alright all you tactical folder experts...

strider1973, mind you, I am not anti Emerson at all. Like I mentioned earlier, I have owned a couple of Emerson's. The CQC7 with the wave is one fine knife, but after I got over the ooh and ahh factor of the wave, I was left with a knife that was excellent for self defense, even though it has a short but strong blade, but lacking in the department of utility. I just cannot warm up to the chisel grind as much as I have tried. The Commander that I owned was a 98 model Commander with the thick liners. Ergonomics on this one is tops in my book, but the recurve and chisel ground blade made it go the way of retirement.

Also, I like the G10 handle texture of the two Emerson's that I have owned. The Almar SERE 2000 is textured like the Emerson while the Benchmade AFCK has a different texture all together. I prefer the textured G10 of the Emerson and Almar SERE 2000.

I have owned a number of Microtech SOCOM's in the past in one form or the other. I should have included them on my list of knives that I really rate. The Microtech's are of the highest quality, and that is why they have won Blade Magazine's manufacturing quality award in the past.

I prefer a tactical heavy duty knife to be one that would serve in that role plus serve a utility role as well. The spear point of the Almar SERE, the drop point of the AFCK, and the clip point of the SOCOM all serve this dual purpose for me. Big D1
 
First of all, forget the Sebenza and any other knife that costs that much. It's just too expensive to replace if you lose it or it winds up in a police evidence room.
You probably already carry a pistol and extra magazines of ammo, handcuffs, and God-knows-whatelse, so you don't want to be lugging around a heavy knife too.
It also should be light-weight in case you have to dress light for plain-clothes work (like on the beach in your swim shorts. Where would you put a Cuda Maxx then? And the weight of the Chinook would pull your shorts down).
So, with that in mind, I recommend the Spyderco VG-10 Endura!
Don't worry about it having no liners and being made of FRN--I hammered one (like a spike) through 3" of hard cedar and it suffered no damage at all.
It's inexpensive, lightweight, has a strong lock, has the thumb-hole, has great blade steel, and a durable tough non-slip handle material.
What more could you want?

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I agree with D1 on the Emerson's. FYI, they are all chisel ground on the edge. The double V grind does nothing to improve this. I tried both and they just hung up in whatever I was cutting. They cut great for about 1mm into the material, then just bind up. Get and Endura for less than half the price, with VG-10, and don't worry about losing it either!:D

Leo G.

* Allen, great minds think alike! We must have been typing at the same time!:D
 
Alot of great suggestions here. Spyderco, Benchmade, Microtech, Al Mar, and Emerson are all quality pieces. IMHO, the Sebenza is of much higher quality...MY opinion.

Spyderco, Benchmade, and Al Mar are pretty equal in quality of construction.
Emerson stands alone by merit of the chisel grind, whether the whole blade or the edge. Construction seems to be on par with the previous three.
All the Microtechs I've handled were of a higher standard. Fit and finish were extremely good. Solid lock up and versatile designs.
The Sebenza beats all of the above in fit and finish. Only premium materials are used throughout. Blade grind and edge profile are a near perfect blend of strength and cutting ability. The price reflects the quality. I challenge anyone to show me a BETTER built folder...production OR cuustom. Some custom makers may be able to equal it, but few, if any will surpass it. A closed Sebenza will also make a great fist load without to much danger of seriously damaging the user.

On to "ergonomics" (I hate that word). Most of the highly "ergonomic" handle designs are designed for use in the "sabre" grip. When held in the edge up or blade back positions they do not fit the hand so well. Therefore they lack versatility. A straighter grip (like the Sebenza) is much the same regardless of how the grip is held. This makes for a more "useful" design and also makes it usable by a wider range of hand sizes.

The bottom line is simply this. Different things will work for different people. Try several different blades to find the one that will work best for YOU.

Paul
 
It's interesting you say that Paul. As I read about ergonomics of these different knives, all I can do is think how that would apply to a tactical situation. As a schooled knife fighter (thanks to all you wonderful tax-payers) I always start with a knife back (concealed behind forearm) grip. Speed, Surprise, Violence of Action. So, that being said, I understand where you're coming from.
I think that we're establishing that a hybrid type of handle is ideal. Something that feels comfortable no matter how you hold the tool. That way it could be readily, and comfortably deployed for a multitude of tasks.
Keep 'em coming.
Semper Fi
Chris
 
My $0.02:

1. Nix on the Sebenza for your use. I own a small Sebenza and think it's awesome. But it's a cross between a gentleman's knife and a work knife. Same with the large Sebenza. They are not tactical knives. Would I want to square off with someone holding a Sebenza in a dark alley? Of course not. But there is simply no comparison between the handle of a Commander or an AFCK, and a Sebenza. The Commander and AFCK lock into your hand, the Sebenza doesn't. Not to mention the Sebenza's cost. If I worked on a ranch I would buy a large Sebenza in a second. If I worked the mean streets, I wouldn't.

2. Nix on the SERE2000. Also a great knife; I owned one briefly. Top quality, worthy of anyone's collection. But by virtue of the fact that it rides so low in the pocket, it's a slow draw. The tradeoff for extra concealment is loss of time (I think the deep-pocket carry is primarily so the knife doesn't get knocked out of your pocket and lost while making your way though brush--it is a survival knife first and foremost). Along the same lines, it has very rough G10 scales. This gives more security, but makes the draw slower. It's also heavy and slightly chunky. Who wants to carry that every day when they're already carrying a bunch of other gear?

3. Go handle the Emerson Commander and the BM AFCK 806D2 in person. See which one fits your hand and your style. Which one can you manipulate better? Both of these knives are proven and have legions of devotees. They are relatively light and easy to carry. Double check the lockup on the Commander as there have been mixed reports of reliability. The lockup on my 2000 Commander is strong. In my opinion, the chisel grind of the Commander makes it less suitable for all-around cutting work and more suitable for large slash cuts. It doesn't have much of a point, either. Note that I haven't handled the SOCFK. The SOCFK might be a better all-around knife than the Commander, although my feelings about the chisel grind are the same and you lose some blade length and the Commander's huge recurve. Play with the Wave feature and decide whether you like it or not. For all-around use, I don't think you could do better than the AFCK 806D2. It's nearly perfect.

Regards,

Johnny
 
Originally posted by strider1973
What makes a sebenza so valuable?
Click to expand...


It costs 345.00 :)


Seriously...I agree with Dann 100%...Spyderco Chinook is everything I want in a heavy duty folder...I've had Sebenzas, BM's, Microtechs and Striders...the AR is a very nice knife, but I get the same performance and dependability from my Chinook at less than 1/3 the cost.
 
Large: TOPS Magnum; Camillus CUDA Maxx; CS Gunsite II; and (if you're adventurous) Rekat SIFU

Medium: MT LCC; MT Socum Elite; BM 710; EKI Specwar; Spyderco Endura

Small: What's that?
 
I like the Emerson Mini-Commander for EDC. I'm not scared to use it, I learned the trick to keep it sharp. It can be easily taken apart and cleaned, making trips to the beach or other places its lible to get dirty, no worries. The wave is fast, but you don't always have to wave it. You can find it for about a C-note street price. The V-grind and chisle edge, while strange at first, has grown on me. Lastly it is a good size for easy carrying EDC, not to big or to small.

My .02
-Scott
 
What an interesting thread! My view:

I would start off looking at the Camillus Mad Maxx. It has two major negatives that I'll go to in a minute. But if "tactical" use emphasizes defensive use (rather than hard utility use), then the Mad Maxx has some major advantages: a huge blade with great edge geometry, on a knife that is very well-constructed and has a reliable lock.

The two negatives? First, for either utility or defensive use, the handle is neither incredibly secure nor comfortable for me, though that's very subjective. Second, and more importantly, this thing is huge. There are some people who can carry around a >6" metal-handled knife for EDC, but I'm not one of 'em. Special-purpose use, yes. EDC, definitely not, at least for me. Actually, there's a possible third negative: big blades are great for defensive use, but definitely can be cumbersome for everyday use.

So, let's drop down to a size more reasonable for EDC. I won't go with a liner lock, since I think there are other lock formats that are more consistently reliable, e.g., axis, arclock, frame, lockback, compression lock. But even including all locks, my answer doesn't change. I think the Axis AFCK in D-2 steel is incomparable. Production values are excellent, handle is very secure and comfortable, lock is absolutely rock solid for both strength and reliability, blade shape is fantastically useful for but utility and defense, opening hole is my fave thumb-opening mechanism, and the use of D-2 steel will make it a top performer.

For me, the next-nearest competitor in its class is pretty far below the Axis AFCK. Not that there aren't knives that aren't more refined in their production (e.g., SOCOM) or have even more secure handles (e.g., Commander) or have interesting opening mechanisms (e.g., Commander) or locks that are very secure (Mad Maxx, Chinook, Vision, etc.), but nothing puts it all together like an Axis AFCK.

Joe
 
Originally posted by LizardKing
So far the only tactical mall nija knife mentioned is the MOD QCD.
Click to expand...

Ditto :)

Also Gollnick is not joking, AFCK has been renamed as indicated- visit BM site or your favorite BM seller.

Original question, I agree with Talmadge- AXIS AFCK in D2 is best all around tactical today!
 
I'm sticking with the large Sebenza. CLASSIC model. The handle has a slight swell at the back for a good grip and the bolster end has a slight handguard. Models with the wood inserts sorta round out the handle a bit and give an excellent grip in my opinion. See we solved the other half!;) :)
 
I agree with Art that the Classic line (MM version only) has an excellent and solid "lock-in" grip.

So when Art and Paul Work will send a check for about $220 to anyone wanting to compare the Large Classic Sebbie to the AFCKD2, then I think the Sebbie would be comparable. :p
 
.........I had to read it 3 times before I caught on!:eek: Reckon it must be a case of Sebenzinitis.;) :D
 
Since it has become obvious that you are not going to carry your GB, get a Spyderco Delica or Endura. Inexpensive, SHARP, and tough!
 
"I'm looking for a hard-use folder for every-day carry (I'm in law enforcement now) that can double as a last-resort back-up. I think that's what most people look for in a folder. If it isn't, then slap me and call me Susan."

*SLAP!!!* Me Tarzan, you Susan! See ya after the dance, sweetie.
 
I have a question for those who say a "guard" is a neccasary design feature. Why is it? I have been using knives for almost 35 years and I have had my hand slip forward only twice...BOTH knives had guards!
Now I have never been in a knife fight (and hope I never am) or used my knife in a defensive manner. I have used my knives to clean fish and game, skin fur, whittle and carve, and any number of menial mundane tasks. If anything I have found that a guard is much more of a hinderence than anything. Also, with a guard incorporated into a folder, wouldn't it be something else to hang up and slow the draw?

Paul
 
OK, I understand your reluctance to carry an expensive piece. If I paid that much for a folder, I'd not be carrying it much either. With that in mind, may I make a few suggestions toward the other side of the high end folder spectrum?
Columbia River Knife and Tool has been making some first rate folders at outrageously low price points in the last few years. I think Kit Carson's collaboration models with CRK&T are excellent "tactical" type folders for the money. My all around favorite from them is the large M-18. It has the Lake and Walker Knife Safety system which is easily engaged and essentially negates the possibility of the liner lock accidentally dis-engaging under heavy use. It has the "Carson Flipper" which can be used to deploy the knife and becomes a guard when the blade is in the open position. The blade is a 3 3/4" re-curved drop point of AUS-8A which comes OOB razor sharp and can be made extremely sharp with relatively little effort and holds it's edge reasonably well. It's not a super steel but is a stand-out working knife steel IMO.
CRK&T has recently brought out another great folder in collab. with Pat and Wes Crawford . It's called The Falcon IIRC. It also has the LAWKS and a 3 3/4" re-curved blade of AUS-6M. While not as good as 8A, it is still a decent working steel.

Now, I have to agree with the others recommending the AFCK in any of it's formats. AXIS or liner-lock, it's all good with the AFCK. I have four of these.:) The AXIS and a no longer made left hand model, one in ATS-34 and one in M-2 high speed steel. Another good thing about the AFCK is it is user friendly in any grip.
There are also MANY other folders that will fill your bill nicely, it all boils down to what features are you looking for and what is an exceptable price point that won't hurt too much if it goes bye-bye?
Semper Fi!

All the best,
Mike U.
 
OK, something else in this thread is bothering me:). We are talking about a piece of equipment that one just might be staking ones life on. With that in mind, why wouldn't you want the absolute best you could get? Quality doesn't usually come cheaply. Yes it would suck to lose an expensive knife. But it would suck worse to have an inferior piece of equipment fail you when you need it most. Would you carry a sidearm that was prone to jamming? A rifle that was prone to mis-fires? A light that flickers?

Paul
 
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