Help me with Two very important decisions!

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dangreco

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Nov 29, 2009
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After much research, I am on the fence with two different decisions. For a more EDC blade I have to choose between the Spydie Stretch Carbon Fiber and the Benchmade 943.

Also, for a larger folder, I have to choose between the Spydie Police G10 and the Benchmade 710. The Military is not an option, because of a bad experience with a liner lock.

Any advice as to experience with these, as well as other suggestions, would be great!
 
I'd just like to say that the military has one of the best liner locks around, and it is probably as strong as many backlocks. Also there is a titanium framelock version coming out soon if that is more your cup of tea. That said, I would go with the Stretch over the 943, and the 710 over the police. The stretch has a great ffg blade, and I love the spyderco ergonomics.
 
Howdy,

I researched and choose the Benchmade 943 for my EDC blade. I've been very happy with it. The Axis lock is great! The ergonomics are very good. The knife is light but sturdy and has served me well.

So in short, I would highly recommend the Benchmade 943.
 
In the case of these choices I'd be happy with either combination.
The Stretch is a great all around knife with great steel. But the 943 has a design I perfer overall. I'd probably have to give the nod to the Stretch though.
The Police-3 seems like a great knife (But I've never held one personally). Long, thin, easy to carry and should cut very well. The 710 is an awsome knife in every way though. It'll take just about anything you can ask of a folding knife. There, I'd have to go with the 710.
If you couple the Stretch with the 710, you'll have one knife that will handle fine cutting very well (Stretch) and one knife that will be a work horse of a blade(710).
-I don't blame you for looking past the liner-lock option. Both Spyderco lock-backs should be fine, but for the most confidence go with the axis.
 
I have 943s in Al, Ti, and Carbon. They weigh 81, 91, and 71 grams respectively. I have 943 and 940 blades in D2, S30V, CM154, and Stamascus. I move the parts around to create interesting combinations. Some of the Gaucho parts also interchange. I love the axis lock. I can flip the knife open and shut. The package is also wonderfully light and compact for placket carry. I wish the blade was a little longer and contained a more exotic steel (S90V). My Spyderco Military Ti has a very solid frame lock. I dropped an S90V blade in it to take advantage of the wear resistance of a 24% carbide (by volume) material. S90V has 9% Vanadium carbide. Vanadium carbide is one of the hardest carbides soluble in steel. Vanadium carbide comes out at 82 on the Rockwell C scale. Tungsten carbide by comparison is 72 Rockwell. S30V has 3% Vanadium carbide. The Military weighs 162 grams, twice as much as the 940 in Aluminum. Hope this helps.
 
If I had to give up either the BM 943 and the CF Stretch, I would give up the 943. I own and carried both and I find the Stretch to be a better all around knife. It's a hard choice, because these two are some of my favorite folders.

I can't really advise you on the other two since I don't have personal experience with either one. I would get the Stretch and the 943 but that's just my taste. :)
 
I would choose the Benchmade 943 over the Spydy for one reason: the grip is wider. I find a thick grip more "hand filling," and easier to us for extended periods or in hard use. Of course, if you are sure that you will not be using the knife long and hard, the flatter Spydy might carry a little easier in a pocket.

The good news: you cannot make a mistake here. Any of the knives on your short list are good tools and will serve you long and well. Enjoy whatever you pick, and don't look back!
 
I have the 710D2 and am 100% satisfied with it. It is a large folder (4" blade) that feels like it is smaller than it is. It's hard to explain. The action is very smooth like all AXIS locks I've experienced.

I don't have any of the others but am considering the Stretch CF/ZDP-189 for my next purchase though. I gotta tell ya, it's the steel that has it in the running.
 
The 710 is a great EDC - mine, in D2, certainly has a home (It's in my pocket now.).

Stainz
 
Another Vote here for the 710 IMO its the perfect EDC blade.. I have one in D2 and carry it almost every day
 
Thank you so much for the advice! I'm going to get the 710 for sure, but still not sure about 943 vs. Stretch. Great comments by all.

Did I mention that I love this forum?
 
dangreco said:
Thank you so much for the advice! I'm going to get the 710 for sure, but still not sure about 943 vs. Stretch. Great comments by all.

Did I mention that I love this forum?
Click to expand...

I also own a 943 with a S30V and its a great blade for EDC if you get the 710 and like it I would advise picking up a 943..
 
dangreco said:
Thank you so much for the advice! I'm going to get the 710 for sure, but still not sure about 943 vs. Stretch. Great comments by all.

Did I mention that I love this forum?
Click to expand...

The 710 is a great choice. I miss the one I had briefly. :(

For the medium-sized one, both are great choices but I recommend the Stretch. I bet the 943 carries better but the ergos and choil of the Stretch, not to mention the flat grind and ZDP, make it a superior cutter.

Really, 710 and CF Stretch are the best of all combinations that the original short list provided. It sounds like you've done your homework and have some solid finalists.

ETA: Similar discussion going on here might help with the 943 vs. Stretch part of the decision.
 
<<between the Spydie Police G10 and the Benchmade 710>>

Flip a coin. Both are great. I think I'd go with the G10 Police. Its thinner and a little longer than the 710.
 
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