AFCK -- Still best buy?

tallwingedgoat

tallwingedgoat

Joined
Jan 13, 1999
Messages
1,422
Hi guys,

I need a folder with a minium of 3.75" blade. No more than $100. This will be for utility first and foremost.

Considering all the newest and bestest folders that hit the market over the last few years, is the olde Benchmade AFCK still the best buy in town?
 
I don't know about it being the absolute best buy, but it's a quality product that's kinda been a standard to judge by. For less than $100 it's a tough act to beat. I like mine!
 
IMO, Columbia River and Outdoor Edge now offer many cost effective/value alternatives.

I did own an AFCK at one time.

DaveH
 
YUP,
A great deal on Ebay!! I couldn't miss seeing Tallwingedgoat on that auction!!! I was going to try to blow you out at the last minute on that knife but........
wink.gif

I already have 2 of them!!!
Good deal!!
Neil

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Knives IN STOCK!!!!

blackwoodknives.com
 
I think its a good buy for utility. Light, decent materials, and a proven design. By all accounts Benchmade will fix a new knife if there are QC problems.

Will
 
I feel that the Spyderco Military is by far a better knife. It is available for about a c-note f/ cumberland knives or marshman brothers. The Military features a great design coupled with superb Materials (recessed liner lock, linerless G10 scales, 440V steel, incredibly sharp and holds an edge very well.
 
I still think the A.F.C.K. is the classic to judge other tactical folders by. I'm still waiting for them to make it with the Axis lock...grumble grumble


Doug

[This message has been edited by Hart (edited 08-16-2000).]
 
AFCK still sits at the top for me. Of all the knives I have purchased in that price range, the AFCK has had the fewest problems and best performance. This includes other BMs, Spyderco, CRK&T, Emerson, etc.

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If you can't dazzle them with your brilliance,
baffle them with your BS.
 
Um, chad, linerless handles are far from superb. That's one of the reasons I don't own any Spyderco knives. And I'd take M2 over CPM440V any day, and would place Benchmade's ATS34 and Spyderco's 440V as evenly matched. Of course, if you like it, that's really all that matters
smile.gif


Anyway, I've found that the combination of the locatio of the pocket clip and the funger cutout in the handle makes for a knife which I do not find comfortable. Of course, I have wierd-sized hands, so that may not apply to you.

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
I just bought an AFCK earlier today and so far I love it. From what I read here on the forums, it's everyone's second favorite knife (the first being a Sebenza). If you want to spend a little bit more money, the 710 might beat it out, otherwise go AFCK all the way!

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Jason aka medusaoblongata
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"I have often laughed at the weaklings who call themselves kind because they have no claws"

- Zarathustra
 
I have owned 2 mini AFCK's for a number of years now (one older and one with black blade) and unfortunately I am not too impressed. I still carry it but the black one has recently lost it's BM logo and the blade is loosening up so that now there's a little play between handle and blade. I have heard of BM quality problems but this is my first experience with it. I also own a BM CQC-7 and it has functioned flawlessly with not blade play or problems. Go with a different knife (perhaps Emerson CQC-7).
 
I don't know about "best buy", given alot of other knives that are available (CRKT, Spyderco, other Benchmades). However; I have two (one large and one small, both ATS-34), and I carry the small one at work daily. I didn't have the grind uneveness and (lack of) sharpness issues that have been mentioned about Benchmade in other threads.

Regarding the full size AFCK, I haven't had any problems with it. I like the way the handle is thicker (than my Spydie Military). The full length liners give me a sense of strength, although I think that my Military is just as strong for cutting applications. I'd like a little more finger choil, but on the full size, it's not as much an issue since I'll just use a smaller knife instead. The blade geometry is great for slicing, and the steel has met my expectations of a harder stainless (well, stain resistant). I haven't had any problems with play in the blade, but I'm a "right tool for the job" type, so I only cut and stab things with it.

Despite the fact that I rarely carry the full size AFCK any more (the Military is my large folder of choice) because the pointy-ness of the handle rubbed holes in my jeans' waist area (carried clipped behind the right hip), I won't sell or give away the knife since I like it too much. If you like it, you're getting a great knife.
 
For utility, the AFCK is a world ahead of any of the CRKTs with their AUS6 steels.

As a pure defense knife, the CRKT KFF is now ahead of the AFCK, both in ergonomics and lock strength (once the secondary latch is tripped).

The Military is another good choice.

When REKAT ships the D2-M blades, the Carny will probably be a top contender in the "gonzo utility folder" category AND it'll still be a good fighter. The Sifu will also gain in utility, except it's so over-the-top frightening you won't usually be able to use it without causing mass panic
smile.gif
.

Jim
 
In my honest opinion - yes, AFCK is one of the very best buys and my carry favourite!

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Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland

[This message has been edited by Sergiusz Mitin (edited 08-17-2000).]
 
This is one of my favorite knives.

BM stopped making them Left Handed so I thought I would post a picture.

View


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RICK - Left Handers Unite
 
Please note that the Military is *not* linerless, but rather has a single, nested liner. In theory, at least, this provides a lighter, more rigid handle, especially when one includes other features like the stepped lanyard hole at the butt end of the handle.
 
Yes, it's definitely worth it. Probably Benchmade's best. Terrific handle and edge geometry combined with the opening hole. I like the large with black blade - either steel.
 
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