If you had to choose one over the other, which would it be and why? Also, does the black coating on the blades hold up, or does it get all scratched up and funky looking. How does the D2 steel they are using now hold up? Does it rust easily? Thanks for any input.
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Benchmade afck or 710?
- Thread starter bizilly
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- Dec 15, 2003
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I had the same question a couple of years ago and by using the search function I was able to find numerous older threads addressing 710 v. 806D2. Here are a couple of examples:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=363942&highlight=afck+710
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237883&highlight=806D2+710
In my experience, the black coating does get all scratched up. However, Benchmade started using a new coating a while back, so this may have changed.
As you may aleady know, Benchmade recently discontinued the 806D2, the 710HS, and the standard 710 in 154cm. I have found these models to be unavailable at the online retailers I usually use, at least as far as the plain edge versions go.
I'm not in a position to comment on Benchmade's D2. I have one BM in D2, but I haven't really used it much. One Queen D2 knife I have stained when I held in my sweaty hand for hours at a time on hot, humid days while whittling. No rust though.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=363942&highlight=afck+710
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237883&highlight=806D2+710
In my experience, the black coating does get all scratched up. However, Benchmade started using a new coating a while back, so this may have changed.
As you may aleady know, Benchmade recently discontinued the 806D2, the 710HS, and the standard 710 in 154cm. I have found these models to be unavailable at the online retailers I usually use, at least as far as the plain edge versions go.
I'm not in a position to comment on Benchmade's D2. I have one BM in D2, but I haven't really used it much. One Queen D2 knife I have stained when I held in my sweaty hand for hours at a time on hot, humid days while whittling. No rust though.
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2005
- Messages
- 398
D2 actually has a significant amount of chromium in it. It is probably more accurately called "semi-stainless". I certainly would not worry about it unless I was doing some extended duties with it in the rain. Even in your pocket on a rainy day is not likely to affect it because the latent heat generated from the body is enough to keep moisture out.
Benchmade's 2006 catalog shows a new 710 D2 without the black coating. It looks nice.
Benchmade's 2006 catalog shows a new 710 D2 without the black coating. It looks nice.
oldrifleman
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- Jan 5, 2006
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- 2,093
I have one of the 710 D2s and it looks great. There is a satin shean to the blade. Steven
Assuming you can obtain an AFCK, it depends on what you're looking for in a knife.
D2 is one of the top blade steels without a doubt. It is not, however, "stainless" per se. I think "semi-stainless" is a good way to put it as rnhood did. But IMO, you'd do best do treat it with a good corrosion inhibitor. (There are many available.) D2 does pit and rust if left untreated.
I just bought a 710 D2 and it's now my EDC.
D2 is one of the top blade steels without a doubt. It is not, however, "stainless" per se. I think "semi-stainless" is a good way to put it as rnhood did. But IMO, you'd do best do treat it with a good corrosion inhibitor. (There are many available.) D2 does pit and rust if left untreated.
I just bought a 710 D2 and it's now my EDC.
I have a 710HS and just gave a 812HS to my father. For me I like the 710 better. It fits my hand better. My father thought it was to big so I gave him the 812. He really liked it because it was a little smaller lighter and the blade is easier for him to open.
I find the design of the AFCK to be much more appealing. It is sort of Persian Tactical. Very cool.
But in terms of ergonomics, I prefer the 710. It may not look as interesting as the AFCK (IMO), but I think it is "better" in terms of actual use (just because it feels better in-hand).
In terms of steel, blade shape, materials, fit and finish, and locks, they are either very similar or the same.
The 710 is available in M2, but they are both offered in great steels and it's just a matter of preference, though I think you'd be happy with any of the options.
The blade shapes are different, but both are very good utilitarian shapes that can do most anything. I do like the slight recurve on the 710, though.
They both have full liners and G-10 scales (which are both textured about the same- and I feel the G-10 feel on both is a bit lacking compared to the grippy feel of Spyderco's, Al Mar's, and Emerson's G-10).
They both have decent fit and finish. Good for the price, but far from perfect.
They both have Axis locks. But since I prefer to thumb-flick knives rather than to pull down the Axis bar and flick them with my wrist, I prefer opening the 710 as thumbstuds are easier to thumb-flick than thumbholes (for me at least).
But in terms of ergonomics, I prefer the 710. It may not look as interesting as the AFCK (IMO), but I think it is "better" in terms of actual use (just because it feels better in-hand).
In terms of steel, blade shape, materials, fit and finish, and locks, they are either very similar or the same.
The 710 is available in M2, but they are both offered in great steels and it's just a matter of preference, though I think you'd be happy with any of the options.
The blade shapes are different, but both are very good utilitarian shapes that can do most anything. I do like the slight recurve on the 710, though.
They both have full liners and G-10 scales (which are both textured about the same- and I feel the G-10 feel on both is a bit lacking compared to the grippy feel of Spyderco's, Al Mar's, and Emerson's G-10).
They both have decent fit and finish. Good for the price, but far from perfect.
They both have Axis locks. But since I prefer to thumb-flick knives rather than to pull down the Axis bar and flick them with my wrist, I prefer opening the 710 as thumbstuds are easier to thumb-flick than thumbholes (for me at least).