Benchmade's Best Tactical Folder-The TSEK.

Bladeandbarrel

Bladeandbarrel

Joined
Oct 5, 1998
Messages
3,148
I have been a big fan of the AXIS mechanism for years. I own a set of early, Aluminum 710 prototypes that I have set up for dual carry.

I have only handled a few "bad" AXIS locks with either broken Omega springs or incorrect geometry on the back of the blade.

In my search for the ultimate folder for under $100, I stumbled across the TSEK, Benchmade's economy version of the AFCK, still considered by many to be the best of Benchmade's designs.

The TSEK is a big, beefy knife with a blade that is a full 4" long.
Because it uses thumb studs, the primary grind is higher than the AFCK and the edge is correspondingly thinner (bonus!).

The handle is identical to the AFCK, which means it is perfect for a fighting folder.

The only modificatons I have made to my TSEK are to grind down the left side AXIS button flush with the scale to prevent accidental unlocking in the "hammer" grip. I have sharpened the edge a bit thinner than stock also.

This knife is a self-defense tool only. It is not my utility knife, therefore I could care less that the blade is 440-C, the primary reason for the reduced price of this model.

This is a great tactical folder, IMO.
 
I am getting one instead of the 806d2 because of the higher grind. the grind on the 806 tapers down from the tip to the oval hole, which degrades the cutting ability.
 
Hello,

FWIW, I'm incredibly happen with my TSEK, but find it a tad too big for office carry. I'm very happy with BM's 440C steel as well (in comparrison to its D2, I'd say it is easier to live with, even though it might not be as "good" a steel). Also, the blade geometry on the TSEK is excellent, and it is very ergonomic (though I personally would like something a little more rounded for the handles, but I guess it makes for a slim carry for a big knife).

Regards,

Shaun.
 
Blinker,

Off of BM's site
805.jpg


It's the satin finished plain edged one on the left.

Regards,

Shaun.
 
I'd forgotten about the grind difference between the two! For some people, thumb studs work better than holes -- if you're using this knife as a fighter, the TSEK is obviously a better choice since it also has the higher grind. I was about to pick up an 806, now I"m going to have to consider whether I'd rather give up the thumb hold for the higher grind (probably not ... I'll just grind in heavy relief with the Apex x-coarse stone)

Joe
 
Joe,
I find that the TSEK is faster to open than the AFCK (for me)
The thumb studs really help the heavy blade fling open (Its a flicker)

The heavy chamfer on the AFCK hole is a negative, IMO.
Compare it to an unchamfered hole like a Spyderco Military and you will be surprised by the more positive opening a Military has.
 
I love the TSEK. I even love the mini TSEK. I even like the TSEKs with the GIN-1 steel. They don't stay sharp as long, but they do sharpen up nicely. And, the price is right.
 
So, that´s how opinions vary. I personally prefer the grind of the 806, because near the handle it is lower, as mentioned, which means a stronger blade to me, and towards the tip it gets higher for more cuing ability.

I´m very happy with the hole. On utiliy it is a very good thing because you got a multtude of grip positions without a disturbing stud.

I would not say the 806 is a superior knife in a special way, but it is one of the best conclusions of what is good on a folder available. :)
 
John,
You'd also have to tap the handle for tip up carry as the 800s are tip down. I really like the AFCK, I guess I need to check out a TSEK. What's the stud made of?
Thanks,
Matt
 
I prefer TSEKS's studs over AFCK's hole, which I find hard to get to due to the thick liners and scales. This does not happen with any Spyderco knives I have handled, as they have a thnner scale and easier hole access.
 
Matt,

The Axis TSEK & AFCK are swiss-cheesed; the clips can be set up 4-ways :cool:

I just realized this thread has a pic in it :o you can see the holes.
 
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