I am having a hard time deciding which model i want... the benchmade 710 or the 806. I know that they are both great knives, but I'm wondering if I could get some opinions so that I may be swayed one way or the other. I haven't handled either one of these knives, so i would definitely like to know how the ergonomics compare.
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Benchmade 710 vs 806
- Thread starter jhokie
- Start date
dewingrm
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- Oct 23, 2001
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I think the 710 has a more comfortable grip compared to the 806, I have small hands so this could be a factor. The 710 feels like more of a working knife with a fairly thick and sturdy blade. For a user I would prefer the 710, defensive knife the 806. I do like the thumb hole on the 806 and you can also get the 806 in D2. Tough decision but both are great knives so you really can't go wrong.
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Haven't handled a 710 before, but here's something about the AFCK.
When you're using it as a utility knife and need to use a large force at the base of the blade, you're going to have to choke up on the handle. I find myself holding it with the middle finger placed in the index finger cutout (and the index finger up on the "guard") a lot, especially when I need fine control or heavy force. Whittling, cutting cardboard boxes, etc.
The natural position of the hand on the AFCK just doesn't allow for a good grip when you're using it for most utility purposes. I think it's pretty single-mindedly for self-defense.
When you're using it as a utility knife and need to use a large force at the base of the blade, you're going to have to choke up on the handle. I find myself holding it with the middle finger placed in the index finger cutout (and the index finger up on the "guard") a lot, especially when I need fine control or heavy force. Whittling, cutting cardboard boxes, etc.
The natural position of the hand on the AFCK just doesn't allow for a good grip when you're using it for most utility purposes. I think it's pretty single-mindedly for self-defense.
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- Nov 16, 2002
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I have both and like both. The 710 feels more comfortable and 806D2 feels more secure. If you don't have a Sharpmaker, the 806D2 is easier to sharpen on a flat stone because it doesn't have a recurve. If you have a Sharpmaker, the 710 is easier to sharpen because its blade is made out of 154CM (instead of D2 as on the 806D2). The 806D2 is safer and a hair better at piercing and the 710 is more comfortable and a hair better at slicing. The 710HS, with its M2 blade, is harder to sharpen on a stone or in a Sharpmaker than the 806D2 due to both the recurve and the M2 steel. Of course, with the M2 steel, you can sharpen the blade down to a narrower bevel, with less risk of chipping, than the 154CM base model and it will retain its edge longer. My 806D2 came with the best fit and finish of any Benchmade I've owned with the 710HS being a close second (slight lateral blade play and a rattly stop pin add character!).
My favorite is the 710HS and my "I know you're going to like this one" suggestion is the 806D2. The 806D2 was best out-of-box, has a very good steel for a blade of its size, doesn't require special equipment to sharpen its edge, has a very safe handle (by safe, I mean, hand isn't up on the blade during unexpected stops), and has enough handle and belly to handle most any folding knife task (not that the 710 doesn't also have that).
My favorite is the 710HS and my "I know you're going to like this one" suggestion is the 806D2. The 806D2 was best out-of-box, has a very good steel for a blade of its size, doesn't require special equipment to sharpen its edge, has a very safe handle (by safe, I mean, hand isn't up on the blade during unexpected stops), and has enough handle and belly to handle most any folding knife task (not that the 710 doesn't also have that).
Well, based on everyones high regard for the 806D2, I purchased one about a month ago. Straight out of the box the blade was so off center that it just missed the liner on one side. Also, the bevel grinds were about 3/8" different side to side, making the blade appear warped or bent. I just got it back this week from BM and they had replaced the blade. It is still not centered exactly...not like my BM943, which is deadnuts.
My other beefs with this knife is that it seems to be BM's flagship knife...but the edge was very coarsely ground and not sharp at all. Again the exact opposite of my BM943 which had a polished edge and is a virtual laser when it comes to cuttingn straight out of the box.
I have overly large hands and long fingers and I still think the handle on the 806 is too long. Well, longer than it needs to be anyway. I suppose the pointy tip of the handle can be used for strikes if used in a defensive/offensive role.
I also notice that when you flick the blade open it tends to wedge the axis lock button. Probably due to blade mass as I do not see this problem on my 943. It requires both thumb and forefinger pressure and I'm talking alot of it to disengage the axis lock after opening it like this. Not that big a deal as I tend to pull the lock back then flick the blade anyway.
I've not handled the 710HS, but it is definitely on my "Will Acquire" list. I think the handle will fit my hand better, but until I actually get to play with one cannot say for certain.
My other beefs with this knife is that it seems to be BM's flagship knife...but the edge was very coarsely ground and not sharp at all. Again the exact opposite of my BM943 which had a polished edge and is a virtual laser when it comes to cuttingn straight out of the box.
I have overly large hands and long fingers and I still think the handle on the 806 is too long. Well, longer than it needs to be anyway. I suppose the pointy tip of the handle can be used for strikes if used in a defensive/offensive role.
I also notice that when you flick the blade open it tends to wedge the axis lock button. Probably due to blade mass as I do not see this problem on my 943. It requires both thumb and forefinger pressure and I'm talking alot of it to disengage the axis lock after opening it like this. Not that big a deal as I tend to pull the lock back then flick the blade anyway.
I've not handled the 710HS, but it is definitely on my "Will Acquire" list. I think the handle will fit my hand better, but until I actually get to play with one cannot say for certain.
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Drew, I think you got a Bum knife. I have owned, held, sampled at least 6 or 7 806's and none of them had problems like that.
AlphalphaPB, I think the guard is more designed to be choked up on than to be a guard. It is certainly cupped out nicely for a finger.
I look at the 806 as a great utility knife because it can be held in many different positions comfortably. The long handle adds to the versatility because you can adjust your grip to different sections of the handle to control leverage better.
As such the 806 is usually my "go to" knife when I'm working in the shop or doing projects around the house - it's certainly the one with the most wear.
My experience has also been that the 806 and the TSEK (forget the ##) have the tightest lockup in the Axis line, I think it's because of the geometry of the tang.
With that said I have also owned several 705's and 710's as well and consider them both a staple in any knife lovers arsenal.
I currently have, carry and use a lot an Aluminum handled 710 that's been fitted with an M2 blade and absolutely love it!
I think the 710 is better suited for an edc role but it will also work great as a hard use utility knife.
IMO the handle setup on the 710 is not quite as versatile as the 806 but is still very comfortable and is a rather "generic" fit - meaning that almost any hand would be comfortable using it.
Finally, I tend to look at the utility factor of a knife because I don't carry them for self defense, so I think either one makes a good utility blade.
I would rate both knives equal but if I were forced to choose one it would be the 806 I think.
AlphalphaPB, I think the guard is more designed to be choked up on than to be a guard. It is certainly cupped out nicely for a finger.
I look at the 806 as a great utility knife because it can be held in many different positions comfortably. The long handle adds to the versatility because you can adjust your grip to different sections of the handle to control leverage better.
As such the 806 is usually my "go to" knife when I'm working in the shop or doing projects around the house - it's certainly the one with the most wear.
My experience has also been that the 806 and the TSEK (forget the ##) have the tightest lockup in the Axis line, I think it's because of the geometry of the tang.
With that said I have also owned several 705's and 710's as well and consider them both a staple in any knife lovers arsenal.
I currently have, carry and use a lot an Aluminum handled 710 that's been fitted with an M2 blade and absolutely love it!
I think the 710 is better suited for an edc role but it will also work great as a hard use utility knife.
IMO the handle setup on the 710 is not quite as versatile as the 806 but is still very comfortable and is a rather "generic" fit - meaning that almost any hand would be comfortable using it.
Finally, I tend to look at the utility factor of a knife because I don't carry them for self defense, so I think either one makes a good utility blade.
I would rate both knives equal but if I were forced to choose one it would be the 806 I think.