benchmade suggestions?

AntDog

AntDog

Joined
Apr 3, 2001
Messages
27,227
I am wanting to buy a benchmade folder and I have never owned one, so I have no idea how all the models compare.

I am just looking for something with a 3" - 4.5" blade, built VERY stout. I just want a heavy duty user. (something built like a brick $h!thouse)

A friend was telling me to look at the Spyderco Chinook, but I was really wanting to try out a benchmade. Any suggestions?
 
If you want something that's (nearly) unbreakable, get a balisong!
smile.gif
can't be much sturdier then that!

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Be well!/Jonas aka 2Sharp

"Who want fulfillment? -denial lasts forever"
Usual Suspect-got the t-shirt to prove it...
Things that goes boom? look here: http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Camp/8373/index.html
My knives!
 
I would second the 710. It was the first BM with the excellent Axis lock and designed by the Axis lock designers Bill McHenry and Jason Williams.
It has a 4" blade with an ergonomic handle and very useful blade shape.
When this question has been asked before, the 710 gets more plugs by far than any other BM.
 
The 710 is great, with an aluminium handle, that is. The 720 is really stout for a 3-1/4" folder, a really good work knife.
 
Personally, I would go for the 730. It is a bit smaller and the spear point lends itself well to a multitude of cutting tasks. Here is a description right from Benchmades catalog.

Ares. The Greek god of war. Fortunately the only battle you have to worry about is which model color to choose. The Model 730 (Burgundy/Black) and the NEW! Model 735 (Green/Black) are an Allen Elishewitz design that takes mortal cutting tools to a much loftier level. Handles are fashioned of a unique two-toned G10 which is dynamically shaped for personal distinction and appreciable performance. Just below the handle surface are double stainless steel liners with finger treads for improved control, and liners are also cleverly skeletonized to lighten the load. And, you can get to the point quickly with the Ares spear-point blade shape and dual thumb-stud openers. Combine that with the patented AXIS locking mechanism for a function you only dreamed of until now. Both models come with movable carry-clip and lanyard hole for added security.

Features of the 730 Ares
Blade Length: 3.6"
Blade Thickness: 0.114"
Blade Material: 154CM
Blade Hardness: 59-61
Blade Style: Mod Spear Point
Weight: 4.4oz.
Liner Material: 410 SS
Handle Material G-10
Clip: SS
Lock Mechanism: Axis Lock
Overall Length: 8.2"
Closed Length: 4.7"
Sheath Material: None

Hope this helps.

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Ken
firedept_md_wht.gif
"Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names." - John F. Kennedy
 
A 710 or 730 is what you are asking for! The Monolock 750 fits your description as well!
Happy knife hunting!
smile.gif


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A Pat on the Back is only a few inches from a Kick in the Butt.
 
The 710 is highly recommended. Nice axis lock, great ergonomics, very useful. The M2 versions are very popular, although the regular is very nice as well.
The 750 is a good knife too. I like the frame lock.
If you don't mind a liner lock, the 800 AFCK is very popular. Has the spydie hole, great ergonomics, and at $67.50 from newgraham.com (and others) due to it's discontinuation, it's one of the best deals going. (G-10 handles and ATS-34 for under $70!)
-- Rob

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Me fail english? That's unpossible!
 
I'll be the first to plug the 940. Aluminum handles, Axis lock and a blade shape much more useful than it appears that also benefits from a strong tip. First BM I have bought in a couple years and I am sorry to have waited so long. If you are set on a BM, just make sure you get one with the Axis lock.
 
I'd go with the 730, I have been through most of the Benchmade and Spyderco lineups as well as a few other brands, and the 730 is the best of the bunch IMHO. It even out performs the Sebenza as far as I am concerned. I must admit that I still carry it with a small fixed blade though...
 
The sturdiest folding knife I´ve had in my hand so far was the Buck Strider. Check it out.
smile.gif


/Colinz

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"Cast a cold eye
On life, on death.
Horseman, pass by!"
-W.B. Yeats epitaph
 
all the above are great knives, imho, esp the stryker - but you owe it to yourself to at least look at the BM 800 series knives, the AFCK, avalable from www.newgraham.com - they are close out knives, priced from about $65, for the std model, silver plain edge, to about $85 for the D2 steel black blade 1/3 serrated version, - imho the 1 w/the D2 steel is 1 helluva knife for the $$ - my friend just bought 1 and is extremely happy w/it - i like the old AFCK's better than the new 1's anyway - cant stand the football shaped hole for opening the blad e- if ya try 1, ya wont be dissapointed i promise - the AFCK is my very favorite BM knife of all.....big mistake discontinueing imho, but i guess they had probs w/licensing from spydie, so what can ya do, huh


sifu
 
The Axis models are nice, but only the bigger ones like the 710 are good for heavy use. The smaller ones like the 705 are built very solid but are much too small to do heavy stuff with. There just isn't room on the handle for your hand (at least thats what I thought of the 705)
I really like my 750. Solid Ti slabs for handles. A big heavy blade thats sort of a drop point/clip point hybrid. The geometry of the grind gives the blade a thick cross section the whole way through without sacrificing cutting ability. The tip is very strong but still usable for scoring and slicing cuts.Mine is serrated.The blade is long enough that you have a good portion of both serrations and plain edge so you can cut pretty much anyhting you want without one getting in the way of the other.Its a great knife.

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I may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer... but I've got the sharpest knife in the room.
 
As far as solid looking and feeling Benchmades go, look at the 720 Pardue or, if you like tanto blades (I don't), try the new 722. Very substantial aluminum scales and axis lock. I like it and it is rather more substantial feeling than the 940, which is more of a Gentleman's Pocketknife, albeit an extremely nice rendition of same, so nice, in fact, that I carry mine quite frequently.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
I am also going to recommend the 710. I would get the plain egde and M2 steel. I have owned about 8 or 9 BM knives and the only one I have left is the 710. I sold the rest.
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by John Puckett:
I am also going to recommend the 710. I would get the plain egde and M2 steel. I have owned about 8 or 9 BM knives and the only one I have left is the 710. I sold the rest.</font>
Click to expand...

Me too, all of it
smile.gif
Though if it wasn't for the small Seb, I'd still have my 940.

edit: oops! Still have a Nimravus and an old lockback that I use for beaters. Forget I have them sometimes.



[This message has been edited by OwenM (edited 06-14-2001).]
 
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