Got my BM 710 & Snipe Yesterday

[JPD1998]

Well, I got my 1st two Benchmade knives yesterday, a Blue Class 710 M2 HS and a Red Class Snipe. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions, the 710 was definitely a good choice, the Snipe was added to my order on impulse.

The 710 came with a nice satin case; the Red Class Snipe didn’t have the satin case. I can see why the 710 is so popular around here. The fit and finish is excellent. The action is smooth and lock-up is very tight. It is easy to snap open with just a little flick of the thumb. I’m very impressed with the quality and can say that it would be hard to settle for anything else other than a BM or something in that class.

The Snipe at $37.50 is pretty impressive for a knife in that price range; it’s a very large knife, much bigger than I thought it would be. I wanted it for EDC , but I’ll only be able to use it on weekends in my jeans pocket. I also noticed that it’s heavy, probably heavier than it should be; I say this because the weight doesn’t seem to enhance the knife’s functionality. I noticed as soon as I tried to open it that it was much stiffer than the 710 and required much more thumb pressure to open. So I loosened the pivot screw by less than an 1/8th of a turn, the action only got moderately better but now the blade was rubbing the liner. I returned it to its original position and used a little Militec-1 to loosen it up. It’s still not that smooth to open but tightening the pivot screw stopped the blade from dragging on the liner. The lock-up is excellent and I like the lock button located in the middle of the handle. In fairness to the knife I compared it to others I’ve purchased in that price range and it’s definitely superior to most. I would think in time it will probably break-in.

Anyway thanks again for the help picking out the 710, I can recommend that model to anyone who is considering one.

 

[Deadhead Archer]

Christmas came late for me too...got my 710 HS on Wednesday!

Fit and finish = wow! It's my 2nd Axis lock (my first being a Grip), and 2nd BM M2 (my first being an M2 Stryker).

As it has a narrower blade and grind than the Stryker, I put on an insane edge on it over the last 2 days (thinned the edge, then followed Joe's instructions on how to make a recurve perform better).

I am so happy I got this M2 blade before being unavailable because of being D/C'd; even though their D2 may not compare to M2 I am considering purchasing another when they become available simply because the blade design is "Wow"!! (Assuming they stick to G-10 and not Zytel. Don't get me wrong, I like Zytel but LOVE G-10)

Congrats on your buy, JPD1998! I can so relate!

 

[Nick Hyle]

Excellent choice on the folder - my 710HS just got here yesterday, although it's buddies were a Red class Snody Instigator and a Spydie D'Allara 2. The M2 710 is just flat out sexy.

 

[Artfully Martial]

The 710 is probably my favorite non bali Benchmade. Really gorgeous. Feels great.

I've got good news though.

The attributes you like so much about the 710 describe every axis lock knife. Awesome lockup, the best action in the industry, perfect fit and finish.

While it is very thumb flickable, try and learn tricks...the axis lock knives are my favorite to play with (next to balis, obviously). For instance, pull down the axis lock with your thumb and finger. Unless your knife is tightened too much (easy fix) you can just wrist flick the blade open and closed freely.

Great choice.

 

[JPD1998]

Christmas came late for me too...got my 710 HS on Wednesday!

Fit and finish = wow! It's my 2nd Axis lock (my first being a Grip), and 2nd BM M2 (my first being an M2 Stryker).

As it has a narrower blade and grind than the Stryker, I put on an insane edge on it over the last 2 days (thinned the edge, then followed Joe's instructions on how to make a recurve perform better).

I am so happy I got this M2 blade before being unavailable because of being D/C'd; even though their D2 may not compare to M2 I am considering purchasing another when they become available simply because the blade design is "Wow"!! (Assuming they stick to G-10 and not Zytel. Don't get me wrong, I like Zytel but LOVE G-10)

Congrats on your buy, JPD1998! I can so relate!

Congrats on your purchases too, the Stryker was on my list, but I wanted to try the Axis lock first. Also the Stryker resembled my Emerson Blackbird ( to me anyway) so I bought the 710. But I liked the Stryker too and it was tough to pick. I considered the 420 Resistor and the 670 Apparition , I might still pick up the 420 before my wife cuts me off ( no pun intended)

 

[JPD1998]

The 710 is probably my favorite non bali Benchmade. Really gorgeous. Feels great.

I've got good news though.

The attributes you like so much about the 710 describe every axis lock knife. Awesome lockup, the best action in the industry, perfect fit and finish.

While it is very thumb flickable, try and learn tricks...the axis lock knives are my favorite to play with (next to balis, obviously). For instance, pull down the axis lock with your thumb and finger. Unless your knife is tightened too much (easy fix) you can just wrist flick the blade open and closed freely.

Great choice.

I'll try it later, I didn't spend too much time playing with it last night. I wasted a lot of time trying to adjust the action on the Snipe.

 

[Deadhead Archer]

As the Stryker has just been discontinued, if you hurry you may be able to still get one in M2! Gpknives has them for under $100. My first BM, and on my regular EDC rotation. There is no comparison to the Axis, however I have no complaints about the liner lock on the Stryker.

I got mine as the HSSR, and in retrospect wish I had gone with plain edge. This is because with the tanto edge, there are practically 3 edges to sharpen (tip, belly, serrations).

According to BM's site, the only 420 discontinued was the partial serrated version - you still can get the plain edge (for the foreseeable future, at least)! I went with a 425 Grav, and love it! I am deciding between a 420, 630, or Spydie Spyker next.

As far as flicking open any blade, I am personally not a fan of it because of potential wear. There was a recent discussion here about it, YMMV

 

[JPD1998]

As the Stryker has just been discontinued, if you hurry you may be able to still get one in M2! Gpknives has them for under $100. My first BM, and on my regular EDC rotation. There is no comparison to the Axis, however I have no complaints about the liner lock on the Stryker.

I got mine as the HSSR, and in retrospect wish I had gone with plain edge. This is because with the tanto edge, there are practically 3 edges to sharpen (tip, belly, serrations).

According to BM's site, the only 420 discontinued was the partial serrated version - you still can get the plain edge (for the foreseeable future, at least)! I went with a 425 Grav, and love it! I am deciding between a 420, 630, or Spydie Spyker next.

As far as flicking open any blade, I am personally not a fan of it because of potential wear. There was a recent discussion here about it, YMMV

Yeah I saw the "flicking" thread, I try not to flick the blade open with my wrist , it seems to put undo stress on the lock and on the blade stop. What I generally do is push off with my thumb with only enough force to propel and lock the blade. If a knife is real stiff , like the Snipe I just bought, I don't bother.