Opinions please, C R or 710-1401

Cursum Perficio

Cursum Perficio

Joined
Oct 27, 2012
Messages
3,610
The Crooked River is calling to me. It just looks right.
But I'm seeing the KW 710-1401 at virtually the same price.

Can't buy both, not for a quite while anyway.

Both ~4" Axis lock folders.
The C R really is calling to me. Aesthetically it appeals to me more than the 710-1401. Just overall a really cool folder. Except for that day-glow back spacer.

But the 710 is M390, almost an ounce lighter, I imagine the one piece scales to be more robust than the bolster and G10 of the C R. Also I have never had a 710 and I would like one.

There is no way I can handle either without buying it, I have only the interweb to help me decide.
Any thoughts or suggestions from those that have both or either would be welcome.
Thanks.
 
The C R really is calling to me. Aesthetically it appeals to me more than the 710-1401.
Click to expand...

I think you have answered your question right there.

For me the opposite is true. So I bought the 710 with M390.

After having it a week :
Great knife (not a gem as Nick Shabazz says).
Stiffer springs than Ritter Grip (in M390).
Action is sluggish and taking some break in (flipping open and closed all night while watching knife dude YouTubes). I have told myself doing this is dumb and I won't do it but here I am.

I like the blade shape. Heck I like the whole knife.
The steel sharpened easily and well (with Shapton Glass on Edge Pro). (came plenty sharp from maker / I just wanted polished).
The handle shape is very good for my hands and use.
Flys open VERY EASILY and is brainless to accomplish every time. (just closing is not drop worthy / need to give it some wrist action even after majorly loosening the pivot) ALWAYS OPENS PERFECTLY THOUGH.

What can I say get the C R for the same reason I went for the 710
You seem to know what you like. I sure AS HECK know what I like.
Why fight it ?
Unless it is just the M390 steel . . . which . . . as they say "is to die for". For me . . . it is the single, head and shoulders, best steel in the world . . . FOR ME . . . unless I could get a really high end custom with the best heat treat then who knows. But when I use my factory Benchmade M390 at work I could not wish for better edge holding / cutting performance. VERY SATISFYING. :thumbup:
 
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I have both and I think Bagger answered best......get the CR.....by the way you're posting it's calling to you!!
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The CR is more 'heavy duty' compared the 710-1401. Much beefier.
Everything on the CR is robust!! What will you be using it for.....EDC??

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Thanks for replies, you guys are astute and can see I want the C R.

Yeah it will go into the rotation for general EDC.
Interested that you describe the C R as beefier and more heavy duty palonej, as opposed to just heavier. I guess that extra .9 of an ounce is worthwhile. And 5.4oz is fine, a hair less than my beloved 0562.

Your right Wowbagger, it's the M390 that's giving me pause. I'm happy enough with S30V, but certainly prefer M390 based on what experience I do have with it - 581, 586, 0770CF - not only for its awesome balance of edge holding and ease of sharpening but it's high level of corrosion resistance.
I have long wanted to, and sooner or later will, add a 710 to the knife drawer, to me it's one of the few BMs I feel are missing from my small collection. Was just pausing to think if now was the time...

I'm inclined to pass up aesthetics in favor of ruggedness and the 710 has a proven record. The C R is pretty new. Pretty and new. But if it's a solid user, well...
 
Most definitely a user CP!!
Which version do you like.......G10 or wood??
Joe
 
Hello CP,
I was sitting in the same seat as you not too long ago. CR, 810-1401 or 710-1401? The 810 seemed uncomfortable for all day carry. I wasn't sure about the separate scale/bolster of the CR and I wanted to try something other than S30v. Like you, I always wanted a 710 so I went with the 1401. Very pocket friendly and it's no slouch as a workhorse. It's a beautiful knife.
As Wowbagger elluted to, Benchmade QC can be hit or miss.
If I had to do it all over again I would still choose the 710.
As others have said, follow your heart. You really can't go wrong with either.

Palonej, nice pics as always.

A pic just to make your choice a little tougher:D
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Can't go wrong with either. Despite the larger size, I carry the CR more often when I want a large folder(it's in my pocket now). Both are great, though. Start with the one that is most appealing to you and go from there. Enjoy! :thumbup:
 
I like the both the gray G10 and the wood Joe, would be happy with either, but I have always had a soft spot for the look and feel of wood. Given that its Dymondwood and very stable, I don't think there is any disadvantage in it and would go with that.

GB your right, I look at the 2 part scale/bolster handle and while it looks great to my eye, it doesn't give the impression of solidity that a single piece of G10 does. But I have nothing tangible to base that on, in fact my 581/586 tell me otherwise.

jazub, 'start with the one that is most appealing to you and go from there' is resonating well with me.

Sound input all round gentlemen and I thank you for it :thumbup:

Will gel on it today and place an order tonight.
 
Awesome!!! I'm actually feeling your excitement and can't wait till you pull the trigger tonight!! Damn.....knife knuts are truly NUTS!!!
When you hold the CR you'll realize how tough this knife is CP!!! Don't sweat the bolsters at all! I'm messing with mine right now and it is as solid as a brick!! But balanced so well! Balance point on my G10 version is right below the back end of the Axis lock cut out.......perfect! No rattles. Very comfy in hand with no hot spots. Flicks like a dream and locks up TIGHT!!!
You'd think with a big and thick blade it wouldn't slice that well, but it's quite thin behind the edge. The factory edge on mine is nice and even. Came stupid sharp also!
Sorry brother, I could go on and on! Just want to let you know this is one bad ass blade and you're gonna love it!!
Let us know when she arrives......
Joe
 
CP,
I wanted to clarify what I said about the scale/bolster. I wasn't implying that it was a bad design or anything. Actually I think they are very good looking. The reviews I've read and videos I've seen have been extremely positive👍

Like you, I think the dymondwood scales look great and I like the orange backspacer and pivot ring.
 
Thanks GB, I understand.
I too really like the bolster look. It's just my vague perception of 1 piece being inherently stronger than 2 pieces. A perception my relatively limited experience has never done anything to substantiate.

Joe, you sir, are an excellent enabler, in a most positive way!
 
I'd say you can't go wrong with either, CP, so going with your gut won't leave you disappointed in any case. I love the 710 and bought a third one yesterday, just cos it was real clean and a great deal on the Exchange. It's just like my original stock D2--my "rescue knife" which I saved from an abusive owner and nursed back to health. I also have the -1401--great feel in hand and M390 is a favorite steel. I'm probably going to get some scales made for the new 710 and I'll put the fresh stock pair on my old girl.

I don't have a Crooked River, but bought one last spring for my son, so I've handled that a fair amount. He loves it and uses it hard. He did bust the corner off the wooden scale, but blames himself for being careless. Benchmade took care of that NC with quick turnaround, sharpening, and new springs thrown in for good measure. I like the feel of the knife myself and am kinda nuts for bigger blades anyway.

No doubt there's a CR in my future, but I've been trying to buy up all the other knives in the world first. All the knives that Joe doesn't buy, anyway, though that doesn't leave leave much for the rest of us, does it? :p

Sounds like you're going with the CR and I'm sure you'll love it. There are always some -1401s on the Exchange for pretty decent prices, so you can go that way later if you like.

Edit: Here's a pic I leeched from somewhere from a guy who made his own wooden backspacer for his CR. Kenn likes that and will probably make one for his.

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Yep goin' with a Dymondwood C R.

Placed order with BHQ 'cos they have them in stock and they also have the Flytanium items I want as well, but have to wait for them to open again on Monday though, 'cos they don't do international orders online. Ahh well, couple of weeks delivery time over to NZ anyway so whats another day.

Will report back when I have it.
Thank you again gentlemen.
 
Well that wasn't so easy.

BHQ won't ship Benchmades overseas.
Others only had the G10 version in stock and/or too high a shipping cost.
Ordered from CS but Visa was against me - 'denied due to incorrect billing address' - despite it being the same for multiple orders from CS over the last 5 years.

So I emailed Jeff at CS with the details and he is making it happen for me, helpful sort that he is :thumbup:
Ok, now I wait a couple of weeks for it to arrive....

Chaz that guys wooden back spacer is absolutely what the knife needs, to my eye anyway. Removes the jarring clash orange and makes the spacer blend it. Seriously nice.
 
Finally got it and... wrong one was sent. Gray G10. Don't want the cost of mailing back round the globe so I'm staying with it.

Do prefer the Dymondwood aesthetically, but I do like the G10 too, it's color and appearance is quite nice. Also, this one seems like a good example, it's a Benchmade that came centered (yay!) with solid lockup and nice smooth action after a shot of penetrating oil and opening/closing several times.

It feels very good in hand and comfortable to wield, good balance/weight distribution, even grind and reasonably sharp. It has a fairly slim profile and carries comfortably in the RFP for a 4" folder.
Overall it gives me the impression of being very solid and strong without being overdone in any way. A feeling of good heft rather than weight, if that makes any sense.

The back spacer is not quite as hideous as I imagined, but it's a bit too in your face for my liking so will consider options there. I'm not going to use it for hunting so no-one will mistake it for a fallow and throw an 'ought-six round at it if it's dyed or replaced.
The orange accent around the pivot I don't mind, small surface area and not so gay-glo.

All in all I'm happy with this, a good addition to my small collection of BMs and it will be in my pocket for the next few weeks to break it in and get to know it.

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Sucks you got the wrong one CP, it I really think the G10 version is awesome!! If the back spacer is really annoying you, dye it brother!! Saw a couple people have done it and it looked pretty cool. Think they went with a brown dye. Didn't come out totally brown, but it subdued the orange quite nicely.
Had mine in pocket today and you're right, that big bad boy really does carry like a smaller knife.......prob due to the thin profile.
I just LOVE that huge chunk of steel!!! I can't get enough of flicking it out and hearing that satisfying THUNK!!!
Enjoy it brother......it really is an awesome BM!!!
PS.......a most excellent line up you have!!!
Joe
 
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