Benchmade 741

S

sgtdef4u

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May 14, 2009
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Hey guys! I just wanted know what some opinions are on the BM 741. I was thinking about picking one up. Also, how does it hold up to other large folders like the spyderco military or some emersons? And where i could get it the cheapest. Thanks in advance for any help.:)
 
Knifeworks will be the cheapest by far. My guess is it'd be a much more durable folder than the spyderco military based on the lock/spine/liner thickness', but I think the military is a fine knife and won't let you down. I definitely prefer the axis lock to a liner lock tho.
 
I'd second Knifeworks as the place to go, it's where I got mine. As far as comparisons go I don't have an Emerson but I do have a Military. IMO they are both great knives but quite different in all respects. The 741 is also larger in just about every demension compared to the Military except the handle length which is pretty close to the same.
 
I just got a BM 741 in the mail today. I got the plain/silver model for $124 including shipping from Ebay--best price there by a wide margin.

Initial impressions: big, big knife and comes across as heavy. However, in a side by side comparison with a Buck 110, it is 1/2" longer, 1/2" taller, but seems a bit lighter. (The Buck is thicker with its brass grip frame). Some places have this knife listed as 3.8 oz but that's nuts.

Ergonomics: The grip fills my hands and the choil allows for a rear or forward hold. You can rest your finger on top of the blade with the forward hold. Very nice design for a full sized grip--holding it is somewhat like holding a power tool or pistol rather than most pocket knives. I don't like the feel of the belt clip when I'm holding the knife because it feels super comfortable in the right hand but not as good in the left hand. The clip cannot be reversed either.

Blade: Opens easily with the thumb hole or an Axis flip. The Axis lock itself seems tiny in context of the very tall blade. If you are used to 'tactical' folders and fixed blades the blade will seem thin, even to the point of matching a kitchen knife at the tip. It is very tall in profile, but could snap off with twisting or abuse. The thin look is exaggerated by the bevel on top of the blade. I've also got a D2 Paramilitary and did a side by side comparison. The Para blade is a little thicker at the rear but it tapers down to a thin point too (Overall it is just a baby vs. the 741.) I think the Para would handle blade abuse better than the 741.

Apparent intended use: The blade looks like it will be a super slicer, and the large grip should be comfortable for extended use. It does not seem appropriate for splitting wood, twisting, or prying. This seems like a good knife for cutting up food in the field or when camping.

I may write a more detailed review in a few days. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
 
I'm no expert like many here but I prefer the 940 myself. Just a personal thing, I guess.
 
GenericJohn said:
Initial impressions: big, big knife and comes across as heavy. However, in a side by side comparison with a Buck 110, it is 1/2" longer, 1/2" taller, but seems a bit lighter. (The Buck is thicker with its brass grip frame). Some places have this knife listed as 3.8 oz but that's nuts.
Click to expand...

Points of clarification and elaboration:

1. The BM 741 is about 1/2" longer than a Buck 110 when closed, and about 1" longer when open
2. Mine weighs exactly 195 grams (6.87 oz) on my digital scale. Someone at Benchmade wrote "3.8" instead of "6.8" ounces because their 2010 catalog is wrong :eek:.
3. The blade is visually the same thickness as a Buck 110 or Spyderco Pacific Salt at the back end, but the spine tapers much more quickly than either of them.
4. The fit & finish is excellent, as is typical of Benchmade products in this price range. The only visible flaw is a couple ragged G10 fibers in the right side Axis lock cut-out.
 
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