choosing a benchmade 615, 710 or 940

S

Steve2255

Joined
Jul 17, 2007
Messages
3
Hi Everyone.

Im pretty new here and pretty new to knives. Ive been getting into alot more outdoors activities (camping, hiking, extended 4-wheeler trips ect.) and figure its time to replace my 19 dollar walmart gerber paraframe with a quality knife. Ive pretty much set my heart on getting a benchmade after getting the chance to play with a axis lock demo model at shoot straight gun shop.

I do not need a knife for any particular duty but would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Basically im looking for something rugged enough for me to take out with me camping but still practical enough sizewise for an EDC knife.

Ive been looking at the 615 mini-rukus which appeals to me because of its brutish nature and all the hype over S30V blade steel but after sleeping on it for a while im begining to worry that it will be too bulky to carry comfortable in public. The other knives ive been looking at are the 710D2 and 940, with the 710 taking my fancy over the 940 at the moment.

Any help to push me one way or another would be much appreciated.
 
Of the 3 BMs on there, it depends on if you will be able to sharpen your knife. The 710 can be harder to sharpen then the 615 (the mini rukus) The 710 is D2 tool steel. Unless you have diamond hones it is VERY VERY hard to sharpen because it is a very hard steel, but it holds an incredible edge. The 615 is s30v. It is not as hard to sharpen as the D2 and holds about as good of an edge, but not for quite as long. From all that I have done and heard the s30v must be stropped because it gets a rely stubborn wire edge. The 615 would be a good choice for all around. The only down fall of the 615 is that s30v has some minor chipping problems. Which one fits your hand the best, consider that also. For me the 615 carries just fine. I don't have problems with it being to big for my pocket. The 710 would also be a good choice. It has good blade length, and is a nice slim carry. The 940 is actually one of my favorite knives out there, but in this case I would not opt for it. I would prefer something larger. So I would say go for the 710 or the 615.
 
I've owned both the 710 (an M2 and the newest D2 versions) and a 942 (exactly like the 940, but with black anodized handles instead of green). Honestly, you can't go wrong with either of the choices. Both are fantastic examples of high-end production knives... I guess it just comes down to user preference. For outdoor use, the extra .60" blade length on the 710 will come in handy. The 710 is bigger, and for small-to-medium hands, I find the smaller and better contoured 940 easier to control for precise cutting. The anodization will eventually wear off in some spots on the 940, while the G-10 on the 910 will look relatively new with prolonged use (if you care about such things). Both use great steels... the 154cm will be easier to touch up and sharpen than the D2, but the D2 will hold an edge longer.

I consider the 940 family some of the most well-designed knives that Benchmade has ever put out. Excellent ergonomics, excellent materials, one of the best locks available... really good knives.
 
Buy the 710 and 940, they are a great combo, The 940 has the stainless blade while the 710 can rust if not kept dry after use.
 
I think you would like the 940 the best because it is the most compact but has a nice size blade. GOOD LUCK! You can not go wrong with a Benchmade. Kevin:thumbup:
 
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