Benchmade 520 vs 710

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daedge804

Joined
Dec 28, 2009
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I have a few questions because I am stuck between the two (going to buy one or the other in the not so distant future) and my questions are:

1. Which is the better of the two?

2. Which one is sharper out of the box? (I've heard alot of people say that the 710 is rather dull out of the box, is that true?)

3. What are the main differences between the two regarding every day carry tasks?

4. What are the differences between D2 and 154 CM in edge retention?

5. Being that the 520 has a closed back portion, is it difficult to clean?
 
Having handled both of these a few days ago, I can say that:
1. It all boils down to preference. I like the ergonomics of the 710 more than the 520. They're not really comparable either, seeing how the 710 is a 4.5 oz 3.9" knife, while the 520 is a 5.6 oz 3.4" knife.
2. My 710 was sharp enough to shave out of the box. My 556, on the other hand, was rather dull out of the box, but just a quick touchup and it was very sharp.
3. The 710 is longer, but it carries very flat. The clip is mounted pretty high up, but not as high up as I would like it.
4. From what I've read, D2 holds an edge better but is also harder to sharpen. And the 710 will be yet harder, with the recurve in the blade.
5. the 710 is also closed back, and it is quite easy to clean; a cotton swab will fit in there and just clean it out no problem.

I highly recommend going to a place that has both and seeing which you like more. I would also recommend considering the Spyderco Para-military. I was very impressed by it (except for the low mounted clip and tip-down only carry).
 
daedge804 said:
1. Which is the better of the two?
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Which do you like better? I wouldn't say that one is really better than the other.

daedge804 said:
2. Which one is sharper out of the box? (I've heard alot of people say that the 710 is rather dull out of the box, is that true?)
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That depends on who sharpened it. They're all hand-sharpened at the factory.

Besides, you purchase shouldn't be based on which comes sharper out of the box.

daedge804 said:
3. What are the main differences between the two regarding every day carry tasks?
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The 520 is probably a little bit more bulky to carry. They should both cut well for your EDC tasks. The 520 might be easier to take care of in terms of sharpening since the 710 has a reverse curved (recurved) blade (you can't sharpen it on flat stones.)

daedge804 said:
4. What are the differences between D2 and 154 CM in edge retention?
Click to expand...

D2 will hold an edge longer, takes longer to sharpen, and isn't quite as stainless.

daedge804 said:
5. Being that the 520 has a closed back portion, is it difficult to clean?
Click to expand...

Doesn't the 710 have a closed back as well? It doesn't matter for me since I clean all my knives the same way: I blast the inside with water, dry with a hair dryer, and then oil. If you wanted to stick a towel through the inside, then yeah, I guess it would make it a little bit harder to clean out.
 
I'd like a 520... but that's knife-gluttony. I wouldn't trade my 710 for one, that's for sure. It's a classic. The D2 blade on mine wasn't a razor, but it will still cut quite well. Great pocket fit - exudes quality. After a year in the pocket, I fear the 520 would show a lot of wear on that black Al handle. After almost a year of EDC and use, it is about time to introduce my 710 to my Sharpmaker.

Of course, sharpness is a hit or miss process with Benchmade. It took years to convince myself to 'try another' after buying a butter-knife dull 551 Grip - 440C. The 2nd BM was a 201 Activator+ - another butter knife. I bought a Sharpmaker - sharpened those BM's! Interestingly, I did buy more BM's over the last year or two - the 701 being the dullest; others range from some arm hairs removed to razor-status. I have never bought a US made Buck or Kershaw folder that wasn't a razor, sad to say.

So - I like the 710 - and don't worry about the sharpness!

Stainz
 
Another vote for the BM 710 a classic "must have" knife in any lineup of Benchmades. I love mine. Long blade in a gentle recurve, D2 honed and stropped to razor sharp - a wonderful knife. :thumbup:
 
cziv said:
Another vote for the BM 710 a classic "must have" knife in any lineup of Benchmades. I love mine. Long blade in a gentle recurve, D2 honed and stropped to razor sharp - a wonderful knife. :thumbup:
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What he said. The 710 is an awesome knife for all the reasons mentioned. Note: the recurve in the 710 is very gentle and not difficult to sharpen.
 
Isn't is 525 a smaller version of the 520? just wondering because of weight between the 520 and 710. I own neither. I'm happy with my 940. :thumbup:
 
Looks like it; the 525 is 2.97", the 520 is 3.42". The 520 is the Presidio, and the 525 is the mini presidio.
 
I've had both... When they were both in my possession, I traded away my 520 and kept my 710 (if that tells you anything).
However, I still never carried the 710 very much, since there are so many knives I like way better. My 710 went away in a trade just the other day.
That being said, after I got rid of my 520, I missed it... which inspired me to find the auto version, which I still have and still use.

I don't miss the 710 at all.

For me, it seems that I prefer the 520's shape & configuration.
 
I had the same question a while back. After researching the issue, I bought a 520.

After I got it and had a chance to carry it a while, I liked it so much, I bought another one.

I have one set up with the clip for right pocket carry, and one set up for left pocket carry. I only carry one at a time, just choose the one that best fits my needs.
 
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