Approaching knife decision time..

[FoxholeAtheist]

Okay, so right now I'm broke. BUT in a week, I'm going to be heading from Calgary (where I can't work) to NW Florida (where I can) and earning some of that green stuff while my immigration paperwork comes through. Now, because the laws up here in Canuckia can be a little funny concerning carrying folders (Is my AFCK a "gravity knife"? Is carrying it in my pocket with the clip visible "concealed"?) I've decided that I want to replace my AFCK with a small fixed blade, which I can legally openly carry. Now, I want something fairly smallish to carry on my belt, as I've never carried a FB as EDC, and to that end, I have two knives in mind.

One is an Active Duty, the other is a Benchmade 210 (the little Snody design). As I'm probably going to be carrying either one for years, price isn't so much a concern here, and I'm looking only at the functional differences between the knives. As I see it, the BM210 would be easier to carry (smaller on my belt), is more sheeple friendly (since it's smaller), and is more rust resistant (not a huge issue, but I might be around some salt water). On the other hand, the AD would be more useful for many tasks because of its longer blade, is made of stronger steel, and has a definite "hog appeal" factor going for it. The BIG detriment to the AD, of course, is that I can't go into a store and hold one, and I have no idea how it would feel in my hand.

So, hogs, what do you think?

 

[Dunner]

I have not held either knife. I tend to go heavy and am willing to pay the price in carry comfort to be prepared for a wider variety of uses. Not much help here.

 

[thatmguy]

I think that depending on your route south, there may be some hogs along the way that might be able (have one or both models) and willing to try and let you check one out first hand.

Will your move to the states be permanent??

If you need any help/advice man, just post it on here and the cloven-hoof hoggies here will give their $.02+ in good advice.

IMHO, the AD is pretty sheeple friendly. Looks a lot like a little camp/bird-trout knife.

Mike

 

[idahoskunk]

I've decided that I want to replace my AFCK with a small fixed blade, which I can legally openly carry. Now, I want something fairly smallish to carry on my belt,

So, hogs, what do you think?

i think i would go with one of these three...
MOAB
FBM
FSH

is i know, but you did say florida.

 

[wetdog1911]

Get the AD. Mine is part of my EDC rotation, but is somewhat 'concealed' to conform to Fl's CCW laws. Not really hiding it, but it's not hanging out in the open either. I also carry a large classic Sebenza at the same time for the sheeple. The funny thing is that the AD and the Sebbie blades are almost an exact match in size and shape (AD is thicker, and about 1/2" less OAL) but the sheeple freak seeing a FB appear in your hand from nowhere, I do a 2 handed opening with the Sebbie nice and slow and they seem to deal with that better. I also carry a MS, and the AD handle is much more secure.

Rob

 

[BillyJoeBob]

I have both the AD the the BM 210. I found the 210 smaller than I thought it was. The AD is amazing. Go with it.

As far as laws are concerned, I think your concerns are mostly unfounded. If your pivot on the axis knife is tight enough - release the axis and the blade doesn't fall out, you should be good. I'd keep it a little tighter, though. That said, I think I can flick all of my axis knives without too much problem. I always carry some sort of blade and have never been hassled. Just don't be a dink. A tool becomes a blade with intent. You can't have push knives nor autos and you may certainly have a difficult time convincing Johnny Law that a double-sided blade is not an inherent weapon. Other than that, enjoy.

Cheers,
BJB

 

[FoxholeAtheist]

Thanks for all of the advice.

I'm taking the Greyhound south, so I don't really have the opportunity to make INFI stops along the way.

My specific AFCK is one of the older liner locks. I'm sure I could tighten it up to the point that nobody could possibly flick it, but then it wouldn't be very much fun to use. I know that I'm probably being paranoid, but I would rather be within the letter of the law. I'm probably not going to have any problems as I don't frequent scary bars, dark alleys, or crack houses, but you never know when you'll find a cop in a bad mood, and I hate these "interpretive" kind of laws.

Wetdog, I was also considering picking up some sort of super-sheeple friendly blade like a Spyderco Kiwi or even a SAK.

Skunk: The MOAB is a good idea, but my dad has already cleaned up from the hurricane. I don't predict I'll have to chop down any live oaks anytime soon, but if I do, I'll get in contact with you.

The move to the states isn't permanent, just for 6 months or so until my PR status gets approved up here. Right now, I'm sitting around the house all day doing nothing and earning nothing, so a few months of work would really help out!

Based on these responses, I'm leaning towards the AD. Maybe someone should tell Jerry that he should make up some fake handles that he could ship out to prospective customers...