BM 710 vs Spyderco Military

L

Let It Bleed

Joined
May 13, 2007
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504
I know both are excellent knives. But what are the differences between the BM 710 and the Spyderco Military other than the lock? I know the Military comes in several flavors of steel including D2 and they both have G10 grips.

What say thee? Which would you choose if you could only have one? Or if you can't bring yourself to own only one, which one would you buy first? Or if you're grouchy, just flame me for being late to the game! :p
 
The BM 710 has a longer cutting edge than the military while also being smaller. It has one of the best blade to handle ratios I've seen. The military has a huge handle and it is pretty wide, but on the other hand, like most spydercos they are pretty thin the other way. They both ride well in the pocket but the military probably feels a little better due to the thinness and light weight.

The military does cut better from the factory with its full flat blade and the amazing grinds spyderco puts on. If you arn't experienced with sharpening, I would probably stay away from the 710 because that D2 is a brute and they usually put on obtuse angles. Also, if you are going to be doing a lot of rough stuff, keep in mind the military is definitely a slicer with its thin blade and tip so you have to be more careful.

Personally, I like the 710 a bit better. On the other hand, the Military is probably my favorite spyderco. They are both excellent knives so it will be a good choice either way!
 
The kiker for me is the lock. I like the axis, so I would go with the 710. Both BM and Sco have great CS and they will sharpen the knife for you.
Which one feels better in your hand?
 
Man you know how to make it difficult. You're asking me to choose between two of my all time favorites. Capt. Carl gave a very good comparison that's pretty accurate. Go with whichever you feel comfortable with considering how Carl described them. I will second the opinion that the military, considering it's size, is WAY more comfy in the pocket. It's a huge knife, but sits so well in the pocket that at times you will forget it's even there. Amazing!!

Good luck to ya,
Jon
 
This comparison is nearly as old as flint vs. obsidian.

Of the two, I prefer the 710, mostly because of the lock. And although the blade lengths are the same, the Military is a much larger knife (with a shorter actual cutting edge), and feels like a machete in my hands. It just didn't feel right to me. I sold the Military I had without ever actually using it (just fiddled with it); I still have my 710HS but I don't carry it much anymore. I prefer the size, blade style, and thinness of the 940 (940D2CF).
 
Buy a Military and have STR do a framelock conversion! It is the best framelock I have seen! GOOD LUCK! Kevin :thumbup:
 
Thanks for the replies, it has been helpful. The only place that sells BM, Spyderco, Kershaw, etc. is Sportsman's Warehouse and their selection was thin. I was told the truck was due to arrive that day, but the store is across town and a round trip probably costs 4-5 dollars in gas!:eek:

I figured I wasn't the first to ask this question, as the similarities, at least on paper, are fairly obvious. I was leaning towards the Military simply because I don't own any Spydercos, but am still undecided. The BM 960 is definitely on the wish list, but I'm wanting a larger knife as I have several 3 inch bladed folders already.

The excellent feedback is helpful as I will probably be buying over the net without ever handling either. Ultimately, I don't think I can go wrong with either, but I appreciate any further advice and opinions anyone is willing to share. Thanks again. :)
 
Sportsman's warehouse isn't the only place that sells BM, Kershaw, Spyderco etc. As sad as it is to say, your best bet for knife buying will be online. Not only is the selection better, but you'll almost always get better pricing.

A couple of options:

http://www.newgraham.com/
http://www.1stopknifeshop.com/

As for the 710 vs. the Military, I have and like both. If I had to choose between the 2, I'd take the 710, mostly because of the lock mechanism. And contrary to conventional forum wisdom, I prefer the 154CM or ATS34 versions of the 710. Benchmade's D2 rusts very easily.
 
What's the biggest folder you own? Chances are the Military is probably bigger (longer), so bear that in mind if you have average to small sized hands.

Personally I think the Millie is a great knife but I would love to see a version that has a blade the size of the Military and a handle the size of the Para-Military. That would be the perfect cross-over for me!

I don't have a 710 so I can't comment on that guy but I did have a BM bali in D2 for a while and I think the Spydie S30V takes and holds a much better edge.
 
A friend has a Military. I've handled it a few times. I think the new Tenacious is a better design. Too bad it isn't made here.

Rich
 
Let It Bleed said:
Thanks for the replies, it has been helpful. The only place that sells BM, Spyderco, Kershaw, etc. is Sportsman's Warehouse and their selection was thin. I was told the truck was due to arrive that day, but the store is across town and a round trip probably costs 4-5 dollars in gas!:eek:

I figured I wasn't the first to ask this question, as the similarities, at least on paper, are fairly obvious. I was leaning towards the Military simply because I don't own any Spydercos, but am still undecided. The BM 960 is definitely on the wish list, but I'm wanting a larger knife as I have several 3 inch bladed folders already.

The excellent feedback is helpful as I will probably be buying over the net without ever handling either. Ultimately, I don't think I can go wrong with either, but I appreciate any further advice and opinions anyone is willing to share. Thanks again. :)
Click to expand...

I go to the Sportsmans Warehouse all the time. They have decent prices on Benchmades but are way overpriced on the Spydercos. They only have a very small collection of Spyderco anyway, Native, Delica, Jester, and Cricket the last time I checked. I didn't see a 710 either though. What part of SC do you live in. I live between York and Mconnels.

As for your hard choice, I would personaly go with the Military. I have owned both and I liked the Millie better. The blade is more suited for cutting with its thinner profile and more acute edge. It also carries better. The 710 feels like it could take more abuse if that is a concern to you.
 
I've owned both and definitely prefer the 710. As mentioned above, it has a great handle to blade ratio - The Military has a lot of handle and a comparatively short blade.

I also prefer the smoother G10 of the 710. The Spyderco G10 is just too rough. It tends to hang up in my pocket when I go to take it out. The 710 comes out smoothly.

The shape of the 710 handle works well in my hand - good fit, no hot spots with extended usage.

Finally, the Axis lock is the best out there. Period.
 
I own both and they are awesome knives in there own way. I would have to go with the 710 if I had to choose.
 
I own the Military and have played quite a bit with the 710. I like the Military more. The clip point blade has a lot of belly and is very usable! The flat ground blade makes it a superior slicer, the handles are grippier, and the overall package is lighter without feeling weak. The liner lock is exceptionally well made and I have a lot of trust in it. I hardly notice the size of the Military in my pockets because it is fairly slim and light. It is probably my favorite out of all Spyderco has to offer and would be a good introduction to spydies.
 
I've owned both D2 varaints.

I traded off my 710 before using it for anything other than a piece of paper, but I got to play with it at my desk and show it off to friends. Overall, it is the stronger knife- axis lock, thick steel liners, robust blade. The handle is comfortable in any grip. But, the knife just didn't have enough 'personality' for me. The handle was too neutral (didn't fit your hand like a glove) and the g10 was a very dull shade of black. I would trust my life to it, no problem, but I found it to be a boring knife compared to other BM's, and especialy compared to the Military.

As for the Mill, I fell in love the second I wraped my hands around it in the store (although I still waited to order it online.) The knife possitivley rapes the 710 (and al my other knives for that matter) in raw cutting power. It is the ultimate lightweight cutting tool in my experience. The CPM D2 has proven nice and corosion resistant, the handle is very luxurious feeling, and I love the green color of the g10. Now all we need is a BM/ Spyderco colaboration and slap an axis lock on this puppy.
 
I'm glad both knives are available. Different strokes.

I much perfer the BM710.

But, I am tempted to buy a Spyderco Military. Maybe it is much better
when being used than just in hand.


.
 
Wow, you really can't go wrong with either knife. Personally, I'd rather have the Para Mili over the Mili & would probably choose the 710 over the Mil for several reasons.

1. The 710 has a better knife to handle ratio.
2. IMHO, the 710 carries better in the pocket (710's handle's 1/2" shorter).
3. The 710 carries tip-up, a plus to me.

Good luck with whatever you choose & let us know.
 
For the lock alone id go with the 710.

I also prefer thumbstuds to opening holes so again 710.

I prefer more blade belly then a blade recurve, so blade id go military.

Right now Id take a 710HS first then a s90v military.

As far as the standard models go id take the 710 because of the lock.
 
Right now Id take a 710HS first then a s90v military.
Click to expand...

They haven't made the M2 version in what, 7 years? Collectors item only that's difficult to find and in NIB condition pushes 3 bills. The most expensive millie is the S90V model coming in less than $200.00.

Right now in stores you can find the military in S30V, BG42, CPM D2, S90V. The last 3 are standard in carbon fibre and G10 ( CPM D2). There are carbon fibre S30V millies out there but they're about as hard to find as Newish M2 710's.

I have all of them including the M2 710. IMO, the millie has much more to offer and is a better slicer out of the box. Much, much better in fact. Joe
 
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