Benchmade Axis Lock Advice Needed

J

JMB

Joined
May 28, 1999
Messages
72
Alright, so now I've decided that I want to buy one large and one small folder I have a few questions for you Benchmade afficionados out there.

I'm thinking about buying a 710 and a 705 Axis Lock. I like the idea of two knives that function and feel very similar (kind of like a backup pistol that is similar to your primary). That way when I travel to a place like Seattle or Chicago I can carry the 705 and not worry about breaking the law. Are these good knives? I'd hate to sink a few hundred bucks into them and find out they aren't that worthy of my money. Any thoughts on those knives would be appreciated.

Also, I like the looks of the 730 as well. But does anyone know if they are planning on introducing a mini-version of that knife? And by the way, it appears from the pictures that the 710 has more belly to the blade than the 730. Is this really an issue with cutting performance or does it really matter?

Thanks.
 
I think the 710 & 705 as a tandem is a good idea. The 705 is built slightly enough that you should be able to carry it anywhere knives are welcome without raising undue attention. The 730 is a great knife. and actually it has more belly than the 710. Belly is great for many tasks like skinning. Frankly, if your knives are for utility cutting and not hunting, I don't think you will miss alot of belly that much. I wouldn't hold my breath for a mini 730, if BM makes one, it will probably be next year.
 
I have a 710 and really like it, the handle is comfortable and the blade shape works well for any task I have. The axis lock is quite strong and allows for a smooth opening and closing. Also the knife is ambidextrous so it has the "fearful symmetry" I prefer in my knives. The only thing I am a little wary of is the omega springs, but after cycling the mechanism thousands of times I have yet to encounter a problem.

In this thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum32/HTML/002120.html Allen Elishewitz said a smaller version of the 730 may be released.

 
I think it is an excellent idea to have a backup folder that functions similarly to the primary folder. This is especially true in defensive situations where muscle memory will play an important role. The 710 and 705 are excellent knives. I really prefer the 730 to the 710, but I suppose that is personal preferance. Any of the axis lock knives function similarly. I would ythink that any of them would work very well with the 705.

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Dennis Bible
 
The Axis Lock mechanism is very smooth and very strong, and, if you prefer tip-up carry, it's far better than any liner lock, since the omega springs work like a back spring to pull the blade back into the handle if it gets nudged out a little.

A 705 and a 710, one with the clip reversed, make a good set for left and right carry. You might make the 705 the plain-edge version, to be the short "non-menacing" for places like airports.

Of course, you can't go wrong with an ambidextrous Spyderco Delica-Endura pair either.


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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
 
I have had a 705 for a while now. It is well made and well designed. I have a black blade because that was all that was available at the time. If I was looking for a traveling knife, I would not get a black blade. If you put it in the basket with keys, watch, etc, you shouldn't have a problem. Although a leatherman tool makes a great traveling tool.

Danny
 
I've been carrying a 710/705 combo since May of last year when the 705 hit the presses. They are great, great knives IMHO that, like you say, are functionally similar and make a natural pair. I definitely favor the 705, as it occasionally gets paired with a fixed blade, but even by itself it gives me a small sense of security. Works excellently for my rather small hands in the reverse grip ala Keating's Drawpoint, but that's really neither here nor there. I pack my 705 and 710 in the checked luggage when I travel, but for most domestic flights, James is right about the more non-threatening appearance of a plain blade to most security personnel. My personal preference is for the serrated mini, as I feel it increases the overall cutting ability of a rather small blade (which is sub 3" and legal to carry in my state concealed too I'm happy to say). You really can't go wrong with either of these knives. BM's quality control occasionally takes a beating, but the simple truth is that if you purchase a dud, send it back for replacement. Professor.

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Professor.
AKTI Mebership No.: A000222

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