Benchmade 710 vs 940/943

Rhyno37

Rhyno37

Joined
May 27, 2012
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291
Hey guys, I'm in the market for a "larger" sized knife. I currently have a Spyderco UKPK and Caly 3, both of which fit my under 3" category great. I figure since those are more leaning towards a "gentleman's" knife, why not shoot for something larger. After doing some reading, I've narrowed my choices to the BM 710 (M390 model from knifeworks specifcally) and Benchmade 940/943. Both of these are right around the same price, so that factor is out the window. I'd like to EDC these blades maybe on weekends when I work outside, or just went I want something larger. It'd also be cool to have a knife to take with me hunting, but not a must.

I like the 710 for its blade steel, and I really like G10 handles. I feel like it'd be the best choice for hard use, but am worried its too big to ever carry. I like the 940/943 for it's slimness/weight. While aluminum handles aren't my first choice, I think that combined with the blade shapes make it a great looking knife. With this I'd be worried its not suited for any hard work.

What's your guys' take?
 
Neither. Go with the Ares in m390 (benchmade model 730-1202/3). The black g10 satin version (730-1202) is sold out but may be available on the secondary market. The 730-1203, which has a black coated blade and black and green g10 is still available at kw but won't be around long. Its basically a middle ground between the 940 and 710.

3.6 in blade on the ares is between the 940 and 710. M390 is absolutely excellent blade steel. And in my experience these limited edition Ares models have better build quality and fit and finish than any benchmade I've handled. Mine is perfect in every single way, it honestly has zero apparent flaws. Smoothest knife I own by a large margin with absolutely rock solid lock up. The Ares is really an impressive knife.
 
mkjellgren said:
Neither. Go with the Ares in m390 (benchmade model 730-1202/3). The black g10 satin version (730-1202) is sold out but may be available on the secondary market. The 730-1203, which has a black coated blade and black and green g10 is still available at kw but won't be around long. Its basically a middle ground between the 940 and 710.

3.6 in blade on the ares is between the 940 and 710. M390 is absolutely excellent blade steel. And in my experience these limited edition Ares models have better build quality and fit and finish than any benchmade I've handled. Mine is perfect in every single way, it honestly has zero apparent flaws. Smoothest knife I own by a large margin with absolutely rock solid lock up. The Ares is really an impressive knife.
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I actually really wanted a 730, but the knife works model runs $199, which is a bit much for me. Then if I go on ebay they easily top $300. I don't think I could really use a limited production knife.
 
While the 710 is pretty long, of the 4" size blades I have (Spyderco Military, ZT 200, BM AFCK, BM TSEK) its the smallest/easiest to carry because it is quite slim, and also narrow which is key in being unobtrusive right after thinness of handle. For example while the Spyderco Military is huge length wise, because it is nice and flat and also light its quite easy to carry without noticing too much, but it is a bit on the wider side, while the 710 is probably only 75% the width of the Military, I'd say go for the 710 for the Steel and G10 handle.

710 is on the bottom row, far left.
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I have the 710 ( m390) version and the 940. I honestly use the 710 more than the 940. I manage citrus orchards and feel that the 710 is the right knife for the job. It fits in jeans perfectly and I never really had a problem with the size but then again im from Texas. The 940 is also a great knife I usually like using that knife when I want to carry a blade that isn't to big and menacing. It works well in khakis and I usually take it with me for buisness trips.
 
I prefer the 710-2 in M390. Its got a superb blade and carries very small for nearly 4" of blade. The recurve is minimal and won't prohibit sharpening like some think. Its ground fairly thin at the edge so it cuts pretty well and has a very sharp, pointed tip. Not many 4" knives carry this well. The other thing is that this knife has stout liners. Its a superb EDC for anyone who wants big blade length in a medium handle.

I just never liked the 940. Too expensive and not very pretty to me.
 
The 710 is a killer folder but the 940 ends up in my pocket more often. The Ares in M390 (as mentioned above) is a great middle ground. I carry that the most. They are all great, servicable blades so go with the aesthetic you prefer. Recurves are a pain in the ass, in my opinion, but the 710 is just good enough to make it overlook-able.
Good luck in your hunt. :thumbup::thumbup:
 
The 710, while a long knife, doesn't carry like a "large" knife, at least compared to other "large" knives like beefy Striders or a Spyderco Military. The handles are narrow, and the blade is relatively thin (for its length), plus the handle/blade ratio is great. It's really hard to find a 4" blade folding knife in a lighter package that takes up less pocket space.

That said, I once owned a 710HS, but still own a Caly 3 ZDP/CF, and a 940D2CF, both of which were my 2 favorite EDCs before I switched things up and started carrying slipjoints. Personally, I found that the 710 was simply more knife than I needed. It wasn't too much to carry, but I found that I could get buy with carrying less, so I did.

In your position, if you can't handle both knives in person, I would suggest trying out the 710 in M390, and carry/use it lightly for a bit. If you find it to be too much, you can always resell it here without taking very much of a loss, provided you keep it in good condition. The 94X is a great knife, but like you, I don't care for the aluminum handles, which is why the 2 I own are the limited editions with carbon fiber and titanium handles (good luck finding one of these). The aluminum isn't HAIII/hard anodized, so it'll scratch, ding, and chip from use. If that's a deal killer for you, I suggest finding a 930 Kulgera. It's discontinued, but you can still find them. The blade profile is practically identical (if you compare cutting edges), and the G10 handles are far more durable than the aluminum of the standard 94X series.
 
My favorite two BMs :D

I agree with everyone else that the 710 is by far the easiest to carry 4" blade I have. Actually the 940 might be the easiest to carry ~3.5" blade I have, at least top two with the Caly 3.5, and even easier than knives with a shorter blade length; in other words the 940 really isn't a big knife, being slim and light, at least from my perspective, so I'm not sure it's exactly what you want.

From your description it sounds like the 710 is what you're looking for. Something to consider is in the future there will be a limited edition 940 with G10 handles (Red & Black G-10 / Stone washed S30v according to MCM). Perhaps buy the 710 now and start saving for that 940.
 
I have both and am much more fond of the 710. I've never really enjoyed the aluminum handles on the 940, the 710 just feels way more solid to me. Both carry very well in the pocket and deploy with lightning speed.
 
elguapo9 said:
the 710 just feels way more solid to me.
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Yeah, thats exactly what I was going to say. I have a 710, 940 and 943, and though the latter two are sweet, very light weight EDC knives, the 710 just seems about 2 or 3 notches up the food chain in terms of stoutness and solid construction. You could use the 710 for some fairly abusive work, like lets say digging a root out of the ground or prying some drywall or whatever. The 940 and 943 are so light weight - and lightly constructed - that I'm not sure they could handle that kind of work (though I've never tried). They are more of light weight, unobtrusive EDC folders. This is just my view of the world. So for your application of working outside or hunting, I'd definitely recommend the 710. And in my view its just more of an iconic Benchmade flagship knife that you are going to want in your arsenal anyway.
 
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