Timely advice needed!

Mini-AFCK or 921?

  • Mini-AFCK w/ M2 steel

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • BM 921 w/ S30V steel

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Get a Sebenza (just kidding!)

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    0
  • Poll closed .
Starfish

Starfish

Joined
Jun 14, 2001
Messages
1,256
Fellow members - I seek your advice!

More importantly: I need your advice by 3:00 P.M. EST!

As some of you know, I've been liquidating my collection of knives in order to have some money on hand for the upcoming holiday season, as well as finance all three of my children's birthdays (one in September, October, and December). However, I did plan to buy one knife to serve as an EDC until at least February of next year. This will likely be the only knife I buy during that time.

I have narrowed my choices down to two knives: the Mini-AFCK with M2 steel, and the Benchmade 921 with S30V steel. Here's my list of pros and cons so far:

  1. Handle Ergos:
    Mini-AFCK: seems to lock into the hand very securely, and allows me to choke up a bit if necessary.
    BM 921: have not handled, but I did like the 940.
  2. Lock:
    Mini-AFCK: liner lock. I admit to having some reservations about a liner lock, but it's not a deal-breaker - especially from Benchmade.
    BM 921: axis lock - 'nuff said :)
  3. Handle Material:
    Mini-AFCK: G-10 - I like the fact that G-10 will provide a good grip, without showing scratches. However, I will mostly be wearing this knife with slacks, so I don't know how well the pockets will hold up to G-10.
    BM 921: aluminum - I do like metal handles, but I don't like scratches...
  4. Steel: I have no experience with either of these.
    Mini-AFCK: M2
    BM 921: S30V
  5. Blade shape:
    Mini-AFCK: clip point? It would seem to be the more useful blade shape, since it does have better penetration capability.
    BM 921: Wharncliffe - which I like, but I am not sure if it is as useful as the Mini-AFCK
    [/list=1]

    Intended use of the knife: everyday utility cutting, mostly apples, envelopes, the occasional box, and killer threads. However, I would like to be secure in the thought that the knife could do much more if required.

    So, please vote in the poll, tell me what you think, and if possible, post why!

    Thanks,

    Matthew
 
Whoops - forgot to say that the reason I need advice by 3:00 EST today is that my local Benchmade dealer has them both in stock, at very reasonable prices!

And so I plan to ride down there this afternoon and check them out.

( Oh happy day, when I buy a new knife :D )

But I still want opinions! :)

Thanks,

Matthew
 
Looks like to me you chose the mini afck, I like the 921 better myself though, no reason just like it. I like the axis locks they open sooo smooth, but most all BM's do. I just never liked the AFCK's that much. again no reason just don't. Have you considered the griptilians (555's)? cheaper price, good knifes, can get in axis lock with thumb hole or thumbstud which ever you prefer better?
 
I believe that the new AFCK (& mini) have Arc locks. Maybe you should wait and consider the new ones.

Ask your local dealer if he'll order one for you.
 
I believe that the new AFCK (& mini) have Arc locks. Maybe you should wait and consider the new ones.
Click to expand...

That might get BM into trouble if they are putting "arc" locks on their knives now. :rolleyes:
 
I would go with the mini AFCk. I have one in gin-1 and its a good edc. You said you do not like scratches so if your going to be carrying this one stay away from the 921 as you will definitely, probably end up getting it scratched. the liner lock on the AFCK is pretty dependable. Its a good light knife to carry with all the cutting abilities of a larger knife.

hope this helps!
 
Thanks for the comments so far.

NGK-Webmaster, I was leaning toward the 814HS until this morning, when I found out I had the opportunity to buy a 921 instead. I've considered the Griptilians, but since I'm buying one EDC to tide me over for the next 6 months or so, I'd really like to get a knife with premium steel and better-than-FRN handles.

I would wait for the axis mini-AFCK, but I don't think that BM has even announced that model yet. And of course, when they do announce that model, it'll be another 3-4 months before anybody can get a plain-edged model :rolleyes:

I have to admit - the biggest draw on the BM 921 is the axis lock and S30V.

Thanks again,

Matthew
 
Get a Sebenza and forget all the rest, Just kidding, Yah right! :p LMAO

Oh heck get the Mini-AFCK, sounds like your sold on it any way. hehe

James
 
Now we have AFCKs with Arc locks and Gin-1 steel, huh?
Makes you kind of scared to even ask a question around here:(

I like the looks of the 921, and have always loved the mini-AFCK.
Been looking at the 921, and got the urge for a new mini-AFCK at the same time (see what trading off a small Seb does to you?), so I've been thinking about the same thing you are.
I like the handles on the mini-AFCK, and prefer G10, but also liked the handles on the 940, so should be ok with the 921. I don't really trust the Axis any more, since I had a spring break on my 710, and had to send it in. 'Course it's better all-around than a liner lock....guess they're tied.
Getting to the blade, that wharncliffe on the 921 looks great, and appears to have a higher (thinner?) grind than the mini does. Doesn't have a hole, but S30V is awesome, and you won't have to put up with BMs crappy BT2.
So, I'd go for the 921, strictly for the blade:)
 
Originally posted by Starfish

  1. Handle Ergos:
    Mini-AFCK: seems to lock into the hand very securely, and allows me to choke up a bit if necessary.
    BM 921: have not handled, but I did like the 940.
  2. Lock:
    Mini-AFCK: liner lock. I admit to having some reservations about a liner lock, but it's not a deal-breaker - especially from Benchmade.
    BM 921: axis lock - 'nuff said :)
  3. Handle Material:
    Mini-AFCK: G-10 - I like the fact that G-10 will provide a good grip, without showing scratches. However, I will mostly be wearing this knife with slacks, so I don't know how well the pockets will hold up to G-10.
    BM 921: aluminum - I do like metal handles, but I don't like scratches...
  4. Steel: I have no experience with either of these.
    Mini-AFCK: M2
    BM 921: S30V
  5. Blade shape:
    Mini-AFCK: clip point? It would seem to be the more useful blade shape, since it does have better penetration capability.
    BM 921: Wharncliffe - which I like, but I am not sure if it is as useful as the Mini-AFCK
    [/list=1]
Click to expand...

  1. Matt, IMO, the only thing that the afck doesn't win out from looking at your table is the lock, and the reason for me is because I haven't have an Axis lock. I've tried it, it slick an all, and I'd like one.
    the 940's anodized aluminum is not as grippy and actually small for my comparatively small hands, and from the looks of it the 921 isn't too much different. However it will be your knife so you should really handle it and decide.
 
I can't comment on the 921 but a full size afck in m2 has been one of my edc's for years. If forced to only have 1 knife this would be it, great ergo's, very useful blade shape, holds a nice edge.

I've never had a problem with g-10 wearing out pockets, just the opposite really, after awhile the g-10 smooths out a bit. I've also never had a liner lock fail, but I don't pound on my knives either. With your decribed use that liner lock should never be an issue.

The only down side to the m-2 blade is the black coating that scratches fairly easily leaving the rather grey metal exposed. That said it has not been a corrosion problem just an asthetic one.
 
Save up enough money for both of them, and then buy a Sebenza! I like the AFCK, because it is more fortinuatious and sentagulous.
 
Gee... I know it's not on your list but have you given any
thought to a

<center>Benchmade 941D2CF?</center>


Just a suggestion, heard they were pretty nice as well ;)
G2
 
Gary is right about one thing, the bm941 would be an excellent consideration. I have one that I received in a trade, and the more I use it, the more I like it.

wkmdsrdtbble.;)
 
What are ya? Some kinda Yogi Berra....
Fortinuatious? Sentagulous?
Ain't in my dictionary.;) If these are really words, I want definitions.... if these are made-ups, darn good job!
Pontifically yours,
Mongo
 
I handled the Mini-AFCK and the BM 921 side-by-side. Here's my thoughts on each:

Mini-AFCK: I really liked the blade shape, opening hole, and handle ergos. I found that I did not like the G-10 that much, mainly due to the fact that I normally wear slacks. It appeared to me that the G-10 would likely abrade my pockets rather quickly. Really the only negative about this knife, and if I normally wore jeans, it wouldn't be a concern.

BM 921: Blade shape was great, and the axis lock is always so nice for opening. However, the handles were really thin, and the anodizing on the handles was not as grippy as the 940.

Then, my dealer started showing me some of the other new knives he's gotten in since my last visit a few months ago. As I looked in the general direction of the knife case, I spotted a

<center>Benchmade 941D2CF!</center>

Wow...I'm in LOVE

Ultra light carbon fiber handles, satin finished D2 steel, 941 clip point, limited run, and an awesome price....how could I resist? :D

Thanks to all who replied and voted (even those who told me to get a Sebbie!)

Originally posted by Gary W. Graley
Gee... I know it's not on your list but have you given any
thought to a

<center>Benchmade 941D2CF?</center>


Just a suggestion, heard they were pretty nice as well ;)
G2
Click to expand...

Hey Gary - that's really freaky! It's almost like you were there with me... :eek:...good advice though, you really ought to consider picking one of these up ;) :p
 
Just messing with you, man...btw, my last name's McMurrey. Maybe we're related:eek:
 
A virutal relative? COOL!

Yeah that was kinda embarrassing...I could have sworn I saw the mini-AFCK will Axis on it.

Maybe not...

Any, nice to meet you, my long lost virtual cousin.:)
 
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