Spyderco vs Benchmade

[WadeF]

Can someone recommend a Spyderco knife that would be on the same level, or a higher level, of quality than a Benchmade AFCK? I am looking for something that will open as smooth or smoother than my AFCK. I just picked up a Spyderco Wayne Goddard Lightweight, nice knife for the money, but not as nice as my Benchmades.



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-Wade in PA

 

[Kellster]

I got a Starmate and it is very nice, very smooth, big blade, opens in a flash with the hole, CPM-440V nice steel. The G-10 is nice and light. My next Spydie will probably be a Military.

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A knife is by default a tool, it's only a weapon when a human chooses to make it so.

 

[Mark W Douglas]

If you are comparing the Benchmade AFCK, then again I have to say the Spyderco Military with the CPM-440V blade.
The blade of the Military holds an edge much longer than the AFCK by far and is a lot less brittle, too! My opinion from owning both. In my eyes there is no comparison between these two, Military w/ CPM-440V by far!

Mark

 

[Mark W Douglas]

By the way WadeF .... welcome to the forums here!

Mark


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" Knife Collectors Are Sharp People - Most of the time that is! "

 

[Kevin Miller]

I find myself carrying my Military more often than my BM 710 simply because of the lighter weight.

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Kevin Miller
My Personal Interests Page
kevinandtrish@sympatico.ca
Click here for a chance to win a kit knife!
Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always.

 

[WadeF]

Thanks for the welcome Mark. I will have to check out the Military model. I love to come to this forum to let you guys tell me how to spend my money.

I just got the Sharpmaker, and I'm watching the video. Looks funner than dealing with my Gatco (Lansky type system).


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-Wade in PA

 

[WadeF]

Alright, looks like we are narrowing it down to the Military model. Do you guys like serrated or a plain edge?

Thanks,
Wade in PA

 

[Brian_Turner]

Geez! You work quick! I would also suggest the Military as a Spyderco "equivalent" to the AFCK. Personally, I like the Military more. In fact, I'm carrying mine today!

I'd go straight edge...

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AKTI Member #A000832

"Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, the bear eats you."

 

[MNH]

Just to keep the soup stirred up I am going to suggest that you also look at the full size Wegner. It is my favorite full size Spyderco and is in the running for my favorite knife.

Mike

 

[FullerH]

While I don't have an AFCK, I do have both the Military and the StarMate and I prefer the StarMate. I prefer the blade grind and the shape and I find the knife more pleasing to the eye and the hand.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller

 

[Joe Talmadge]

The Military is fairly worshipped here, but I must admit it's one of my least favorite Spydercos. If you think the handle on the AFCK is big, the Military adds even more length, and is just plain uncomfortable to carry (for me, your mileage may vary). I also find the grip on the Military not all that comfortable, it is too thin, and the extreme length feels odd to me.

I'd definitely favor the Wegner or Starmate. I think the Starmate comes in 440V, if you've been persuaded by Mark that you must have a 440V blade -- on the other hand, reviews on the 440V blades are very mixed, due to their lack of strength and consequent dingability, so buy knowledgeably! If you can live without 440V, the Wegner is a seriously sweet package.

Joe
jat@cup.hp.com

[This message has been edited by Joe Talmadge (edited 04-25-2000).]

 

[Ferret]

Military is good for Mon, Wed and Fri, whereas Starmate is more suited to Tues, Thurs and Sat. Sunday give praise that these 2 knives are so good.
Personally, I'd go at least part serr if you are going to use these knives a fair bit as recent experience with plainedge on fibre rope was underwhelming.

 

[stjames]

Wegner, plain edged. Light, strong, good ergonomics, well made. Spyderco's best effort to date.

I just don't see what all the fuss over 440V is. It keeps an edge, but is rather brittle and chippy. Now 420V, that is some sweet stuff. Takes and holds an absolutely evil edge, and tough as all get out. But I would take a blade of well done ATS-34, 154CM or BG-42 over 440V any day.

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James Segura
San Francisco, CA

 

[Chang]

What happened to the EDI Genesis stuff? When it first came out, I heard lots of good stuff about it, now it seems to have died....

-chang the asian janitorial apparatus

[This message has been edited by Comrade Chang (edited 04-25-2000).]

 

[David Rock]

Joe T:


What kind of pants do you wear? I wear loosefitting Levi Dockers, and I have no problem carrying the Military. I think it rides really nicely. It lies flat (doesn't twist around when clipped to the pocket), and allows you to get your hand into the pocket for the car keys, thanks to the flatness.

I even like the extra-large handle. I believe that in an emergency, the longer handle in conjunction with the swelled pommel, would significantly aid retention. Of course that's just my untested assumption.

You're right about the comfort issue; the Military isn't sensuously comfy in the hand in the same way that the AFCK or Stryker are, but it sort of grows on you after a while.

The best thing about the Military (next to everything else

) is the recessed liner, which allows for super thin washers, and little room for lateral blade wobble.

And please don't forget the Flat Ground blade. Gotta love that.

I have both the serrated and the plain edged Militaries.

David Rock



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AKTI Member # A000846
Stop when you get to bone.

 

[Professor]

Whether you're a believer in that extra stainless liner being there or not, in the case of the AFCK (or the not-mentioned-yet-and-likely-perfect-for-this-scenario-Mini-AFCK) has it anyway. I like extra protection. That's why I choose the one with wings. Wait, wrong topic?

 

[shivey]

I'll second stjames' vote for the Wegner. I have the large and small versions with pl. edges; but the large, with partial serrations, may offer additional versatility. This knife is certainly on an equal par with the BM liner-locks, and I prefer the hollow grind over the BM flat grind for slicing and ease of sharpening.

 

[Brian_Turner]

If we're opening the floor to other candidates, then I will throw my usual vote behind the full-sized Wegner. A cornerstone knife in a using collection.

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AKTI Member #A000832

"Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, the bear eats you."

 

[WadeF]

Well guys, I went ahead and purchased the large Wenger with a plain edge. I also ordered a leather strope (sp?) to aid in my sharpening. I successfully got one of my knives "Hair popping" last night for the first time! This forum and it's FAQs have been a big help. Thanks to everyone for their knowledgeable input.

-Wade in PA

 

[MNH]

WadeF

Good choice! I think you will be very pleased.

Next time you have a little extra cash in your pocket let us know. We would all be glad to help you pick out another knife!


Mike