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| REVIEWPlease note that this review is one person's opinion and is meant simply to provide information and a viewpoint to the reader and is not meant as an endorsement of the product by the KnifeCenter, although everyone here loves this knife too. By Dexter Ewing, Knife Collector and Enthusiast Sometimes, it may be difficult to find a knife that would fill the role of a utility tool as well as a self defense role. For those stuck with this dilemma, Benchmade's AFCK is the knife you should seriously consider. This knife was designed in conjunction with Chris Caracci, a former Navy SEAL team operator who is now employed as an instructor at Gunsite Training Center in Paulden, Arizona (A word of note, the AFCK model 800S is the official knife of Gunsite). (**KnifeCenter note--We aren't certain of Mr Caracci's present position ) The AFCK is manufactured under license from Spyderco, for it sports the blade hole. There are several features the AFCK incorporates that sets it apart from the competition. First, there is a slight curve to the knife when opened fully. This curve helps to concentrate pressure where it's needed most -- on the blade. Second, one will notice the recess in the handle, close to the pivot end. This is the key to the great feel the AFCK has in the hand. On the inside of this recess is where you will find the Locking Liner release (which by the way is serrated for a good purchase when unlocking the blade). Personally, I really like this setup. The release is seated into the handle, making it impossible to inadvertently unlock the blade. It does take some getting used to, though. Instead of putting part of your thumb onto the liner itself, you touch the bottom end of the release. Because of the serrations there, your thumb may develop a minor sore spot from repeated unlocking. Third, the blade hole makes blade deployment a snap (so to speak!), even with work gloves on. Fourth, I discovered the AFCK's hole is chamfered, eliminating any sharp edges. Comparing the hole with those on my SPydercos, it does not feel as harsh. Your thumb will definitely thank you for this! As for the cutting performance of the AFCK, it is one serious cutting tool. For a few weeks, I proceeded to tote it around with me, using it for those "mundane" utility cutting tasks at work and in the yard. The AFCK went through cardboard quickly, with little pressure applied to the handle (the curve of the knife comes into play here). For those of you, like myself, who have a knack for landscaping and/or gardening, this is an ideal knife to have with you out in the field. I have put my AFCK through its paces by harvesting produce, trimming vines, and opening bags of fertilizer. Again, the knife can be used with one hand, without having to pull your gloves off. In terms of self defense, the AFCK will excel in this role as well as it does utility tasks. Thanks to the handle's recess, your hand will never slide up on the blade. This knife feels like an extension of your arm during slashing and thrusting maneuvers. Under stress conditions, you must be able to retrieve the knife and open it with either hand. The blade hole and Locking Liner simplify this task. In closing, the AFCK is a knife capable of fulfilling both roles of self defense and utility comfortably. It is a knife I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone looking for a large folder for utility purposes. If a large folder is not what you need, then take a look at the Mini AFCK. The Mini offers the same features ( ***KnifeCenter note - model 812 has stainless locking liner while model 800 has titanium) and performance of its big brother, but in a more compact package. Benchmade has also released the model 800 with a Black T coated blade, for outstanding corrosion resistance, high lubricity, and reduced glare. Dexter Ewing knifenut@triad.rr.com If you have some thoughts or comments to share with Mr. Ewing, please email him using his linked name below Dexter Ewing DEXTER "Blade Man" EWING Have a knife day! |