The HK 14715, are you happy with yours?

M

mastiffhound

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Dec 27, 2013
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3 months ago I almost picked up a Griptillian but it was out of stock, so I picked up a Spyderco Delica. I now have 10 Spyderco folders, pretty much all the models that interested me the most. I've been thinking about picking up a Benchmade again, I still want to try them out. I found the HK 14715, it looks to be a better deal than the Grip from the specs. It's around the same size as my favorite Spydies, the PM2 and Manix 2 which is a big plus. The fact that it's made in the USA is also a nice extra.

So the questions:

Do you think the 14715 would make a good first Benchmade?
Are you happy with your 14715?
How long have you had it?
Have you had any problems?
I'd like a deep carry clip, which model's clip would fit the 14715?
If you had it to do over would you still buy the 14715?

I feel like I should try out a Benchmade, they are very well thought of. If the Grip I wanted was in stock, I might not have bought a Spyderco. I'll be buying another knife next week, the 14715 is at the top of the list. I'd just like to be sure it's a good option over the Grip as the materials are closer to what I like. As always, thank you guys for the help!
 
I had a pretty major problem with mine after about a month, but I'm not saying they're all that way. I bet you'd like it, I think it's an extremely good deal for what your getting.
 
Mine just arrived today---a little bit stiff and tight but getting smoother the more I play with it.


Blade is centered with no play at all.


Liking it so far.
 
I like mine. I've been carrying it since I got it about 3 weeks ago. No issues so far. It's sharp, centered, and locks up very solidly. I also like that Benchmade used some heavier omega springs in the 14715 than in other AXIS locks I've had apart. I took the scales off to clean up the extra oil and blow everything out and I had a look at them then. They seem a bit thicker than the smaller AXIS locks like the North Fork and Grips that I've d/a in the past.

As far as a comparison with a full-sized Grip, I find the 14715 to be more comfortable as a pocket carry and as a user. The handles are a bit thinner and flat-sided, which I prefer. The blade is D2 and that's always been a fav since I got my first BM in D2 years ago. I like the stout tip on the 14715, almost like the tip on a Rift (another good BM that compares favorably in size with the 14715). The AXIS lock is slightly stiffer than the Grips I've had, which is also a plus for me. It'll be heavier than a Grip or a Para 2.

Don't really see anything that I don't like with it. I was surprised... pleasantly. Like getting the first Paramilitary that I ever bought. Didn't think I'd like either knife as much as I do.
 
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CarterR said:
I had a pretty major problem with mine after about a month, but I'm not saying they're all that way. I bet you'd like it, I think it's an extremely good deal for what your getting.
Click to expand...

What was the issue?
 
I got one on Wednesday. It's a good quality knife and I want to like it, but the handle just doesn't fit my hand. I never even put it in my pocket. It's going to be a catch and release.
 
dalefuller said:
I like mine. I've been carrying it since I got it about 3 weeks ago. No issues so far. It's sharp, centered, and locks up very solidly. I also like that Benchmade used some heavier omega springs in the 14715 than in other AXIS locks I've had apart. I took the scales off to clean up the extra oil and blow everything out and I had a look at them then. They seem a bit thicker than the smaller AXIS locks like the North Fork and Grips that I've d/a in the past.

As far as a comparison with a full-sized Grip, I find the 14715 to be more comfortable as a pocket carry and as a user. The handles are a bit thinner and flat-sided, which I prefer. The blade is D2 and that's always been a fav since I got my first BM in D2 years ago. I like the stout tip on the 14715, almost like the tip on a Rift (another good BM that compares favorably in size with the 14715). The AXIS lock is slightly stiffer than the Grips I've had, which is also a plus for me. It'll be heavier than a Grip or a Para 2.

Don't really see anything that I don't like with it. I was surprised... pleasantly. Like getting the first Paramilitary that I ever bought. Didn't think I'd like either knife as much as I do.
Click to expand...

The heavier springs are a big plus, I've noticed a lot of "Broken Omega Spring" threads lately. I have 3 Manix 2s in Satin, DLC, and the LW. The Satin and DLC weigh in at 5 oz, the 14715 lists at 4.9 oz so weight isn't a problem. I'm fine with a stiffer lock too, people complain about the Manix 2's lock being too stiff but I find it works perfect for me. I'm a mechanic so I'm used to trying to turn rusty bolts and screws with my index finger and thumb. Add in the strange hand contortions that are sometimes needed (I really wish engineers would think just once "You know, someone might actually have to work on this at some point") and it turns into a daily workout and makes for a strong grip.

I'm starting to think that the 14715 is the tougher of the two by quite a bit. Thicker blade, tougher steel, full liners, and heavier springs are making me think the 14715 is a beast of a folder.
 
The more I play with mine, I'm thinking this is just a hair below my lost 520 (which it replaced) in overall beastly-ness but probably more so where it counts due to the D2 steel blade.

Yes, I love heavy, stout knives.
 
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