Benchmade AFCK 806D2

Joined
Dec 23, 2011
Messages
82
Hi there!

I recently got a slightly used BM AFCK 806 in D2 steel with axis lock, bk coated blade semiserrated and axis lock. Also has an oval hole instead of a circle.

I am extremely happy as it hits a lot of marks for me.

1- It's my first Benchmade
2- It's the desing i like most of BM.
3- It's my firsy bk coated blade and my first D2 steel.
4- 1st axis lock I have
5- the other folders i have in this style are the rat1 and the spydey resilience... Not much to compare...

My questions are: how hard is d2 pn that blade shape to sharpen?
Would it be wise to regrind to a convex edge, thinner?
Is this in any way edc-able? In my country lenght limit is 11cm. But even in the woods i dont see it... Maybe it is too much tactical-oriented?


Anyone has one the same specs and can comment?


Pics will follow as I receive the knife!

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I have the same exact knife marked "Prototype June 2002". I EDC'd that knife for a few years and it never let me down. I found that it did EDC very well for its size and much better than any other (just shy of) 4" blade I've carried. Awesome lock, very dependable. The BT2 coating on mine is worn off in most spots but even where there is no coating there are no signs of corrosion or rust. I love the ergos as it grips great in any posistion. Knife was designed by Chris Caracci and if you've read any Rougue Warrior stuff you know who he is (not important but I thought to throw that in). Blade length, if I remember correctly, is 3.96" which is 10.06 cm and just shy of your 11 cm limit. D2 IMHO is somewhat tough to sharpen but holds up well. BM is a great company with a great warranty and includes "lifesharp", although I don't know if that is for the original owner only but I doubt it because who has receipts? The pattern on my G-10 is a little slick but I don't know if it was like that when new or if it is just worn. Congrats and good luck with it.
 
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Wow Strider lots of great feedback!
You answered a lot of my questions and more, I'm tempted to carry it, I knew it didnt reach the 11cm limit, but this knife must get attention. I'm now currently more confortable carrying a Spyderco cat os a kersshaw scallion, but this knife is now going to be my luxury backup blade for outdoors :D This will serve as well as the Rat-1 if not better I suppose.

About C.J.Carracci I knew about him but not a whole lot (that he designed the blade based on his own "field of usage" and that he was a VERY HIGHLY prepared and trained Navy Seal) so nice for pointing that out I would love to find out now.
 
Here are some Pictures of it. Made by the seller:

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This knife cost me 103€ (roughly 131$)

Did I pay a good price considering the state of the knife?(which is not half bad)
 
$131 for an 806d2 in good shape is a fantastic deal! I have seen several of them sell for around $200 both on eBay and here in the exchange, although that is usually for the more desirable plain edged version.

My 806 was my EDC for several years, and it's still one of my favorite knives.
 
Really? I tried to buy one once, a much older one, and it reached the same price, I wasn't sure at the time, but now and I don't care much as I just had to get an AFCK, it's a little obsession of mine :P

If you say it's a good deal then I'm extra happy because I can invest the extra in some more knives or maybe restoring the AFCK.

I too prefer the plain edge, but I don't mind much.

Hearing from you both I might try to edc it. Thank you both!
 
Yikes, Restore? What's there to restore? Use the heck out of that thing. I'll post pics of mine tomorrow to show some actual wear.

BTW - that is a great price for what you're getting.
 
Yeah it was gonna be an EDC but I mean restoring the blade sharpness and having it convex grinded, maybe even a recurve instead of the serrations.

But yeah it's gonna get thoroughly tested. I'll post some of my Fällkniven F1 too :p
 
The 806 is an excellent knife ......I have several ....... you should look into the M390 version.

Yes, that is on the list but as I haven't tried either D2 or M390, it's fine for now.
I'll get saving, This shouldn't be my last AFCK or BM for that matter.

More to come upon receiving the knife!
 
I've heard mixed opinions on Benchmade's D2. My experience has been extremely positive. I've EDC'd my 806 for literally years, several days a week. It's received the heaviest use of any of my EDC knives since 2004 or so. I find that once sharpened, it takes a very keen edge. That "scary sharp" level doesn't last as long as it does on some of my other knives, though. However, while the scalpel edge seems to wear a little fast, you are left with a "working" edge (still shaving sharp, but not sharp enough to pop hairs) for a very long time.

It does, in my experience, take longer to restore the edge than with softer steels, as you might expect. I've got a couple D2 knives, and they behave similarly. Once that aforementioned working edge disappears, you'll be at it for a bit to bring it back. My best advice is to avoid allowing the edge to dull significantly before touching it up. With daily use in ordinary cutting tasks, you're looking at a reasonably quick touch-up about once a month for best results. Heavy, or extended use (cutting lots of cardboard daily, or carving wood) will require more frequent maintenance, obviously. I imagine you're not really in for any surprises. For me, it seems to perform and sharpen on par with what's widely accepted as standard for D2 steel.

I have kept mine at a simple 30° inclusive angle for a while, and it's performed marvelously. Never tried a convex edge, so I can't really say anything one way or the other. It seems like it would do well with the steel.

Before carrying my 806, I was accustomed to 3" (and under) folders. After just a few days though, I became perfectly comfortable with the blade length and it is now my preference. It sits quite comfortably in my pocket and the design and overall slimness (both in width and in handle thickness) make it easy to reach things riding in the same pocket. While I admit that I was initially attracted to the aggressive styling of the blade and handle and concede its tactical appearance, it performs just as well in a utility role. I carry it exclusively as such, and have used it for every cutting task you can imagine other than those relating to self defense. It has never let me down, nor left me in want of a different knife for any task. Simply put, it is one of my favorite knives for everyday knife duty.

Here's mine, looking not too much worse for the wear all these years later:

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AFCK3.jpg AFCK1.jpg AFCK2.jpg

Mine isn't as bad as I remembered. I haven't seen her in a while since she lost any hopes of pocket time to my XM.
 
I've heard mixed opinions on Benchmade's D2. My experience has been extremely positive. I've EDC'd my 806 for literally years, several days a week. It's received the heaviest use of any of my EDC knives since 2004 or so. I find that once sharpened, it takes a very keen edge. That "scary sharp" level doesn't last as long as it does on some of my other knives, though. However, while the scalpel edge seems to wear a little fast, you are left with a "working" edge (still shaving sharp, but not sharp enough to pop hairs) for a very long time.

It does, in my experience, take longer to restore the edge than with softer steels, as you might expect. I've got a couple D2 knives, and they behave similarly. Once that aforementioned working edge disappears, you'll be at it for a bit to bring it back. My best advice is to avoid allowing the edge to dull significantly before touching it up. With daily use in ordinary cutting tasks, you're looking at a reasonably quick touch-up about once a month for best results. Heavy, or extended use (cutting lots of cardboard daily, or carving wood) will require more frequent maintenance, obviously. I imagine you're not really in for any surprises. For me, it seems to perform and sharpen on par with what's widely accepted as standard for D2 steel.

I have kept mine at a simple 30° inclusive angle for a while, and it's performed marvelously. Never tried a convex edge, so I can't really say anything one way or the other. It seems like it would do well with the steel.

Before carrying my 806, I was accustomed to 3" (and under) folders. After just a few days though, I became perfectly comfortable with the blade length and it is now my preference. It sits quite comfortably in my pocket and the design and overall slimness (both in width and in handle thickness) make it easy to reach things riding in the same pocket. While I admit that I was initially attracted to the aggressive styling of the blade and handle and concede its tactical appearance, it performs just as well in a utility role. I carry it exclusively as such, and have used it for every cutting task you can imagine other than those relating to self defense. It has never let me down, nor left me in want of a different knife for any task. Simply put, it is one of my favorite knives for everyday knife duty.

Here's mine, looking not too much worse for the wear all these years later:

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I think it just looks sexier.

You guys have convinced me to make this my workhorse folder. I have a relatively short experience with quality knives and my most expensive "knifes to use heavily" are about 80$, But considering it is already broken in and that it seems to hold up that great, I'll be testing it and using the crap out of it.

I just hope BM re-release this knife plain edge, m390 black scales(g-10 is good) and if possible satin finish(polished would rock) And then I'll buy one to spoil and keep. This is one of my favourite knives ever, I'm so excited to get it!
 
That one is nice too! These knives really look almost better used.

I agree. I'm not a big fan of black-coated blades, but they sure look better after that coating gets a little torn up. I think you're absolutely right to go ahead and use it. It's just a really tough knife that performs great. I've sort of fallen out of love with Benchmade for the past few years; it certainly doesn't help their case that they decided to discontinue the 806. Their limited edition 806 and 805 are, to me, a huge case of gilding the lily. Maybe someday they'll come to their senses and reintroduce the standard production model.

Congrats on the purchase!
 
Pictures now added.

Great folder!!!! I'm amazed, it is used but I care 0 about that. Sharp, smoooooth and the knigfe itself excels.

I put it against an Ontario Rat-1 and the most obvious Spyderco Resilience.

The BM surpased both in smoothness, grip, choil and handle design, blade steel, type of lock, and some other areas. It came under in sharpness, but that's ok, I'll touch it up.
Also first tests confirm D2 to be awesome. (y'know guys I'm used to 440C, 8Cr13Mov and Aus-8, so D2 is a nice upgrade on par or better than VG-10. Time will tell.)

Note that ease of openning and closing and smoothness are traits of both the Spyderco and the Rat-1, but the BM is on another level. No wonder the price difference, but until now the cheap china folders have been great.
 
You got a very good deal IMO. I bought most of mine when the market was very hot for them and paid between $275 to $325 for the 806D2 and between $700 to $800 for the Limited Editions. The market is much softer now though but you still got a good deal.

I am a big fan of the AFCK but I must admit that I don't use them as much as I fondle them. The AFCK ergonomics just work for me. It is my favorite Benchmade of all time along with the 615 Mini-Rukus.


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And to my eyes they are gorgeous:


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I am also not a big fan of coated blades so I got this one (5th from the left) that has a Scotch-Brite finish on the blade and it looks great to me. I will take an individual pic of it later.


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Here is a pic from the original seller:

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This is my favorite. It has smooth custom Carbon Fiber scales by Barry Haugen and it feels superb in the hand. I am tempted to move the Scotch-Brite blade to this one.


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