Spyderco Police or Benchmade AFCK D2?

enkidu

enkidu

Joined
Sep 8, 2002
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After much research, I've narrowed it down to these two. I don't like liner locks and frame locks. I don't like thumb studs. I find the 'hole' much faster, slicker to use and just all around better. So, I've narrowed my choice to these two. This blade will be used for general utility and as a backup weapon for self defense. My company is moving close to my apartment and I'll be walking to and from work (~2 miles) everyday, sometimes perhaps after dark. I'll be augmenting this with a Surefire E2E or something similar. Here are the pros for each as I see them.

Police: slimmer profile, stainless handle (I like stainless handles)

AFCK: smoother lock operation, stronger blade.

So, which would you choose? Why? (And please, no "BOTH" answers. It's not in the budget.)
 
They are both great knives, both classics, but I´d take the AFCK - why?
The Axis is an incredibly solid lock-up and the AFCK has a wonderful ergonomic handle design.
 
AFCK.

I would prefer G10 over stainless for a defensive knife due to a more secure grip...not to mention the SHAPE of the handle. Oh yea, and the axis lock on the AFCK is the best. Go for the AFCK!

TCW
 
Wow! 4-0 in favor of the AFCK. Quiet Storm and TCW, thanks for pointing out the handle ergonomics issue, I had overlooked that in my lust for the shiny handle (look! shiny!).

Thanks again for the help guys. You guys rock!
 
I'm looking at these two also. What is the difference between the Military and the Police? And also, are serrated blades prefered? Thanks
 
SS handles tend to slip, and the SS handle version of Police is no exception. You could put traction tape on the handle and improve its grippiness.
I personally don't think the shape of the Police handle is un-ergonomic. I've handled one and it's pretty nice. And frankly I don't like BM's G10 (on a prototype BM AFCK D2) because I've seen grippier G10s.
I'd say try it out at the store before you make a decision.
 
The serrated Police cuts like a chainsaw. Carries comfortably in the pocket too. There's no way I'd part with mine.
 
I have a Serrated Spyderco Police, and AFCK (not axis). I have several axis lock folders so i know what they feel like. For gadget factor, the AFCK Axis is much cooler, and prettier. Its a smooth knife, and its tough.

However, I would recommend the Police, mainly because its slimmer and just as good a knife, and the stainless steel handle can come in handy for self defense if you are unable to open the knife and need to hit the Guy.. G-10 doesn't have quite the same effect. The Spyderco Police that i have is just as smooth as an Axis, and has a bevelled spydie hole too... it opens up rock solid, and personally i trust a lockback more than i trust the axis. and.. the Spyderco Police and Endura have the most comfortable handles of any folders that i have had, thought the stainless on the police may be somewhat slippery.

And like another member mentioned above, I dont like BM's G-10 either.. it looks sorta 'cheap'.. its hard to explain... and its sorta slippery compared to other companies.
 
I'd have to go with one of the new Axis lock AFCK's in D2 steel. Great lock and a great blade steel.
 
I have had several Police models and just recently got an AFCK Axis/D2.

After carrying and using the AFCK quite a lot lately it has rapidly become my preferred large folder. It took a little getting used to the handle for me but after that it was smooth sailing.

For almost the same money you're getting a premium blade steel, all screw assembly, an excellent locking system and a 4 position clip.

If you need a blade larger than 4" than the Police would be an excellent choice, aside from that I'd go AFCK.
 
The BM 806D2 would get my vote as well. Besides the 4-position clip placement, they are now shipping with bronze bushings. It's a winner.
 
corwin: Thanks for the insight on the handle. I hadn't thought of the possibility of using an unopened police as a yawara/kubotan style striker. I'm actually more comfortable with a baton/kubotan, but Kalifornia doesn't seem to allow me to carry a baton (I'm currently investigating this). No problems carrying a 6" knife of course. Slim is also important for me as I like to keep my pants, uhm, unemcumbered. (Hey, anybody remember encumbered movement penalty -1?)

emil: The military is a liner lock, slightly shorter in length, 440V steel as apposed to VG10 and a thicker blade (4mm vs 3mm) with more belly and a different tip. Oh and G10 scales.

To the other guys, thanks for the helpful comments.


For now, due to the slimness factor and price (~$45) difference, I'm leaning just a hair towards the police.

[Edited to add thickness comment on military blade]
 
I would suggest a G10 Police if you can find one (they've been discontinued). It has the same ergonomics as the SS Police, but the G10 offers a superior grip to the stainless handle.

Good Luck.
 
Get the serrated Police model. I recently received a serrated G-10 Police (old-style) as a gift, and it is now my favorite folder! It is light-weight (no liners), the "right size", and cuts like a buzz-saw.

I also have a PE stainless Police model, but I like the "feel" of the G-10 scales the best.
 
Both are GREAT knives but the AFCK would win this battle for me. It's quicker, smoother and I find that the thicker blade is able to withstand more abuse than the Police.

I like that the AFCK rides lower in the pocket too.
 
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