- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 4,842
I don't want to be judgemental, but if you pick a liner lock over the axis, you must have scored some exceptionally good stuff, and can you get some for me? That's not judgemental, is it? 
It's ironic that the accidental-release objections over the axis lock are not reflected at all in use, or even in testing. Meanwhile, it's the hardcore defense guys who train against heavy bag type objects that convinced me that liner lock failures were all-too-real. Theoretical weakness that has no basis in reality, or real weakness that's been documented loads of times? Hmmmm...
That's not judgemental either, is it
(I get the feeling that by the time I'm done, I'll have to litter my post with so many smilies, it'll look all twinkly).
My own prejudices aside, if forced to stick strictly to your list, I'd be looking at the Axis AFCK, and the Chinook. The Chinook is an extremely capable knife, well-finished by Spyderco, strong lock, good blade, solid, etc. It is heavy, too heavy for me for an everyday carry knife, but a great choice. The Axis AFCK should be a blockbuster. The best lock going and a D2 blade, coupled with one of the best overall designs in a defensive folder ever, IMO. I feel that Benchmade's QC has come a long way, especially with previous Axis knives.
Oops! Just realized the chinook isn't on your original list, someone else brought it up. Still sweet! I agree with you about the Gunting -- it's cool, but if you don't have a 3" blade limit law in your state, then I'd look at something bigger.
In fact, I actually think your analysis of the knives you're looking at is excellent. I would pick some nits -- axis as weakness is insane, and I'd list microbar as a SOCOM Elite weakness -- but beyond a few nits that can always be argued either way, I think you've got a great handle on things. G
Joe

It's ironic that the accidental-release objections over the axis lock are not reflected at all in use, or even in testing. Meanwhile, it's the hardcore defense guys who train against heavy bag type objects that convinced me that liner lock failures were all-too-real. Theoretical weakness that has no basis in reality, or real weakness that's been documented loads of times? Hmmmm...
That's not judgemental either, is it



My own prejudices aside, if forced to stick strictly to your list, I'd be looking at the Axis AFCK, and the Chinook. The Chinook is an extremely capable knife, well-finished by Spyderco, strong lock, good blade, solid, etc. It is heavy, too heavy for me for an everyday carry knife, but a great choice. The Axis AFCK should be a blockbuster. The best lock going and a D2 blade, coupled with one of the best overall designs in a defensive folder ever, IMO. I feel that Benchmade's QC has come a long way, especially with previous Axis knives.
Oops! Just realized the chinook isn't on your original list, someone else brought it up. Still sweet! I agree with you about the Gunting -- it's cool, but if you don't have a 3" blade limit law in your state, then I'd look at something bigger.
In fact, I actually think your analysis of the knives you're looking at is excellent. I would pick some nits -- axis as weakness is insane, and I'd list microbar as a SOCOM Elite weakness -- but beyond a few nits that can always be argued either way, I think you've got a great handle on things. G
Joe