Military ATS-34 - factory outlet visit

[moebravo]

Missed my chance to miss Sal this week when I went to visit the factory store in Boulder.

What a terrific group of people that worked there.

Was really excited to talk about the military I have in ATS-34.

I wanted to see if there was a collaboration with Benchmade as my AFCK also has ATS-34 or if it was just a coincidence.

I just joined so please let me know if there is a problem with my image. I got home from Denver and had to take a picture to share.

Hope everyone enjoys.

[sal]

Hi Moebravo,

Welcome to our forum.

Photo is fine, nice piece. At the time ( mid '90's ) ATS-34 was one of the premiere steels for knives. We used it in a number of knives and the Military was one of them. Benchmade also used it in their AFCK for the same reason. No collaboration on that model other than Benchmade paying Spyderco royalties on the hole opener. Some say the AFCK is quite similar to the Police model we made at the time. If you place one over the other, the size and pattern are very similar. It is also has a negative angle like the handle on the Police model which was not a common practice for Benchmade designs.

sal

[Wartstein]

Missed my chance to miss Sal this week when I went to visit the factory store in Boulder.

What a terrific group of people that worked there.

Was really excited to talk about the military I have in ATS-34.

I wanted to see if there was a collaboration with Benchmade as my AFCK also has ATS-34 or if it was just a coincidence.

I just joined so please let me know if there is a problem with my image. I got home from Denver and had to take a picture to share.

Hope everyone enjoys.

Welcome to the forum!

What kind of lock does the BM have? Can't figure it out grom your pic...(at least not right now on my phone)

[Stuart Ackerman]

The AFCK had a liner lock.

[moebravo]

Sure did. They both have a liner lock. Both have G10 grips. Both have ATS-34 steel. They are very similar and very rare.

[moebravo]

double tap

[moebravo]

Hi Moebravo,

Welcome to our forum.

Photo is fine, nice piece. At the time ( mid '90's ) ATS-34 was one of the premiere steels for knives. We used it in a number of knives and the Military was one of them. Benchmade also used it in their AFCK for the same reason. No collaboration on that model other than Benchmade paying Spyderco royalties on the hole opener. Some say the AFCK is quite similar to the Police model we made at the time. If you place one over the other, the size and pattern are very similar. It is also has a negative angle like the handle on the Police model which was not a common practice for Benchmade designs.

sal

Thanks Sal, I asked Connie if you were there on Thursday but she said you were out.

Would have been nice to see you and talk to you about it.

Thanks for giving me some more info.

Now if I could only find a 2 hole pocket clip for it.

Have a great weekend.

[sal]

Sorry Moebravo,

We were out at Lake Dillon doing a photo shoot for the new SageSport 160. ( we also make boats - Sage Marine ). There were 10 of us out there. Got some great pics.

sal

[Outlaw Pete]

Sure did. They both have a liner lock. Both have G10 grips. Both have ATS-34 steel. They are very similar and very rare.

I remember when these were in all the stores. I must have bought at least five of each back in the 90s. A great era for tactical knives. The amount of innovation and constant evolution was amazing looking back on it.
20yrs later and they rarely come up for sale .
If only I knew then what I know now

[Woodpuppy]

Sorry Moebravo,

We were out at Lake Dillon doing a photo shoot for the new SageSport 160. ( we also make boats - Sage Marine ). There were 10 of us out there. Got some great pics.

sal

Wait, what?!? Boats? Bet they have a sharp keel :D

[Wartstein]

The AFCK had a liner lock.

Thanks! I wasn't even aware of this BM model...

[Woodpuppy]

They also did one with the axis lock. Mine was the D2 version with axis. Funky grip that I never really cared for.