If only one Benchmade...and why?

A Griptilian.
Not just because I have one, but it seems like THE Benchmade. I dont know why.......
Or a 710. That started the AXIS frenzy
 
Oh, so hard! I'd probably flop back and fourth between the 710D2 and 805/806. My first real knife was an AFCK 806D2. I loved it but sold it for a pretty penny after it was discontinued. I was able to get a matched set of the m390 805 and 806 and will never sell them. However the trusty old 710 finds it's way into my pocket more often than any other knife. The knife is just RIGHT. Everything is well designed and it's the only recurve blade that I like, I have owned many recurves but sold/reprofiled all of them except the 710. I have owned one (the one with custom SS backspacers) for about 8 years now and it only gets smoother with use. A touch-up every couple of years makes it new and exciting again. I picked up the other 710 a few years back and gave it a once-over, but quickly found out I only needed one 710 and passed it along.

Here's my pair of 710D2's:
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I say go with the Rift. You won't be disappointed if looking for and EDC. I got a Contengo, and while I don't have a problem with the handle, I wish they kept the shape of the Rift blade. They made it more narrow towards the pivot where the Rift dips down resulting in a wider blade. I guess I just don't like the look of a narrow blade which is one reason I'm not real big on the 710. The other reasons are the recurve and the AXIS lock doesn't seem as refined as newer models. The lock doesn't have as much travel and releases the blade at almost the end of travel. Others will travel a bit further after releasing the blade and just feels better to me. Good luck choosing or do like most on BF, and buy them all.
 
Here lately it has been the 745 mini dejavoo for me. I like it's sleek look and the s30v seems to stay sharp enough for me.
 
585 for me, carry one on duty every day. id love to get a set of g10 grips for it like some ive seen for the griptilians
 
Mini grip with Wilkins scales. This combo just works so well. Excellent ergos, great blade steel, and of course the Axis lock.

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Contego, everyday. The rift started it all, still have it. I wish benchmade would make a Contego and only change the length, a little smaller. Then i would never need another knife. :)
 
There have been two posts already, complaining about the thumb-hole on the AFCK.

Remember Benchmade also made a knife called the TSEK, which is essentially an AFCK with a thumbstud.

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I edc the 710 with m390 steel quite a bit, but the mini rukus has always been my favorite. Good ergonomics,very strong and good looking.
 
my favorite is the 551 grip. I have wanted one for forever and finally got one. although i am pretty sure i would like just about any benchmade lol.
 
There have been two posts already, complaining about the thumb-hole on the AFCK.

Remember Benchmade also made a knife called the TSEK, which is essentially an AFCK with a thumbstud.

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Now that's hot! Ya got one for me? Looks like KW limited run. :(
 
Dang, when did they produce that? I like it

There have been two posts already, complaining about the thumb-hole on the AFCK.

Remember Benchmade also made a knife called the TSEK, which is essentially an AFCK with a thumbstud.

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710-2 aka 710 w/ M390. Such a superb knife, almost 4" of blade in a slim carrying knife that carries better than any 4" folder I have ever owned. The icing on the cake is the AXIS lock and the beefy skeletonized steel liners. In fact, the liners are much thicker than most of my folders. This is one solid knife and the quintessential BM folder IMHO.
 
The 710. I got rid of my first one like an idiot actually just picked up another one in a trade :) Here she is....
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I already posted about my 710, but since there's a bit of chatter on the M390 AFCK and TSEK...
I picked these up late last year as they came out. I came to the party when only 6 TSEKs were left, due to a factory under-run error, so I promptly ordered one and put in my preorder for whatever number AFCK would match my new TSEK. Because they didn't know which of the (secret) 6 remaining TSEK numbers would match up with an AFCK, I had to leave my paid for TSEK at KWs for about 6 months while the AFCKs were delayed and delayed. It was worth the wait!

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I will always have a special place for an AFCK, but I'm finding I like the subtle changes made to the TSEK blade a bit more. Opening hole vs. stud is almost a tie for me, with the win going to thumbstuds on an easily opened knife (smooth pivot). The actual blade lines on the TSEK is a bit different, with the biggest change being a higher grind line and a curved spine. These grind differences puts the TSEK above the AFCK for use, but those blue/black G-10 scales are hard not to look at. They are both users, but don't look it at all. Benchmade has materials and finishes figured out by now to the point of where some of my knives I've carried for years still look like new. If I had to pick one, I think I'd throw the TSEK blade in the AFCK handle and call it a day ;)
 
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