First Benchmade purchase please help me choose

S

Stoneage

Joined
Nov 25, 2001
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38
I've carried a Spyderco Endura for four years. Last week I lost it. The pocket clip unscrewed and the knife slipped out of my pocket,now I need a replacement. I've been thinking about spending a little more money for a EDC. I've been looking at the Axis lock models by Benchmade. Using the search feature, I've learned the following about Benchmade knives,correct me if I'm missinformed.
1.The Axis lock models are silkysmooth to open and close.
2. They are as tough as the peverbial brick outhouse.
3. They are shipped sharp and hold an edge.
4. lefty friendly
5. easily open and close one handed.
6 very strong locking system

Here's What I need out of the knife.
1.4" blade
2. Must be able to easily cut thru rope,heavy cloth, burlap, several layers of card board,small branches etc. The knife must be able to do this on a dailey basis.
3. Handfilling but not feel bulky in the pocket. I have large hands
4. must open and close one handed even with leather gloves on.
5. Lefty freindly
6. Secure grip even with wet muddy hands.
7. I want to spend around $100 for it

The models I'm looking at are the 710,805,806. Nobody in my area sells Benchmade so I have to buy unseen via the internet. I like the look of the 710. The 805 and 806 are a little cheaper. The 806 has the thumbhole instead of the stud like my Endura did,which I liked. The 710 costs about $15 to $20 dollars more than the 800 models. Is the differance worth it? Is the M2 steel worth spending a little more for? Can I expect the Benchmade models I've listed to meet my criteria better than an Endura?
My expectations of an 80 to 100 dollar folding knife are very high will I be dissapointed? I loved my Endura. But the lockback design was less than perfect for my needs. The best prices I can find online is a place called NewGraham Knives, has anybody bought from them?

Thanks for any and all advice,Bill
 
The M2 will be tougher, but more prone to corrsion if not cared for once in a while. The 710 has a slight recurve too. The D2 in the 806 will take and hold a toothy edge better than the 154CM
 
I've purchased from New Graham once, very good transaction. I have an 806D2, great grip, and the hole may be better for a gloved hand. But all Axis knives are easily opened with a flick. I'm considering a part serrated 710 in M2, myself. The serrations might serve you better for some of your cutting tasks. So I guess I haven't helped you narrow it down much.:p
 
The Benchmade 806D2 is a solid well-made folder, and the D2 blade is excellent.

I have both the Benchmade 806D2 and Spyderco Military (older version with 440V/S60V blade).

My only problem with the Benchmade 806 is the thickness. The thickness of 806 makes it less comfortable for pocket carry than the Military. All things considered, I prefer the Military.
 
Your quest is over...Get the 710. Period.

I carry a 710 and a 705 as my 2 folder EDC's, and I couldn't be happier with either one...These Axis-lock Benchmades are IT.
 
I picked up a BM 520 Presidio on Friday, at my local gun shop.

It is the smoothest BM that I own. It has the Bronze Phosphor washers, and I think it makes a big difference. I think it is almost as smooth as my Sebenza.

Benchmade has always been good, IMHO, but I think the addition of the bronze washers moves them up a level. I noticed that all of the black and blue boxed knives that the dealer had in stock all had the bronze washers.

If blade size doesn't matter, the 710 is a good choice. You really can't go wrong with any of the Axis lock blades.
 
The thumbstuds on the 710 are not as easy to use as the opening hole in the 806 when you are using gloves. I prefer D2 to M2 as well, so the 806 is the clear winner for your needs.
 
I would go with the 806D2 based on the steel,secure handle geometry(good defensive folder)and the big thing for me was the hole opener.Far better than thumbstuds.One thing I did like the 710 better for was the blade sturdiness.The 806 has how can I say?A slightly more fragile feel/look to it compared to the 710,particularly the blade tip.I still feel though it is the best choice other than not having superior blade tank like toughness.It still should hold up well under normal cutting chores or self-defense roles.I would not recommend it in a survival situation.In that case not many folders beat the Spyderco Chinook imho.Take care
 
i would say 806D2 1st, 710 a close second myself, i like the AFCK handle better than the 710, although the 710 is cool too

greg
 
Lol. My vote is for the 710HS. Fscking great knife. Just note that it's a LOT heavier in the hand (but not in the pocket) than an Endura.

If you don't mind, see if you can pick one up used in the Exchange section. I managed to snag one for around $70 with a few minor blemishes.

glockman. You like your 710 MORE than your Al Mar Sere 2k? :eek:
 
I got one through an auction (I had always thought it was too big, but the cause is good) After having it for a few months, I consider it to be a great work knife. The blade shape is strong, slices like a dream, and the point is usable and strong.

The 710 also carries way smaller than it's blade size...the long, thin profile rides in a pocket very discretly.

I have to go with the thumbstuds in the thumbstud/hole discussion. I actually find them easier to use with gloves and barehanded.

For the cutting chores you mentioned, the 710S M2 may be the way to go.

Thom
 
Thank you all for the info. I take it that my decision to order a Benchmade is a good one? I depend on a knife a lot at my 2 jobs. I build cabinets,countertops full time, work landscaping,gardenshop part time. My Ken Onion Leek works very nicely for my personal use but I feel is a bit small/fragile for heavier use. Until I get my Benchmade I have to use my retired Buck Lite 110 which the Endura replaced. I love the 110 but I really need one handed operation.
I think I'm going to try the 710 just becuase the handle and blade look a little beefier than the 806.:cool:
 
I have both the 710 & 806. My personal preference is the 710. IMO the 710 blade shape is better suited for EDC utility. I would not concern myself over what (C154, M2, D2) steel. Either Cm154 or M2 will serve well with the 710. I would suggest the plain edge model vs. the half serrated edge.
I noticed that the 710 carried in the front pocked much better than the 806. The 806 is much larger knife (13mm longer) when closed, but the 710 has a slightly (longer 2 or 3 mm) blade. IMO the 710 is more knife in a smaller overall package. The 806 has more handle sticking out of the top of the pocket also, the 710 carries deeper in the pocket.


Just my .50 cents.


Steve
 
I'd do with the 806D2S, if you're going to be cutting lots of rope, the serrations will come in handy.
 
Originally posted by vesik
...
glockman. You like your 710 MORE than your Al Mar Sere 2k? :eek:
Click to expand...
Yes, I think that I do, as the blade of the 710 is a little longer than the blade of the SERE 2000, and eventho I DO like the Al Mar liner-lock, the Axis-lock totally kicks-ass.:).
 
806SD2 is your knife as it opens easier than the 710 in gloved hands. Plus, it's an easier transition between than and an Endura than an Endura and a 710. The handle is designed to keep your hand off of the blade, so that's always a great plus. The 710's handle seems to be designed with maximum comfort and a in maximum number of grips.

In my inexperienced opinion, the 710 makes a better overall knife (especially the 710HS and 710HSSR models), but the 806D2 is a better knife for use in cold, muddy conditions. The 806SD2 would allow for better cutting through rope and other fibrous materials (D2 is a bear to play profiling games with, so going with partial serrations will add several hours to life).
 
I had to make a similar decision a few months ago. The price difference between the 710 and the 806D2 were not an issue, but the 710's recurve was. I use bench stones and of course they don't get along well with recurves. I went with the 806D2 and it's a fantastic knife. It's one of those knives that feels like a fixed blade when it's open. It looks and feels like a $100+ knife should. I'm sure the 710 is like that too, so frankly if the stud vs hole issue is not important to you, go with the one that you think looks cooler!
 
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