Benchmade 710 or Spyderco Military

Joined
Dec 8, 2009
Messages
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First off, I'm a police officer. And I'm debating btwn these two blades for duty use, tactical blade. I'm sure this question has been beaten to death, but I'm not able to search for the topic. I just choined the forum today.

I like them both, but I would like some input into each of them, example: your personal expierences with each of them, both pros and cons. Thanks.
 
They're both great knives and you can't go wrong with either. Honestly if I had to choose between the two I'd probably flip a coin.
Just remember when one person says one thing there is always someone that will say the opposite.
 
I used to own a BM 710, and now I own a Millie. as a lefty, I got the 710 a few years back. I liked the fact it was lefty friendly, very well made and could be when needed a very fast opener. As a LEO, that may be the selling point. Now I have a Millie, since they came out with a lefty version. I now understand why this knife has such a big following. Super thin with the nested liners, and the ergonomics are much better than the 710. They are both great knives, but if I could only have the one, the Millie would win hands down.
 
i would take the military, slightly longer blade. better steel. big handle. but you might want to wait for the titanium frame lock military slated to come out in may.
 
Thanks for the input. I'm on the list at Knifework to get the hibrid G-10 / Titanium handle. But I'm still trying to decide.

Thanks for the Links.
 
I've got both. The 710 is great ... but I never carry it. I'm just not comfortable with the axis lock. For tactical use, the Military is tighter, less to snag inadvertently, I've smacked the S30V edge into the wrong places and it didn't even roll, let alone chip. Especially with gloves, the Military handle is unbeatable.
 
Like Brother Esav said - I too have a 710 and never carry it. It opens like butter, and there is nothing wrong with it. But the Military really does it for me. Its real flat so it is invisible in your pocket, but folds out into a big honkin' knife. So one vote here for the Military.
 
I prefer the 710 as it just fits my hand better. I also like the axis lock a lot more. I also like the mili though. The paramili might be also something to look into as well.
 
its way easier, at least in my experience, to use the military with gloves. the thumbstuds on the 710s are easy to miss, especially with anything like winter gloves on.

both are great. pick what you like. if you are on the list and can afford the m4 / Ti version get that.
 
Am I missing something here?

I have both - the Military, tip down carry and linerlock isn't that cool to me.

The BM 710 is cool but has a short handle for use as an impact device if you don't have time to deploy, and the thumbstud is crazy tight to the G10 scales. I rolled my deployment area over with some 400 grit sandpaper and it's still tight. Forget about it with gloves on.

How about the Spyderco Police 3 G-10 - tip up carry, lockback super long blade and handle? I love mine and it opens fast with the big Spydie hole, sharp as a straight razor. A cop blade, perfect for a cop! :D
 
i love the 710 because it can be used left handed, i find the recurve hard to sharpen on flat stones
 
Keep your order for the M4 millie and buy a regular one for the time being. Might take a minute for it to grow on you but you'll love it in the end.
 
Thanks for the all the opinions. I know this topic has been beaten to death, but I do appreciate the input. I am going to get the regular Milli right now, and I might also get the new one when it comes out. The reason I am leaning towards the Milli, is because of the big Spydey hole. Since I live in Michigan, and we get a lot of snow, and it seems to stay cold for 3 - 4 months. So I will be using gloves most of the time. Also it seems lighter and has good steel. My understanding is that the Liner Lock on the Milli is one of the best Liners Locks in the industry.

I might also get the 710 later on, since I am fan of benchmade knives. I do like the Axis Lock. But I am looking to get into the Spydies. The first high quality knife I bought was the AFCK with an ATS-34 blade, about 9 years ago. But it was lost in the swamp while hunting (long story, but my partner did end up buying me a new knife!!). I recently picked up the Cabelas exclusive Grip 551, and the limited edition AFCK with M4 steel (but i do not want to put hard use on this blade).
 
Thanks for the input. I'm on the list at Knifework to get the hibrid G-10 / Titanium handle. But I'm still trying to decide.

Thanks for the Links.

No matter what happens, get that knife.

It is most likely that you will never, ever, for the rest of the existence of humanity, have the opportunity to own a variation of the Military like that again.
The 710 isn't going anywhere, I'd recommend a 14205 more anyway, but that Military is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
 
Where about's in MI?

Yes, the LL is one of the best.
 
You don't want to use an M4 blade?!

That's what it's meant for...

BM fan here as well, get what's comfortable, you'll carry it.

I find the 710 handles to be a bit narrow, I'd like it beefier to get a better grip.

The Grip is good, I haven't handled a SPCO military, so unfortunately I can't offer my opinion of it.
 
Take the Spyder, it´s great folder. The lock funktion like a rock.... I´ve the handel too long take the Paramilitary...

Often i take the 710 to in my pocket.... the Axsis lock make the blade like a toy... in "hard situation´s" i thnk the Axsis isn´t the best kind of locking system...because the Axsis ned only a littel move from the thumb... then "there you are!"...

my2 cent´s...take the Military..

Greats

Kay
 
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