Benchmade questions (710, 805, 806)

Planterz

Planterz

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In a move even I couldn't have predicted, I'm considering getting a knife for EDC that isn't either a balisong or an auto. Mostly, this is because I'd like to try an M2 bladed knife, as well as an AXIS lock knife (one of which I don't yet own).

Naturally, the 710HS springs to mind, but I've been looking at the 805 TSEK or 806 AFCK. Mostly because the handle looks to be a better gripper. However, the 806 is only available in D2, not M2 (not interested in D2, I already have a few), and the the only M2 805 is the HSSR, and I only want plain edge.

So here's the question: Can the 710 blade be swapped into the AFCK/TSEK handles? I see that the 710's blade is thinner, so I'd probably have to swap the standoffs and maybe the lock parts as well.

Or, was there ever an 805 or 806 made with a plain edge M2 blade? I know Benchmade likes their varients, so I figure maybe there's one that my google searches haven't turned up.

For that matter, are there any 3.5"+ BM knives with M2 steel and the AXIS lock? I've come across some 3" M2 varients, but I'd like a bigger blade.

Thanks.

Oh yeah, about the coating. I know that BT2 isn't exactly the toughest, but even when it's scarred, it does its job. Benchmade just came out with their Benchkote, which is supposed to be much harder. However, the 710HS is still listed as BT2. Does anyone know when, if at all, BM is going to make the 710HS with the upgraded coating?
 
Go with the 710, you won't regret it. The shape of it's handle is much more comfortable than the 806.
 
I prefer the 710 over the 806 and find the handle more comfortable and practical. Be sure to take some time to clean out the pivot and lube it up with some Tuf Glide or Militec-1. :) Also you may need to loosen the pivot to get the blade swinging better if you're looking to flick it open and closed quickly.
 
I have to admit that a lot of my interest in the 710 is those flicking videos of yours, Wade. Since I picked up a Fer De Lance and a BM42MC over a year ago, I've had either an auto or a balisong in my pocket since. But your videos make even a "boring" manual knife look like fun. Of course, if BM made a 7100HS auto, I'd buy it in half a second.
 
Planterz said:
So here's the question: Can the 710 blade be swapped into the AFCK/TSEK handles? I see that the 710's blade is thinner, so I'd probably have to swap the standoffs and maybe the lock parts as well.
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No, it can't. The tangs are too different - I have just tried to do it ;)

Planterz said:
Or, was there ever an 805 or 806 made with a plain edge M2 blade? I know Benchmade likes their varients, so I figure maybe there's one that my google searches haven't turned up.
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AFAIK there was no 805 or 806 with a M2 plain blade. Only 800 or 804 limited editions.

Planterz said:
For that matter, are there any 3.5"+ BM knives with M2 steel and the AXIS lock? I've come across some 3" M2 varients, but I'd like a bigger blade.
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I would look for in LEs - there was an Ares in M2 for sure.

But I would take 710 HS.
 
logo said:
No, it can't. The tangs are too different - I have just tried to do it ;)
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Dang, but thanks. I was hoping someone'd tried it before. :)

Looks like I'll be getting a 710 soon. Thanks guys.
 
Planterz said:
Dang, but thanks. I was hoping someone'd tried it before. :)
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You're welcome - after I experienced that the blades and handles are not exchangeable I was sad too, it would be really cool, a 805's handle with a blade of 710 ;)

Planterz said:
Looks like I'll be getting a 710 soon. Thanks guys.
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Yes Sir, it's a good choice, Sir!
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Consider having Chase Axxin, or another amker make you an M2 blade for the Bai knives you love.

I love Axis folders, with the 710 being the best for me. My guess is that you will like the 730 Area in M2 the best if you can find one.
 
Yeah, I came across the 730CFHS when I was poking around. Looks cool, but a bit more expensive than I want to spend on a non-auto at the moment, not to mention a bit rare and hard to find. Maybe if I like the manual AXIS enough, I'll track one down. Did they ever make a 710HS with carbon fiber scales (or even a regular one, and I could swap the blade)?
 
NO, the 710 blade will not fit the 730 without extensive mods. You should be able to find a 730HS in decent condition for ~$150, not much more than a 71Hs. The only issue becomes finding one, gotta keep your eyes open, as they don't come up too often.
 
That's not what I meant, I mean if there was a CF handled 710, with or without an M2 blade, if without I could swap the blade with a HS one. Sorry, I'm a bit sleepy.
 
Nope, I mushave misunderstood. You may just want to see if BM will sell you a set of CF scales, or have a maker like Chax Knives fit a set for you.

The regular g10 scales work really well though, at least for me.
 
logo said:
AFAIK there was no 805 or 806 with a M2 plain blade. Only 800 or 804 limited editions.



I would look for in LEs -
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there was an 805HSSR with wood inlays january 2005. Just 150 pieces or so and sold in a second.

I sometimes feel BM is a kind of brainsick to come up with blade steel in knives at large numbers that are hard to sell (because other use comparable or better steel) and just a few with beloved steel that are sold easily.

They should do large numbers of steel that is beloved, so anybody gets one.
 
It's probably a matter of cost effectiveness. Want M2, get a 710. Want D2, get an 805/806. They probably feel making full production of all possible combinations is redundant and not worthwhile.

I'd buy one of the 805HSSR in a second if only it didn't have the SR part. :grumpy:
 
I was planning on waiting to get the 710, since I'm kinda broke at the moment (plunked $700 on a set of Protechs), but then I realized, hey, why bother waiting til I actually have the money when I've got a credit card that I can charge the knives to? After all, it's not like it's my money, and all I have to do is pay it back later with interest that'd make Louie Nickle's and Icepick's Savings and Loanshark blush with embarresment. :D

710HS, rainbow Onion/Centrofante, and a pack of new bandaids are on the way. :cool:
 
Planterz said:
710HS, rainbow Onion/Centrofante, and a pack of new bandaids are on the way. :cool:
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A pack of new bandaids? It sounds familiar :)

Shipping information of my 710HS was signed "Mary Beth", and Yours? ;)
 
How'd you guess? :D

The 710HS is a good $20+ cheaper from newgraham compared to almost everybody else.
 
It would appear that the 710HS is now coated with the new BK1 Benchkote.

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It still marks up when you use it (I cut a credit card offer pack in half, and it marred it, as did cardboard), and I don't have any first-hand experience with the old BT2, but I'm sure it's much tougher and wear resistant.

After thousands of dollars on autos and balisongs, I finally have my first AXIS lock, and I'm digging it. Very easy to flick open and closed with one hand. It's my first knife with G10 too, and I'm supprised at how smooth it is. I don't know why, but I always thought that it'd be rougher against the hands, more like sandpaper than glossy plastic.

BTW, what's the backspacer made from?
 
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