Benchmade 710

C

Crookshanks

Joined
Oct 20, 2002
Messages
52
I've been thinking of getting a Benchmade 710, and can't decide on ATS-34 or M2 Tool Steel.
I prefer a satin finish, but would gladly give it up, if there are advantages to tool steel.
Would appreciate some input.
Thanks.
 
The 710 is a great design in and of itself and would probably still be a cutting powerhouse if it was made out of AUS-6A instead of the normal 154CM and M2 it's offered it. However, if you like an edge that can withstand a lot of use before it needs a touch-up and a lot more before it needs a resharpening, M2 is for you. If you want to sharpen your soon-to-be-bought 710 down to a really shallow angle and face edge-rolling instead of edge-chipping as your most likely form of edge damage, M2 is for you. Crucible probably made M2 for a different set of cutting tools, such as saws, but it really belongs in the Benchmade 710 McHenry & Williams pocket knife.

That's just my biased opinion and I'm waiting for the UPS driver to send over a 710HS to me this week.

For the opinions of 710HS owners, go to the Benchmade forum. A gentleman there named Ranch Hand recently wrote a long-term use mini-review of the 710HS.
 
I've had my BM710 ats-34 for a few years now and I think it is great. I have bought alot of folders over the years, but this one always finds it's way back into my pocket. The ats-34 holds an edge excellently and can be brought back to hairpopping sharp in just a few strokes on the sharpmaker. I love the handle on this knife. It gives me a positive grip any way I hold it. The axis lock is great, it allows for fast smooth opening and I know that the blade will not close unless I want it to. I also like that I can close the blade without my fingers or hand being near the blades edge. All of this in a slim, relatively light package. IMHO this knife is an excellent edc.
 
Benchmade M-2 is much tougher, and provides a more durable edge than 154CM or ATS-34. You can also get a finer, razor-like edge on M-2.

If you don't care much about the coating wear issue, you will get better performance from M-2.

ATS-34 or 154CM on the other hand is not a bad choice either. The toothy edge it takes bites aggresively, especially on harder materials like hard wood. It has high wear resistance, thanks to the carbides and high hardness, and will hold an edge very long time if you don't cut hard materials that will chip the edge.

All my Benchmades have M-2, where possible. I think the worn coating looks cool itself after it has gotten really worn and evens out. But I have also been very happy with my ATS-34 blades.
 
I just received my 710 with M2 blade, now I've got a shaved arm. Who said BM didn't send the knives scary sharp?
 
I have owned both and if it means anything to you, I still have and always will own the 710 in M2. It takes a wicked edge and is not all that difficult to sharpen at all. Now if the 710 comes out in S30V then maybe I'll own a second one again.
 
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