Another dang "Help me choose" thread. . .

U

untamed

Joined
Jan 7, 2003
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(I posted this over at the "other" forum but not much response. Hopefully, I'd get more info here to make a decision)

A kind relative of my brother-in-law will be coming home here in the Philippines sometime next year (Feb. or March). He offered to bring the item I liked to relieve shipping costs. Naturally, I said Mr. Hefner's "Ms. October" Amanda Paige. . . :D

He said NO. . . so I decided to get a folder instead and give my Endura to my dad.

For the longest time I've lusted after the BM 710HS (which if it isn't probably THE most recommended folder here!). However, recent chatter about Axis lock failings usually by gunk filling or by broken omega springs made me reconsider. The Spyderco Manix then is my next consideration which is also reputedly a tough, user folder. It looks well built and the "leaf" shape makes it multi-tasker.

Currently my situation is financially tight right now, plus considering the current rate ($1 = 54 pesos), this purchase necessitates I choose well. Its going to be a constant EDC, both for urban and outdoors settings, thus it needs to be strong and reliable as I'm hard on my tools.

If you've ever been able to handle both, your thoughts are much appreciated.

Many thanks in advance folks!
 
Since I don't know your carry laws, and you are short on cash, and want a really tough knife, let me recommend a fixed blade for you. I know I'm not answering your question, but I recommend you consider this option, because you can get something twice as strong for 1/2 the cost, and yes, the Manix is a great tough knife, but it is pretty bulky.
 
I haven't handled either. I was going to get the 710HS, but went for the 705-401 instead (enroute). It is a generally accepted fact that lock backs are stronger than Axis locks, in addition to it being more simple and a bit more reliable; I have heard that gunk and stuff will affect a lock back more than an Axis lock as the gunk will fill the notch in the tang (w/a back lock, making it so that the back bar will not totally engage) but the movement of an Axis bar will shrug off moderate amounts of gunk.

I think that the Axis lock is the coolest lock type next to a balisong. :D Very fun to play with too. Both Axis lock knives I have previously owned worked perfectly and never failed.

Both knives are considered very good for utilitarian work. But I would recommend the Manix.

Walking Man makes a good point about fixed blades though.
 
i have the 705-401, i think you'll like it a lot underaged. very cool knife all around, nice blade and handle/blade shape ratio. love the scales.

was also thinking of the 710, but decided it was bigger than I wanted for an EDC (total preference here, some will prefer the 710), and went with the 705 since it's the 710's little brother.

but ditto on the axis lock. really a wonderful mechanism. the action on the thumstud opening is smooth like butter and there are many other opening possibilities and creative ways to control the blade. it locks the blade really well too, although since i keep my knife pretty clean I can't really comment on the gunk issue.

construction is very solid and definately oriented toward utility. but one thing i really like about the 705/710 is the profile of the entire knife overall, very handsome and ideally proportioned (as an EDC for me, anyway), nice natural yet sleek shapes in both the handle and blade. elegant yet looks ready to get dirty and take a beating at the same time.

not familiar with the other knife you mentioned untamed, sorry.
 
If you have small hands, you will find the narrower 710 handle much more comfortable to hold and use than the rather large Manix.

Neither axis locks nor lockbacks suffer frequent failure due to dirt -- if the owner takes the trouble to perform some simple, regular maintenance.

A lockback with dirt behind the tang is pretty obvious, and easily cleaned. An axis lock with dirt inside is less obvious, but we've had so many people use axis locks hard, that it does not seem to be a problem in practice.

An axis lock with one broken spring will still work, and the spring is easily replaced.
 
Appreciate all the thoughts, though it doesn't make deciding easier, keep 'em coming!

To those suggesting a fixed blade, I am unfortunately definitely getting a folder as I have enough local fixed blades here to suit me. A folder also affords "discreet" carry for me.

I suppose my cardinal concern would lean more on the broken omega springs for the 710.
 
I'd say go with the Manix. For me the pros that the Manix has that the 710 does not:

-Better ergos
-4-way clip carry
-Leaf blade (more utility type)
-Round opening hole
-I prefer Spyderco's G-10 over BM's
-I think S30V is more rust resistant, might be a BIG factor near you, might not.

I personally love lockbacks, they are fully ambi, as is the AXIS though. The lockback is time tested, no fancy frills like the Axis, but the Manix lockback is built as sturdy as they come. I love the Axis lock, but the Manix lockback is nothing to laugh at.
 
As far as rust goes for the 710HS I don't recall anybody saying that they had problems with rust on theirs. The Bk coating on it works really well. Apparently the coating actually penetrates the steel so even if it wears off it still keeps it from rusting.

TBG
 
Manix or 710, tough call, two very good knives. If I had to choose only one of these, I'd probably lean towards the 710HS, the M2 would swing the deal.
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The folding rat in the middle might nudge both out of my top spot, just love the blade shape and the edge retention.
 
hello untamed... i would suggest that you get a benchmade mini skirmish... i recently traded mine away and i regret it more and more every day... it cost about $120.00 and you get titanium slabs and an s30v blade.. how can you go wrong with that ?

Mabuhay !
 
Stockman,

Good to hear from a dimkum bloke who has fine tools (many thanks for the pics too)!

laCie,

Thank you too for the suggestion pare. Actually I was set on buying a Manix before and even thought about giving it a "tsunami". Although we all do know its merits, the all-steel handle made me reconsider---water, sweat, scratching and temp. extremes won't make it viable for consideration for me, though YMMV. Ingat!
 
I like my BenchMade 420 Resistor that I Waved better than any other knife I've ever owned. If they made em like this out of the factory they'd be the most awesome production folder ever made. (my opinion only)

As for the line up you are looking at: I think I'd choose the Manix but I'm just not a fan of the blade shape of the 710. I am certain the axis lock failing test was just an obscure rare occurance. There have been very little problems reported overall with axis locks. I've opened and closed my axis locks thousands and thousands of times now and they still feel just as they did when new. As with any moving part there is always the possibility of wear or breaking but really. They should outlast most users I think in normal use.

The only time I'd worry about my omega springs is if I fell in the ocean or even a fresh water lake when carrying it or if I dropped it in the sink full of water in the kitchen. Then I think it would really need dried out well and extra care taken to get out all the water. It may even be best if that happened to send it back to BM to let them tear it down and do it right by cleaning it from the inside since the warranty from BM prohibits the owner from breaking it down him or herself. Other than that I think they are pretty fullproof.
 
thebladeguy said:
As far as rust goes for the 710HS I don't recall anybody saying that they had problems with rust on theirs. The Bk coating on it works really well. Apparently the coating actually penetrates the steel so even if it wears off it still keeps it from rusting.

TBG
Click to expand...

I think it's supposed to fill the micoscopic crevices in the steel lowering the surface area in which the steel is exposed to the environment, moisture primarily. The worn away/after/residual protection can be compared to polishing the blade
 
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