I was at my local mecca of manhood (gunstore) and while perusing the knife case came across a jewell that I just couldn't pass up. There in the case before me was a old style BM AFCK. The original model with the liner lock and ATS34 blade. Sadly, it was the partially serrated version instead of a plain edge. The topper was the price sticker. $49.99. Truly a deal I couldn't pass up. Faster than Master Yoda pulling his lightsaber my checkbook lept to my hand. Like Gollum on crack I retreated into my cave and began to examine my new prize. I've been buying mainly spyderco lately and had forgotten just how buttery smooth the action on the BMs can be fresh out of the box. Lockup is rock solid with no bladeplay in any direction and the liner engages the blade to the precise point that the entire liner is fully engaged with the blade but remains nearly flush with the edge of the tang. This makes me happy as it securely locks the blade in place but leaves plenty of room to wear in. The blade is considerably sharper than I am used to getting from BM of late and shaves easily. It isn't quite up to the edge on my Spyderco Millitary, but that is a freakishly sharp monster of a knife and to compare anything else I own to it just doesn't seem fair. I'd rave about how comfy the handles are but everyone who frequents this forum is well aware of the ergonomics of the AFCK and TSEK lines. Some find them a bit big, but they fit my small to medium mitts as well as I could wish. Basically, I'm thrilled to death with my new purchase and it has already started it's rotation in my EDC ...rotation...er...yeah.
Pros
Super fit and finish for production knife
Opens and Closes like its got some kind of NASA no-friction bearings
Super sharp out of the box
Great ergos
Did I mention it was FIFTY BUCKS?!?
Cons
Partially serrated
Clip can not be relocated for tip up or lefty carry (I tend to keep a gun in my right front pocket)
It has the butterfly decals on the grip scales which look like crap when they wear off.
overall: Its my new primary duty knife. No other comment needed.
Pros
Super fit and finish for production knife
Opens and Closes like its got some kind of NASA no-friction bearings
Super sharp out of the box
Great ergos
Did I mention it was FIFTY BUCKS?!?
Cons
Partially serrated
Clip can not be relocated for tip up or lefty carry (I tend to keep a gun in my right front pocket)
It has the butterfly decals on the grip scales which look like crap when they wear off.
overall: Its my new primary duty knife. No other comment needed.
I really dig the AFCK/TSEK ergoes, too, and I've got medium/biggish paws. Now, all I need is for a sweet deal like that to make an appearance in MY hometown! 