Help Me Pick a Benchmade!

N

No_b00st

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Aug 10, 2008
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So i've decided i'm going to get a Benchmade for myself for Christmas. I don't have one yet, and the itch is getting strong. I've spent some time perusing the catalog, and have narrowed it down to 3 knives. I was hoping to gather some opinions and comparison between the three.

They are:
BM635 Mini-Skirmish: titanium framelock, CPMS30V steel
BM710 D2: axis lock, G10 handles, D2 tool steel
BM930 Kulgera: axis lock, G10 handles, CPMS30V steel

I'm leaning towards the Kulgera, personally. It looks like a very functional blade shape, I like the Axis lock, and it's just beautiful. I've heard great things about the 710 but I am wondering how hard D2 is to sharpen compared to S30V. The Mini-Skirmish is just too cool to ignore as well.

Any have some input?

-James
 
Have you handled kulgera? I thought it was "the one" until my local gun shop got one in and once I handled it it just seemed puny. Of course that being said I edc a 740 and a 630 so to each his own. The 710 is what I would get in your list. Hope that helps and good luck, Im sure youll be more than happy with each.
-Barry-
 
I'd go with the 710, as well. You can use the extra cash saved to help purchase a Spyderco Sharpmaker, and your sharpening worries will become null and void. The 635 just seemed a little awkward opening and closing, with my larger hands. The Axis lock avoids that problem. Not sure on the Kulgera, but I like the looks of it. It kind of reminds me of the 730 series, which was a great design.

Good luck. As said, you can't go wrong with any of them.

DD
 
In my opinion, and most likely due to lack of skill, D2 is just too much of a pain for me to deal with. Even when I had a guy sharpen it properly for me, it still didn;t have the bite and crispness of my S30V or 154CM knives.

But, of all of BM's folders, from what I've seen and read anyway, the 710 comes out on top for size, strength, and design. I don;t own one....yet.

I like the Kulgera too, but the Rift excites me more, so Kulgera goes down at the bottom of your list (for me). NOT at the bottom of all lists, of course, just of those three.

I own a mini-Skirmish. Why the mini? Because the Skirmish is H U G E. A great design executed by a great knifemaking company. The Skirmish is thin, sleek, simple, solid, lacking in frilly glitter, and features a tip-down carry.... all pluses for me.

Mini-Skirmish....third from bottom (but you knew that)
BM-Collection-03.jpg


You can;t go wrong with your list.... or with any blue or black class Benchmade, for that matter.
 
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I think the 710 is the best choice in that list both as a great knife and for the value too.

My 710 D2 is one of my sharpest knives and touches up easily. I will say however, that I have never completely lost the edge on it either.

I have the 710 in D2, 154CM and have a couple M4's on order
 
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The 710 is one of my favorite EDC's. I have it in ATS-34, 154cm, D2, and have one ordered in M4 too.

I owned a 930 Kulgera but didn't care for the way the liners stuck out from the G-10 scales, it just felt like a strange mix and traded it for a 940, which I'm a lot happier with.

Framelocks are pretty cool, I own a classic 750 which is bombproof...tried a 635 Skirmish, but haven't time spent much time with one. Friends really love them!

My best idea would be to find a dealer willing to let you see for yourself, so you can make your decision with no worries.

But I'll bet you'll like the 710! :)
 
I love my 710HS, but if I were to buy a new Benchmade right now, it would probably be the Rift. That's not based on any experience with the knife -- I just like its looks and specs.

I also have an M4 710 on order -- can't wait!
 
I've been considering the 710 as well. D2 sounded *great* when I heard how well it held an edge. But...I've heard it can be difficult to sharpen. And it's not a true stainless. So I'm not so sure anymore. Never used it, and I'm sure with proper care and a little patience it's a fine knife steel. Kinda wish the 710 was still in 154cm though...seems like a little better compromise than D2.
 
hehehe Gnius, it's true, it's H U G E and it took me awhile to get used to it. I took the clip off and made a sheath for it that rides horizontally on the belt. The full-size Skirmish, while slightly smaller when closed, has a longer blade than the Rukus...by a tad. The Skirmish is slimmer and lighter too, due to the Ti scales.

Yes, for an enthusiast with a TiG welder, Rukii could easily be converted to a fixed blade, and suffer no ill-will because of it! :thumbup:
 
I'm going to be the odd one out and recomend the kulgera. It is my current edc and has been for 6 months. It cuts well, sharpens easily (for s30v), has the axis lock, is actually more ergonmic than it seems, looks relatibely sheeple friendl and is beautiful.
 
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