Considering a new Benchmade

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addylo

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Oct 28, 2009
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I'm considering a new Benchmade and am torn between the 707 and 710. This will be for my general purpose EDC rotation. My BM stable at the moment only consists of a Grip and mini Grip (love both) so I'm looking to expand and noticed these two mentioned repeatedly in the "five must have" thread.

I'd be interested in hearing pros and cons about each from the experts. The 710 looks a bit large for general use. How practical is it for EDC?
 
710 is definitely compact for its size, just a little longer than the big Grip when closed and thinner (so carried better IMO). There are some good comparison pictures here http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...940-vs-Griptilian/page2?p=6219362#post6219362

The 707 is also very compact. It's very close in lengths to the mini Grip, but it feels a lot smaller in the hand. Here are more great comparison pics from Steven Andrews comparing those two http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ptilian-thread!!!/page4?p=7919500#post7919500

Really I'd probably decide which size Grip you like better and decide based on that.
 
^ +1

The 710 is a timeless classic.
If you don't get one now, you'll probably get one later.
No doubt about it.

Or get both and have a matching set! :D
 
I'd get the 710 since the 707 basically fills the same size roll as the Mini Grip. That would give you a 3," 3.5," and 4" blades which will take care of pretty much you'd ever need to do with an EDC knife.
 
Great thread :thumbup:

I also have a grip and a mini grip, my question, is the 710 "too long?" A four inch blade seems quite a bit for pocket carry
 
rajincagin said:
Great thread :thumbup:

I also have a grip and a mini grip, my question, is the 710 "too long?" A four inch blade seems quite a bit for pocket carry
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To reiterate, it actually works better in the pocket than the Grip, at least IMO, because the length difference is not large, and the 710 is thinner. Here's a couple pics I just took to illustrate that http://imgur.com/a/XH57A (linked because they're pretty big)
 
I'd go with the 710. A timeless classic with over fifteen years of proven performance.

A big blade that carries small. Nice slim design with no trade off in strength because of the full thick liners.
 
Thanks for the feedback, all. I'm wanting to grab one of these before the pricing policy change.

That's good advice comparing the mini and Grip but it doesn't make deciding any easier. I like and carry 'em both at times. I've been leaning towards the 707 and thinking the 710 may be too large for regular carry but then I've been toting a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 around without an issue. Go figure.
 
addylo said:
Thanks for the feedback, all. I'm wanting to grab one of these before the pricing policy change.

That's good advice comparing the mini and Grip but it doesn't make deciding any easier. I like and carry 'em both at times. I've been leaning towards the 707 and thinking the 710 may be too large for regular carry but then I've been toting a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 around without an issue. Go figure.
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The 710 is more compact than the PM2. If you don't mind the PM2, you definitely won't mind the 710. On the other hand, if you don't like carrying the Para, you probably won't like carrying the 710.

edit: Something else to consider, the 707 basically has the same amount of edge as the Para2 in a much, much, much smaller package.
 
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id get the 710 the 707 is just essentially a fancy mini grip, Can always get a 707 later on. I think you will enjoy the 710
 
710 is big, 707 is very small...kind of hard to directly compare the two considering the large size difference.

You said you had a mini grip and liked it. Just recieved my 707 and first impression is its a lot nicer and more refined than the mini grip Ive been carrying. Awesome blade in a very compact package.

20131130_185035_zps4c06e7a3.jpg
 
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Done.

Dear <addylo>,
Thank you for your order. Your order number is <12345>.
Your total is $<:D>.

Which one did he get???


Seriously, you guys helped me decide to go with the 710. Mucho thanks.
 
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addylo said:
Done.

Dear <addylo>,
Thank you for your order. Your order number is <12345>.
Your total is $<:D>.

Which one did he get???


Seriously, you guys helped me decide to go with the 710. Mucho thanks.
Click to expand...

Sweet, you'll love it. How about a round for the house?:D
 
If you could get the 707 with full G10 scales and D2 steel, it might be harder to choose, but as it is, the 710 is the way to go. I have 5 now (two 710D2, a 710-2, a 710-101, and a 710T). Still can't bring myself to buy a 707 due to the aluminum scales which will look like crap after a couple months of EDC in my pocket. Bring back the 705, please!
 
Get the 710. It disappears in the pocket and feels like you are carrying a much smaller blade.

Also the blade to handle/grip ratio is about the best anywhere. I wish all knife designers made this a prerequisit.
 
Brian_R170 said:
If you could get the 707 with full G10 scales and D2 steel, it might be harder to choose, but as it is, the 710 is the way to go. I have 5 now (two 710D2, a 710-2, a 710-101, and a 710T). Still can't bring myself to buy a 707 due to the aluminum scales which will look like crap after a couple months of EDC in my pocket. Bring back the 705, please!
Click to expand...

The 705 is gone.
But, did you say 707 with G10 scales?
:D
 
addylo said:
Done.

Dear <addylo>,
Thank you for your order. Your order number is <12345>.
Your total is $<:D>.

Which one did he get???


Seriously, you guys helped me decide to go with the 710. Mucho thanks.
Click to expand...
Congrats ! The 710 will be my next one. I'd like get the 707 also when Benchmade gets over all this pricing policy drama. ;) :)
 
kreole said:
Really I'd probably decide which size Grip you like better and decide based on that.
Click to expand...

Not arguing with you, just adding my opinion... I much prefer the mini grip over the full size, its by far my favorite knife but I love my 710 and don't find it to large at all! It's very pocket friendly and unlike some large knives it doesn't restrict pocket access at all or take up much real estate.

If you already have a ~4" knife get whichever you want, but if you need a large knife get the 710, it won't be to big for you.
 
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