Benchmade 710HS or 806D2

1. Hole in the blade Echo Steve. Theoretically blade with the hole is weaker but this is not an issue in real life conditions because this is far not the weakest place of the folder. so no difference at this point.

2. Steel Also can’t make real difference for me. I have done some evaluations with both and found the difference in performance close to unnoticeable in real life conditions.

3. Stud vs. hole My vote is definitely on hole! Opening the knife in hurry it is always possible to hit the edge with the thumb. Some knives are more prone to this and some – less, 710 is somewhere at the middle of the scale evaluating this possibility. However it is always possible with stud and close to impossible with hole.

4. Recurve vs. straight Recurved blade cuts better but is harder to sharpen. No problems for ex with SPYDERCO Sharpmaker but I can’t bring it with me into field conditions. DMT Double Sided Diafold is my favorite field sharpener and it works so-so on 710 recurved blade. So AFCK blade with no recurve is clear winner for me at this point.

5. Length closed Both are definitely onto big side looking from presentation viewpoint in urban environment, no difference at this point. AFCK is bigger but lighter, but this also can’t make enough big difference to influence my decision. If the presentation is not an issue, going outdoors for ex., there are no noticeable difference in carrying comfort for me.

6. Handling comfort and security Although 710 doesn’t cause my any major complaints at this point AFCK handle fits my hand much, much more comfortably and securely. Glove issue was already mentioned also. Since handling comfort is one of the very first issues for me AFCK is clear winner at this point!

Well, time to assume. I use both knives and I like them both, I also can do my job with either. However choosing only one of them I would choose 806 because it would make my job more comfortable.
Your decision might be different depending on your individual preferences.

Edited. Wow! as usually I didn’t look onto dates and as usually I’m too late with my advice :(
I’ll try to complete it taking into consideration that you already have made your choice. Almost each brand-named knife comes shaving sharp out of factory box, exceptions are pretty rare. Try to cut with your new knife, not to shave. For ex. 3/4 to 1” thick hemp rope. If you will be able to cut it with single slice – your knife performs really well. If not – reprofile your edge to more acute angle and add thinning bevel at the rear of sharpening area. D2 steel toughness allows this without significant risk of edge chipping or rolling.
This will rise cutting performance quite noticeably.
 
Originally posted by Sergiusz Mitin
Wow! as usually I didn’t look onto dates and as usually I’m too late with my advice :(
I’ll try to complete it taking into consideration that you already have made your choice. Almost each brand-named knife comes shaving sharp out of factory box, exceptions are pretty rare. Try to cut with your new knife, not to shave. For ex. 3/4 to 1” thick hemp rope. If you will be able to cut it with single slice – your knife performs really well. If not – reprofile your edge to more acute angle and add thinning bevel at the rear of sharpening area. D2 steel toughness allows this without significant risk of edge chipping or rolling.
This will rise cutting performance quite noticeably.

:) Thanks! Looks like I anticipated your advice. I haven't had much of a chance to cut with the knife. I came home, opened the box and checked out the knife a little bit, then headed out to do some errands that did not require a knife at all. I've read posts by Joa Talmadge and others on reprofiling--including How to Make the Benchmade Axis Perform--and that is the plan.

Thanks all! I'm a happy camper. I might still have to get a 710HS, but the next knife I buy will be a 4" to 6" flat or convext ground camp/utility knife with a drop or short clip point in a good carbon steel or VG-10 for $100 or less. Too bad Becker doesn't make a C/U 5 or 6--the C/U 7 is too long for my taste and the Campanion is too thick. I like the Fallkniven F1, but wish the blade was a little longer. I also like Cold Steel's Master Hunter, too, but wish I knew for sure what Carbon V is. Right now I'm leaning toward a Marbles Special Hunter II. Thanks again :)
 
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