New HK 14716 mini axis

J

jec88

Joined
Mar 6, 2012
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Christmas came early. I had been looking at another mini grip, but the mini axis had the g10 and D2 delivered for under $100................About the closest mini grip to this "I think" is the Cabelas with D2, minus the G10 for a few dollars more.
This is a really impressive knife for under $100, feels like it would have cost much more. I just can't see anything kicking it out of my pocket. Benchmade really nailed this one.
 
It's my EDC. It gets very little press, but is one of the stoutest BM's ever made. In the process of disassembling and loc-titing mine upon arrival, I got to see how its construction is unlike anything in its size class from BM. It's a small BM built like a much larger BM. The stop pin has screws running into both sides (complete overkill, but OCD-satisfying), and the spacers are nestled into the liners the same way the stop pin is, creating an incredibly rigid frame. I don't find it to be as aesthetically pleasing as mini-Grips, but wow, the robustness of build alone is enough is very impressive. The edge geometry is great, and BM's D2 is fantastic at ~60-61RC.

I ended up picking up several, as I know in my heart of hearts, it'll be discontinued at some point. My 15-yr-old Son carries one also.

IMG_18881_zpsjp44yl5i.jpg


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I threw an 810 Contego deep carry clip on mine and tied a piece of paracord through the back spacer, and I can't think of a much better EDC/work knife. My first experience with Benchmade and D2 steel, and I'm completely satisfied. If I didn't have such a long list of other knives to buy, I'd pick up another one right now.
 
The 14715/6 is the HK knife that should have been Black Class. It almost was enough to kick the Rift out of my top spot.
 
I don't know much about Benchmade only owning two so its nice to know I'm not alone on this one.
Professor, why do you think it will be discontinued? As good as this knife is, I would think this one should be around a long while, but maybe not at this price and class.
 
I agree with you guys, it's one of the best values out there. I keep considering a grip with custom scales, but this HK is better than what I would end up with IMO, so I haven't done it yet. This is another very overlooked knife from Benchmade, I love mine. Brad
 
It is not discontinued. But it will be. Why? Because I like it. Every BM I've ever liked got discontinued, sorry to say.
 
This is probably one of BM's best kept little sleepers. Maybe because of the HK brand. Don't know.
 
I've been intrigued by this guy. Does anyone have a pic comparing the mini vs a Mini Grip?
 
I much prefer the mini over the larger. Still not crazy about the blocky aesthetics, or the doodoo-brown scales, but it's surprisingly ergonomic and hand-filling to be as small as it is (that's what she said).
 
jec88 said:
Good pics. Which do you prefer, the full size or mini?
Click to expand...

I originally purchased both the 14715 and 14716. I tend to EDC a full size Ritter Griptilian. Based on that and my 2 mini Grips no longer get in my EDC rotation, I sold the 14716 and kept the larger 14715. The handles are a bit blocky and have some sharper angles that make it a bit rough for extended use, I still prefer my other Benchmades. Still a great package with steel liners, G10, Axis and D2 steel.
 
Professor said:
I much prefer the mini over the larger. Still not crazy about the blocky aesthetics, or the doodoo-brown scales, but it's surprisingly ergonomic and hand-filling to be as small as it is (that's what she said).
Click to expand...
The color can be fixed. Just get some black Rit dye.
 
The doodoo-brown is actually growing on me. I personally think the ergos of the mini HK are better than that of my mini Grip, and the build is DEFINITELY stouter, but the curves of anything Pardue speak to me visually and cause a fight for pocket time between my mini Grip and mini HK.
 
I got one of these a while back and it was a great knife but I didn't really like the black blade/black handle. After seeing this thread I wanted to pick up one of the tan handled ones.
 
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