Benchmade 705 or Benchmade 555

I own a BM555 and it is without a doubt the best moderately priced true user knife in the market. It is strong and solid, and among the smoother folders in this price range. The handle design and blade shape are both excellent and moreso than other small knives the 555 just naturally drops into your hand comfortably and cuts like a chainsaw.

Until recently I owned the 710 which is a larger version of the 705. It was a bit big for me to carry around so I traded it. Other than that I liked most everything about the knife. However, I feel that the overall design is inferior to that of the Griptilian series for everyday use. The (I think) 40-50 dollar premium that comes with the 705 is for the more upscale materials rather than increased performance.

Frankly I wan't all that impressed by the materials on my 710. The backspacer was nylon (which I guess is better than nothing) and the G-10 felt sort of hollow. Tough to describe, but the knife didn't feel as solid as I would have liked. The 705 may be a completely different animal in this matter.

Just decide whether you are concerned with operation or appearance. I would recommend the 555.

I recently got myself a BM720 which is essentially a Griptilian with aluminum scales. This thing has some serious potential.
 
Agreed..., I do think the BM 720 is nice. And I'd take the 555 also.


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
I have both knives and have carried them both as EDC.

The 555 is much more comfortable to carry especailly IWB. I stopped carrying my 705 as it was too uncomfortable.

I prefer the blade shape on the 555 as well.

They both tie for the smoothest folders to pen that I own and that includes my 2 sebenza's.

The only thing I do not like about the 555 is that my thumb sometimes slips out of the opening hole and one of these days there is going to be blood everywhere.
 
well, to tell the "truth" my "grips" are the 551 and 556, they have the thumbstuds, not "the hole". i have found the thumbstuds MUCH faster to open and less likely to "slip".
 
The 705 is one of my favorite ~ 3" blade folders.

I don't think twice about using it hard. The 555 is a fine knife as well, but I prefer the dual liner/G10 combo that the 705 provides.

The 705 is a more "chunky" (thicker through the handles) knife than my other 3" folders (Camillus EDC, Sm. Sebby, Delica) but I love the blade shape and the pointy tip for edc use.

Try to find a shop that carries both for a comparison. If it is going to be an EDC then you'll want something that feels at home in your hands.

You won't go wrong with either one. Benchmade makes some great knives :D
 
bm556 is my all-time fav knife for the $. I personally love thumb studs, you can give them a quick flick with the tip of the thumb and the thing slings open fast as a gd switchblade...awesome! Great steel, nevermind all these fancier steels out there, the 440c steel and great blade shape in these knives is about as good as you get in overall usefulness.
Nice weight, great looks, comfortable handles, full liners(unlike some people have said..or maybe they were talkin about the bigger ones)...anyways great knives.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top