Benchmade 710 Vs AFCK

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Vivi

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I was looking into buying my first Benchmade sometime before Christmas and two of the models that caught my eye the most were the 710 and the Axis-lock AFCK. I wanted a comparison of the two. Handle and blade length, handle and blade thickness, grind comparisons, out the box edge angles, G10 texturing, weight and so forth.

EDIT: Wouldn't mind tossing the Rukus into the comparison either.
 
Both are excellent knives and a have a strong following.

The AFCK is discontinued, grab one if you can ...

Both have approx. 3.9" blades; the 710 is available in D2, the previously offered AFCK was last offered in D2 also. The 710 can be found in a variety of other disco'd steels also.

If you can get'em both, do so! They're that good!
 
Here's some numbers and such from the BM site, but I'd still like to hear from users and possibly get photo comparisons.

710

Blade Length: 3.90"
Blade Thickness: 0.115"
Blade Material: D2 Tool Steel
Blade Hardness: 59-61HRC
Blade Style: Modified Clip-Point; Ambidextrous Dual Thumb Studs
Weight: 4.50oz.
Clip: Black, Reversible, Tip-Up
Lock Mechanism: AXIS
Overall Length: 8.80"
Closed Length: 4.90"
Sheath Material: Sold Separately
Class: Blu


806

Blade Length: 3.96"
Blade Thickness: 0.125"
Blade Material: D2
Blade Hardness: 59-61
Blade Style: Clip-Point
Weight: 4.38oz.
Clip: Black, Reversible, Tip-Up OR Tip-Down (4 possible positions)
Lock Mechanism: AXIS
Overall Length: 9.38"
Closed Length: 5.42"
Sheath Material: Sold Separately
Class: Black


610

Blade Length: 4.25"
Blade Thickness: 0.150"
Blade Material: S30V Stainless Steel
Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
Blade Style: Utility Drop-Point; Ambidextrous Dual Thumb-Studs
Weight: 7.70oz.
Clip: Black, Reversible, Tip-Up
Lock Mechanism: AXIS
Overall Length: 10.12"
Closed Length: 5.95"
Sheath Material: No Sheath
Class: Blue


Comparing numbers it looks like the 710 would suite me best, being much lighter than the Rukus and a slightly thinner blade than the AFCK. What angle is the edge on the 710 from factory?
 
Maybe that has changed a bit but as far as i know, the angles are above 30° included.

I am sure, you have used the search function a lot. So you know, that in the past the discussion and comparision never came to a final point and IMHO nobody will ever tell if one or the other is the superior knife. Because each model has it´s own speciality that you can´t compare. Finally it is left to personal preference.

Personally i regret buying any Benchmade because any model fits the hand so nice in it´s own way.:D

If it is a large handle with a finger choil for added security, the AFCK comes in sight. If you want something more comfort to carry with a handle that works great in it´s simplicity, a knife, more appealing the eye: take the 710.

I have started with the 806 because of the Bowie style blade. I have changed to the 520 after it came out. Now i do understand that a choilless handles have their advantages.

Best would be to try first hand.
 
The 520 was another one I was considering. Was wondering how much the added weight and blade thickness would affect it, as well as how cold Aluminum grips would get in Ohio's winter.

I'm not looking so much as to which people think is best, but rather what they feel are the drawbacks and advantadges of all the models we've listed. Photo comparisons too.

I'd love to hold them all and check them out firsthand, I feel I'd come to a decision real quick that way, but the only store that carries blue and black class BM around here doesn't have any of these models. They used to have a Rukus, but never had any of the others. If I requested they order one of them, I'd have to be planning on purchasing it and their prices are a bit inflated. I paid just under 55$ for a Delica from them.
 
I just bought a 710 in D2 yesterday:D I would agree with Blop on eye appeal/ergos, etc. This is one NICE folder. I'm REALLY pleased with it. Sorry I can't help with the others. This is only my second D2 blade (I bought a Ka-Bar/Dozier D2 Black Thorn a couple of weeks ago) Mine was "working sharp" out of the box, so I took my Sharpmaker to it. I don't mind sharpening, but the one thing I have found with D2 so far, is that it's a little finicky bringing it up to razor sharp - once you get there, it's fine. It's also a bit more work, though not that much more work. If my Ka-Bar is any indicator - it holds the edge a long time. D2 may not be as corrosion resistant as S30V, so that also may be a consideration. I've used my Ka-Bar a fair amount cutting everything from packages to steak and it's been good far, but I also live in a fairly dry climate (though you wouldn't know that with the rain today:) ) I haven't used any of my S30V blades enough to compare, but I got the impression that it was very close from the sharpening standpoint - my Paramilitary took a fair amount of work to get an edge back. Maybe I'm just getting too used to VG-10:)

- gord
 
I find the 710 to be more ergonomic. The finger cutout on the AFCK is too far from the blade.

Here is a pic of a collection of tactical folders I use to have (sold off all of my collection to buy more Bob Doziers):



The 710 and AFCK are on the top right. As you can see, the AFCK puts your index finger further from the blade than on the 710. I didn't like this at all.

The G-10 on both is pretty "meh". Not nearly as rough and grippy as found on the Manix, Military, SMF etc... and not polished and pretty like on the BM 210. The G-10 on the 710 and AFCK feels like plastic. If it weren't from the weave patten visable on the sides of the scales, I would think it was just FRN.

The G-10 on my 710 felt a little nicer and less plastic-y than my AFCK.
 
I thought on the AFCK you could use the choil with your middle finger. Does this work at all?
 
Vivi said:
I thought on the AFCK you could use the choil with your middle finger. Does this work at all?
Click to expand...

Yes, it does. It is in a way a short grip where you place the index finger on the small choil (if you like to call it so) at the pivot. For light cutting it was my 90% grip position.
 
Anybody know where one could get a AFCK? Aside from getting lucky and see one in auctions and for sale forums?

Any retailers out there that still have them?
 
Vivi said:
I thought on the AFCK you could use the choil with your middle finger. Does this work at all?
Click to expand...
Yes, but I found it to feel utterly horrible, insecure, and imprecise.
 
I put my middle finger in the cutout of the AFCK and my index on the shelf for light work. The grip is very secure, cause the middle finger prevents the index from slipping of the shelf onto the edge. That way you can hold the handle as close to the blade as possible.

For heavy work, I hold it further back with my index in the cutout so I can pull the handle backwards firmly. The butt of the handle is cupped in my palm for a palm reinforced-grip when I push forwards.

The AFCK style handle thus allows 2 basic grips, one for fine work and the other for rough work(and self-defence).

There's another AFCK style model called TSEK with a more utility blade(flat ground and satin).
 
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