Benchmade AFCK question

Lev

Lev

Joined
Nov 6, 2008
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I'm looking for a something that compares to the AFCK. I don't have a lot of experience with other Benchmade knives, so I'm not sure what to look for (even another brand). I've handled a friend's AFCK and loved it. But even finding a used one these days can be quite expensive.

Any recommendations? Or should I just drop the cash for the AFCK?

And I have heard how popular this knife was, so why was it discontinued?

Lev
 
You can still find the large 806 style AFCK for around $200. periodically.
The closest large production knife Benchmade makes now is the 710, about $100.

You may want to browse the Benchmade discussion forums for more info on these:
http://benchmadeforum.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/638106573

This is an older coated Benchmade 710s above a 942
942710.jpg
 
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All knife manufacturers move on with newer models. Maybe it's because they recognize the fact, that there's only a limited number of people willing to pay a fairly good chunk of money for a knife. By coming up with different models they can ensure their customer base will continue to purchase their new knives. The ones that haven't followed this pattern have struggled or closed their factories altogether. I've talked to a lot of people that use knives on a daily basis and very few see the need to spend over 30 or 40 dollars.(if that much) Spending upwards of 100 and 200 dollars for a knife just to use is unthinkable to them.
The B/M AFCK was one of the early "tactical folders" and was widely regarded as one of the best back in the mid 90's. G-10 handles, Titanium liners and ATS-34 steel was state of the art for a production folder then. Like all progressive knife companies B/M evolved and had quite a few tweaks to the original over the years following it's introduction. I think an ever changing model line and improvements is essential to a companies growth and survival even, today. (it's also a huge bonus to us collectors, as without companies moving on regularly we'd have nothing to seek and collect)
Here's one my Dad bought back in '97 and it's now mine still NIB-
281c8au.jpg
 
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One issue with the first like in my picture, was the handle screws were threaded into the G-10. With hard use I've heard they could strip out. They started threading into the liners after receiving complaints, I've read.
 
It's not by Benchmade (so no axis lock), but the Spyderco Police 3 reminds me of the AFCK. Check it out.

sc07gp3.jpg
 
I've owned an AFCk, and think that the spyderco military S90v Carbon Fiber does it one better. It's lighter, better steel, and better ergonomics (imo).

Plus, the millie CF is a limited production run, so it will become as scarce or scarcer than the AFCK before you know it.
 
The JD Smith kinda reminds me of the AFCK. Sprint Run should be coming out within the next year:

JDSmith.jpg
 
You may want to check out Benchmade dejavoo model 740. I have one and it is a great knife. However it is a liner lock as were the earlier AFCK's. This 740 I've picked up is light and very smooth operationg. I was impressed and that isn't easy to accomplish.
 
Yeah, I've looked at photos of the 740, but haven't handled one. But I prefer flatter handles, and based on what I can see, the 740 seems to have a rounded frame. I still would like to try one though.

The JD Smith does look similar. I'm looking forward to seeing the new one.

Thanks
 
740 has full flat grind, doesn't feel like AFCK for me.
JD Smith is smaller, has differnet lock and only one liner, can't be disassembled and is far more "dressier" than AFCK.
If you are looking for sth similar to BM800, one of Emerson knives is the good choice IMO - similar steel, similar grind, titanium liners (now only one), contoured G10 handle.
 
Take a look at the BM 710. I like it better than the 800 and the 806 I had. The 710 is still in production so it is not hard to find. Current models have D2 blades.
 
Benchmade has the Pika. A cheap lockback that is very similar looking to the AFCK. Really though, there is no substitute for the AFCK.
 
Agree. The AFCK is a standout. There are lighter knives; there are cheaper knives; there are probably more advanced knives now. But something about the AFCK just screams at you.
 
yeah, TSEK... cheaper that AFCK, but equally rare
or you can order a replica (I got one, made by Russian maker), but these go for $300 and up
 
The AFCK is one of my all-time favorites. I have one of the smaller versions, and I have the OLD zytel version (with ATS-34 blade), and the 806, but nothing compares to the original, full-sized version. I really wish I'd picked one up back in the day. The AFCK is an absolutely beautiful knife- one of the best-designed "tactical" folders ever, IMO.

Another older Benchmade that is getting hard to find is the old Stryker. There's a new "nitrous" version, but it's just not the same. The Stryker is a classic as well.

The closest current production knife to the AFCK is probably the Spyderco Military. It's about the same size, has a similar blade profile, similar handle, and G10 handle. They're both linerlocks. The most significant difference between the AFCK and the Military (besides that "hump" on the blade) is that the AFCK had titanium liners, and the Military has no liners at all.
 
Lenny_Goofoff said:
yeah, TSEK... cheaper that AFCK, but equally rare
or you can order a replica (I got one, made by Russian maker), but these go for $300 and up
Click to expand...

Would you mind posting some photos of the AFCK replica you have? I think I remember seeing them a while ago and thought they were beautiful.
 
Lenny_Goofoff said:
yeah, TSEK... cheaper that AFCK, but equally rare
or you can order a replica (I got one, made by Russian maker), but these go for $300 and up
Click to expand...



But Lenny, that replica is simply a BAD-A** knife and I drool everytime you post a picture of it!:thumbup::thumbup::D
 
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