Thoughts on the Benchmade mini-AFCK?

boobar

boobar

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 25, 2002
Messages
3,562
I am interested in purchasing a Benchmade mini-AFCK model 814 and I need some input on the quality and how they perform as an EDC. I like the blade length of 3.25” and 154CM is a good steel. I have heard that they have liner lock problems, has anyone had any problems with theirs? Let me know what you think. If anyone has another knife recommendation along the lines of the mini-AFCK let me know. Thanks
 
The mini-AFCK hasn't been a staple of Benchmade's product line for the better part of a decade no for no reason. It's a great design and a great knife at a great price. You really can't go wrong with an AFCK.

In the first year or two of production, BM had some quality problems with the liner lock. They've got it all worked out. They've had it worked out for years. No liner lock will ever be perfect, but the AFCK is a very good liner lock.
 
I have mini AFCK wich is essentually the same knife just different blade and blade steel but the rest is the same.

I had a linner lock problem but it was no fault of BM's I abussed it a little to much. I was cutting something and in the motion put way to much negative force on the lock and it bent slightly. There was a little play in the lock but it never failed nor did it close on me. A little trip back to BM and a new linner lock and sharpening for free.

Yes it is a great knife with lots of cutting power, all in anice smallish package that fits very well in the hand.
 
How would you compair the 690 to the 814 mini-AFCK? Size wise they are very compairable.
 
I have had the mini now for just about a week. Rec. on a trade from sc_rebel. Great little knife. The one I have is definetly used but not abused. No problems with the liner lock at all either. This is the pre prod. model #18-500. It has the oblong opening hole. The biggest bitch I have is that it was rather difficult to get a really good edge on it. So I spent a good deal of time on my Lansky diamond hone set. Finally finished the edge with a Lansky pink hone and it it now outstanding for sharpness. Has a real grab to the edge kind fo like O1 will get. Anyways I am thinking of sending it back to BM just to have a new blade put it in. That is how much I like the design of the knife. Ih ave a round hole AFCK I may do the same thing with. The bigger on is ATS34 though. Give it ago totally under rated knife. It shares time with a Blink, and a Vtech especially in my uniform pants. Keep'em sharp
 
I carried an 814BT for about 6 months. I never had a lock problem. I used the knife quite a bit nearly everyday. The lock up is still tight and there is no blade play. You can get em for around $60-$70. For that price, you can't go wrong.
 
I used a 812 for six years. Rather than write a book about it, I'll just say it was an all-around excellent knife. Knife was beaten, used, abused, tip rounded, and the clip was ripped off in a car wreck. The lock got to where I could force it closed without disengaging it, so I sent it to BM to have the lock checked, and received a brand new 814 about a week later. 'nuf said:)
 
A mini-AFCK has been my constant companion for a couple of years (not serrated). The lock is solid and what cutting I've done hasn't even dulled the factory edge yet.

I bought it because it was less obtrusive than the full sized AFCK I had when moving through airports. That doesn't matter now and would gladly trade it back for a large model. ...but it has been one great knife!

Bruce Woodbury
 
I tried hard to like the mini, but in the end the handle just didn't fit right in my decent-sized hand, so I returned it.
 
I have three ( one in ATS34/round hole and two in 154CM/oval hole) best knife ever made for the price. I don't care for the handle shape. All of mine have passed the spine whack test. I am thinking of selling one of them and upgrading to a TSEK. Great knife, totally flawless. :)
 
The mini AFCK is a good knife. I still prefer the larger one since its the original design and it fits my hand better.

My mini M2 slices like crazy though.
 
I had an 812 (w/round hole) for 8 years, never had a single problem with it during constant use. Great ergonomiccs, although the G-10 needed to be rounded on the edges & getting it sharp took a long time. No matter what other knives I bought, the mini always ended up back in my pocket. Until it was stolen. :mad:
 
What are you looking for?

The 814 is a great edc. No problem. But as a small one you might come to the line on some work. Found it a bit uncomfortable in cutting wood. Just this, the rest: super.

The 690 is very different in all, size blade size, price a.s.o. but maybe a bit more comfortable in the hand.
 
I have 2 of each (combo and plain), and I think that both are great knives. The 814 is a good value at ~ $65.

I mostly carry the 814, but was recently surprised to find that the 690 is (to me) more comfortable in use. It is a bit fatter in the pocket, but is very light weight. The 690 also has more contact area for the lock.

Both knives can be easily disassembled, and lend themselves to handle modifications if you are so inclined. The 690 is a very attractive knife and is better for dress-up.

If I had to pick only one, it would be the 690, but it is twice the price of an 814.
 
My mini-AFCK is one of my knives that I cannot find fault with. Great lockup, blade centering, smoothness, fit & finish are great on this knife. For the price, a great knife, IMO
 
Originally posted by Chazzy151
My mini-AFCK is one of my knives that I cannot find fault with. Great lockup, blade centering, smoothness, fit & finish are great on this knife. For the price, a great knife, IMO
Click to expand...

Where might be a good place online from which to purchase one?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top