Benchmade or Spyderco? Cold Steel? Want a good folder

[Bill Hook]

I've been thinking about a Benchmade AFCK, but the price and the fact that they don't sell it in a satin finish are weighing against that.

I like the "hole" design and had an AFCK II (?, zytel handle, not G10) mini that got stolen 2-3 years back, but otherwise was quite useful.

I'm looking at the Griptilian 550S (part serrated), but see that it has a molded handle and the steel isn't AT-34S, so I'm reconsidering, thinking they've cheaped out. I don't really care for the look of either the Griptilian or the Spydercos (probably why I never bought a Spyderco 5-6 years ago), but function over form, to some extent.

I also might consider Cold Steel's Voyagers, probably Tanto points, unless these have some overarching negatives, either the point design or the whole lineup.

Anyone who can compare the brands (esp. the griptilian model)and give an opinion?

I really am interested in a good quality folder with a 3-4" blade, stainless, of a better quality steel alloy. I like the "hole," but have never tried the AXIS system to compare. Thumbstuds generally suck, IMO. Hence, I might go in another direction entirely, based on critiques and recommendations. My uses will be A) utility jobs and B) defensive back-up

An explanation of AXIS function/advantages might be useful, too.

 

[John G]

Check out Kershaw. I love my Scallion, with it's assisted opener and pocket clip. I've got a few different Kershaws, but the Ken Onion designed ones are my favorites.

 

[VaughnT]

I had the opportunity to handle just about the entire line of Benchmades and really liked the way the Griptillian fit my hand. Yea, the handle material is cheap...but it fits my hand great. The blade is scary sharp. The axis lock is damned strong and is ambidextrous. The pocket clip can be mounted in four positions so you can carry it however you like.

I really don't think there's a comparison between BM and Cold Steel. What I've seen from CS wasn't that impressive. That's just my opinion, though.

Were I to buy another working folder, it would be another Griptillian unless I got a killer deal on something else. As cheap as they are pricewise, you can afford to lose them.

Definitely a top blade.

 

[Carbonator]

Benchmade is generally considered to be a step above Cold Steel.

An AFCK 806D2 is just over 100 bucks. No other folder has such widespread positive reviews that I know of. The griptilian is also nice - not quite as solid as the AFCK but it is less expensive.

The axis lock is strong and can be closed easier with one hand, and without putting fingers in the path of the blade.

 

[Soap]

Cold Steel's folders are tres poo-poo. The quality of the materials is poor and they're overpriced for what you get. The Benchmade 550 or AFCK is an excellent choice. The Axis lock is advantageous because it is easy to open and close, yet it is still a strong locking mechanism. Spyderco makes a great blade. For the purposes you describe I would go with a Military in S30V. Also IMHO I wouldn't use the same folder for utility and defensive purposes. It is likely that fate will make you use your folder defensively the same day you cut carpet for 6 hours.

 

[Bill Hook]

Well, I'm hoping that my CCW piece, not having been used on carpet, will be my first defence.

I have a CS X-lrg tanto voyager I got on eBay and concur to some extent with the crap assessment, but I never use it and have it stashed in my car as a back-up since it is one big honking thing to carry, so I can't really say.

I have a BM Stryker Auto, but don't want to carry it since it isn't legal and the anodized aluminum is too easy to wear.

Thanks. I'm probably going to focus on the Griptilian and try to stay within BM, unless there are other suggestions of brands that would be equal or better for $100 or less.

 

[Bill Hook]

BTW, let's re-visit the AXIS lock and opening.

Is this easy to open one-handed quickly? If so, then I might not care about the thumb hole so much, providing it can be "flicked" open with the wrist.

 

[Soap]

Bill- Yes you can easily and reliably open an Axis in that manner. You can just open it that way or you can pull back on the Axis lock button and the blade will travel in and out with no resistance. Once you flip the blade out, you can then just release the Axis button to engage the lock.

 

[Guyon]

I'd rank them Benchmade with Spyderco a close second. Cold Steel folders are a distant third.

I've owned three BMs with Axis Lock and still have two of them (705 and 710). I think I'd like to try the Griptilian. 440C is nothing to sneeze at with a good heat treat. I have some of the older Buck 110s in 440C, and I find it to be an excellent steel.

My next nice folder though will be the the Spyderco Para-Military if it ever comes out.

 

[Bill Hook]

What are your preferences among BM Axis lock variants?

 

[Schuey2002]

The Benchmade 551 (w/ a non-serrated blade) gets my vote.

 

[Neal Bloom]

Benchmade Griptilian with plain edge would be my choice.

 

[Soap]

I like the 940 Osbourne plain edged or the full size Axis D2 AFCK plain edged.

 

[13.45]

microtech also makes excellent knives (both manual and auto) and can often be found on sale or on the secondary market at reasonable prices

 

[Slimjim]

Guyon: The para-military is in the 2004 catalog.

 

[ruger357]

My vote goes for Benchmade.

 

[Bill Hook]

No autos - If I could carry one, I already have a benchmade stryker that would fit that bill.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

I'm not very knowledgable about knives by any means, but I am very happy with my two Spydercos( Delica stainless serrated and Endura plain edge). My only complaint is that with the first Delica I had the pocket clip kept coming loose and I eventually lost the knife, I have no idea where I lost it.

 

[JShirley]

I used to carry CS folders.

In the last few years, I've chosen Spyderco and BM knives. Griptillian is a great knife.

John