Benchmade 710HS or 806D2

D

diletante

Joined
Mar 20, 2002
Messages
389
I can get either for $120 plus shipping and like them both.

M2 @ 60-62 vs. D2 @ 59-61
Stud vs. Hole
Recurve vs. Straight
4.9" vs. 5.42" closed

Which one would you get and why?

Update: The 710HS is $118.75 and the 806D2 is $106.25 HERE
 
It's a total judgment call.

I own and use and love both.

The difference between the steels is not significant enough to make much of a difference. D2 will be more stain resistant, M2 will be a little tougher. All other things being equal, I'd prefer M2 because I find it much easier to sharpen and I think I can get a better edge with it. This reflects more on my sharpening skills than the steels though.

Oval hole vs thumb studs - total judgment call, whatever works best for you. I find the 710's thumb studs to be easier to reach than the 806's oval hole. Others will have the opposite experience.

Blade shape - I find the 710's blade to be the most useful I own, but there's nothing the AFCK won't cut that the 710 will.

Handle shape - for the same size blade, the 710 has a smaller handle, and should leave a smaller footprint in your pocket if that's a concern. The AFCK has that pointy butt for pommel strikes. I find the AFCK's handle to be among the most comfortable and secure out there. The 710 is comfortable, but not as secure, in my hand.

For me, the 710hs is the better utility knife, because that blade cuts so well, and the 806 is the better defensive knife, because of the handle security.

My ideal Axis lock would be a 710hs blade in an AFCK handle.

The best way to decide which of these knives is best for you is to go to a knife/gun store/show and handle them both. Once you have both in your hands, side by side, you should be able to decide which suits you better.

You're lucky, though, they're both such great knives you can't go wrong.

Let us know which you decide and how you like it.
 
Jason stated it well. Another aspect to consider would be the relative corrosion-resistance. D2 will hold up to alot more abuse in that area since it is an "almost-stainless" steel.

That said, many consider the handle on the AFCK to be one of the most secure out there.

Good luck with your choice.:)
 
I agree with all of the above but for me I'd lean toward the AFCK. The comfort and ergonomics of the handle alone make it a such a great knife to use. Best handle on a folder IMHO.
 
A further comment: The handle on the AFCK is rather large. It looks like it was designed to be used with the gloved hand as well as the ungloved. It was designed by Chris Carraci (spelling?), a former Navy Seal so I suspect it was meant to serve in a variety of extreme situations. Nevertheless, it fits the hand beautifully.
 
I swung by the mall knife store. They didn't have the 806D2, but they did have an Axis TSEK (same handle as the 806D2) and a 710 in the other steel. Tough choice . . . the 710 handle is a little smaller, but both fit in my front jeans pocket unobtrusively and the AFCK handle feels sooooo right. I may have to flip a coin--or buy them both :D (I have to stop viisiting this place--it's contagious).
 
having had both, i prefer the AFCK, i just like the design and it fits my hand well. nothing against the 710, but i also think the 806 looks 'cooler' for whatever thats worth. i really like my 806, for sure. upon reflection, have had 2 710's and 2 AFCK axis, a reg 710 and a prototype, swapped the regular 1, and a preproduction axis AFCK, and a reg production, have kept both of them.

i would get the 806


greg
 
I have both, and the AFCK fits my hand perfect. The AFCK design just keeps on getting better like aging fine wine. The drop point blade shape makes it an excellent cutter. Big D1
 
Excellent point, diletante. I, too, have often wondered about the same thing. I suppose, if you look at a knife as simply a cutting instrument, it would make little difference--the presence or absence of a hole in the blade. However, as a survival tool, ultimate blade strength may be a far greater factor.

I'd really like to see some input on this issue.
 
I like the 710HS for the M2 tool steel (I'm not that concerned about corrosion), its relative compactness and its solid (no hole) recurve (cutting power) blade.

I like the 806D2 for it's handle, straight (easier to sharpen) blade and cool appearance. D2 is nothing to sneeze at, either. The 806D2 is just "sexier".

Looks don't count for that much, though, and the 710 handle is very comfortable as well (just not as great as the AFCK's) so I'm leaning toward the 710HS. Overall utility is more important to me than defensive functionality.

It will be interesting to see the responses to the thumb hole/blade strength issue I raised in the related thread. That may be the deciding factor.
 
Forget about the thumb hole as a blade strength issue. If you pryed with blade hard enough to almost break it, the handle would come apart in short order. Folders, especially folders that are held together by tiny screws, aren't built to take that. The hole won't hurt the strength in the plane of the blade much. You won't break it cutting anything with your hands.
 
Agree with Steve on not worrying about the hole and blade strength.

For this decision, my choice points are:

- 710 is much more carryable because of the smaller handle. Nicer for EDC.
- Axis AFCK handle is much more secure. Much nicer for defensive use.

For me, if I didn't mind carrying such a big knife, the axis AFCK would be the clear winner. But I do mind carrying such a big knife, so the 710's superior carryability is important to me.

Solution:
- Get them both.

But then, you knew that was coming.


Joe
 
Just what Joe said!! The 710 is more easily carried if it will be in your pocket but then again if you carry a lightweight sheath then the afck can shine. Tough choice, isn't life good????;)
 
i disagree, i carry/carried AFCK's for a few years in my pocket w/no prob, they are not that much biggr than a 710. i have never thought about a belt sheath for mine.

of course, i also carry a cuda maxx/SIFU/all the time too(in my pocket), so figure that in also......

but i think the AFCK works great in the pocket, any version, liner or axis

greg
 
Ultimately it came down to the "cool factor" and great ergonomics of the 806 and the thumb-hole versus thumb-stud issue. The studs on the 710 stick out pretty far and look like they could get in the way. Time will tell whether I regret the 806's extra .52 inches in overall length compared to the 710. Steel choice and blade style were a wash.

Thanks to all who posted for helping a newbie with this decision :)
 
No problem. I think you'll be very happy with your 806 (I love mine). You got a great knife on the way. Let us know how you like it.
 
i promise ya wont be disappointed when ya open the box...........the AFCK in gen'l and the 806D2 AXIS AFCK in particular rocks, imho!!!!!


greg
 
My knife came out of the box shaving sharp (I have a bald spot on my arm to prove it ;) ). Everything is straight and tight with no sign of the QA problems I read about in one or two of the many Benchmade threads I read. Sweet!
 
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