Hard-use folder; SERE 2K V's AFCK Axis

M

Mindz_I

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Nov 6, 2002
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435
Indecisive as ever; after settling on the AL-Mar SERE 2K for a hard use field utility, I recently spotted the Benchmade AFCK AXIS (having only seen the non-axis model previously).

Having heard nothing but good things about the AXIS lock I was curious how the AFCK axis, would compare to the SERE 2k task for task.

Thanks in advance for any help / opinions.

**Edit**

Also spotted a REKAT pioneer II, which looks nice and simple.
 
have a 806S-D2 BM axis and a sere 2k, while imho the sere is prettier than the BM, its also much heavier and a little thicker w/a shorter blade. both are big sturdy knives, i dont think ya could go wrong w/either one, the BM fits my hand better imho, i have big hands. ya need to handle both they are quite diff in the hand imho.

FWIW i would be cautious of any REKATS because of the finicky rolling lock and no place for repair since rekat went into something other than knives(tools, or.....) and no longer warranties/repairs the things, to my knowledge.

either the sere or the BM is better than the rekat pioneer anyway imho.


greg
 
I got my AXIS AFCK a few days ago, and for me, it's just about perfect for a large urban utility carry. I listed the pros and cons in the Review Forum, but YMMV, as well as your use.

Haven't handled the SERE 2K, so I can't comment there.
 
I had a SERE 2000, but got rid of it. Don't get me wrong, the SERE is a well made knife, fit and finish are excellent. So what was the problem? The liner lock. It seemed to lock up tighter than a bank vault, but, in reality, a surprisingly light tap on the back of the knife would make the lock fail consistently.

I have an Axis AFCK on the way, but won't be able comment on that specific model until I receive it. I will say, though, that the Axis lock, in general, is very reliable. My other Axis lock knives (BM 710, 705 and 940) are great.

So .... on that basis, my vote would go to the AFCK.
 
Ok guys, cheers for the input.

Hmmm, I didn't know that REKAT had ceased trading, cheers for the heads up.

Just to throw another alternative into the mix (in place of the rekat) how about the Griptillian ?
 
I have had both and used both and hands down I prefer the SERE as hard use work folder. WHY? Because it's built like a TANK and VG10 holds a nasty edge and is easier to sharpen than D2. The AFCK to me is more of a fighting/self-defense blade than a utility. I have have had three SEREs and have NEVER had a problem with the liner lock. In fact that's the first thing I check when I get a new SERE. I give it a SEVERE spine whack test and not once has the blade loosened up one me.
 
I'am more familiar with BM products, so I 'd vote to go with the AFCK, although I have never owned that specific model.
Is there a reason to choose between these two knives ? Cost ?
Availability ?
 
I give it a SEVERE spine whack test and not once has the blade loosened up one me.
Click to expand...

My SERE could easily absorb a hard spine whack without blade movement. Strangely enough, however, it couldn't handle light - to moderate tapping. Go figure.
 
I had a S2k once also.

NIB the tang had a weird 1-2mm gouge where the lockbar mated.

Didn't slip with a spine push, but with a wack it slipped some. Didn't inspire much confidence so I called the AMK shop to see if they could regrind it or replace the blade, even for a nominal fee.

The fellow there (forgot his name) said sure, send it in and we'll fix it.

Got it back a month later with a note saying that it was "normal" and they wouldn't fix or replace it.

Got rid of it soon after. Won't buy another AMK.

I wouldn't pry much with either... not inspired by the S2k's pivot/lock setup.

The 806D2 in my pocket now is a nice slicer... great urban carry and no fear of the lock slipping.

I have prybars, screwdrivers, and Striders to pry and pop with.

-Jon
 
Originally posted by squid meat

Is there a reason to choose between these two knives ? Cost ?
Availability ?
Click to expand...

Originally I'd settled on the SERE, as even though I'd heard a few minor problems with fit and finish I'd heard so many good things about it that at the price it seemed like a knife I couldn't pass up.

At the time I was considering other knives but hadn't seen the AFCK with an AXIS, and as such it wasn't considered.
Since I'd been hearing good things about axis-locks, I picked out two knives that I liked the blade shape and general layour ot, for comparison against the SERE.


Cheers for your opinions guys, please keep them coming.
 
I've owned a Sere and handled a few 806's and owned several other Benchmades. The Sere is a very well made knife and mine has a smoother action than ANY Axis folder I've seen (well, ok, it was as smooth as my 921 :) ). I've heard people say the AFCK's have weak tips, I can't verify that myself, but if so that would be the only area the Sere is tuffer than the AFCK in. I think either knife would be able to withstand a very significant amount of abuse. The reason

I got rid of my Sere is I didn't like the way the handle felt in my hands and a general distrust of liner locks. The Sere's never failed, but it did slip a couple times when dirty. My Axis locks have never slipped.
 
Originally posted by Cargun
I've owned a Sere and handled a few 806's and owned several other Benchmades. The Sere is a very well made knife and mine has a smoother action than ANY Axis folder I've seen (well, ok, it was as smooth as my 921 :) ). I've heard people say the AFCK's have weak tips, I can't verify that myself, but if so that would be the only area the Sere is tuffer than the AFCK in. I think either knife would be able to withstand a very significant amount of abuse. The reason

Click to expand...

Cargun! :)

Hey... yeah... have you tried the 940's axis? unbelievably smooth...

The AFCK shouldn't be used to pry with... it's a thin, stabby clip point. If someone prys with it and pops the tip.... I'd say.... get a prybar (or a Strider ;) )

I also don't like the sharp shoulders on the S2k. It gets hung up in stuff as you go straight in.

-j

-j
 
I just got home and put one of my SEREs through another test! I did about 20-30 light taps and nothing happened. Out of all my knives with Liner locks, the worst ones were always CRKT. I just hate their knives...I never have a comfy feeling with them unless it's a fixed blade. But hey...that's just me!
 
I have the SERE and a bunch of Benchmades and I thinkt he SERE is the better knife quality wise. That said, I probably carry my BM 710 more as it is a bit thinner and lighter.
 
Yes, I've handled a few 940's, never owned one though. For some reason the aluminum handled Benchmades always feel so much better than the G10 ones. My 921 is amazing though, it and the Sere I had were so smooth that I'd swear they were spring assisted on the opening. As soon as the blade gets either out of the detent on either ones it just rockets open even though I'd almost swear I didn't apply any more pressure! And the pivot was tight enough that there was zero blade play :eek:

I think you'll be happy with either the 806 or Sere, they are 2 of the best production folders available for ~$110 that I've seen.
 
if you want reviews on other tough work knives, check out the latest issue of Blade. they have an article on all the toughest and coolest new work knives.
 
Cheers once again for the opinions guys.

I'd love to check out blade, unfortunatley I'm a resident of the UK and as such its fairly difficult to get hold of current issues.

Cheers, please keep opinons coming :)
 
Mindz_I,

Borders often carries "Blade" magazine.

Also, I own a SERE 2000 and a BM710 (though not an 806, alas). I find the SERE 2000 to be a tank-tough knife which easily takes a razor edge on my Edge Pro Apex. For an all-use folder, I'd recommend the SERE.

maximus otter
 
Maximus (wotcha :D);

'Borders'? No familiar with them. Any chance of a link ? or are they a chain?

Cheers

Looking like I'm going to be sticking with the SERE :)
 
What? No suggestions for the Spydie Military? Personally I prefer it to both the SERE and the BM. No lockup problems whatsoever. It is the one and possible only linerlock I will rely on on a daily basis.
 
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