Help me decide!

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Freedom1

Joined
Jul 30, 2001
Messages
33
Right now I own 4 folders 2 Bucks and 2 Spydercos. My EDC is a Spyderco Calypso Jr. micarta handle Full serrated blade (heck of a knife).
I am looking to get a larger knife (folder)to carry for possible self defense.
The only store with a decent inventory is 70 miles away and even they don't have the 3 knives I am interested in.
The 3 knives are as followed: Spyderco Tim Wegner VS Benchmade 942 or possibly the Benchmade 710.
They did have the Benchmade 880SBT This was the smoothest opening knive I have ever opened.
I should add that I have handled the Spyderco Military and must admit I don't like it for several reasons.The handle is too long and the blade is too tall for my taste.

I would appreciate any advise and or pros and cons on these 3 knives.
This may be my last knife for awhile so I would like a knife that when I pick it up I can say wow thats quality.

Thanks
 
the BM 940 is a great knife, but it is not a self defense folder, the 710 and the wenger would do that job much better, my personal preference would be for a BM AFCK or TSEK.

but you should get a BM 940, it is a wonderful piece
 
The Spyderco Wegner is a fantastic general purpose knife. I love the Wegner, but to be honest, if I wanted a knife primarily for self-defence, I'd go with the Benchmade 710 simply because of the Axis lock. I'd also go with the SOG Pentagon Elite with the Arc-lock if you're on a budget. Benchmade's Axis locks and SOG's Arc-locks work as slick as an eel and the lockup is rock solid. Personally, I don't feel to safe using a liner-lock in self defence, unless it had some sort of blade safety like on a few Gerbers and CRKT knives. From the 3 knives you selected, I say go with the BM 710.:D
 
I know I said that this knife would be for self-defense. I guess when I think of a larger knife I think of a weapon.Really though this knife would be my EDC and used for everything including last resort self-defense
Sorry if I'm confusing everybody...:-)
 
Considering all 3 knives you mentioned, I'd still go for the Benchmade 710. It has the Axis lock which is unlikely to fail on you like a linerlock and you can open and close it easliy with either hand.
 
Either the Wegner or 710 would be excellent choices. They are two of my favorite production folders. Ideally you can handle both before you buy and see which one fits you better. Personally I prefer the Wegner. The axis lock is better than a liner lock, but the Wegner has one of the most rock solid linerlocks available. Here is a thread that has links to other critical Wegner threads:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=162852&highlight=wegner+tactical
 
This is next to impossible without getting a hold of these knives.
I'm going to have to find a store with a large selection of knives so I can put them in my hands.
Anybody know of a store like that in Michigan?
 
You mentioned "larger knife, folder, and self-defense". You don't need to look any further than a REKAT Sifu.:).
 
Freedom1,
I cannot speak for the Wegner, but my 710 Rocks! Smooth Ambi open, solid lock up and good ergo's. If this is your last knife purchase for a while I suggest the 710.
It might be the last blade you will ever need...but you will buy more anyhow. The 940 series are not as much of a defensive blade, it is however a real nice product.
Good luck with your choice, let us know which you pick and how you like it.
Cheers,
Gord.
 
I'm with glockman, folder + knife + large + selfdefense = SIFU.

I have a SIFU in D2-E, and the only thing better then a SIFU in two SIFU's (or a custom folder :D ).

All three knives you mention are not really defense folders... more utility then actual defense. The Wegner is a geat tool, especially in hunting chores, and if you seach me on a hunting trip, you'll find a fullsize plain edge wegner on me next to a general use folder such as a 710, Pinnacle 750 or spydie endura depending on my mood that day.

On a regular day of my mostly boring life (student at university) I usually carry the BM 710 (left) and BM 750 (right).

If I suspect heavy work or problems, or if I suspect people with whom i will be talking about knives, I carry my SIFU (right) and the BM 750 (left). The SIFU is perfect for heavy use and defense, and last but not least, for showing off. I would carry two SIFU's, but i have only one :D

If you would make me choose: BM 940 first, it is nicly concealable and a fabulous weapon since it looks harmless (edge length is about the same as the 710 or wegner). It is great in utility and rocksolid.

BM 710 second, if you wanna carry a tougher folder. Looks more dangerous, but in reality is just as dangeous as a 940 in real defense situation. You can borrow mine for a while if you like, so you can get the axis feel in your hands.. It is used and souped up, so far from new. just mail me if interested.

Wegner last, since this is no defense folder at all, in fact, I think it really sucks in that role. this is utility, and utility only.

Greetz, bart.
 
I personally would go for a BM 710,given the selection.The only liner lock I was impressed with was the MT LCC,a very solid Tank of a knife at a reasonable price.Good Luck in your quest.
 
Ok, I'd have to agree with Glockman99, the Sifu is a defense knife. When it comes to that Bigger is better. I know that was not on your list however, it is large but very flat and suprisingly easy to cary.

With that said from the knives you mentioned I would go with the BM 710, the blade is a good all round shape and the axis is excellent. If cost is a factor, I'd look real hard at Columbia River Knife and Tool or Timberline.
 
I've only handled a BM 710. So, my knowledge is limited. I believe it will very likely be one of the defining knives of the tactical folder genre one day. I intend to get one some day -- whenever.

I do have a Wegner, and it is my primary daily carry. I have another knife that I believe would be a bit more effective as a combat blade, but I still can't seem to get the Wegner out of my pocket more than one or 2 days a week.

Don't know if you read all the links provided. If you did, I think you should pay quite a bit of attention to the fact that the Gunsite training organization wanted to make the Wegner their "official knife." But, the 710 didn't exist then, I believe. I think an awful lot of people would choose the 710 over the CS large tanto folder as a combat blade, and a useful utility knife.

I believe that it is in the area of utility that the Wegner shines. As was pointed out somewhere, tho, the primary purpose of the Wegner is to cut flesh. Seems pretty close to a tactical ability.

If you're changing from the Calypso Jr, a change up to the SIFU would feel ridiculous. You also need to consider the legality of the SIFU in your area. The 710 is a pretty big knife also. The Wegner is a tad smaller, tho probably heavier. Am not sure that I've seen any folders with thicker blade steel than the Wegner.

Yup, the Wegner is a liner lock. But, I've yet to read my first complaint about Wegner lock failure. One important point about the Wegner is the ricasso. If the lock should fail when the knife is being used, the almost inch long flat piece of steel at full blade width will encounter the index finger. Sure, it might pinch a bit, but you wouldn't get cut.

I'm ignoring the 940 or whatever it was you suggested, both because of a terrible memory, and because so many BM fans acknowledged it wasn't really up to the task of self defense.

Good luck in your choice.
 
You have excellent taste! Of the three you mention I would rate the 710 as best, the Wegner second, and the 942 third, as self-defense knives. However, any of the threee would do the job well. The 942 is in a somewhat different category from the first two, with a thinner blade and lighter weight. The Wegner is probably the best general-purpose knife of the bunch.

Like several others here I am also a big fan of the REKAT Sifu. If you're local laws allow you to carry a 5-1/2" folder the Sifu is an amazing self-defense knife. (And it does well at general utility too!)

--Bob Q
 
I fell in love with the BM 940 because of its size. It is bigger than the normal EDC but not too big to carry comforably. And it looks great. It's kind of nice to get away from black G-10 or black Zytel. I have a green 940.

pjc
 
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