- Joined
- Sep 23, 1999
- Messages
- 3,831
I have an AFCK, and the Buck/Strider, and I have handled the Mili, so here's my input.
You kind-of have 2 choices: Buck/Strider, or one of the AFCK/Mili. I have laid my AFCK ontop of my B/S, and it is interesting to see the dimension differences. The AFCK is actually longer over all! The Buck though is thicker, The blade is thicker too. First off, I'd suggest the B/S in spear point, as it will be an over all more useful point. Though I wouldn't say that the tanto tip on these is not useful, it just isn't really a cutting edge. i tis great for polong, prying, scraping, etc. So anyways, I liek how the Buck fits in my hand. Grab a shovel or an axe and you'll see atool handle designed for human hands. SAKs are great, but most of 'em have tiny handles compared to what would really fill a human hand! So the thickness of the Buck/Striders I find makes them great in the way they fit your hand. Better in fact that the Spidie/AFCk I'd say. Though the latter 2 folders have more contours to their handles, the actual size of the Buck/Strider is better. Also, I think that the Buck/Strider will take more abuse than the latter 2 folders. However, the AFCK/Mili do have thinner blade stock and, given their overall shape, are probably better cutters.
So if more toughness is what you want, get a spear point Buck Strider, which you'll be able to get plenty sharp! My Tanto Buck/Strider shaves the hair off my arm very nicely. If you want an EDC that is lighter, slimmer, and overall maybe a better cutter, then choose between the AFCK or Mili (or the TSEK, that would be fantastic!). I usually carry an SAK or a stockman along with my Buck Strider, so I'm set. Strider for the tough chores, and the stockman comes out for finer stuff. My stockman will outcut my AFCK! mirror polish a convex edge on the sheepsfoot blade of a Schrade Old Timer and you'll know what sharp is!
By the way, the Buck knife had changes to the pivot/washer set-up too, making that better. So internally and externally, the Buck/Strider got a makeover and she is even better now.
So in summary: Buck will be the heaviest/largest of the knives. If you don't mind the thickness of the folder in your pocket or the weight, then the spea rpoitn will make a nice cutter that is super tough. The AFCK/Mili both are lighter and have great cutting blades, though I don't think they'll be as tough as the Buck/Strider. However, they are easier to carry.
Either way you'll end up with a good knife, so don't worry there. If it were up to me, I'd get the Buck/Strider folder. However, I do prefer larger knives. Good luck with your decision, there is lots of info on the forums here to help you out!
You kind-of have 2 choices: Buck/Strider, or one of the AFCK/Mili. I have laid my AFCK ontop of my B/S, and it is interesting to see the dimension differences. The AFCK is actually longer over all! The Buck though is thicker, The blade is thicker too. First off, I'd suggest the B/S in spear point, as it will be an over all more useful point. Though I wouldn't say that the tanto tip on these is not useful, it just isn't really a cutting edge. i tis great for polong, prying, scraping, etc. So anyways, I liek how the Buck fits in my hand. Grab a shovel or an axe and you'll see atool handle designed for human hands. SAKs are great, but most of 'em have tiny handles compared to what would really fill a human hand! So the thickness of the Buck/Striders I find makes them great in the way they fit your hand. Better in fact that the Spidie/AFCk I'd say. Though the latter 2 folders have more contours to their handles, the actual size of the Buck/Strider is better. Also, I think that the Buck/Strider will take more abuse than the latter 2 folders. However, the AFCK/Mili do have thinner blade stock and, given their overall shape, are probably better cutters.
So if more toughness is what you want, get a spear point Buck Strider, which you'll be able to get plenty sharp! My Tanto Buck/Strider shaves the hair off my arm very nicely. If you want an EDC that is lighter, slimmer, and overall maybe a better cutter, then choose between the AFCK or Mili (or the TSEK, that would be fantastic!). I usually carry an SAK or a stockman along with my Buck Strider, so I'm set. Strider for the tough chores, and the stockman comes out for finer stuff. My stockman will outcut my AFCK! mirror polish a convex edge on the sheepsfoot blade of a Schrade Old Timer and you'll know what sharp is!
By the way, the Buck knife had changes to the pivot/washer set-up too, making that better. So internally and externally, the Buck/Strider got a makeover and she is even better now.
So in summary: Buck will be the heaviest/largest of the knives. If you don't mind the thickness of the folder in your pocket or the weight, then the spea rpoitn will make a nice cutter that is super tough. The AFCK/Mili both are lighter and have great cutting blades, though I don't think they'll be as tough as the Buck/Strider. However, they are easier to carry.
Either way you'll end up with a good knife, so don't worry there. If it were up to me, I'd get the Buck/Strider folder. However, I do prefer larger knives. Good luck with your decision, there is lots of info on the forums here to help you out!
