Benchmade 710 vs Spyderco Paramilitary 2

[Sonnydaze]

I've had a 690 for yrs; nice knife, very similar to 710. I've been talking about perhaps selling it.

I have three PM2's and two Militaries, all NIB and super-steel.

 

[Thalestin]

I think I prefer the 710 as a work knife. I used mine for a constant companion with gardening and such. The long slender blade makes it a real great slicer. The para is a great knife as well, however I prefer the axis lock of the 710. Many people dislike the g10 on the 710, but I actually prefer a smoother g10. I have never had any problems with it slipping. I find the rough kind, although nice in the hand, is a pain literally when reaching into the pocket.

 

[Bronco]

I think I prefer the 710 as a work knife. I used mine for a constant companion with gardening and such. The long slender blade makes it a real great slicer. The para is a great knife as well, however I prefer the axis lock of the 710. Many people dislike the g10 on the 710, but I actually prefer a smoother g10. I have never had any problems with it slipping. I find the rough kind, although nice in the hand, is a pain literally when reaching into the pocket.

The 710 is a fine cutter to be sure. In almost every way though, the blade geometry of the PM2 favors it in terms of slicing ability. I don't mean to pick nits and I realize you weren't denegrating the performance of the PM2, but other than possibly handle security and, of course, lock type, I'd offer that the enhanced slicing efficiency of the PM2 is one of the main differentiators between the two.

Measured at the sweet spot, the max thickness of the two blades isn't terribly dissimilar. The PM2 is slightly thicker at approximately .133" versus .113" for the 710. Importantly though, the width or height of the two blades is significantly different. Again measured at the sweet spots, the blade on the PM2 is almost a full quarter inch taller. Additionally, we have to take into consideration the primary blade grinds. The PM2 has a flat grind meaning that the max thickness of the blade isn't encountered until you make your way all the way up to the spine of the blade (over an inch above). The 710, on the other hand, features a strong saber grind. Thus, you only have to move about a half inch up from the edge in the direction of the spine before the blade reaches its max thickness. In practical terms this means that the blade cross section on the 710 will reveal a much more obtuse wedge angle resulting in decreased cutting efficiency.

It's also the case that the PM2 has a somewhat more graceful distal taper. Moving back a quarter inch from the tip, the PM2 has a max blade thickness of .044" while the 710 gauges in at .063". Again, I point all this out only to defend what I think is one of the primary advantages of the PM2 relative to many other "tactical" type production folders on the market today.

 

[KYenglish]

sounds like a good devising factor. size wise id think your on the right track i don have a military but I've got an endura an a 710 and they are about the same size, 710s wider of coutse and as has been said is one beck of a big, user knife but doesn't feel as big as it is

good luck

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?

 

[Jestersinthemoon]

I own two Benchmade 710's.........the D2 model is the one that I really beat to hell, and then I have the M2 HS model that I take with me when I need a superior strength steel that holds a fine edge.

While I may be partial since this has been a star in my EDC rotation for MANY years. I don't think there is a single Spyderco out there that can beat it........and I have several. The 710 has a slim profile and carries much smaller than its 3.95" blade size. For someone who prefers to carry a longer, but not fatter, blade, this is a nice bonus. The new steel is supposed to be very good, as well. Most importantly to me, I can also have the blade out of pocket and open the AXIS lock as quick or quicker than many Autos. The lock is super sturdy, and with a blade up right hand carry, I can grab the lock with my index finger and thuimb and flick the knife out as I let go of the lock for a super fast opening.

The 710 has a great shape for all around cutting tasks, has a nice point for more detailed tasks, but would also make a very good defensive knife if the situation arose. I started carrying the 710 while in the military when a few of my buds at JSOC got me one as a gift ( back before I became a knife junkie ). The knife holds well in hammer and saber grips and particularly well in REO ( Icepick or Reverse Edge Out ).

Anyhow, if my input has any value, to any knife collector ( and user ) who doesn't have one, I would recommend getting a 710 over pretty much any production blade in the same price range. It really is a fine blade all around.

Hope this helps.

Jester