Benchmade Rukus 710 A Review

Ironman

Ironman

Joined
Aug 16, 2002
Messages
402
Life with Rufus. A review of EDC use of the Benchmade 710 Rukus. I first saw the Rukus in pictures in the BM catalog and on the web. I started checking around on BFC and was hearing it was kind of a big knife. I usually carry around 3” folders, or a custom Chavar Mini Fang with a 1.5” blade. So, I am not usually into bigger knives. I have had larger knives in the past, Endura, M-16, LCC, etc. I never kept them, they seemed to large for EDC. I really liked the looks of the Rukus, so, I searched for comments online. One person on a forum did a typo and called the knife “Rufus”. That pretty much decided me. I mean a knife with a real name, awesome! So, I ordered up a Rufus from Newgraham.com a BFC supporting dealer. The knife arrived quickly, as always. My first thought was the box was Really Heavy. Many times, it feels empty with smaller knives.
The Rufus is very large compared to some knives, and the handle felt really wide at first. The handle is very comfortable to hold . The edges are all smooth and grip is good, thanks to the finger positioning ridges. I can hold the knife with the finger right behind the guard, or choke up (or down?) on the handle, holding near the butt and the knife gets about 1” extra reach. With the 4.25” already there, it performs even bigger when needed.
Aside from the larger size and considerable weight, the Rukus really handles like a smaller knife. The blade shape has been called boring by some, but in fact is a true “utility” blade. The design by Neil Blackwood lends to all kinds of cutting, with plenty of point for finer work or SD. Speaking of SD, the Rukus would make a fine choice. If you didn’t open it, you could club ’em with it. Hee hee. As for carry, the knife has an ultra low pocket clip. This makes it look smaller in the pocket. The clip works good, but mine seems to be mainly kept in the pocket by gravity, as my clip feels flimsy. I have never had a problem with the Rukus falling out of pocket though. So, to wrap it up. I am not usually into bigger knives, but I really like the Rukus a whole bunch. The size is about .25 over the legal limit in my state, but I don’t think that will be a problem for me.
I carry the Rukus EDC as my primary knife, and have not been disappointed. I am 5’3;” and about 110lbs. So I guess “size doesn’t always matter” applies here. If you can handle hanging with Rufus, you will not be disappointed in quality or performance. He’s a friend you can count on. Ironman
 
I'm suprised this knife isn't mentioned more often.

It is a pretty good design, if a bit big. Good utilatarian blade design and a great handle. Supposedly a smaller version may appear, which should be interesting.

I thought about having a sheath made for mine, but decided against it after making a trial version myself. Hate sheath carry. Carry IWB @ about 2 o'clock is my usual carry method.

Nice review.

Thanks,
 
I have been looking at this knife for a few days, and after finding it for $147 at Jaggers wholesale, I may have to buy one and make it my EDC as well. It looks great, and the grip looks very very nice.
 
I JUST got mine today, WOW, this is one serious bladed folder, agree with your review 100%

The edge was what I was mainly worried about, that it would be too thick edged, but far from it, it has a very well formed edge, almost convex that allows push cutting like I've not seen in a long time! Amazingly sharp from the box, and it was one from another person but he hadn't carried it much if any. So I think it's like brand new and it is sharp!

The blade opens smoothly with a slight flick while holding back the axis lock mech, doesn't take much to get that blade moving! The grip is a marvel, very sexy looking contrast with micarta and carbon fiber interwove together, nice, very nice.

Only a few hours but very impressed if you need a large folder that doesn't feel too large when you use it, grab one while you can,

Great job Benchmade and nice design Neil!
G2
 
If Benchmade is listening, a tanto and recurve blade on the 610 would be an excellent addition as well. Inso far however, the 610 as is is one heck of an EDC. Carries much smaller than one would think for a folder this large and stout, and it cuts like the dicken's.

Matador-
 
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