Not sure which to keep: Benchmade 710 or Benchmade Rift

S

str8flexed

Joined
Sep 16, 2007
Messages
107
I've received both of these knives within the past couple days and my first impressions of the 710 are: Wow! This is one solid knife. But then the blade started to look a little long and thin, Marfanoid, eunuchoid, whatever. Also, the knife handle could use more grip; right now it is simply 2 flat pieces of G10 with sharp corners that really dig into your hand if you squeeze hard. It just appears like it isn't beefy.

The Rift--the first thing I noticed was, wow, this blade shape is horrific. It looks like a medieval axe or a melee weapon of some alien species. It is a little wide for my tastes (imagine that, the 710 is not wide enough, and this is too wide). However, the handle is perfect. Grippy and ridiculously good looking. Overall, the knife feels much more solid than the 710, and probably can take more damage. If I want a big knife, figure I would want something sturdier, so I am leaning towards this.

I'm really not sure which one would suit my needs better. I'm thinking the Rift may be a better choice, since if I want a larger folder, I might as go beefier. Opinions? I may have to just flip both until I can find a large folder as its replacement. I currently have a Paramilitary on the way, and I know Military's are well regarded, but I'm a lefty so don't really want it because of it's liner lock. What are some decent large folders in the $100 range?
 
Maybe try to find a Buck Strider 880? Comes in spearpoint or tanto. The 880 is oop.
 
Jpalmer1988 said:
The Rift in my opinion makes a better edc knife due to its blade shape.
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What about the blade shape? The Rift does not have a recurve, although it is much wider (which I think may limit it's slicing ability). The recurve on the 710 really isn't that extreme, anyway.

I'm starting to get more attracted to the Rift. I'm trying to spend more time with it. :) I've considered the Ritter Grips, but there's just something about the Griptilian handles, the raised bump where the 3 clip screws go, and the view of it from the back spine, that make it appear "cheap" to me. I think the Rift has a much better looking handle...
 
I currently EDC a 940, but had a couple of 710s go through my hands. I just can't seem to hold onto one. Currently looking for a good deal on a 950-1 because it has a wider blade shape and straight edge. After reading this review, I figured a 950-1 would make a great heavy-duty outdoors folding knife. I wouldn't EDC it, though. Even the 710 felt too heavy for EDC.

http://www.jerzeedevil.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45536

:thumbup:
 
Really depends on what you intend to do with the knife - the flat handles of the 710 are better for discrete carry but IMO the blade has as a touch too much recurve to be ideal for an urban EDC (my main use would be for opening parcels and cutting cardboard for which a straight blade works better for me). The 710's D2 blade is optimised for slicing - not prying so I don't consider it to be too thin. The Rift is a brute and better for heavier work and GP outdoor use - but I'd more likely be carryin a fixed for that purpose.
 
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