H&K 14715 AXIS (D2 blade) EDC alternative to 950 Rift?

M

MobileFireLord

Joined
Sep 25, 2013
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I have ordered HK 415BK. 3.69" D2 blade. It resembled AXIS Stryker with modified clip point.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/14715

Blade Length: 3.69"
Blade Thickness: 0.146"
Handle Thickness: 0.510"
Open 8.34"
Closed 4.64"
Blade Material: D2 Tool Steel
Weight: 4.96oz.

BMHK14715BK_zpsc4f77744.jpg


I can't wait to do the field est.

MFL
 
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Almost purchased one a few nights ago but I am tapped at the moment. It looks like an amazing deal for what you get. Look forward to your review. :thumbup:
 
I figured that it would be a couple of more months until it was available.

Then I saw another thread about it here where they said it was available.

I got one and am really pleased with it.

It carries very well.

They used grippy G10 on it, which works very well for me.

This is the third knife I have with D2 blade steel.

It came very sharp brand new.

I don't consider the blade shape that much different from the 943, at least in the very front part.
 
Well, I guess I paid too much for mine. But I really like it and it didn't have any serious flaws.

At least I haven't seen them listed anywhere under the MAP pricing policy so far.

I don't see why they would allow an exception after the recent "crackdown" anyways.
 
I just can't stand all of the black coated offerings. In my stealthy trips to the kitchen to make a sandwich a satin PE blade would be the ticket. :cool:
 
Here is my OOB report on HK 14715

Top view
HK14715-4_zps4fbbf77f.jpg


As you notice, there is jimping on spine. Also you will find liner jimping on right above AXIS lock area. Surprisingly, blade thickness are retained like that of Osborne Tanto. I am glad to see .146" blade in D2 retains thickness to near .25" from the tip.

Please note it is barrel spacer configuration. AS you can see, unlike Rift 950, lines are cross drilled to save weight.
HK14715-3_zps799e6585.jpg


Here is respective Spec

HK14715 (D2)
Blade Length: 3.69"
Blade Thickness: 0.146"
Handle Thickness: 0.510"
Overall length 8.34"
Closed 4.64"
Weight: 4.96oz.

Rift 950 (154cm)
Blade Length: 3.67"
Blade Thickness: 0.114"
Handle Thickness: 0.560"
Overall Length: 8.27"
Closed 4.60"
Weight: 4.80oz.

Size of the blade is very close to Rift 950

HK14715-5_zps2d25f829.jpg


Initial impression is that handle is Spartan shape, flat and square and not as ergonomic as Rift. G10 is rough enough so that it would not slip and slide. Unfortunately, it is a bit of lint magnet. May be I would use 600~800 mesh grit sand paper to smooth it out.

Just like Rift, it comes with standard clip. (It says "HK" instead of Benchmade.) I think I am going to use 810 style deep carry clip.

I will post further field report as I will use it as WEC.

MFL
 
Cereal_killer said:
Do you have a 710, 94x or Spyderco Military you could take a comparison shot with?
Click to expand...

It is definitely shorter than 710, and longer than 940

710
Blade Length: 3.90"
Blade Thickness: 0.115"
Handle Thickness: 0.480"
Overall Length: 8.80"
Closed Length: 4.90"
Weight: 4.50oz.

I'll try to get the picture of HK 14715 & 940.

(edit: here it is)
HK14715-7_zps7d2211f6.jpg


MFL
 
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Usage report week one.

It is placed in middle sized as medium-hard use Everyday Carry or Week End Carry blade. Since I have been using Rift 950 for this role, I would start with that knife to see if it fulfills the need.

HK14715-6_zps94e3a4a8.jpg



Ergonomic of the handle:

Shape:
Unlike many other Benchmade, H&K 14715 has opted to use coffin style handle.
915
BM915_zps959b9eb2.jpg


Where Rift and Griptilian has rounded contour, HK 14715 has minimum index finger groove and gently curved 3 finger recurve. I found it a bit odd with tail end of the jimping grip on both under side as well as top side. I can see top side helps when one holds this knife in reverse grip, but underside jimping can only feels useful when I grip the handle when I place pinky finger.


Surface:
The surface treatment of G-10 is very tactile. Its honeycomb like surface creates quite a bit of traction and so much to the point that it makes a bit hesitant for me to draw out from my pocket. It is similar to that of Triage 915/916 series, but much more “bite”. I feel that this extra traction would eventually thread my jeans pocket.

HK14715-9_zpsbc5aba25.png


Lanyard hole:
May be it is only me, but I am surprised that it is missing. Most of 3~4 range folders to have this feature (Rift, Griptilian, 710, Presidio, Stryker, Triage, Barrage, 530, etc) Certainly there is a place I can make a 1/8 “ drill hole, but I would have expected BKC to provide it. I feel lanyard for the knife is just like many other details in life, it is better to have one and not used than needed and not have it.


Length and size:

Comparatively speaking, it dwarfs 940, but it is same category with Rift and Barrage. Yes, it is shorter than Contego , but I don’t EDC/WEC 810 either.

HK14715-5-10_zpsa2b81bef.jpg


I am excited to compare with AXIS Stryker:

909 AXIS Stryker
Blade Length: 3.57"
Blade Thickness: 0.124"
Handle Thickness: 0.470"
Overall Length: 8.29"
Closed Length: 4.72"
Weight: 4.38oz.


HK AXIS 14715 (D2)
Blade Length: 3.69"
Blade Thickness: 0.146"
Handle Thickness: 0.510"
Overall length 8.34"
Closed length 4.64"
Weight: 4.96oz.

MFL
 
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The more I look at that handle the more it looks Emerson-ish. The way the grip is and shape. Utilitarian, yet WAY cool. However that blade is all BM. I hope to see that shape on future knives.
 
I'd love to see a slightly less "tacticool" version of this knife, but I'll probably pick up an all black in case it never arrives.
 
Usage report Week 1.1:

Carry clip & Surface:
I have changed BKC standard clip (with HK logo) to 810 style deep carry clip. At least in my preference, I wanted the knife to be less visible and minimally protruding. The result is the following picture. I have also done this with 950 Rift and both knifes are nearly invisible (minus BKC logoed clip, which leaves a little hint to fellow BKC enthusiasts.)
HK14715-11_zpsd1037de3.jpg

Concern in prolonged pocket carry:
Granted that we all are aware EDC any knife with clip in our jeans pocket will eventually damage the fabric. Unfortunately, the tactile surface of HK 14715 are rough, it grinds the fabric much faster.

Rift 950 on the other hand, the handle surface under where clip touches the G-10, it is smooth. I would like it better if HK 14715's handle was like that of Rift except where in red oval to have tactile surface rather than scalloped grooves on Rift.
HK14715-12_zps3bf9dbcd.jpg


Ease of thumb stud swing open:
This issue has been bothering me for few days. HK 14715 is definitely heavier to open than Rift 950 or even bigger Contego 810. Although the blade of HK14715 is thicker and wider than 950, but not heavier than 810.

I have noticed slight awkward feel I have in opening the knife with HK14715 when I compare with Contego810 side by side. (Yeah, double fisted.. ;) ) Here is the radius distance from pivot pin to the thumb stud.
HK AXIS 14715: 0.82"
Rift 950: 0.99"
Contego 810: 0.94"

So, diameter difference between 14715 vs. 950 is 0.36" Given that HK14715 is heavier blade, I think it would be easier if the thumb stud is placed a little bit more toward the tip. of cause your mileage may vary for some of you who enjoy opening Adamas 275.

HK14715-12_zps50db2cda.jpg



MFL
 
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