For $150, which is a better knife? Benchmade 710 or REKAT Carnivour.

Easyrider

Easyrider

Joined
Jan 31, 2000
Messages
4,090
I have $150 burning a hole in my pocket to spend on a knife. I am thinking about retiring my full size Benchmade Leapord. I want to replace it with a folder that has something other than a liner lock or lockback. Any ideas?
 
Between your two choices, the BM 710 hands down. Lighter, smoother, better grinds and edge, great ergonomics. The REKAT is a heavy, rough piece with a majorly thick edge.

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James Segura
San Francisco, CA
 
The 710 with M2, at around $125, kicks ass. It's too big for a daily carry IMO though. (Please don't flame me, I know people who carry them daily, it's a preference thing.) Axis locks have a very high toy factor. Loosen the tension adjustment screw and then tighten it back down juuuuuuust enough so the blade stops wobbling, then flick away!

Don't know about the Carnivour. Don't own one. Never seen one. Maybe someday ...

David
 
Thanks st.james. I know fit and finish on Benchmades can sometimes be spotty. I have been reading some of the posts on the REKAT forum, and they range from very good to really crappy made knives. I'm not really concerned about which lock is stronger, since both appear to do what I ask from a knife lock.
 
BM and REKAT are not even in the same ballpark. IMHO REKATs are worth about one third or less of what they cost. Gritty finish all over. Uneven grinding. I bought one and will never ever buy one again. BMs are a better choice. Not the perfect choice, but better.
 
This is the best buy for $150. Even comes in a nice hand stitched leather sheath!!!!
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<img src=http://members.aol.com/l6steel/ebay/ray2.jpg>

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
 
Hello Easyrider. The 710 is one of the finest folders you can buy and you can get them for under $100.

I'm with stjames on the REKAT point of view. A Benchmade 710 is finished better and is elegant in comparison.

L6STEEL, nice micarta drop point....

 
Yeah, I've handled several 710's and I gotta admit that the overall quality consistency is much better than rekat. Stll for $120 from discount knives or knife outlet you can own a rekat SIFU which some classify as a megafolder (5.45 " of blade) and I own 3 which all have very acceptable quality control. Rekat has come a long way, gotta remember that benchmade by comparison is an older company.
 
Easyrider,
In my opinion the rumors about BENCHMADE "spotty" quality are somewhat exaggerated. I have some BM knives and didn't experienced any quality failure.
In your comparison BM Model 710 Axis Lock rules definitely. Please visit my review on it: http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/001301.html
Think also about Model 730 Ares: http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/001605.html Model 750 Pinnacle and Model 800 AFCK. Here you can find more info: http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/001627.html - maybe this can make your choice easier or maybe - harder
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Check also your local law limitations, maybe scaled down version like Model 705 Axis Lock or Model 812 Mini-AFCK would be more suitable for concealed carry in your area.

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Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland

[This message has been edited by Sergiusz Mitin (edited 04-27-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Sergiusz Mitin (edited 04-27-2000).]
 
Easyrider,
I don't want to be assessed a fifteen yard penalty here for piling on, but my feelings on this question are well documented. As I see it, the BM 710HS represents about as good a value in a lockback as can be had for $130.00. The axis lock has passed the tests this crowd has thrown at it with flying colors thus far, and the M2 steel offers outstanding performance at this pricepoint. The action on mine was smooth out of the box, and has actually gotten smoother with use.
About the only obvious improvement I can see for the 710 would be if they relieved the G10 scales just slightly in the area near the blade's thumb post (when in the closed postion). As it is, the top of the post is about even with the top of the scales and consequently it's possible for your thumb to sometimes slide over the post when opening one handed. But this is a minor concern as it took me about three minutes with a small round file to hollow out a nice small semi-circular area of the G10. Now even that minor concern is no longer an issue. Hope this helps.

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Semper Fi
 
it's funny, a lot of people badmouth rekat's but they never stay on the net for long,when
offered for sale or trade.i own two & like them.
 
As far as fit and finish with REKAT goes, if they are doing the same QC on the Carnivours nowadays as is displayed on my Sifu, then they need a closer look before making your choice. My Sifu is easily as smooth as my 710, with the only drawbacks being a somewhat thicker edge on the Sifu and the Carny. I had to do a tune-up on my Carnivour to get the action smoothed out but hopefully REKAT is doing this in-house now. But, OTOH, my 710 doesn't win any "Acutely Thin Edge" awards either.
I would say definitely go check out the M-2 710's. This is a really stand up steel that works in cutlery applications real well.
Good Luck and Happy Hunting!
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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.
Sun Tzu
 
I really like my 710, it replaced my afck. Much better blade/handle ratio, tip up carry,and a little more meat at the tip. The only REKAT I own is a Hobbits fang neck knife that a just got while vactioning in Phoenix love this little knife ! Don't know much about REKAT folders, but I really love my 710.
 
I've got a 705 and a 730. Both are great knives, and the ambidextrous nature of the Axis lock is a huge benefit over the Rolling Lock, even if we were to assume hte same quality (I haven't handled any REKATs, so I can't comment).

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
I think the Carnivour is more suited for self defense while the 710 is more suited for utility tasks. But that's me.
 
I would like to thank everyone for the opinions. Sergiusz Mitin, I took a look at your reviews of both the 710 and the 730. You are right, you have made my decision more difficult. I probably can't go wrong with either choice. Does anyone know if the 730 comes in a color other than purple and black? I have stopped considering the rekats, too many people have said to stay away, everyone can't be wrong! Thank again.
 
I think SB has got a very good point. I personally use my 710 as a utility piece and the Carnivour is pure defense.

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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.
Sun Tzu
 
Of course, the Ares isn't actually purple and black. The red is like maroon with a tiny bit of blue, but not enough to be 'purple.' I really like it, and the knife itself is great, as well. I like Elishewitz's designs, and this will do nicely until I can afford the 'real deal.'

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
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