Need advice on new combat folder

A

ATLDiver

Joined
Oct 2, 2001
Messages
4
Everyone,

I currently have a Benchmade ACFK version 1 in combo-blade BM coating that's two years old. The blade is very dull by now and needs sharpening so my first question is weather I should self sharpen it or send it off to the company to do so? Second question, I want to buy another knife, something with a different blade style and is as fast if not faster to open. I was looking at the BM 710 M2 or a Kershaw Onion knife but I'm open. I want to keep around $120 USD so I would be thankful for everyone's suggestion. Also please post any websites where I may get a deal or have a large selection to choose from, where I live I don't have a lot of variety. Thanks in advance.

Sean
 
If I had any doubt at all concerning my sharpening abilities I would send the knife to Benchmade for resharpening.

The 710 in M2 is an awesome knife for sure. Super tough. The axis lock is ultra reliable and strong. I dont think it will be faster to open though.

If speed is a necessity look at the Emerson knives with the "wave" feature. You can open the knife as you draw it from your pocket. Hard to beat that for speed.

If speed absolutley isn't a necessity i would go with the 710 in M2.
 
A couple of comments:

If you are worried about sharpening, try Spyderco's system -- even a child could get a razor edge using it (even on ATS-34).

As for a combat folder, try Atkinson's. I don't think he has a web site, but you can usually find one on one of the big online auction house's site. I bought one at the Blade show in June, and have carried it every day since. Just by coincidence, I used to carry the mini-AFCK (he also makes them in two sizes).

-Al-
 
Hi!

I agree with shootist here, do take a look at Emerson knives waved models, nothing quicker on earth (if there is, then i want it!)

Check out their website at: www.emersonknives.com there's a section that has a few videoclips of the actual opening, very cool :)

I carry at least one EKI knife everyday...
(okokok, maybe not 100% but 99.9999%... ;) )

They might be rough, but they are really great!
 
By all means, send the AFCK to Benchmade for sharpening if you don't feel comfortable sharpening it yourself. I would recommend practicing on less expensive knives so you can get the feel for it and invest on a quality sharpener like the Spyderco Sharpmaker or something similar, that way you can take care of your sharpening needs yourself.

As far as a new folder with a different blade shape, the fastest opening would probably be the Kershaw Boa, but if you like G-10 handles, you could look at the following:
Al Mar SERE 2000
Buck Strider
Spyderco Starmate
Spyderco Military
SOG Night Vision

Better yet get the Benchmade 710. It's a large folder and the Axis mechanism works silky smooth.

You can try several sites like:

www.1sks.com
www.knifecenter.com
www.osograndeknives.com
www.knifeoutlet.com

These are just to name a few, which offer good prices and a good selection of knives.

Also since you're from Atlanta, you might want to pay a visit to Brigade Quartermasters in Kennesaw, Georgia. When I was in the States, I visited the store and they had a nice selection of Benchmades and Emersons.
 
other than the generalized term, "combat", but have you considered any of Spuderco's new martial bladecraft offerings, especially the Gunting? It has to be one of THE premier self-defense devices. Rather than my going into the details, if you are interested, go over to the Spyderco forum w/in BladeForums and enter "Gunting" in the Search function.
 
The CRKT M16-04. You can get two for the price of a 710. (Make one a trainer) opens as fast as an auto. Extreme heavy duty, easy to sharpen. I have tried them all. Even customs. I carry the CRKT everyday.
 
Go with the 710 in M2 and get it buffed up and you'll have a wicked and strong piece. It will NEVER be as fast as MY AFCK...but it will get damn close once you take a Dremel tool to it.


Steve in CT
 
Sean,
Welcome to the forums! Lots of good suggestions so far but the BM710 is a dang fine production folder. I have seen them locally at Forest Park Tactical Supply and Atlanta Army/Navy in Marietta. Many of the web knife shops carry 'em and I see them frequently on the various auction sites.
Stay Safe,
Clyde
 
I think you have the right idea with the BM 710 Axis in M2. It is one sweet knife. I've sold many and have had only rave reveiws from my customers. It will be hard to beat.
:D
 
All, thanks for the suggestions but I'm more confused than before. To answer everyone's questions that you've posed and perhaps give you guys an idea of what I want it for.

Primarily this new knife would be mostly for defense, if I'm in a threatening situation and don't have my Sig this would be my backup. Since I have the ACFK and pleased with the speed at which I can deploy it I'm not looking for ultra, ultra speed. However I don't want a slug either but something like the Emerson Wave bothers me a little. It looks way to easy to cut yourself or clothing upon deployment, not to mention wear on your pants from the "hook." Anyone have any impute?

Secondly, I was not impressed with the durability of finish or edge on my BM ACFK. The only victim's that the knife saw was boxes, letters or way ward threads on clothes, hardly rough surfaces. Ok there was this one piece of plastic!

Third the liner lock failed on me once. I was using the knife to make a hole in baseboard, long story but I was in Home improvement mode and needed to make a guide hole. Point is that the lock closed up but I moved my hand quick enough to escape damage. That worried me a little, I know that's not supposed to happen but I'm a little more interested in the Axis or similar design locks. Frankly the knife had been laying around while I used a pocket leather men for EDC. With recent events I figure it's nice to have something to use if I had to.

Thoughts???
 
If you're really worried about a lock folding up on you, get a balisong. As long as you're gripping that handle, it's practically a fixed blade.

But the axis lock is incredibly reliable, too. You should at least try one, and the 710 is as good as they get -- big blade, recurve is great for slicing, good grip. I've got a 730, and I can't imagine a knife being significantly faster opening, or quieter closing.

Get a Sharpmaker and maintain the edges on your knives. Resharpening once a blade is really dull is a pain.

Check out the Exchange forums, production knives for sale, both individual and dealers, and see who has what you're looking for. Use the search for 710 or 705 (if you miught want something less obvious). You can get a knife in great shape for a lot less than retail.
 
Check out MOD (Masters of Defense) Knives and then click over to Go Get 'em Gear for some great deals on MOD knives.

Since the wife sells 'em, I've taken a couple of them downrange (MOD CQD auto, Hornet and a Razorback) All of which performed and continue to perform superbly. The fit and finish is still wonderful after MUCH ABUSE :D

I've had Benchmade knives in the past, they were pretty darn nice.

Hope that helps

Dan
 
The 710 is a verrrry cool knife, and very quick, but for real speed, especially on the draw go with the Emerson. I have had mine for over a year and I have never cut myself on a "quick draw" but the wave is kind of hard on my pants, but you have to sacrifice some things for others, Hell they make pants everyday, and the wave feature has absolutely no wear from my pants. Anyway Emerson also offers a kydex "holster" for the wave featured knives and you can just about wear it in any position. Hope this helps.
 
Another site to check for good prices and (from what I hear) great customer service is Bayou LaFourche Knife Works. I haven't dealt with them personally, but they seem to get consistently good remarks here on the forums.
http://www.knifeworks.com/store.asp
 
All, thanks for the suggestions but I'm more confused than before. To answer everyone's questions that you've posed and perhaps give you guys an idea of what I want it for.

Primarily this new knife would be mostly for defense, if I'm in a threatening situation and don't have my Sig this would be my backup. Since I have the ACFK and pleased with the speed at which I can deploy it I'm not looking for ultra, ultra speed. However I don't want a slug either but something like the Emerson Wave bothers me a little. It looks way to easy to cut yourself or clothing upon deployment, not to mention wear on your pants from the "hook." Anyone have any impute?

Secondly, I was not impressed with the durability of finish or edge on my BM ACFK. The only victim's that the knife saw was boxes, letters or way ward threads on clothes, hardly rough surfaces. Ok there was this one piece of plastic!

Third the liner lock failed on me once. I was using the knife to make a hole in baseboard, long story but I was in Home improvement mode and needed to make a guide hole. Point is that the lock closed up but I moved my hand quick enough to escape damage. That worried me a little, I know that's not supposed to happen but I'm a little more interested in the Axis or similar design locks. Frankly the knife had been laying around while I used a pocket leather men for EDC. With recent events I figure it's nice to have something to use if I had to.

Thoughts???
 
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