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Benchmade 710, get it or not

silenthunterstudios

silenthunterstudios

Slipjoint Addict
Joined
Feb 2, 2005
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Just when I thought I'd sold or traded most of my knife collection, I want to buy some more knives! Thankfully for my wallet, I don't have any scratch for knives right now, focusing all of my attention on a custom I commissioned. Anyway, I've been looking at the 710 in my Moteng catalog, and have been thinking about getting one. I prefer small, 3" or less folders for EDC during the week, easier to carry in dress pants etc. I only carry a big folder these days if I'm doing anything that will necessitate the use of a big folder, shorties are my way to go. Usually it will sit in my truck for most of the day until its needed, then its wiped down and put away. I had reserved this for my Spyderco Military and Manix, until I thought about the 710 again. I've read reviews on it here and on other forums, checked the prices, and mulled it over. I just bought a 707, and like the updated design over the 705. I noticed that the overall shape/contour etc is similar to the 710, just in smaller scale. I'd like to get a 710 w/ 154CM blade steel, but would like to hear the thoughts of members on here before I do. I've got big paws, so size isn't really an issue. Pocket carry is not a real issue, because it will either go in a bag, belt sheath or my glovebox. I'm already sold on 154CM, the handles etc. Thanks.
 
While I don't think it's the nicest looking knife I own, the 710 has seen almost exclusive EDC out of my collection. There's just something about it that makes me pick it over everything else I have. I like the way it feels, carries, the blade length, the AXIS lock, etc. I recommend adjusting the pivot and lubing it up with some Militec-1 so you can enjoy the incredibly smooth action the AXIS lock knives are capable of. However, be careful if you have laws against gravity knives in your area as once these are lubed and adjusted the blade will fall all the way open by gravity if you hold it right while releasing the AXIS lock. You can basically hold the knife behind your back and drop the blade open and lock it with no sound being made since you are manipulating the AXIS lock and can gently release it into the locked poisition. Not that one really needs to silently open a knife or anything. :)
 
I agree with WadeF.

There is just something about the 710; I don't know exactly what it is.
But once you own one, you'll see.

So I suggest you get one. And if you don't like it, it's one of the most easily saleable knives on the secondhand market for nearly full value.

It's definitely one of the best production knives available.
 
I love my 710! That being said, my 960 gets more EDC time due to size. It is over the 3.5 inch limit for some citys and my work requires 3" or less. But I do love my 710, it just feels right and opens like greased lightning. Steven
 
Well, I only own four 710 knives, so I can only say it's a classic IMO.

A realy good EDC type knife that has a great lock, easily adaptable and comfortable grip, good general use blade shape, etc.

I may like other knives more for one attribute or another, but as an overall package, the 710 is hard to beat IMO.

As far as steels go, I'd not recommend the ATS34 models (but that's just my current peeve of the moment). The 154CM has been performing well so far for me.
 
The 710 is almost universally acceptable as a fantastic knife, so you should not fear buying one.

It is big enough to give big knife fans their big knife fix, but small enough to make it comfortable for small knife fans to carry.

It can be tactical, but is also classy.

It is a great all around, do it all knife. But I don't find it sexy.

Since you are going to be carrying it in a bag, why not use something a little bigger and beefier? I think a Manix would be more suited to your purposes, unless you just love the Axis lock.

For a pure work knife, I also find the G-10 of the 710 to be very lacking compared to the G-10 finish Spydero (and others like Al Mar and Emerson) use. It isn't grippy enough. The 710 can play the "dress knife" card better than a Manix, Military, or any Emerson, but for pure work knives, I think they beat the 710.

The 710 is great and I would recommend it to you if you carried a Manix and wanted to get something slimmer and easier to carry (I would also recommend the Military). I would also recommend the 710 if you wanted to get one knife for your job in a warehouse and your other job in an office. But for "bag carry" and pure work use, a bigger, stronger knife might be better. A Manix, or if you want an Axis lock, a Rukus. If you really don't think the extra size and strength will be needed, then the 710 is a fine choice.
 
You will never know until you own one for a while, but to each their own.
 
For more than a year my primary EDCs have been a small Sebenza and the BM710HS, along with a SAK or slippie. I've gone through more than a dozen other folders in that time period, and none of the rest of them ended up getting carried or used, including a Manix and a Paramilitary.

I'm extremely pleased with the 710. It does just about everything well.

Although 154cm is good stuff, I wouldn't hesitate to go with the newer D2 version. Not completely stainless, but with minimal care I don't see a problem. I have several D2 blades that I've used a lot. I've held my Queen whittler in my sweaty hand for hours on end and all that happened was some patina.

Get one.
 
The 710 was one of the knives I just had to own, although I have a bunch of others that I like better (and perform better) for varying reasons. It's a very functional and unique 'tac' folder overall, and, like orthogonal1 says, it's a classic.
 
I'd also say go for it. It's a very useful tool. One of my favorite knives to take camping.
 
Well, I had one. It was okay. The F&F was fine, but it never got more than a "M'eh <shoulder shrug>" from me. Its not bad, but I didn't like how thin the scales were. Overall, there wasn't a whole lot to hold onto in my opinion.

I prefer my folders to be either thick, or wide so they fill the hand. The 710 was neither. Now if this were a strictly pocket carry knife, then maybe that would be a bonus, but as you're not going to carry it in pocket that "advantage" doesn't do you any good. Its a big blade in a small-ish package which is nice, but I couldn't get used to it, and it was never really all that exciting to me.

I'm sure its a classic, much in the way the Sebenza is a classic. Of course, I didn't "get" that one either (though I had 3).
 
That's because everyone more or less recognizes that the 710 is a good tool, whether or not it fits our personal preferences, and that everyone should at least try one.
Now, if this thread were asking "Should I get a 710 or a [insert competitor here]?" I think it would be a different story.
 
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