Benchmade 710 vs Spyderco Paramilitary 2

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I unfortunately will not have the opportunity to handle either of these knives, so I am wondering for EDC would you prefer a Benchmade 710 with M390, or a Spyderco Paramilitary 2?
 
They are just different knives. Both sweet, but different. You can note the blade shape; the locks are different; the Para 2 is probably thinner, though I have not compared them. Both open like butter. Prefer? I would guess that about 70% of us would prefer the Para 2, but it is noteworthy that there is a Spyderco forum here and no Benchmade forum, so we just see more Spydie lovers.

Note that the 710's blade is about 3.9", or very close to that of the Military. It doesn't seem that big in the hand, but it is. The Para 2's blade is around 3.4".

The best I can tell you is that they are just objectively different, but each is a fine piece of knife that would make you happy.
 
That's a tough choice. Personally, I'd take the 710 in M390 over the S30V Para 2. The Axis lock is incredibly addictive and M390 holds an edge for a whole lot longer than S30V. That being said, the 710 is a bit big for some people and there are plenty of Para 2 sprints in exotic steels. You can't go too wrong either way, but I'll give it to the 710 by a hair.
 
For me, ergonomics is very important and the para 2 just feels better in my hand, so I'd give the edge to the para 2.
 
Im a big fan of Benchmade. The 710 carries surprisingly well for its size. The axis lock is better than the compression lock. The 710 will take more hard abuse and M390 is better than S30V.

But I still say Para 2.

The 710 never really did it for me, so I tried to break it... but couldnt. Good knife, it just never really grew on me.
 
Hm, maybe I should get the 710 first, as it is a limited edition. So the 710 is going to be more comparable to the Military?
 
I agree with Heiheit about ergonomics, but would personally pick the 710.

Buy both and sell the one that doesn't feel or carry right. You might lose a few bucks (or not) but the knowledge you gain will make up for it.

Edit - to answer your last question, the Military is larger overall as it has a bigger handle, and it much broader so it will take up more pocket space. The slimness of the 710 is another reason I like it and the blade to handle ratio seems better for me.
 
Edit: I see the pic below and notice that I was wrong on the Para being lefty friendly. Oops.:o
Both are fantastic knives but the 710 has become my favorite folding knife.
 
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I've never done much more with the 710 than hold it at a store, but the PM2 is a phenomenal knife. I have one as my hard use/abuse work knife, and it never ceases to amaze me. Great ergonomics and a solid folder all around! Plus despite all the hype over M390, there is nothing wrong with a good S30V blade.
 
I edc a black g10 M390 PM2 I am a fanboy and a follower of it.

Sadly here, I would say it depends on the user. 710 is a good knife for its purposes as is the PM2 Its a Tie it all depends on you
 
I have both in M390 and really like both.
710
- I prefer the longer blade length
- slimmer in pocket carry
- Axis lock is my second favorite lock
- I don't prefer recurves
- thumbstud is a little close to the scale and a little more difficult to access than the para 2.

Para 2
- Great blade shape and FFG
- My favorite lock (easier for me to open and close one handed than any other including axis)
- I prefer the flow through design
- great ergonomics (subjective)
- wider in pocket but still not really noticeable
- Spyderhole is easy to access and use

Both have nice high grinds for slicing. I say definitely get both, if I had neither I'd get the M390/blue para 2 first, then the M390 710 then the S30V Para 2 (last because its regular production and you don't have to worry about it disappearing)
 
oh and here's a pic of the two
IMG_2348.jpg
 
The handles are prob similar length but the 710 blade is longer and slimmer.

The 710 is tip up only

The pm2 takes up more pocket space but I think it is easier for me to open
 
That picture is going to help a lot. Just in case: the blue knife on the bottom is the M390 PM2 (the top knife is a Military), the third from the bottom is the 710. You can see that they have roughly the same length handles, but due to the curvature and blade shape the PM2 will take up more room in your pocket width-wise. The picture also shows how much more blade and edge length you get with the 710.

As far as the comment about the stud on the 710, my experience with Axis locks is that I open the lock and flip them open, so that may or may not be an issue for you. They are both great knives with huge followings. For me, if it was a choice between the 710 with M390 and the standard PM2 with S30V, I would take the 710. If it was both knives in M390, I'd probably be here asking the same question you are!

Hopefully the picture helps and one just appeals to you more. It sucks trying to pick a knife without handling it (support your local B&M - I buy my cheaper knives there). As has been said, if you can afford it, buy both and sell the one you don't like. Personally, in this case, I think if you buy both, you'll keep both!
 
You can't go wrong with either but the 710-2 gets the nod from me. Its an exclusive item that won't be around forever. Plus its such a good knife in so many respects.

There's a reason the 710 has been around forever.
 
I own a BM 710 m390

i do not regret it.

I'm in canada so i had to pay high shipping price and tax that is about 2/5 of the knife itself (ship+tx)

i still do not regret it
 
I have BM 710 in M390 I polished the clip and got some orange scales from cuscadi looks awsome.Performance wise m390 is wow excellent steel and BM 710 works like a charm.I do like para 2 and im getting one green in CTS-204P so i would say its a personal preference,try them both and decide.Good luck.
 
The TSEK is better than the 710 IMO. It is the same blade length, but is easier to sharpen without the re curves. The Para 2 is a smaller knife, more mid size which would not be a direct comparison to me.

Personally, I have them both, with the 710 thrown in. I'm glad I'm not limited to only one or the other. I hate those choices. The TSEK BTW, came without the usual Benchmade complaints and is sharp out of the box, well aligned, no blade play. The grinds are nice enough for me but I haven't checked them under magnification like some do.

Para 2 is great as well. Once again it's not microscope "proofed", but it serves very well, sharpens easily for such a wear resistant steel, etc.

Joe
 
I'd get the para two because of the locking mechanism. I prefer simple designs that dont include springs that "could" fail when I need them most. That being said, I have never had a Benchmade or Enlan spring fail on me to date. (same locking mechanism) YMMV.

Unklfranco
 
I would say the 710-2 first. Who knows how long it will be around? It's one of the all-time Benchmade greats and really a standard of quality as far as most production knives go. I love mine. Plus, it carries so well for how much blade you get. It really is a world class production knife. I also love how thick the skeletonized liners are.
 
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