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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
A great "do-everything", "last forever" large clip folder
- Thread starter YoungCutter
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 13, 1999
- Messages
- 158
YoungCutter:
The 710 is a good choice I really liked mine, however if you are willing to pay for a directly superior knife get the Sebenza.
I do not know if the Sebenza will out last three 710s but it definitely outlasted one. My 710 was fine for about a year-and-a-half until one of the omega springs broke, this slightly increased the vertical play and caused me to stop carrying it as the second spring would have broken as well.
On the other hand my Sebenza is just as rock solid as it was the day I received it.
The 710 is a good choice I really liked mine, however if you are willing to pay for a directly superior knife get the Sebenza.
I do not know if the Sebenza will out last three 710s but it definitely outlasted one. My 710 was fine for about a year-and-a-half until one of the omega springs broke, this slightly increased the vertical play and caused me to stop carrying it as the second spring would have broken as well.
On the other hand my Sebenza is just as rock solid as it was the day I received it.
- Joined
- Nov 17, 1999
- Messages
- 676
First: depends on the money you are willing to spend.
under 100$ : go for the Outdoor edge carson nr 4.
100-200$ : go for the REKAT (SiFU or Carni), Micotech (LCC or SOCOM-E) or MOD (Trident or CQD)
200$ and over: Sebenza, no doubt.
Rules of chosing knives: First handle them before you buy them.
Check if the lock is solid and engages good, check for bladelay in any direction.
greetz, Bart.
under 100$ : go for the Outdoor edge carson nr 4.
100-200$ : go for the REKAT (SiFU or Carni), Micotech (LCC or SOCOM-E) or MOD (Trident or CQD)
200$ and over: Sebenza, no doubt.
Rules of chosing knives: First handle them before you buy them.
Check if the lock is solid and engages good, check for bladelay in any direction.
greetz, Bart.
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2001
- Messages
- 1,218
Gosh guys,
i'd like to thank you all for the warm welcome and the almost overwhelming amount of feedback, not even on the gun scene have I seen someone so largely welcomed, much less myself.
Believe it or not, the reason it took me so long to get back to all of you guys is I've been visiting the websites of pretty much every single company recommended, and have been investigating the knives mentioned.
So my conclusions are thus:
-Best Bang for the buck is crystal clear, a Zytel Carson Magna ($60!), but hey, if I was REALLY strapped for cash i'd prolly stick with my POS Springfield
ah well, the Magna is on my "heavily considered" list.
-Spyderco's, they seem alright, and nice bangs for the buck, but i'm having a little trouble getting over the remarkably UNTRADITIONAL looks of the Spydercos, they just look downright WEIRD to me, still, i'll try givin' one a feel when I run off to my local dealer (assuming they have spydercos)
-The Carson Large Model 4 and Chris Reeve Sebenza are, sadly, quite out of my price range - they seem like nice knives but $325(!) for the Sebenza and $425(!!!) for the Carson M4 are just mindboggling, I know they'd probably last forever, and i'm not totally ruling them out of my future, but right now the sticker shock is just TOO great
-The several Benchmades all seem to be kinda the sweet spot for me, good balance of quality, size, price, and aesthetics yknow, I think the 710 may be a winner, but i'll check out the 720, 750 and 940 also if my dealer has em handy (my local dealer IS a Benchmade dealer by the way), for those concerned, I very much intend to drop the exta 5-10 bucks for the M2 goodness
-To Glockman99, the REKATs are unquestionably intruiguing, but it seems like the Sifu might be too big and the Carnivour too small, *shrugs* we'll see.
-To Toolin, thanks for the URLs, the 1SKS link is especially useful, and if I find my dealer to be exceptionally greedy or expectionally incompetent I may very well purchase my selection from them.
-To LoneHunter, I may already be in trouble, i've got my eye on a KA-BAR USMC for no real reason other than I just kinda want one, it begins
.
Ok, so now my fingers are getting tired (phew!). I hope I didn't forget anybody
, once again thanks for all your responses.
-Y.C.
i'd like to thank you all for the warm welcome and the almost overwhelming amount of feedback, not even on the gun scene have I seen someone so largely welcomed, much less myself.
Believe it or not, the reason it took me so long to get back to all of you guys is I've been visiting the websites of pretty much every single company recommended, and have been investigating the knives mentioned.
So my conclusions are thus:
-Best Bang for the buck is crystal clear, a Zytel Carson Magna ($60!), but hey, if I was REALLY strapped for cash i'd prolly stick with my POS Springfield
ah well, the Magna is on my "heavily considered" list.-Spyderco's, they seem alright, and nice bangs for the buck, but i'm having a little trouble getting over the remarkably UNTRADITIONAL looks of the Spydercos, they just look downright WEIRD to me, still, i'll try givin' one a feel when I run off to my local dealer (assuming they have spydercos)
-The Carson Large Model 4 and Chris Reeve Sebenza are, sadly, quite out of my price range - they seem like nice knives but $325(!) for the Sebenza and $425(!!!) for the Carson M4 are just mindboggling, I know they'd probably last forever, and i'm not totally ruling them out of my future, but right now the sticker shock is just TOO great
-The several Benchmades all seem to be kinda the sweet spot for me, good balance of quality, size, price, and aesthetics yknow, I think the 710 may be a winner, but i'll check out the 720, 750 and 940 also if my dealer has em handy (my local dealer IS a Benchmade dealer by the way), for those concerned, I very much intend to drop the exta 5-10 bucks for the M2 goodness
-To Glockman99, the REKATs are unquestionably intruiguing, but it seems like the Sifu might be too big and the Carnivour too small, *shrugs* we'll see.
-To Toolin, thanks for the URLs, the 1SKS link is especially useful, and if I find my dealer to be exceptionally greedy or expectionally incompetent I may very well purchase my selection from them.
-To LoneHunter, I may already be in trouble, i've got my eye on a KA-BAR USMC for no real reason other than I just kinda want one, it begins
.Ok, so now my fingers are getting tired (phew!). I hope I didn't forget anybody
, once again thanks for all your responses.-Y.C.
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2001
- Messages
- 1,218
Further Response:
Just for the record the above response was actually written about this time yesterday, but I couldn't get it thru the server until today.
In response to the most recent replies:
To Bart Student, referr to my statement to Glockman99 for my impressions on the REKATs. Amazingly, the Microtech SOCOM Elite looks quite interesting, and I'll check it out if I can, but the LCC seems too small. Also the MOD CQD looks somewhat appealing, though the blade seems a little bit short i'll probably still check it out, as for the Trident, there seems nothing inherently wrong with it except that I really don't care for spearpoint blades... *shrugs*
To Brigadier, I checked out the Emerson and to be totally honest wasn't real impressed, but wasn't exactly turned off either, i'll check it out if I get the chance.
To Maskwa, weren't those omega springs covered by warranty? If not, how much did they/would they charge to replace them?
To All others who've recently posted, thanks for your opinions, and referr to my previous post for first impressions on knives recommended.
-Y.C.
Just for the record the above response was actually written about this time yesterday, but I couldn't get it thru the server until today.
In response to the most recent replies:
To Bart Student, referr to my statement to Glockman99 for my impressions on the REKATs. Amazingly, the Microtech SOCOM Elite looks quite interesting, and I'll check it out if I can, but the LCC seems too small. Also the MOD CQD looks somewhat appealing, though the blade seems a little bit short i'll probably still check it out, as for the Trident, there seems nothing inherently wrong with it except that I really don't care for spearpoint blades... *shrugs*
To Brigadier, I checked out the Emerson and to be totally honest wasn't real impressed, but wasn't exactly turned off either, i'll check it out if I get the chance.
To Maskwa, weren't those omega springs covered by warranty? If not, how much did they/would they charge to replace them?
To All others who've recently posted, thanks for your opinions, and referr to my previous post for first impressions on knives recommended.
-Y.C.
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2000
- Messages
- 736
You said "Last forever", not me. I spent about $1000 searching for the perfect folder...then I bought a Sebenza. While it may not be perfect for some, it is for me and I plan to give it and any other CRK knives I buy (in perfect working order) to my nephews. I figure that will be in about 20-30 years.
I carry my Sebenza daily and never worry about it...other than the loss I would feel if I didn't have it. How many things can you say that THAT about?
Quality never goes out of style.
Steve-O
I spent about $1000 searching for the perfect folder...then I bought a Sebenza. While it may not be perfect for some, it is for me and I plan to give it and any other CRK knives I buy (in perfect working order) to my nephews. I figure that will be in about 20-30 years. I carry my Sebenza daily and never worry about it...other than the loss I would feel if I didn't have it. How many things can you say that THAT about?
Quality never goes out of style.
Steve-O
I also had trouble posting replies on this particular thread...
I believe that; but that constitutes reasonable wear. Just replace the spring. You can buy a much better Omega spring and install it yourself. This would make an excellent after-market accessory. It wold last much longer, too, than the stock spring.
I believe that; but that constitutes reasonable wear. Just replace the spring. You can buy a much better Omega spring and install it yourself. This would make an excellent after-market accessory. It wold last much longer, too, than the stock spring.
Okay. let me ask this.
Isn't an obvious choice for a "last forever" knife in the suggested category a Buck Strider?
I mean, it's as tough as nails, definately a knife for any knife abuser, and well within the price range.
I own a Magna, a Chinook, a 710, a Microtech LCC, and a Sebenza.
These are ALL excellent knives, but I wouldn't hesitate to suggest a Buck/Strider as the BEST bang for the buck for a super-tough knife.
I understand we all have our favorites, but I feel most of the above suggestions are more personal favorites that what this gentleman is looking for. Just my opinion, please ignore, if you don't like it.
As as far as the clip point folder goes, I don't think any single suggestions of the above has yet to be a true clip point.
Isn't an obvious choice for a "last forever" knife in the suggested category a Buck Strider?
I mean, it's as tough as nails, definately a knife for any knife abuser, and well within the price range.
I own a Magna, a Chinook, a 710, a Microtech LCC, and a Sebenza.
These are ALL excellent knives, but I wouldn't hesitate to suggest a Buck/Strider as the BEST bang for the buck for a super-tough knife.
I understand we all have our favorites, but I feel most of the above suggestions are more personal favorites that what this gentleman is looking for. Just my opinion, please ignore, if you don't like it.
As as far as the clip point folder goes, I don't think any single suggestions of the above has yet to be a true clip point.
Determining how tough a folder actually is can be a matter of many issues. For example, look at the Strider vs. the 710. The Strider is so much more beefier than the 710 that one would immediately think the Strider is much more rugged. Not necessarily so. The Strider may be more rugged in general handle strength and pivot strength (prying)...but the lock on the 710 is supposedly more rugged, or at least is more reliable.
Compare the Strider to the Al Mar Sere 2000. Again, the Strider is more stout, but the Sere is both smaller and HEAVIER! That is something to consider.
Now compare the Al Mar to the 710. The general appearance of the Sere gives a much beefier image, but that is solely because of the increased G-10 scale thickness and the slightly thicker blade. But the liners, which are very important to overall strength, are the same thickness. If anything, the 710 liner is slightly thicker, by a hair. (Actually, the liner strength of the 710 may be slightly less than the Sere because the 710 has punchout holes, whereas the Sere is solid.)
Now we come down to blade strength. The M-2 series 710 has superior blade strength...so this is important when considering possible tip prying and when cutting certain hard mediums.
BTW, the Sere 2000 is an outstanding knife. This needs to be in the list of considerations. It is as "custom" as an LCC.
- Joined
- Sep 13, 1999
- Messages
- 158
YoungCutter:
I still have not sent in my 710 for repair so I do not know if the omega springs would be covered for free or for a fee. I have heard good things about Benchmade's repair department so I don't think it will be a problem.
The 710 really is a good knife if you like it the best go for it.
komondor:
Reasonable wear or not the Sebenza did outlast the 710 in this instance. Equipping my 710 with stronger springs does sound appealing as I would like a heavier duty knife. Unfortunately I cannot even disassemble the knife without voiding the warranty, so modifications are also ruled out.
I still have not sent in my 710 for repair so I do not know if the omega springs would be covered for free or for a fee. I have heard good things about Benchmade's repair department so I don't think it will be a problem.
The 710 really is a good knife if you like it the best go for it.
komondor:
Reasonable wear or not the Sebenza did outlast the 710 in this instance. Equipping my 710 with stronger springs does sound appealing as I would like a heavier duty knife. Unfortunately I cannot even disassemble the knife without voiding the warranty, so modifications are also ruled out.
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2000
- Messages
- 3,208
Youngcutter:
If you want a knife that will "last forever" you gotta pay for it. My experience is that Benchmades are nice but will only last a couple years of daily usage. You can pay once or you can pay over and over. Your choice. I'm just sharing my experience. all us knife nuts are looking for the "perfect folder" that will "last forever". Would you expect a Saturday night special to last forever? Sounds like you want a Mercedes knife for a Kia price. IMHO a quality knife like you say you want would fall in the custom category.
If you want a knife that will "last forever" you gotta pay for it. My experience is that Benchmades are nice but will only last a couple years of daily usage. You can pay once or you can pay over and over. Your choice. I'm just sharing my experience. all us knife nuts are looking for the "perfect folder" that will "last forever". Would you expect a Saturday night special to last forever? Sounds like you want a Mercedes knife for a Kia price. IMHO a quality knife like you say you want would fall in the custom category.
- Joined
- Feb 7, 2000
- Messages
- 6,673
Scott Dog writes:
>"If you want a knife that will 'last forever' you gotta pay for it. My experience is that Benchmades are nice but will only last a couple years of daily usage."
========================
This seems like sheer lunacy. My grandfather used to tote around a two-blade jack (the last one he had was a Robeson) for decades before it gave out. And those knives he had were, no doubt, straight off the shelf of the local hardware store. He'd own one pocketknife and carry it daily, whether working in the shop, hunting, fishing, traveling, etc. With that in mind, you're honestly telling us that Benchmade products are only good for two years or so?
If that's the truth, than there really is one born every minute, and a lot of 'em are on this forum.
>"If you want a knife that will 'last forever' you gotta pay for it. My experience is that Benchmades are nice but will only last a couple years of daily usage."
========================
This seems like sheer lunacy. My grandfather used to tote around a two-blade jack (the last one he had was a Robeson) for decades before it gave out. And those knives he had were, no doubt, straight off the shelf of the local hardware store. He'd own one pocketknife and carry it daily, whether working in the shop, hunting, fishing, traveling, etc. With that in mind, you're honestly telling us that Benchmade products are only good for two years or so?
If that's the truth, than there really is one born every minute, and a lot of 'em are on this forum.My .02c...
I bought my wife a Benchmade Mel-Pardue Gent auto and it declined in about a year. Blade play got sloppy etc. She's on her Microtech Mini-Socom for about the second year and it is still rock solid. Both were EDC.
I have owned my regular size MT manual Socom for 3 years with EDC and it is still a rock solid knife. You could pick one up for under $130 probably and if used less than that. Might be hard to find these days since they went to the auto Socom Elite?
These have been easy to resharpen and have worked out great.
I think I read an article about how well the full size Socom performed compared to custom knives and it ranked right up there with the Sebenza, which is a great knife too!
An old magazine article I looked up from Knives Illustrated Oct.99 was written by Dexter Ewing about his test on the Socom's. Maybe he could point you to a copy online?
I bought my wife a Benchmade Mel-Pardue Gent auto and it declined in about a year. Blade play got sloppy etc. She's on her Microtech Mini-Socom for about the second year and it is still rock solid. Both were EDC.
I have owned my regular size MT manual Socom for 3 years with EDC and it is still a rock solid knife. You could pick one up for under $130 probably and if used less than that. Might be hard to find these days since they went to the auto Socom Elite?
These have been easy to resharpen and have worked out great.
I think I read an article about how well the full size Socom performed compared to custom knives and it ranked right up there with the Sebenza, which is a great knife too!
An old magazine article I looked up from Knives Illustrated Oct.99 was written by Dexter Ewing
about his test on the Socom's. Maybe he could point you to a copy online?
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2000
- Messages
- 6,104
Welcome to the forums, Youngcutter
For a heavy use folder, it's hard to beat the Benchmade 710HS. I'd even choose it over the Sebenza, because the M2 blade is more resistant to chipping, the G-10 scales provide a more secure grip, and the recurve is more suited to hard cutting jobs. I much prefer the Sebenza's frame lock to the Axis, though-Axis gets grit in it, and has to be cleaned more often, and lockup really doesn't feel as rock solid as my Sebenza (that's based on the 5-6 Axis locks I've owned). 710HS is a great overall package, though.
I don't know about lasting forever, but any good knife will last a long time if you don't use it for a prybar, and take time to maintain it.
My grandfather still uses knives (slipjoints and fixed blades) he's had since the 40's. Some have half their blades worn away from sharpening, but they're still functional.
L..M..A..O
For a heavy use folder, it's hard to beat the Benchmade 710HS. I'd even choose it over the Sebenza, because the M2 blade is more resistant to chipping, the G-10 scales provide a more secure grip, and the recurve is more suited to hard cutting jobs. I much prefer the Sebenza's frame lock to the Axis, though-Axis gets grit in it, and has to be cleaned more often, and lockup really doesn't feel as rock solid as my Sebenza (that's based on the 5-6 Axis locks I've owned). 710HS is a great overall package, though.
I don't know about lasting forever, but any good knife will last a long time if you don't use it for a prybar, and take time to maintain it.
My grandfather still uses knives (slipjoints and fixed blades) he's had since the 40's. Some have half their blades worn away from sharpening, but they're still functional.
L..M..A..O
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2000
- Messages
- 3,208
Mnblade:
I'm not trying to tell anyone anything, just relating my experience with Benchmade products. A slipjoint folder is quite different than a locking blade and to be fair, a good Buck 110 should last about 20 years. My experience is that Benchmade products give out after about a year or two and others in this thread have had the same experience. Getting a "forever knife" is probably not realistic regardless of cost. I don't mean to step on anyones toes.
I'm not trying to tell anyone anything, just relating my experience with Benchmade products. A slipjoint folder is quite different than a locking blade and to be fair, a good Buck 110 should last about 20 years. My experience is that Benchmade products give out after about a year or two and others in this thread have had the same experience. Getting a "forever knife" is probably not realistic regardless of cost. I don't mean to step on anyones toes.
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2001
- Messages
- 1,218
Wow,
more quality response, this is great stuff... it occurs to me that i've a question to ask though...
In some previous posts, "omega springs" were mentioned a crucial part of the Benchmade 710, as a point of curiousity, what are "omega springs", what role do they play in the function of the 710, are they exclusive to the AXIS locking system or are they found in others as well.
Furthermore i'd like to take the time to update on what my primary considerations are from all i've seen and heard. Right now my "seriously considered" list looks like this:
-Benchmade 710
-Master of Defense CQD
-Microtech SOCOM Elite
-And maybe a Spyderco Wegner or Military if I find that it performs better than it looks
I'd also like to take the time to state that, both the Reeve Sebenza and the Carson M4L don't have alot going for them from a cosmetic standpoint, to be honest, just from lookin' at em, they appear kinda cheesy Just my opinion
Also i'd like to take the time to state that no longer is my goal a lifetime knife for a couple reasons:
1. I can't afford a lifetime knife right off the bat
and 2. It wouldn't be as fun... hehehe
Keep them opinions acomin'! and as always, thanks.
-Y.C.
more quality response, this is great stuff... it occurs to me that i've a question to ask though...
In some previous posts, "omega springs" were mentioned a crucial part of the Benchmade 710, as a point of curiousity, what are "omega springs", what role do they play in the function of the 710, are they exclusive to the AXIS locking system or are they found in others as well.
Furthermore i'd like to take the time to update on what my primary considerations are from all i've seen and heard. Right now my "seriously considered" list looks like this:
-Benchmade 710
-Master of Defense CQD
-Microtech SOCOM Elite
-And maybe a Spyderco Wegner or Military if I find that it performs better than it looks
I'd also like to take the time to state that, both the Reeve Sebenza and the Carson M4L don't have alot going for them from a cosmetic standpoint, to be honest, just from lookin' at em, they appear kinda cheesy
Just my opinion Also i'd like to take the time to state that no longer is my goal a lifetime knife for a couple reasons:
1. I can't afford a lifetime knife right off the bat
and 2. It wouldn't be as fun... hehehe
Keep them opinions acomin'! and as always, thanks.
-Y.C.