BM710 or 730?

Joined
Jan 4, 2002
Messages
183
Obviously both are great. I had a 710 but sold it because I couldnt sharpen it. That has changed and I would really like an axis lock of some kind. These 2 are my first choices. The osbourne models are nice but I'm looking for something a little bigger. Does anyone know of any problems w/ either. I havent held the ares, but my friend still has the 710 and lets me look at it. Also, does the ares come in an all black handle? Some people like a splash of color to their tactical knives, but I find it hard to beat plain black. Also, does the ares have the interchangable pocket clip for left or right side carry, and is it tip up or tip down. I prefer tip up myself but its not as big a issue as being able to swap the clip from left to right. I'm a lefty and thats one reason for the axis fever I recently aquired.
 
The 730 does have a reversible clip. I believe that a run of black handles was done.

Have you looked at the Axis AFCK (806) or Axis TSEK (805)? Might be something else to through into the mix.
 
Elwin,
In my humble opinion you should buy both knives. Believe me, here is no silly joke, just they are quite different items.

Model 710 Axis Lock is the outstanding knife but it is somewhat too big for everyday urban carry, for me at least. However it is excellent choice for outdoors environment and it is my first choice when I go mixed (both wild nature and urban environment) trip.

Model 730 Ares will serve you much better in urban conditions because it has somewhat smaller dimensions. In my opinion it is nothing wrong with color handles, Ares comes with black-purple or black-green ones. They are less scarring in non-knife-enthusiast companionship.

Yes, both models have the clip movable to either side of the handle but they do not allow the conversion for tip-down carry. Both models are equally lefty friendly and you can't go wrong with either.
 
The 730 series is somewhat more easy to carry in an EDC situation. The blade shape is more utility-oriented than the 710. Almost a sort of modified spear point.

The 735 is available in dark green/black scales which are very nice looking.

There was also a limited production run recently with carbon-fiber scales and M2 steel. I think those may be hard to come by now.
 
I'd really like a 710HS. I'm not to keen on the bt2 coating though. The old 710 I had was coated, but it wore off in the high spots pretty quickly.
 
The TSEK looks pretty good. I hadnt really considered it. The post about the afck and tsek didnt have an msrp that I could find. Anyone know what it is? Price and permission will probably decide this one for me. If the TSEK is significantly cheaper, I'm more likely to get permission from my wife.:D
 
The TSEK is cheaper than the others. I saw one on ebay for NIB for $75.
 
You might want to check out the 550 or 551 Griptilians, both are axis lock and both have black noryl gtx thermoplastic handle scales. The scales are reinforced with very solid steel liners.

I have both knives and have found them to be an exceptional value.

Mike
 
I have both and I carry the 710HS on a regualr basis, the 730 sits in my knife drawer. Both are nice knives but the 710 is better for my uses.
Chad
 
If you go to looking for a black handled Ares, the model # was 732. Don't know how many were made or what blade/finish options there were.
 
I own both a 730 and two 710 knives (among other Axis locks), and I have found that I much prefer the 710. For me it seems the better cutting instrument for my uses and I like the blade configuration better, plus for me it carries more comfortably than the 730.

The one I really want now is the Axis TSEK in plain edge.

Also, I agree with an earlier post that the 550 and 551 Griptilian knives are an awesome value.

Jim
 
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