Benchmade HK 14715BK AXIS Knife Review
Posted by admin on Aug 28th 2014
The AXIS® is back. Benchmade has put the AXIS® locking mechanism back into the Heckler and Koch® line with the impressive 14715BK knife.
The HK 14715BK continues in the tradition of practical design coupled with quality that has made HK an industry leader in manufacturing products for military and law enforcement. For their edged tools, Heckler and Koch® has teamed up with Benchmade Knives to produce a line of knives that deliver strength and reliability to those whose lives depend on knives that perform.
The focal point of the 14715BK is the clip point D2 tool steel blade. The blade opens with the dual thumb studs. It locks open with the cutting edge AXIS® system.
Once the blade is locked open, it is nearly impossible to close. This takes a manual folder and converts it into a near fixed blade knife, perfect for those who depend on their tool in situations where failure can result in serious complications.
The blade steel is D2. D2 tool steel contains between 10% and 13% chromium. Because of the high chromium content, it is often referred to as a semi-stainless steel. Although it may be considered as a stainless by some, it is important to remember that D2 should be treated as a non stainless. Each time you are finished with your D2 blade, make sure to wipe it dry and store it in dry location. An air hardened tool steel, D2 really excels when it comes to wear resistance. It is considered one of the best choices for hard use applications, once again making it perfect for urban tactical situations.
The blade has a black tactical BK coated blade. This gives the steel a bit more corrosion protection as well as eliminating any blade glare if the knife is being used in night ops. The BK coat from Benchmade is hardy and durable. It rarely shows scratches and wears fairly even over time.
The clip point shape of the blade allows it to be used for heavy piercing cuts. Benchmade has produced this blade with the full blade thickness running down the clip point to the last possible moment before narrowing to a point. This gives the blade tip extra strength similar to what would be found in a tanto point blade while keeping the blade edge a traditional curve so as to maximize the length of the cutting edge.
The Heckler and Koch motto — No Compromise — is definitely well exhibited in the AXIS lock as well as in the choice of D2 tool steel for the blade.
The handle scales on this tactical folder are textured black G-10 scales on full stainless steel liners. The full liners give the knife the rigidity and strength it needs to perform under the heavy demands of an urban tactical environment. The G-10 has one of the most “grippy” textures I have ever seen on a knife. It keeps bare hands on the handle even in wet and slippery conditions.
A classic finger groove with slight tapering into the blade handle gives your forefinger the perfect grip when you are holding this knife in the forward grip. Jimping, notches cut into a blade spine or handle grip for control, is found both along the top edge of the spine through onto the blade spine as well as on both angled edges of the handle butt. The jimping on the butt allows for a thumb control position if the knife is held in the reverse grip.
The pocket clip is right/left reversible and holds your knife in a tip up position.
This spectacular knife, found in the Benchmade HK lineup, is perfect for heavy duty combat, urban tactical as well as outdoor use. Built with military users and LE in mind, this knife is tough enough to perform when all your chips are on the table and the hand you are dealt is the hand you must win with. Find the 14715BK AXIS® on our website here. Let me know how it performs for you down below.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Blade Length: 3.69″
- Blade Thickness: 0.146″
- Handle Thickness: 0.510″
- Blade Material: D2 Tool Steel
- Blade Hardness: 60-62 HRC
- Blade Style: Clip Point with Ambidextrous Thumb Studs
- Weight: 4.96 oz.
- Clip: Black, Reversible, Tip-Up
- Lock Mechanism: AXIS
- Overall Length: 8.34″
- Closed Length: 4.64″
- Class: Heckler & Koch