've handled a full-sized liner-lock AFCK and was surpized with the thick liner and how solid it felt.

While I have no direct experience with the 814, I think it will be of similar quality.

If that doesn't help your suspicions and you'd rather have an axis lock, there's the standard workhorse: The McHenry & Williams 705. There are also a line of gentlemen's folders from Benchmade designed by Warren Osborne. The 921 Switchback is the best, IMO, but it's also the most expensive and the clip could be tougher on your pockets than other clips. The 943 is very classy while being low-key. If you really want to spoil yourself, but don't like the looks of the 921 (I know, some people...), there is a limited edition 941 with D2 steel and a carbon handle and rumors that the 940 will receive the same treatment, but the 941D2CF can be expensive and the 940D2CF is still a dream right now.

For less money than the 814, you can also get some really good Spydercos. The Native is now being made in S30V steel and some people have found them online for around $50-60. Their Delica and Endura are now made with VG-10 steel and can be found for low money as well.

All said, the 814 appears to come from a long line of good knives and the low price shouldn't discourage you. The other options are presented if it does, though.