Benchmade 710 D2 or Spyderco Para-Military 2

[kreole]

That's weird, I don't find the PM2 especially grippy. Of course, different hands feel different things. The blade to handle ratio is for comfort, multiple grip options, and torque/leverage.

Do you have a 710? I wouldn't call Spyderco's G10 excessively grippy, but it's got a more sticky feel than the 710's g10 grip pattern (pardon the poor description)


Anyway, 710 blows the PM2 away IMO. The PM2 is a nice knife, but the 710 is a class ahead.

 

[PaulTR]

I own both and both are my top 2 EDC knives. Here's some of my personal findings:

710:

-longer reach
-more elegant design
-beefier feel
-more compact
-lower riding pocket clip
-stronger tip
-AXIS lock

Para 2:

-fits my hand more comfortably
-better feeling G10
-came sharper than my 710 (even after my 710 visited Lifesharp)
-is lighter
-better finish
-better steel (for my uses)
-Compression Lock

Both knives lock-up solidly, are smooth as butter, and both have open-pillar construction (my 710 was modified), which is my preference. The 710 feels more solidly built, but the Paramilitary 2's finish and feel in hand is superior. My pick? Get both...but definitely get the Paramilitary 2 first. The ergos, blade shape, steel, lock, skeletonized inset liners, and size are pitch-perfect. I feel that the 710 is more of a "beater knife": it's finish isn't as good and it feels a little more clunky in hand compared to the Para 2. However, Para 2 aside, the 710 is the most comfortable folder I've ever handled, which says alot considering the design has been around since 1999. In my mind, both knives are the flagship models of their respective companie's and represent some of the best value on the market.

Whatever your choice, just know you won't be making a bad decision

 

[Blades]

Luckily, my choice is easy-- Para-Military with a CPM-D2 blade.
I vote Para-military.

 

[Wolverine666]

I own both and prefer the 710. It carries easier in the pocket because it is slimmer, packs a much longer blade into a handle of a similar size, and the axis lock is a stronger, more reliable lock. The 710 is also backed by Benchmade's broader, industry-leading warranty service [blade replacement = $25; 1-2 week repair turn around].

The PM2, however, is an outstanding knife. Its only faults are the poor blade-to-handle ratio, excessively grippy sand-paper like g-10, and wide profile in the pocket. The only major advantage the PM 2 has over the 710 is that it is currently available in stainless steels. However, I prefer stainless steels over tool steels because I live in a very corrosive environment.

I agree all the way. 710 is definitely my choice. And I would love one in S30V. But D2 is a semi-stainless steel and it is a great steel from my experience.

 

[Sonnydaze]

Darn it; just saw your fine thread. I just finished one nearly the same, although I also threw in the ZT 0550. Mine is here...if you wish.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1118670-So-you-want-an-EDC
I suspect we've covered the knives, between the two of us.
best regards,
Sonnydaze

 

[416isToronto]

Darn it; just saw your fine thread. I just finished one nearly the same, although I also threw in the ZT 0550. Mine is here...if you wish.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1118670-So-you-want-an-EDC
I suspect we've covered the knives, between the two of us.
best regards,
Sonnydaze

Some excellent input from every one here!
Thanks for the link to your thread. Found it helpful, as i have considered the ZT 0550 in the past, but after handling it...just wasn't for me..

Will add a few more side by side pics of the 710 & PM2...soon

 

[bdmicarta]

I am carrying a PM2 right now. I am a big Benchmade fan and I would own a 710 except for the recurve blade, I stay away from those. I do have an 890 which I think is similar in size and shape to the 710, but it has Nitrous and no recurve.

 

[416isToronto]