newb question

[idroptapul]

My first post- please be gentle.
I'm looking to buy my first benchmade folder and am leaning towards the 710 and 552. I work outside, as a trail crewleader, and need a blade to compliment my multitool on the worksite and in camp. I like the look of the 710, but will it handle the same abuse as the drop-point Mk1?

 

[Colog]

Can't go wrong with a 710, in most any situation imo. Its a great knife.

 

[ninjajoe]

if you want beefy, have you considerd the 610? or, although its a bit more expensive and not a Benchmade, a Bradley Alias I (bring on the beef). of the 710 and 552 i would pick the 552 becouse the 710 has a slight reverse curve on the blade, and can't be sharpened on a regular flat stone (personal preferance). I have carried a striker with an M2 blade for years, its pretty stout and comfortable, takes a little getting used to to sharpen the tanto shape though.

 

[ninjajoe]

oh and as with all benchmade folders I've owned, the pocket clip screws on the stryker stripped out of the (thinly threaded hole) in the liners, I had to JB weld it perminatly in place.

 

[puukkoman]

Get the 710. It'll stand up to any use you might have for it.
Also, look at the 520. In my opinion, it feels nicer in the hand, since the handle is a little wider/thicker. The 710 handle is a little skinny for my hands.