Benchmade 710 or 581? Which Would You Choose and Why for EDC?

M

MLJ_1758

Joined
Nov 19, 2011
Messages
11
Hello Everyone,

Well, the title pretty much says it all. If you had to choose between the Benchmade 710 and the 581 (both in M390 steel), which would you choose and why? Looking mainly from an EDC perspective (admittedly large EDC's, but not overwhelming in my opinion).

Any thoughts or comments on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance and all the best,

Michael
 
That's a tough one, but I'd probably have to pick the 581, on steel alone. I don't have a knife made with M390, so I'd have to try that.

They are both about the same size, but I really like the style of the 710 better, and the D2 from Benchmade is pretty good. That M390 of the 581 would win out in this hypathetical situation. I don't actually care for the Axis lock, only because of the "tip up" only option. I prefer all of my folders to be "tip down".


DBAR
 
If both are M390, my preference is for the 581. I don't own either, but I have played with both. The 581 design just appeals to me more. Both would probably be equal in actual performance, I think it comes down to preference here.
 
Id say 710 feels better in hand plus I think it looks better
and its not assisted so it just feels smother to operate
 
Both have great blades (particularly if it is M390 :) ), main difference is in the handle and opening. If you like thin handles and G10, go for the 710. If you like thick or assisted opening, go for the 581. It feels noticeably thicker and bulkier than the 710.
 
581's aluminum scale can be sharp, not as comfortable as G-10 on 710.
710 is easier to pocket carry than 581, which is thicker
I think both are kind of big for EDC, but if I had to choose I would take 710.
 
Last edited:
I have EDCed the 710 for many many years, and it is a winner. My 710 in M2 is so much better than the D2 that the M4 has just perched on the safe shelf for years now. so, the M390 should be great.
 
I have both models in M390.

The 581 is a good looking knife, I really like the bolsters.
The AO is fast & fun, with great lock up.
Mine has no play in any direction.

The 710 is smooth and elegant.
Again lock up is great with no play in any direction.
The 710 is much easier to pocket carry.
It virtually disappears clipped to the inside of my front pocket, slid towards the back.

One thing is for sure.
You won't be disappointed either way you decide to go.
They're both great knives.
The 581 is definitely thicker than the 710.
The 581 maybe a little more fun than the 710.
Also, I don't know what the knife laws are in your area.
But, LEO's will not like seeing an AO.
I find myself carrying both of these at pretty close to equal time.
OK, maybe the 710 see's a little more carry time. :rolleyes:
But, not by much.
Good luck with your choice.
I had to have both. :confused:
 
On paper I would pick the 581, but lots of people comment favorably on the 710 so if I had a chance to handle them side by side I wouldn't be surprised if the 710 felt better.
 
Both great knives, if it was me id go with the 581. They both feel great in hand to me, I just prefer the barrage feeling. Stout and beastly where as t he 710 dosnt feel to have as mich heft to it. But then again weight on a knife is of no concern to me ever. Just my opinion I guess, either way you cant go wrong with a benchmade
 
Since my current EDC is a 710-3 with M4 I'd have to go with the 710. Nothing wrong with the 581, just like the way the 710 feels.
 
As others have described, it depends on what you're comfortable with carrying. I like both, but the 710 is a fair bit more pocket friendly (it's hard to see how a solid-feeling ~4" knife could be much smaller).
 
My vote goes to the 710. Excellent knife indeed. Keep in mind the 710 is the archetypal axis lock. It was the first and the whole knife was designed around it and you can really feel it in the flipping/closing. IMO other axis knives accomodate[ for the axis lock.
 
I haven't owned either of these but have handled both and I would lean towards the 710 because of its lack of assist and its thin profile.
 
My preference is for the 710 mostly because I don't like A/O on Axis lock folders. Just makes them a bit more annoying for me to close.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top