I am torn between the two. I want a really good auto EDC and really like both of these. Can you guys who have both of these compare and contrast them for me? Thanks

3550 is a great BM classic, so is the AFO.

plan on stabbing or cutting

stabbing, 3550.
cutting, AFO.

While the 9050 is a great knife it's also a chunk to carry.

The 3550 is a lot smaller, and easier to 'pocket' but still has enough blade for most EDC cutting chores.

Want something bigger for heavier jobs get the AFO.

Talk about apples and oranges...

I'd say it really depends on what you want to use the knife for. On the one hand, you have the AFO, which is a pretty tough, heavy, hand- (and pocket-) filling knife, fit to take on the really dirty tasks that you probably shouldn't be using your BM for. That's not to say it couldn't handle delicate cutting, slicing or what have you, but it's a pretty heavy duty knife.

And on the other hand, you have the 3550, which is light, small, easy to carry, etc. I wouldn't feel as comfortable with the 3550 tearing through tough materials as I would with the AFO. But then, if you do a lot of slicing, say, food prep, the 3550 with its really thin blade will far outperform the AFO.

So yeah, if I were stuck out in the woods with only one knife, between these two it would be the AFO. For my normal EDC (admittedly not a lot of heavy duty cutting), I'd go for the 3550.

Can't go wrong either way. In fact, I'd say to skip the decision, and just get and carry both...

quote:

Originally posted by zven:
Can't go wrong either way. In fact, I'd say to skip the decision, and just get and carry both...

+1 on that...best option of all is no option. Get both!

Both indeed great knives and deserve a spot in everyones collection but if $$ only allows you to grab one right now perhaps these will help you make your decision..


As you can see they are really from opposite sides of the planet!



Hope this helps ya!!

Thanks KJ that helps a lot. Just something about the AFO that catches my eye. I'm gonna get that one.

Glad I could help..

Thanks for the pics KJ, the button on the new AFO's a lot bigger, must be easy to find and fire!

the 9050 is just a beast of a knife and I can live with the extra weight but either one will suffice