never-before seen benchmade?

[Dijos]

I found this tsek axis lock pre prod. for sale--120..I have never seen another one like it-any one else seen it? If it's rare, I'll get it instead of the ares I was gonna buy,,

 

[berzerker]

I have one of these sitting next to me as I type. My pre-production is in satin finish 440C (combo-edge); from what I have learned talking to Benchmade(and looking at one of the web retailers)the production will be in GIN-1. I also have the new AFCK axis in coated D2--which I'll use for comparison. The tip on the TSEK appears to be a stronger geometry, without the distal taper on the AFCK. This results in shifting the balance forward for the TSEK--from the heel of the hand to the index finger. If your hands are wet, the thumbstud is more reliable than the oval hole on the AFCK (although fitting a rubber grommet in the hole solves that problem). The increased mass of the TSEK blade tends gives a more definite feel of lock-up if you really give the blade a thumb-snap.

Note: I make no comment on the steel in either case--others have said it better, and I haven't really used either of these hard enough (yet) to have an edge-geometry opinion.

Overall, either of these is a nice smooth package. (I'll admit a bias--I'm a lefty, so I really like seeing Benchmade convert more of their line to the axis lock.)

Hope this helps.

 

[shootist16]

The regular production 805s are also 440C. I have a regular production model. It has become my carry for a duty knife.

I saw a partially serrated version on ebay for $75 but no one bought it. The regular production versions are just now hitting the distributors and should be readily available.

I like the axis AFCK, but can't get past the BT2 finish :barf:

 

[Cougar Allen]

Welcome to Bladeforums! I'm going to move this thread to the general Blade Discussion Forum; you should get some answers there.