Benchmade recommendations please!

A

ajnova

Joined
Jan 25, 2004
Messages
192
Hello,

I'm looking for two Benchmade recommendations - one big folder and a smaller one. These would be my first BM's.


1. I'm looking for a big folder... Like 3.5 to 4 inches etc. Something very strong and durable... A knife for "when the going gets tuff". So I guess G-10 for the handles then? AXIS is a must.

2. I'm looking for a smaller folder... 2.5 to give or take 3 inches. AXIS is a must. Also strong and durable would be nice... Maybe not as much as the larger folder though. This is for EDC. Maybe 705?



About AXIS...

1. It's really strong correct?

2. The knives can be flicked open and closed correct? Is that true to *all* AXIS knives? Does this do a harm to the knife or lock?


Thank you!
 
Check the 710HS (M2 steel) for the larger knife. Great steel, solid knife. I've been flicking my 710 for over 3 years with no problems so far.
 
Go with the 770 series for the smaller BM. Great little knife that can do about everything. I've got a 773 and carry it a lot.
 
The 806 (AFCK with Axis Lock, D2 steel, G-10 scales) is a nice choice, I prefer D2 to M2 as it is more stain resistant and easier to sharpen. I think the AFCK and the 710 are the largest knives offered with the Axis.
 
I have a 773 on its way. I chose it for its Axis lock, choice of handle material and color. Better than normal steel ( 154CM)
A nicer shaped blade than many others and all for just under $100.
 
710 HS M2 larger folder

705 154cm smaller folder

Both are built like tanks, sharp, durable, axis lock, G10

Jerry S.
 
Can't argue with the choices above, but just to add another to the mix, check out the Benchmade 520 Pardue.
 
If at all possible, go to a local shop and "try 'em on for size". That being said, 735 for the big one, 556 (mini griptilian) for the little guy.
 
Get the 710 for the larger Benchmade (or the 806 if you like a "hole" to open with rather than thumb-studs), and get the twin little brother of the 710; The "705" as the smaller Benchmade.
 
I like the way this thread is going. I agree for big go: 710 or 806D2.

For small go 705 or 770.

For one knife to do it all and fit in between, go ARES.

It is REALLY tough to beat the 710 in M2.
 
Thanks guys for the replies!

First of the two I'll get will be the bigger one.

Both the 710 and 806D2 have about the same size blade. However, 710 is smaller at 4.9" closed and the 806 is at 5.42" closed. My question is: is the handle grip any better on the 806 to make up for the bigger size?

Why is the 806 Black class and 710 Blue? Because of D2 steel? Thumb hole?

ugh I got more to say... But i'm too tired! Have to wait until morning!

Thanks again!
 
I'd kind of split the difference and get a tweaked 941. I have a 941Ti-01 in my pocket right now and it's sweeeeettt! Titanium, S30V and an Axis lock. It's slick like a lil 770 but slightly beefier than a 705. For something larger, I'd get a Microtech Socom Elite, but the 710 does have a solid following.

John
 
Once I try M2 on 710 (scratch the glass - easy 60-62 HRC + very tough = way ahead of any other steel), I come to conclusion that blade must be M2 and now only 710HS are available with it. Also Striker (910HS) and Nimravus (140HS).
Also I like 732.
Only one cons about Axis I can came up with is that you can not have flipper on blade if AXIS lock presents - from other point of view it's perfect.
Thanks, Vassili.
 
The BM 721 and 722 are beefy but a little short of your 3.5" limit.

I have a 710 with the M2 steel blade and one with the 154 steel. I don't beat the heck out of my 710s but I perfer the 154 version.

I also have an 806D2. It's a great knife, but I prefer the 710 for general use.

The 705 is a fine knife but I'm not sure how rugged it is. Again, I've not tried beat the heck out of my 705. When I think of a rugged small knife I think of a small Sebenza.

You might want to take a look at the BM 941. I don't think of it as rugged but I really like the 941.

Rich
 
Originally posted by ajnova
Why is the 806 Black class and 710 Blue?
Click to expand...

Marketing. I guess by putting the 806 in the black class they can go back to calling it the "Advanced Folding Combat Knife" instead of "Advanced Folding Camp Knife".
 
Everything you´ve heard about the Axis lock is true. Flickin´is a qustion of how tight the screws are, but my 520 came stiff and after a drop of oil and nothing more it is flicking. The blade came with no play.
 
for the big knife i suggest either the 806D2 or the 730. The AFCK is a classic, it's 4 inches of toughness. Excellent handle and blade shape. The 730 is probably my favorite BM, the sculpted handle is amazing. It has thick steel liners and the blade shape is utilitarian.

for the smaller knife i suggest the 94x series. They are incredibly slim yet the handle offers an excellent grip. I suggest the 943 because of the more useful pointy tip.
 
I picked up this 770 CF w/BC1 coated blade. It's aesthetically beautiful and functionally, one of the smoothest I've handled. My only Axis lock knife and perfect EDC size for me.

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And lastly, a trio of carbon fiber handled knives. William Henry and BM certainly know how to DO carbon fiber.

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All right I think for the little knife i'll go 705 and maybe later on get the 770 Carbon Fiber.

Still having a hard time picking between the 710 and 806....

1. Looking at it the 806 looks like you could grip it and stay gripped better then on the 710.

Thoughts?


I mean I'd rather get the 710 - because of the slightly smaller size.
 
My advice: go to a knife store and feel them out; then figure out what is best for you. :)

~ashes
 
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