Military vs large AFCK - a decision

T

tim_marsh

Joined
Dec 2, 1999
Messages
41
My daily carry knife is a mini-AFCK. In deference to the 'sheeple', I'm in the process of 'dressing it up' and replacing the G-10 scales with Australian beefwood (dark blood coloured, highly figured hardwood) to turn it into what amounts to a tactical gentleman's knife.
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Where sensibilities are not an issue, I'd still like a beefy, hard using, high quality knife, hence the title of the post. I repaired to a local knife dealer and asked for the two knives in question. I opened them, I closed them. I held them, I squeezed them. I clipped them to my pockets, clipped them to my belt. Hefted, balanced, weighed - you name it.

Much as I love the quality of the Military, I'm going to go with a large M2 AFCK. Something about the Military just doesn't feel right in my hand. Whereas I can grab the AFCK and not even feel there is a knife in my hand, the Military always reminds me of its presence. It just doesn't sit as nicely in my grip.

I really tried - I wanted to love the Military. Hell, I think in many ways it's a superior knife, certainly better made. But it just doesn't work for me.

Moral of this story? Never buy knives sight-unseen. *always* check them out in the metal.

Thanks, Sal, for making the decision so hard. It's a great tool, just not the right one for me.

Cheers,
Tim
 
I had the same problem with the military, and did not get it.

Then i found the starmate and fell in love

Try it!
 
If Tim's part of the world is anything like mine, trying a Starmate "in the metal" could prove difficult. To confuse the issue, my police is still going strong after 5 years daily carry and use, is much more readily availble here in Oz and is well comfy to carry.
 
Having to try somethng in the flash (sorry - in the metal) is important - but some knives are sure to get your immediate attention and such is the starmate

I highly recommend it - and if you like the police - as I do, I think you will love the starmate
Nuf said
 
Ferret - ditto on the Starmate never seen one in Melbourne, but have seen Police models. It certainly looks like a nice knife - with a very nice blade profile...

Are there any good knife shops in the Sydney CBD? I'm sure I saw something at the station end of George St last time I was there...

Cheers,
Tim
 
Yow Tim, dealers in Syd seem to have disappeared or shrunk their inventories with the recent changes to knife laws in this state. Some dealers struggle on but its hard to sell product when its illegal to carry any kind of knife, so the answer is no - vive l'internet!!!
Ferret.
p.s. the shop you mention is Mick Smith, my personal fav, gentlefolk one and all.

[This message has been edited by Ferret (edited 01-25-2000).]
 
i've had two militaries. the handle was pretty big for the blade and i needed money at the times, so i sold both. i traded for an AFCK, should be here tomorrow. i'll let you know what i think.
 
The only reason this is so hard is that the military has a better design and the AFCK has a tool steel. If BM or spyderco decides to put both into one knife this wouldnt be so hard... coughlookoutfortheAREScough.

------------------
-thePrince
 
got the AFCK today. nice knife, but i'd take a military over it anyday. the military has a much more comfortable handle and the clip doesn't disturb a good grip. the AFCK is very thick and heavy for something it's general size. i'm sending it off in a trade tomorrow. i at least held on to my militaries for a two weeks at the least.
 
The edge of the clip 'biting' the inside of your finger as you grip is a common complaint, and one easily remedied with a file and a Dremel.

But ultimately, all this thread goes to prove is that there are lots of folks out there, with lots of different shaped hands.

Given this, don't you think it's kinda funny that we have all these terms for blade shapes - drop points, sheepsfeet, Wharncliffes, Tantos etc - but the only word we have for 'handle' is, er, handle?

Whenever there is a 'wish list' thread on BF, people describe in endless detail the blade shape and material, but rarely the handle of the knife.

Let's face it - most modern steels are well up to any task we're going to reasonably use them for. In 'hard use', the thing that gives out before the blade steel is more likely going to be the godawful slabs on the knife piching or rubbing, the clip gouging etc.

Anyway, I've found the shape that works for me and I'm sticking to it. With appropriate Dremel modifications, of course.
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Cheers,
Tim
 
Coincidently, I just felt the large AFCK this evening fm a fellow student in my Kali class. Its certainly a beautiful folder, but abit heavy for my liking for everyday carry. It did feel quite nice in my hand. Compared with my Military, I just find that the Military fits in my hand more comfortably and I like the lighter weight. Guess it's all personal taste and feeling.
ThaiTik
 
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