Gerber Spectre or a Benchmade 710?

Calvin if you truly get addicted to knives that 855 threads of info will seem like nothing the third time you have read it. And NOTHING compares to actually ahdnlign a folder. Some even grow on you over time (Sebenza) when not initially liked. Nobody suggested sebenza because it is three times the price and this guy was talking about saving $30 possbily by going with a gerber. Dont think he is ready for the $300 drop yet, are you buddy? Take it now or later cause if you hang out here you'll want a sebenza sooner or later, if only to handle. Then the TNT will call you... I hear it.

JC
 
Just today I got a BM 710BT and a Gerber Applegate-Fairbairn 5780S in the mail. There was about $25 difference in the price. Right now I'm looking to sell off the Gerber and wouldn't take anything (almost!) for the 710. I love that knife! Face it, a good BM is hard to beat. I like the axis lock too. Somewhere I saw derisive words about it but I can't figure out why. I only wish I bought it with a plain edge.
 
I have 2 Benchmade 710 knives, and obviously I will say go with the 710.
As far as long-term reliability, the Axis lock is clearly longer-lasting than the majority of liner locks out there, and probably more reliable than any liner lock overall. Potential weaknesses of Axis? Occasionally (once in a blue moon) one will hear of one of the Axis springs breaking. The knife will still operate as there are 2 springs, until you can send in to BM for replacement.

For liner locks, I have noticed on *some* of mine, over time after much use, if you press the back of the blade in locked position, sometimes the liner will drift back over to the left, most probably due to wear of the lock and blade tang mating surfaces. Obviously this can't happen with Axis as the bar locks the blade tang in "+" position. Unless you are really beating the heck out of it all the time, the Axis lock will probably tend to wear in as opposed to out.
Jim
 
As far as sharpening the 710 goes, it can be done on a flat stone. One has to be VERY careful though. I recently found some Norton Crystalon radius edge slip stones and some India round rods. $20 should have you set if the flat hone doesnt work. There is a Grainger supply house in town that carries several specialized honing tools for gouges, carpet knives, and that sort of difficult to hone tools.
 
The Sharpmaker 204 will handle any recurved edge with no problem. Just remember to use the corners of the stones only. The instructions and video that come with it give great advice.
 
Originally posted by Rival
I have another question: How come no one has mentioned SERE 2000? It might be possible to get it for $125... Is Benchmade 710 better then SERE?
Click to expand...

This is a heady question, mostly because they are very different knives. My two EDCs are a 710 and an Al Mar SERE 2000. Both outstanding knives.

Main differences are the SERE 2000 is a little nicer looking, and has superior fit and finish over the Benchmade. The Benchmade is more tactical looking, and usually carries some QC issues. The S2K is near custom in its finish.

The S2K is beefy, heavy and built like a vault. The 710 is also very rugged, but is slimmer and more streamline. Because of its blade shape, the 710 is a better cutter.

The 710 in M2 steel (like mine) makes for an incredible blade material. It is both tough and hard. It holds a great edge. The Al Mar has VG-10 steel, which is one of the finest stainless steels on the market.

Both knives feature excellent ergonomic handle designs.

Now to the locks: the S2K has the older liner lock; but it is one of the finest liner locks I've seen. Mine is as rugged as they come, and my SERE 2000 locks up tighter than anything else I've owned.
The 710's Axis lock has few faults, if any. It is one rugged and easy lock to use.....and smooth as butter.

Both knives are great. The 710 is all around a more practical cutting instrument, in my opinion. The S2K is a little more impressive in its construction, however.
 
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