TSEK Axis vs. AFCK Axis

I got my plain-edge TSEK yesterday, and picked it over the AFCK for all the obvious reasons:

1. TSEK is easier to say than AFCK
2. I don't like BT2 blade coating on AFCK
3. I prefer thumb stud to wacky oval hole
4. TSEK is less expensive
5. 440C steel on TSEK is fine for my uses

One thing I didn't realize about both these knives is that the long sloping handle makes it difficult to close the knife without sticking your fingers under the blade, since there's no place for your knife hand to brace itself while it draws back the axis-lock. The 710 (which I have never handled) looks like it would be easier to close because the butt of the handle isn't extended so far.
 
I went to a local dealer today and I have a choice of either an AFCK Axis folder, BT2 coated D2 blade with a 3rd Ranger Battalion crest etched on the blade or a partially serrated TSEK Axis folder. The thing is that I hate BT2 coated blades, but I love the AFCK design. The TSEK is nice, but I don't care too much for serrations, plus there's something about the TSEK's blade shape that does not look right on the AFCK's handle. Decisions, decisions!
 
I have handled both and I will be getting the TSEK Axis, not the AFCK Axis. I prefer 440C over straight carbon steel, and I only own coated blades to protect certain ats-34 and 154-CM blades I own; otherwise I'd prefer satin, stonewashed, or mirror-polished blades.

Also I liked the TSEK's feel better. It felt a bit more blade-heavy than the AFCK and I liked the grind and reinforced tip. I will get the TSEK Axis in plain edge. Also had a nice look to it, IMO.

Jim
 
I don't own any blades in D2. Can anyone give a comparison between D2 and say....154CM? Would that be a fair comparison as far as edgeholding? I gather D2 is not a stainless steel?
 
D2 is just on the other side of stainless, 154CM being on the other side of it.

I have both the Axis AFCK and the TSEK. Which one do I carry? The TSEK. Why? I hate BT2! :barf: Give me a satin finish axis AFCK and I will probably carry it. My Griptilian has given me good performance so I know that the 440C in the TSEK will as well. They are also cheaper than the axis AFCK if that is a factor.
 
I got the AFCK. I don't really like the blade coating either but I wanted the D2 steel. I have knives with 154CM and the D2 will take and hold a slightly better edge. Don't get me wrong I really like the 154CM blade steel too because it is stainless but the D2 steel really cuts well. I would tell you to get the AFCK.
 
My only experience with the AFCK/TSEK style of knife is my Mini-AFCK liner lock with the oval hole opener. So, keeping my very limited experience in mind, here are my thoughts :

If the knife is to fill a self defense role, I would forget the AXIS lock entirely. I believe Murphy's Law strongly discourages the placement of a lock release button in that location. (Just my unenlightened opinion.)

The large round hole is likely the fastest, most snag-free, safest, most reliable opener available on the AFCK/TSEK models. I think the oval hole is attractive but significantly inferior in operation, especially on the "mini" versions, where handling is probably more difficult to begin with. (Imagine a Honda Civic with oval tires.)

If the knife isn't required to fill a self-defense role, I would prefer the AXIS lock, and would rule out the AFCK because of that confounded oval hole and the black finish, at added expense. I would grab the TSEK and either learn to live with the thumbstud, or (far more preferably) remove the stud and make, or have made, a beautiful large round hole in it's place.

Remember, I know next to nothing, and although I find the artistic lines of these knives nearly intoxicating, the handle shape just doesn't work for me. I am probably part of a very small minority in that regard.

Dan
 
Both of these have been available for a little while now. I'd like to bring this thread back up and see if there are any more opinions.
 
I'll update my post:

I bought the TSEK intending to use it as my primary defense blade, and have trained with it, but haven't used it at all for utility - it hasn't cut anything. After a month and a half, I've found the TSEK (with thumb stud) difficult to open smoothly. Not because of the tension on the pivot, but because of the knife layout. I always have the queasy feeling that I could slice my thumb when I open this knife with one hand, if I'm not very careful (haven't done it yet, but I can't shake that feeling). My BM Griptilian drop-point is just the opposite - it feels absolutely safe when opening. [Ironically, I'm probably more likely to cut myself with the Griptilian since it doesn't demand my complete attention when I open it].

The TSEK feels absolutely secure in the hand when open and held in a saber grip, but much less so when held in the false grip (saber grip with edge reversed - facing up my arm). Again, my Griptilian feels just as good in either grip. Since I use the false grip so much in training, this is a major drawback for the TSEK.
The TSEK is obviously a good quality knife, but the ergonomics don't work as well as I'd like for my hands. I probably won't use it much since it won't work as my defense blade, and it's too big to be my EDC utility blade.

miguel
 
the TSEK is a better tool knife

And its name is easier to say, AFCK comes out AFLECK, like the insurence company.

Look at the blade styles, AFCK is what its name implies.
 
Miguel, if it was intended to be a strictly SD blade, why did you go with the TSEK? The reason I ask is because as a dedicated SD knife the BT2 would not get messed up from cutting chores. The steel is a little better. Just a question really. I would have taken the AFCK for a SD blade (but then again I took the AFCK for a general use blade, still!)
 
one2gofst:

I personally think that a super-steel (D2, etc) is a waste of money on a purely defensive knife, since it probably isn't ever going to cut anything, and even in the unlikely event that you actually have to use it, a super-steel isn't going to offer any advantage over a milder steel when you're talking about a few slashes through clothing and flesh. Also, I don't want to have to baby my defensive blade (regular cleaning and lubing), I want it to take care of itself and be ready when needed.

If I'm shopping for a camping knife or a survival knife that needs to cut food, paracord, kindling, and possibly do some chopping or digging, then I'll spring for the D2, and I'll clean it and oil it regularly, because super-steels require a bit more maintenance in exchange for better edge-retention.

Bottom line: I got the TSEK instead of the AFCK because I prefer thumb studs over thumb holes, because I don't like the way BT2 looks, and because the better steel wasn't worth the extra cost to me.

miguel
 
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