NEW BM 730S Axis Lock

Here's a detail of the lock recess and the thumb stud.
axis4.jpg
 
I'm sorry Edgeman. Perhaps I seemed like I was putting it all on Benchmade, when I did not mean to do so. I understand that part of the blame- errr, credit- should go to Mr. Elishewitz as well.
Exactly! If I wanted an Axis Lock Sentinel, I'd LOVE this. Anyone else wanna see the Ares? I might have also transferred some other anger onto Benchmade as well. I've ben expecting a package (of knives!) for a few days now, and they're not here yet.
Are there any plans to make a solid colored handle?

Again, my apologies
Howie
 
I'am suprised at all the criticism.I don't expect a knife to appeal to everybody,but I think it's a sharp lookin knife.Nice handle color with ample size handle nicely contured for a good comfortable looking grip.It has a decent size blade,but I to will wait for a plain edge version.Later,RS
 
Hey guys,

Just handle on at my local knife store. The handle is beautiful. It is contoured and fits the hand really nice. Not flat like all the others. The handle is a little like the "Ares". Remember the older ares with the piece titanium handle. This G-10 has cut out like it. Really nice. And it is not just another black knife which is why I like it. The blade reminds me of the Nimravus blade. Very practical for everyday tasks. The opening is really smooth and quick. I like how you can attached the clip right or left side. I think they got a real winner again. And I got one today at Grand Praire Knives for only $103.99. That is really cheap compare to $200 at this store in my area. I can't wait till it comes. Later

Liong

------------------
 
AresDamCarbon.jpg


Thought you would like to see an Ares to compare with. I like the looks of the 730.

------------------
Knives everywhere, oh what a wonderful sight.
knifedude_@hotmail.com

[This message has been edited by KnifeDude (edited 30 December 1999).]
 
I also purchased one at GPKnives. MSRP for this knife is $160 and I've contacted at least 3 or 4 other knife stores that have a couple in stock and none of them want to budge off the $160. The $103.95 at GP is 35% off retail, that is internet dealer pricing.
I couldn't resist.
Should be here early next week
Walter
 
I picked one up today from a local dealer. I'm not a combo-edge fan, but he gave me a trade-in guarantee when the plain-edge blades come in.

The top of the handle is angled, so that the length depends on how you measure it. It's about 4 5/8" long from the end of the handle to the middle of the handle top - just above the pivot screw. Measured to the longest point - at the tip of the thumb ramp, it's right at 4.75" long. The blade is 3.5" from the middle of the tang to the tip.

The action is typical AXIS-lock smooth. Blade lockup is solid when opened and closed. The finish is good, but the fit of the scales/liners/backspacer could be improved, and I suspect it will on the production models. As someone already mentioned, the thumb studs are the same as on the 710 model except for the torx screws. IMO, the black studs are ugly. So is the ugly black finish on the clip. The satin finished studs would have looked much better. The typical uneven Benchmade edge bevel is present. One side's bevel is about twice the size of the other's, although this is the sharpest BM edge I've seen in a while.

I like the handle color and the contours. Different. Although the blade shape may not shout "Ares", it's readily apparent the knife is an Elishewitz design. The colors, handle shape, and contours give it away.

------------------
Kelly

SenatorsPlace.com
AKTI Member #A000289

Deo Vindice


 
BTW - knives with colored handles outnumber black ones in my collection. I'm just tired of black...

------------------
Kelly

SenatorsPlace.com
AKTI Member #A000289

Deo Vindice


 
I will probably get one when the plain edge comes out.

I'll admit i'm not as pleased with the design as I thought I would be. It looks more like a phantom blade on an Ares body. I am not crazy about the black stud, but thats just nit picking.

I still think this will be a good seller for Benchmade.

------------------
Dennis Bible
 
When I first took a quick look at the new axis pics, I couldn't help but want it. Now that I look at it more closely, I too wish BM /Elishewitz had stuck more to the original Ares design. I guess I'll have too actually handle one before I decide on whether I plan to get one.
 
Senator: I am with you on the colourede handles -- just got my Talonite Chimera wiht blue G-10 handles -- too sweet.

Dennis: I agree on both re: blade shape.

Are all the pre-productions going to be combo?

------------------
Clay Fleischer
clay_fleischer@yahoo.com
AKTI Member A000847

Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the recipient who doesn't get it.
 
Nice looking knife.But I can find beauty in almost every knife.And this one is a beauty
PS: if you don't like it don't buy it.

------------------

have a"knife"day

[This message has been edited by nifrand (edited 30 December 1999).]
 
I enjoyed reading everybody's posts and I would like to try to answer some questions and explain why some things were done the way they are.

The Blade: It is essetially the same as the Ares blade. Both utilize a drop-point design. I chose to use a false edge on BM knife to help thin out the tip. It is still a strong tip but it is not so thick that you cannot use it like a scalpel. It also makes penetration a lot easier compared to a thick tip. The choil on the blade must be there because of the mechanism. The blade to handle ratio is a little larger than I would like but it is due to the characteristics of the Axis Lock mechanism. The thumb stud was changed by Benchmade to make assembly a little easier. I will check-in on why they used a black thumb stud but I think the answer is to match the black in the handle.

The Handle: I also am tired of looking at black, flat G-10 handles. I wanted a little color and a little more contour, so the knife would feel good in your hands and at the same time have an attractive appearance.
The sculpting on the back end near the lock and at the finger groove reduces thickness and makes the knife look more alive.

From my understanding, there will be both plain and combo blades. If I am not mistaken, later next year a small version of this knife will be released. This is very typical from past models history. This might get some of you excited: I have sugested to BM the idea of an all black version. But we can only hold our breath and hope at this time.

The 730 is a derivative of the Ares. The reason why it looks so different is an optical illusion of grinds and lines of the handle and blade. I laid my Ares on top of the 730 and the profile is about 60% the same in the shape. I did not want the BM project to be identical to my Ares to keep a distance between production and custom knives. Also because of the Axis Lock mechanism some of the design had to be changed (choil, deeper finger groove, etc...).

I hope you will enjoy the knife, it trully is a marvel of machining. Thanks a lot.

Allen Elishewitz
 
Thank you very much Allen.

It's a great design and the 3-D countoured sides are great!!

Regards: Edgeman
 
I like the looks of the knife, from the blade profile to the handle lines and coloring, and think that it will be a big seller. I have been torturing my 720 Axis for about a month now, and the lock really stands up to the job. This should be a welcome addition to the Axis line, fast becoming the finest series of hard use production knives available today. The Designers and staff at Benchmade should really be proud of their accomplishments in the field and not let the “What’s up with the black thumbstud” questions bother them too much. It is hard to find better knives for the money spent.

------------------
James Segura
San Francisco, CA
 
Thank you Allen for the information.
From the looks of it the handle ergonomics should be fantastic and thank you very much for making contoured handles.
Mine should be here in 3 days.
Walter
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top