Sound off........Spyderco Wegner vs. BM AFCK

shootist16

shootist16

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Which do you like better and why? I have both of them and, while I like both, I like the Wegner better. The Wegner has alot of the features I like about the AFCK. As a matter of fact, these two knives remind me of each other. With the exception that the Wegner is beefier. Anyway, I would like to hear some opinions from my fellow forumites about which knife they think is better and why.
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-Dennis Bible
Knoxville, Tennessee

 
Make the Wegner tip-down and we'll talk. Until I can "drop" my Wegner open, I have to vote for the AFCK unreservedly.

-Drew
 
I don't own an AFCK but I do own a Wegner with SpydersEdge. I really like my Wegner...however, I have debated buying a mini-AFCK, to have a small compliment to the Wegner. I think that if you get a AFCK with M2 tool steel, you'll have a superior blade steel over the Wegner's ATS-34.

I guess I've just made the choice more difficult for you. Perhaps buy one, then later buy the mini version of the other.

Sorry if I've confused you...you can yell at me...then maybe I'll come up with a more difinitive answer.

~Mitch
 
I think they are both great but I don't really see the basis for a direct comparison. The Advanced Folding Camp knife is really the Advanced Folding Combat knife while the Wegner is a hunting knife. I agree that the Wegner is also quite capable of being used tactically, but I feel that it is best used in a utilitarian mode. The AFCK should be compared to military as a big fighter/chopper. Although the Wegner is not a small knife, its overall profile just is not as big as the AFCK or Military.
 
I have both and I like both. The wegner has a better blade shape if you are actually going to use it for hunting though.
 
First off, the two knives are designed for different purposes. My own use tends to be more utilitarian than defensive. Switch this around, and my opinion might change.

I like the Wegner better for a couple of reasons:

The AFCK has a much higher handle-to-blade ratio, making it far larger than it needs to be for pocket carry.

The AFCK is not as ergonomic for fine work, it's handle being more suitable for hard gripping in broad movements than close work where the handle will be manipulated by the fingers and palm in small movements.

I've snapped the tip on an AFCK. The Wegner's profile makes me much more confident.

The AFCK, for some reason, carries a much more aggressive "look". It scares people a lot more than the Wegner. Not a personal belief, just an observation.
 
This is really a tough one for me. Even though the Wenger is billed as a hunting knife, I like the tip of the miniAFCK better for cleaning squirrels, compared to the Wenger Jr. But in general, the Wenger is a better slicer and I think the steel has a better heat treat.

And I like partially serrated blades but my Wenger Jr PS has too many serrations for me so again I give the nod to my miniAFCK. It has the right number of serrations for a combo blade.

In Michigan the blade length is limited to 3" but I fudge a little with the miniAFCK. I like the little bit of extra length. And for some odd reason, although I love the looks of the Wengers, the styling of my miniAFCK just grabs me. It's been my steady carry for me ever since I bought it, even though it's not nearly as smooth as either of my Wenger Jrs.

If the Wenger Jr PS had less serrations, I would probably carry it more often. I like my Wenger Jr smooth and I prefer the grind of the edge on the Wenger Jr to the miniAFCK but the right number of serrations on the miniAFCK work better for me for daily carry.

I don't have a full size AFCK so can't comment on that. But the full size Wenger is awesome as a hunting knife for large game. I've used it for slicing large cuts of meat and it's excellent.

In summary, the Wenger (i.e., the Jr.) has better blade geometry, is much smoother in action, and has a better heat treat (IMO), but I carry the miniAFCK regularly 'cause I like it's looks, the right PS combo, and...I'm sure there's some other reason but it escapes me for the moment.
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Hoodoo

Doubt grows with knowledge.
--Goethe
 
No Spyderco has ever been able to make the transition from knife case to my pocket. They simply don't "feel" right to me. I also think they are horribly ugly (I better don my flame proof underwear after that statement.) Nor are their choices of grinds my preference either, not to mention that I don't do serrated knives.

However, my AFCK is my most frequent carry knife. It's easy to maintain, performs beautifully and looks "sharp" too.

Phil
 
Now *this* is a hard choice. I'm not a big fan of the Military, so the choice for me is always easy in the Military vs. AFCK threads. Wegner vs. AFCK is much tougher for me.

First things first, don't worry about people telling you one knife is a fighter and the other a utility knife. I feel they both have qualities that make them very competitive utility-defense knives, regardless of what the original designers *thought* they were being designed for.

I like sharp points, and the AFCK has that. But I also like a knife that's very carryable, and the most important feature there is blade-to-handle ratio -- for me, the Military's is unacceptable, the AFCK's is bad, the Wegner's is okay. So Wegner wins on that. Wegner also wins on edge geometry out of the box. Both knives are very ergonomic. Both knives are liner locks -- and hence unacceptable to me -- but if you're willing to take a liner lock, both of these knives seem to have very good ones.

This is the kind of choice that's so close, I'd counsel any potential buyer to handle both to see if one works better for him, because there's no obvious easy choice. I might lean very slightly towards the Wegner, but I'm not sure.

Joe
 
Mr. Cheeseboro said a mouthful with the apples to oranges disclaimer. However, if I had to pick one, I'd pick the one that can more easily be disassembled and repaired, or customized with filework or different parts altogether. To me, the AFCK is just more versatile a folder. Someone mentioned that Spydies are ugly; the Wegner is certainly to me one of the better looking models. There's also the ambiguous structural integrity factor with the Wegner; pins and a single side liner cannot be as durable as two liners and screws to my thinking. Though arguable as to whether the single liner is as strong, why not opt for the steel or titanium reinforcement liner when you can get it. I also think the mini-AFCK and large Wegner might be a better comparison sizewise.

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Professor.
AKTI Mebership No.: A000222

If you're into knives and you're not a member, you should be!

 
AFCK over Wegner every time. I like the AFCK's feel in the hand,clip placement,sharper point,blade style,and choice of finish. The only thing I dislike about AFCK is the radiused thumb hole.
 
Can someone tell me how the clip screws are attached to the handles on both knives. Are the screws drilled into the liners or set in small nuts placed in the G-10, or are they just screwed straight into the handles?
 
Hi gentlemen, Please excuse me,I'm not trying to pirate your post, but I have a relative question which I'm not sure has been answered. Which is the strongest? The AFCK has a thinner blade profile, but they are both liner locks, which would be considered the most durable, rugged design? Just wondering, thanks.
 
General Lobster, I'm not sure about the AFCK, but the Wegner clip is threaded into the liner.


GC, I believe the Wegner is the stronger of the two.

I have an AFCK and think it is a great knife, however I think the Wegner is ever bit as tactical as the AFCK. I also think the Wegne is stronger and slightly more ergonomic. It is a close call but I would take the Wegner.

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-Dennis Bible
Knoxville, Tennessee

 
I own and carry often a M2, AFCK, excellent overall design and well made. I've handled the Wegner and it has a very good feel, and is also made very well. If I didn't already own the AFCK I might buy one.
My only thoughts on the Wegner is that it's advertised as a hunting knife. I don't know anyone that prefers a folder, especially a liner lock for hunting!!! I can see no other way to clean it after use than a total disassembly or possibly a power washer!
Just my opinion........
Neil

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As of now, I prefer the AFCK. Two main reasons are, tip down carry and two liners. Ever since I saw how Bob Kasper opens a tip down folder, I have been hooked. While I know the Wegner with a single liner is plenty strong, the AFCK "feels" a little more solid with two liners. I have both and like both a great deal, the AFCK is on top right now.

Disclaimer: Knife preference is subject to change without notice at owners whim.

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Paranoia is only smart thinking
when everyone is out to get you.


 
My Wegner came directly from the S.F.O. about 2 months ago. Its clip (much to my disappointment) only screws into the G-10.

I wonder if folks who are so concerned by the Wegner's single liner have ever held one. While I prefer the AFCK overall, the Wegner's construction is rock solid - it makes the AFCK and Military feel as though they are made of cardboard and tin foil. Most overbuilt Spyderco, IMO. I'd prefer two liners aesthetically, but worried about strength? Don't make me laugh...

-Drew
 
So Drew's got a Wegner in hand, eh? I've always seen that backspacer as some serious filework waiting to happen - How are you going to get around the rivet problem?
 
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