Emerson Specwar A vs. Benchmade 721

Bobby B

Bobby B

No more Mr. Knife-guy
Joined
May 18, 2001
Messages
3,053
I am considering getting one of these 2 knives.
I have not yet handled either, but "on paper" they seem very similar.
I know Emerson and Benchmade have their supporters, and am curious on pros and cons.
I like the general use shape of the blades (and want partial serrations). I like the handle shape, they look like they have good contours for grip.
If there are similar knives in the same general price category (i.e. CQC-7A) that you might recommend..., let me know.
Blade lengths/widths are similar (3.25/.115 vs. 3.5/.125), etc. Both 154CM,with G-10 handles. Heat treat quality?
I know there are some good opinions, and advice out there...;)
 
Originally posted by mrd74
The Benchmade has the axis-lock,nuff said
Click to expand...

Mike,
After posting, I screwed up the edit, where I was going to ask if the Axis lock was enough to tip it in the Benchmade's favour...:o

I guess that is the real question.
 
I have been handeling a Emerson Specwar B at one of the local outdoor shops , deciding if it is right for me or not . I have also owned a 710 and griptilian Benchmade . While the Axis is a very good lock , the failing point of this type of lock is in thrusting . If you hit a hard object , and your hand slips , or if it get stuck , and you pull and your hand slips , you WILL disengage the sliding button . I guess it all depends on how you will use the knife . A good liner lock , like on the OLDER AFCK's and most Emersons (recesed) will hold in the locked position as good or better than any other lock . On my AFCK , even "whiteknucleing" will not disengade the liner . It is recesed deep enough that you have to reach to disengage the lock .
 
What is the opinion on this knife?
Granted it is a modified Tanto (not my favourite in the world...)
It has the older style Benchmade liner lock?
Does anyone have experience with this one?
 
I like the Benchmade better. The main reason is the axis lock. I have not had the problem of thrusting the other guy mentioned. I am just not a big fan of liner locks. I also think the benchmade are made a little better. The bigger problem would be a choice between a emerson knife with the wave (like a commander and the specwar) and BM721. I really like the wave feature. You can not open a folder faster!!!
 
I also agree about the Axis lock. It's a leap ahead of any liner lock, especially Emerson's so-so liner locks. The objection about unlocking an axis accidently is a reasonable one, but basically just theory. I haven't yet heard of anyone doing this in real life, and if you play with your axis lock, you will have trouble causing this accidental unlocking even if you purposely set out to do it, IMO! Liner locks are susceptible to spine pressure, white knuckling, and especially torquing, and you'll find many many real-world failures instead of just theoretical ones! My own personal view, elaborated here ad nauseum, is that you need your head examined if you choose a liner lock over an axis lock. Note that I don't claim to have access to any transcendental truth here -- Edd seems to have the opposite opinion as me, you might want to test our claims to see which ones seem to apppply to you.

Carryability-wise, I believe the 721 has a much better blade-to-handle ratio. But handles are very personal things, you should handle both knives briefly to make sure your particular hands fit the knife you want.
 
G-10 vs Aluminum
Joe, I noticed in the EDC thread that you have a 720; obviously you like it...
Any opinions on 720 vs 721. Are the handles (and liners) the same thickness, does anybody know?
 
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