Introduction and Benchmade question

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rhum

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May 12, 2011
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Hello - I'm a long time lurker on both this and the Benchmade company forum and a BM fan (I have a circa '98/'99 905 mini Stryker). I currently EDC a 707 Sequel (along with a Vic SAK), and I'm looking for a larger, complementary model. I've handled both the 710 and 950 and they both felt good in hand. I'm looking for something to carry for hikes/camping, and maybe 25-50% of the time. No CA blade length for folders, and my local city/county has no specific blade length law. Aside from the 710 and 950, I'm considering the 520 and 550, but haven't handled them yet. Other than those listed, any other BM's I'm not thinking of in the 3.5" - 4" range that you can recommend? I'm not a fan of axis assist, and just to complicate things :), I have a Spyderco PM2 that I have really tried to connect with, but in 2+ years, I'm just not feeling it and don't carry it often.

Sorry for the long post- thanks in advance for everyone's thoughts/advice!
 
For outdoor use, I would recommend the 950. The blade is more substantial. I also like the ergos of the G10 scales.
 
I don't think you mentioned the Adamas, its a tank of a knife, but the 710 is much more pocket friendly IMO.
 
I'd also recommend the Rift for your uses. The 520 is an outstanding knife, but the 950 feels better to me. And I prefer G10 to aluminium for scales.
 
Appreciate the suggestions. I was leaning towards the 710/950, but the g10 on my PM2 really tore up my pockets. The aluminum & g10 on the 707 seems to be OK. Is there the a difference between the g10 textures? Alternately, I was thinking the Al on the 520 would be OK, but I heard it's rough, too. The 810 looks great as well, but might be a bit big for my hands (medium or so).

Thanks again for everyone's insights. I just really enjoy discussing/thinking about cutlery!
 
My take; I like the 950, good size, nice blade. The Contego/810 is too large (for my medium hands) but the 710 is my favorite of the bunch. Great mildly recurved D2 blade, slim overall profile, excellent handle shape and just grippy enough G-10 scales. (I own five of these so should know.) Lastly the 520, which is a well loved knife, beautiful drop point blade...probably the most utility-based model. Yes the ribbed aluminum scales can be a little over-zealous, but for sure grip can't be beat.

My vote? Get a 710!
 
rhum said:
Appreciate the suggestions. I was leaning towards the 710/950, but the g10 on my PM2 really tore up my pockets. The aluminum & g10 on the 707 seems to be OK. Is there the a difference between the g10 textures? Alternately, I was thinking the Al on the 520 would be OK, but I heard it's rough, too. The 810 looks great as well, but might be a bit big for my hands (medium or so).

Thanks again for everyone's insights. I just really enjoy discussing/thinking about cutlery!
Click to expand...

There is a noticeable difference between Spyderco's G10 and BMs G10. BM does more contouring on their G10 whereas Spyderco like to texture it with small checks or diamonds or something. Anyway, BMs G10 feels smoother. On the Rift, the area under the clip on each side is lightly ribbed but feels pretty smooth. I can't see how there'd be the same issue that a PM 2 would cause.
 
Good to know that Benchmade's G10 is less abrasive. As I've pretty much narrowed it down to the 710 and 950 - any thoughts as to which would serve as the better/more versatile outdoor folder?
 
I would look for a used large griptilian with g10 handles, there is one for trade on the exchange maybe trade your pm2 for one.

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Hadn't considered a LE grip- that's pretty cool as well. Too many good choices. All the picture threads with admiration for each model don't make the decision any easier :) Thanks again for all the help/ideas and for being nice to a newbie!
 
Welcome to the forum, Rhum. Rift and Presidio are such a great size. Both excellent but the edge goes to aluminum Presidio for me. Just so comfortable -and I love aluminum handles. The G10 under the clip is smooth on the Rift, so I don't believe it will be an issue on pockets the way textured G10 is. Benchmade, please make an aluminum Rift (with M390)!

Again both great folders. Good luck. :thumbup::thumbup:

12422175134_172a858980_z.jpg
 
Thanks for the photo. It helps a lot with figuring dimensions. My closest BM dealer is @ an hour away, so I won't get to handle until I actually make the purchase. I try and pare down my choices ahead of time so I don't go overboard with options (and end up getting enamored with more expensive knives :).

Agreed - an aluminum Rift would be awesome!
 
I have the 520 and two 710s (plain and serrated). My 520 is my favorite Benchmade, but for outdoor use, I have to recommend the 710, which is lighter, and has more cutting edge. The only issue with it is maintaining the D2 steel.
 
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