Benchmade 520 vs. 720

Devilnut

Devilnut

Joined
Aug 4, 2003
Messages
246
Hi guys, I am going to be buying one of these two knives in the next week, I was trying to get feed back from any of you who have one or both of these knives and what you like/dislike. I just gave away my 885 darkstar and it was a great knife, never failed me but it just felt FLIMSY, I could flex the scales WAY too easily. I know that these have the aluminum scales and was wondering what feedback any of you guys could offer. Thanks in advance!
Rad
 
The 520 is a great knife- built like a tank as someone said on another thread. The blade is a nice, practical shape but at 3.5" may not be legal in all locations. The handle grips well and is really comfortable for me but then I prefer larger handles on my knives. It's black aluminum so it's not best for hot sunshine or very cold weather.

My only gripe is the lack of a thumb ramp that lets you comfortably set your thumb up over the back of the blade, but then that's a shortcoming of several Benchmade knives.

Bill D.
 
I'm one of those weirdos who doesn't like aluminum scales at-all, so of those 2 choices, I wouldn't choose either one, but rather go with the BM 721/722, since it has G-10 scales with thick, dual stainless liners.:D.
 
I have a TSEK and an Osborne. The TSEK is a tank. I love it. For something a little smaller, I recommend the Osborne. Don't let its slimness and size fool ya'; it is a very sturdy knife. I've had mine since they came out, and it's used often and still going strong. For overall toughness, though, I'd say a TSEK. It's less expensive, too.
 
I checked out the 720 today and I was wondering, does that knife have full length liners? Thanks for the input you guys. Glockman, I like G-10 too, but the last knife that I had felt WAY too light and flimsy. Maybe just a problem organic to the 885.
Rad
 
I went out and handled them both, and I had a question for those of you who own the 720, does that knife have full length liners?
 
I've found the 720 is the only thing in my house sturdy enough to open a coconut. I angle the blade, use my right hand to pound on the handle, and it opens up. Granted it dulls after 10 coconuts so that its no longer shaving sharp, but its an amazingly rigid knife (feels solid like a fixed blade)
 
the stainless steel liners extend 4/5ths the length of the handle
(but they feel unnecessary with the handle strength)
 
Another vote for the 520. I've rode mine pretty hard for a year and it has been flawless.
I think a 420 Snody is next! :)
 
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