Decisions, decisions.. BM 520 or BM 732.

Marcelo Cantu

Marcelo Cantu

Joined
Jan 18, 2003
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I'm sorry about posting yet another of those 'which one...' threads.

I have a rare occasion to be able to spend some dough for a knife, and I've narrowed it down to these two for EDC. Intended use is for all things cutting, no prying. I'd appreciate any input from owners or those who have handled either or both. I know that the 520 is a bit heavier duty but by how much? Is the Ares slim in the pocket? Is the 520 too fat? How is the coating on the 520's handles. There is a $20-$30 difference in price on the internet so that is a minimal concern. I guess what I want to know is pros/cons in terms of portability vs utility. Thanks
 
Marcelo, I've handled both. I currently own four versions of the Ares (730 series). I'd like to grab a 520 down the road also. It may come down to what length blade you prefer, and if you prefer BT vs. no-BT coating.

Although different in design, both handles offer very good "grip." I might give a slight advantage to the 520 because of the bi-directional scales of its handle and the wider handle flare as it nears the blade. The downside is I understand these scales can also chew up your pants pocket.

If I'm not mistaken, the 732 only comes with black teflon finish on the blade. The blade on the 732 is slightly over 3.5" whereas the blade on the 520 is less at 3.4 inches.

I've carried my EDC'd my Ares. While not exactly a featherweight, I wouldn't consider heavy by any stretch. According to the BM website, it weighs in at 4.4 oz. vs. the 5.6 oz. for the 520.
 
No doubt...Get the 732! Aluminum can be too slippery, and once the coating begins to wear off, you're stuck with a nasty-looking knife...(But then, I guess you'd also have the "wear" problem with the BT coating off the blade of the 732...).

I know...Find yourself a 721...Problem solved.:D.
 
520a - hands down my favorite AXIS folder. The scales will NEVER be slippery due to their pattern.
 
The 520 is one of the few knives that I've sold and bought another one of.

The high grind is a superb cutter and the textured scales make it secure, despite the lack of a deep front guard. The 73x looks gorgeous, but its lack of any kind of speed bump in the front scares me.

I'd suggest the 520.

-j
 
Thanks guys. I didn't consider wear on the pocket from the Bi directional scales. I assume this also has an effect on ease of insertion and extraction from the pocket. I thought about the 721 too, but the other two are a little more stylish :o .
 
Well, let me see. I have both at arms reach. The 520 is a heavy duty knife, and is hard on the pocket, as well as hard to get out of some pockets. Rough, tough, and a great blade design. The 73X are great knives as well. I seem to prefer G-10 scales, and the green/black laminated scales of my satin bladed 735 are beautiful. It carries well, better than the 520 IMO, and finds its way to my pocket every day. Find a 735 while you still can!

bomtek44
 
I'd recomend the 732. I have a 730 in my pocket always. It's the closest thing to perfect I've found for EDC in terms of size, blade shape, handle, etc. I do wish they still made them without the black coating though.
 
The 520 cuts a little better, and is available in S30V (the 520A). They both fill the (well, my) hand very nicely. If you dig around (and pay), the 730 is available in S30V, D2, and M2. The 73X carries easier in the pocket (and chews less on the pocket) and has a much tougher point. The G10 is going to look much better after beating around for a few years than the AL is. This would be especially true if you went to a dealer with backstock (or ebay) and got one with an uncoated blade.
 
It's a very limited run (300?) - ask your dealers. I Know American Heritage Sports still had a couple last week.
 
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