I never got the point of the big choils on spydercos. I get the point for the backlocks since it allows you to close it one handed easily, or to protect from getting cut accidentally on the slipjoints, but on something like the Manix or Paramilitary your fingers aren't going to be in front of it and I never need to choke up that much, I'd rather have more cutting edge.
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Benchmade 710 or para 2?..
- Thread starter redbulladdict24/7
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2012
- Messages
- 418
Both the PM2 and 710 are outstanding production folders that I EDC frequently. I suggest picking up a 710 in M390 or CPM-M4. You will not find a larger and strong, yet discrete, smooth, and ergonomic knife for the price.
Between the two, I'd choose the 710 over the PM2 for a number of reasons:
(1) The 710 has a much better blade-to-handle ratio and carries better. The blade on the 710 is enormous considering how discrete and light the 710 carriers. The PM2 blade is large enough for most tasks (3.5" approx), but the handle of the knife takes up too much space in comparison to blade length. There are -tons- of options when it comes to outstanding 3.5 inch folders, but I struggle to think of a better 4" folder than the 710 in terms of utility, weight, and discrete carry. If both knives are closed and placed next to each other, they are about the same size closed in length; however, the 710 is noticeably thinner in width and takes up less pocket space. The 710 therefore carries slightly better when clipped in the pocket of a pair of jeans, especially in pockets crammed with a cell phone;
(2) The 710's ergos are comparable to the PM2's. Some individuals claim the 710 lacks the ergos and jimping of the PM2, but I strongly disagree. In a tactical situation, the 710 molds around the hand in an icepick/hammer grip like a vice. For general use, the 710 remains grippy while still feeling extremely comfortable for extended use. However, there is no clear winner between the two when it comes to ergos;
(3) The 710 has (slightly) smoother action due to the axis lock system. Although the PM2's compression lock is reliable and strong, I prefer the true ambidextrous functionality and opening speed of the axis lock. The PM2 possesses the best non-axis lock action of any knife I own but still cannot match the speed of the axis lock (and is somewhat tricky to close left-handed);
(4) The blade shape and length of the 710 is more functional. The recurve on the 710 is incredibly helpful for bushcraft, skinning, or cleaving through EDC cutting chores while not being difficult to sharpen. The only advantage the PM2 has over the 710 is its surgeon-like tip, but I've always found the 710's tip sharp enough to handle every task thrown at it.
In sum, both knives are fantastic, but the 710 edges over the PM2 in the end. The view presented in this post is likely in the minority right now, as the PM2 is experiencing somewhat disproportionate hype, but given after using both knives extensively.
Between the two, I'd choose the 710 over the PM2 for a number of reasons:
(1) The 710 has a much better blade-to-handle ratio and carries better. The blade on the 710 is enormous considering how discrete and light the 710 carriers. The PM2 blade is large enough for most tasks (3.5" approx), but the handle of the knife takes up too much space in comparison to blade length. There are -tons- of options when it comes to outstanding 3.5 inch folders, but I struggle to think of a better 4" folder than the 710 in terms of utility, weight, and discrete carry. If both knives are closed and placed next to each other, they are about the same size closed in length; however, the 710 is noticeably thinner in width and takes up less pocket space. The 710 therefore carries slightly better when clipped in the pocket of a pair of jeans, especially in pockets crammed with a cell phone;
(2) The 710's ergos are comparable to the PM2's. Some individuals claim the 710 lacks the ergos and jimping of the PM2, but I strongly disagree. In a tactical situation, the 710 molds around the hand in an icepick/hammer grip like a vice. For general use, the 710 remains grippy while still feeling extremely comfortable for extended use. However, there is no clear winner between the two when it comes to ergos;
(3) The 710 has (slightly) smoother action due to the axis lock system. Although the PM2's compression lock is reliable and strong, I prefer the true ambidextrous functionality and opening speed of the axis lock. The PM2 possesses the best non-axis lock action of any knife I own but still cannot match the speed of the axis lock (and is somewhat tricky to close left-handed);
(4) The blade shape and length of the 710 is more functional. The recurve on the 710 is incredibly helpful for bushcraft, skinning, or cleaving through EDC cutting chores while not being difficult to sharpen. The only advantage the PM2 has over the 710 is its surgeon-like tip, but I've always found the 710's tip sharp enough to handle every task thrown at it.
In sum, both knives are fantastic, but the 710 edges over the PM2 in the end. The view presented in this post is likely in the minority right now, as the PM2 is experiencing somewhat disproportionate hype, but given after using both knives extensively.
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2011
- Messages
- 27,509
Hard to go wrong either way. The Para 2 is a bit lighter, I would give it a slight edge in ergos and the more conventional blade shape makes it a bit easier to sharpen. The 710 packs quite a bit more blade into a similar package, seems like it's regularly ground a bit thinner behind the edge and, IMO, has a significant advantage in aesthetic appeal.
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2012
- Messages
- 418
Agreed. The 710 has a sleek simplicity to it. I've noticed that non-knife people find the 710 far less "intimidating" (likely due to lack of spydie hole and elevated thumb ramp). There is a SLIGHT weight difference that, quite frankly, I can only feel if I hold each knife in a different hand at the same time.
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2012
- Messages
- 310
Para 2