Benchmade 710 D2

Just curious but why do you consider it hard to clean? All my knives get a little soap and hot water when they get dirty and they all clean up just fine. I then normally just wipe the water off and shake out any that I can and it does just fine. You can use compressed air or some WD40 if you don't have the air if you are worried about water sitting on the knife. Once dry finish up with your favorite lube and it is good to go.

I also wonder about your vertical blade play. The AXIS lock is designed to adjust for wear and should take out any vertical play that develops from use. Is the lockbar all the way forward on your 710 when the blade is open? If you send it in to Benchmade I am sure they will take care of you by either putting in a new stop pin and maybe some new springs that might have a little more strength to push the lockbar forward. None of my Benchmade knives have vertical play and my EDC Rift has been used pretty hard and is in my pocket everyday for probably going on 2 years now. Geez it actually might be 3? I will have to think about that but it has been used a lot.
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I like to take my knives completely apart when I clean them. Maybe my Sebenza has spoiled me this way, but I don't like how the 710 doesn't come all the way apart. The two metal liners are held together by the studs on the axis lockbar, and cannot be taken down without proper tools. Nor can the omega springs be removed. This makes all the little nooks and crannies hard to get completely clean, especially around the lockbar itself. I'm not above just swishing a folder around in the sink to clean it, but every so often I like to give it a complete takedown to make sure there isn't any corrosion, especially on those phosphor-bronze washers. The 710, and most knives with similar locks, make this relatively difficult. Never tried compressed air or WD40, might be a big help.

Considering the functional mechanics of the axis locking mechanism, I am fairly certain as well that the issue behind the up/down play is the tension in the Omega springs. As you said, the lock is designed to incorporate wear, so any damage or defect to the stop pin should have a negligible effect.
If I pull the lockbar all the way back and release it, like the bolt on a rifle, then play is virtually removed, but this is a hassle I typically don't bother with. As the knife is normally opened, it leaves a certain amount of play, and that's that. Omega springs are delicate and quick-wearing; even if I were to have them replaced, it would only be a matter of time before I needed them replaced again, and since 1) I'm in Canada, and 2) I've taken the knife apart, which (perplexingly) voids the warranty, I don't feel the need to bother. Every single production knife I've owned, including the 710, the Endura, the Spec Bumb, and others, has developed wobble at one point or another, and I've learned to live with it. With most folding knives I've used, probably all of them really, it appears to be inevitable.

Still a great knife.
 
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First impressions:
Well, I finally got the 710D2 in my hands and I couldn't be happier with my purchase! It is big with out feeling big. I really can't explain it. My ZT0300 feels every bit its massive size. The 710, not so much. It does not feel bulky in the my hand even though it has a 4" blade.

Action:
The opening is a sheer joy to use. The Axis lock is as smooth as my well worn in Mini Griptilian. Only my New CRKT Ken Onion Ripple is smoother. Noticeably too. But not because the 710 is rough cuz it's like butter, but the KO Ripple is just in another league. I thought the thumbstuds would be difficult to use since they are so close (touching) the handle but in actual practice, they work great. The ambi-studs provide ample grip. The opening is deceptively quick for such a long blade. It opens quite quick, like a smaller knife.

Lock:
Lockup is as tight as I expect from and Axis lock. I have not felt an Axis lock that wasn't like a bank vault. The lock bar has to work in a bit cuz it is a bit "sticky". I had the same thing with my Mini Grip but it worked itself out.

Handle:
The handle is nice. I really wasn't sure about it in the pictures and my first handling of the knife but now that I have gotten used to it, I like it. In the pictures the "swell" around the pivot looked awkward to me. But is use, it really does a great job of keeping my grip from slipping forward. There is jimping but it is only semi-functional. At least compared to Spyderco jimping. The jimping is only on the steel liners at the thumb ramp and finger ramp. I would have liked to have the jimping go across the G-10 scales too. This would aid in grip IMHO. Overall, the handle is comfortable and feels relatively thin. Again, like a smaller knife. It rides in my pockets nicely. I don't wear really tight pants and not rapper baggy either.

Weight & size:
The 710 does have some heft to it but not so much I know its there all the time. And again, for such a big knife, the weight is not so bad. I won't be EDCing it but it will be placed in my hard-use or SD role. With the ~4" blade, it is impressive to behold. Opened, this thing is long! Nice. I can't wait to get a Ruckus. ;)

Blade:
Now the blade is very nice. It has classic lines to it and I find it very attractive. The slight recurve adds to it for me. I actually like recurves and find them not hard to sharpen at all. I love my ZT0300 with its fairly pronounced recurve. Reminds me of a woman's body. :)

Direct Comparisons:
Compared to my ZT0300, the 710 is obviously slimmer, lighter and has a bit more reach. The ZT really fills the hands though and locks it in tight with its aggressive jimping. Against my Endura G-10, again, more reach, smoother action, quicker deploy but the Endura G-10 has better handle ergos with multiple grip grip options molded into the handle. The jimping is far superior and even though it has G-10 scales like the 710, and the textue on it is finer, the Endura has more grip. It also has slimmer handles. A big broad leaf shaped full flat ground VG-10 blade gives the Spydie a very purposeful look. I like it but it's not as sexy as the 710.

Overall:
What can I say, I love it! :thumbup: It is big, and bad while feeling small and sexy. it is comfortable to use (in my limited use so far), Axis lock is joy to open & close, it has solid lockup, great reach, D2 steel, fairly deep tip-up clip and the fit and finish is great. My nit-picks are the too subtle jimping, "closed construction and I wish the G-10 had a bit more bite.

Final verdict:
Definitely a keeper!!! This may just stay with me for a lifetime. Somethings gotta keep my ZT company. ;)

Some pics:
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With my other "big folders":
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Nice review Chuck. Also, nice group of big folders!!
I decided I like mine so much I bought another today (with black blade) to go in the drawer for a backup.

I agree 1000% that this is a knife for a lifetime (just like that 110 of yours). :)
 
I've carried a 710 for almost four years, absolutely top notch blade. Edge retention is very good as well as the entire way the knife is comprised. I wouldn't hesitate a minute on the purchase of another one if this one I have were to be lost.
 
I have the 710S M2 and love it. I like M2 then 154cm . Had the D2 710 but it had little rust spots on the blade . Wish benchmade would make a S30V or ZDP189 BLADE.
 
I'd chime in to say go for the 710.

I don't know about the service and warranty of the other knives but Benchmades' always been more than fair with their support. Never mind if you're not the original owner, they will repair it.

I own three right now and have owned more in the past...there's a good reason the 710's considered the flagship of the line, and this year there's a possibility of a Gold-class version coming out.

You didn't hear me say that either. ;)
 
You guy's just convinced me, I'v been eyeballin this model for some time and went with the left handed millie for Christmas, but now it's final, I'm gettin a 710. I gotta 806 and a 610 and love the axis. Don't get me wrong I am absolutely diggin this left handed millie.
 
Flatlander1963 said:
I say get one and see how you like it. That blade has a way of growing on you. I was concerned at first with the recurve but I'm now finding it appealing to look at. Stropping is not as easy but what the hey.
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Granted my 710 is very well used and isn't as recurvey as it used to be. But even factory fresh, the recurve is so slight I never had trouble sharpening, even on benchstones (which I had to do the day I got it out of the box because it was about as sharp as a tennis ball from the factory).
 
Flatlander1963 said:
Nice review Chuck. Also, nice group of big folders!!
I decided I like mine so much I bought another today (with black blade) to go in the drawer for a backup.

I agree 1000% that this is a knife for a lifetime (just like that 110 of yours). :)
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Thanks Flatlander! You asked for my impressions and ya got it. ;) :D

This is my first 710 and I have a feeling it won't be the last either. That black one is calling my name too.

Yeah, I'm Trying to sort my knives to the ones I want to keep for a lifetime. I unloaded a bunch that just didn't make the cut. And yea, the 110 is definitely a "lifer". It is my 3rd one. I lost 2 others throughout my life. :o
 
NathanExplosion said:
I am putting in a order tomorrow but I'm finding it hard to choose between the 710, Spyderco Para or the ZT0350.
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All three are fine knives Nathan. I do not have a ZT but they big knives that feel that way. The 710 is a big knife that's very quick and feels small for its size. The Para is a superb cutter and has wonderful handle ergos but a little bit of a split personality on wether it's a big or small knife.

I heartly suggest both the 710 and Para for your collection of EDC knives. I'm actually thinking of taking the clip off my Para and pocket carrying it. In my opinion its a world class slicer and ease/quickness of deployment is not a top priority. The 710 on the other hand will come out of your back pocket like greased lightning and you'll have four inches of blade in your hand for whatever you need it for.

So the question is what do you need more...an multipurpose EDC or a superb slicer. This is just my opinion of course and I'm not intending to slight the Para by calling it "just a slicer" as it's one of my favorite knives, its just what I think of it.

If you can only get one at the moment (like most folks) go with the 710 and then get the Para.
 
Psychopomp said:
Granted my 710 is very well used and isn't as recurvey as it used to be. But even factory fresh, the recurve is so slight I never had trouble sharpening, even on benchstones (which I had to do the day I got it out of the box because it was about as sharp as a tennis ball from the factory).
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I hadn't thought of that but on a flat stone the recurve will flatten out some. I bought my 710D2 from a fellow forumite and he had it almost scary sharp. I have a D2 Grip that came very sharp out the box but I'd heard a lot of Benchmades are poorly sharpened at the factory. I find this a little unusual for a premium brand but it is what it is. I can fix that myself if I get a dull one

In fact a 710BKD2 is NIB so I'm interested to see how sharp it will be when it gets here.

I think this 710 has bumped all my other large clip knives for EDC.
 
UpChUcK said:
This is my first 710 and I have a feeling it won't be the last either. That black one is calling my name too.

Yeah, I'm Trying to sort my knives to the ones I want to keep for a lifetime. I unloaded a bunch that just didn't make the cut. And yea, the 110 is definitely a "lifer". It is my 3rd one. I lost 2 others throughout my life. :o
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I'll post a side by side picture of my two 710's when the black bladed one gets here.

Chuck you bring up a good point "knives I want to keep for a lifetime." Now that's hard to do I think. I've been thinkin along the same lines in particular focusing my collecting to themes and being disiplined about it. My collecting could legitably be called accumulating too. :)

The bad news is I'm an accountant so I have a spreadsheet with every knife I own on it. Knowing how much you've spent to the penny is kind of scary at times. :eek::eek: Its an expensive Obsession actually.
 
Flatlander1963 said:
The bad news is I'm an accountant so I have a spreadsheet with every knife I own on it. Knowing how much you've spent to the penny is kind of scary at times. :eek::eek: Its an expensive Obsession actually.
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I do the same :thumbup: Without it, goodness knows where my spending limit would have gone
 
Flatlander1963 said:
The bad news is I'm an accountant so I have a spreadsheet with every knife I own on it. Knowing how much you've spent to the penny is kind of scary at times. :eek::eek: Its an expensive Obsession actually.
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Kenix said:
I do the same :thumbup: Without it, goodness knows where my spending limit would have gone
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I think I'd rather not know how much I spend. ;) Even though I know it's not much compared to many here. :o
 
I love my 710 but I wish I'd have bought it in 154CM which I found out after taking delivery, that my vendor had in stock. I am one who doesn't like D2.

What a dream to get it in S30V!

I use a Sharpmaker for touch-ups and the corners of the rods do a great job on hitting that recurved belly. When I strop I'm careful to drag it across my stropping block in a manner that catched the recurve as well.
 
cziv said:
I love my 710 but I wish I'd have bought it in 154CM which I found out after taking delivery, that my vendor had in stock. I am one who doesn't like D2.

What a dream to get it in S30V!

I use a Sharpmaker for touch-ups and the corners of the rods do a great job on hitting that recurved belly. When I strop I'm careful to drag it across my stropping block in a manner that catched the recurve as well.
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I'm thinking I'd like to score a 154cm knife too I just don't know why I'd need three of these guys. One in S30V would be so very tempting!!
 
Flatlander1963 said:
In fact the 710BKD2 is NIB so I'm interested to see how sharp it will be when it gets here.

I think this 710 has bumped all my other large clip knives for EDC.
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Well the NIB D2 710 was not really sharp when I got it but usable if need be. I'll sharpen it to my liking if I start carrying it. The Satin finished 710D2 that I bought first and caused me to bring this thread back is now my #1 goto big pocket folder. I've enjoyed it throughly. So much so I've been adding to the BM inventory. I've had the Grip for a while but the others are all recent additions. The last is that Kulgara. My Spyderco's may not get much attention for a while.

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I'm thinking I'd like to score a 154cm knife too I just don't know why I'd need three of these guys. One in S30V would be so very tempting!!
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The used 710 in the middle is a ATS-34 knife I picked up for cheap on eBay. I haven't used it yet but I did bring the edge back to "Wow" sharp!

I may give it some pocket time now and see how well it holds it's edge...esp. interested in this since I'm getting really used to the D2.

Anyway, that's my current Benchmades. I hope that will keep me happy for awhile. :)
 
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