Para2 M390 or BM710 M4?

J

Jay S.

Joined
Dec 7, 2005
Messages
406
I had the para and sold it as it just seemed to nice to use. Also just sold the 710 in M390 for the same reason. Just couldn't bring myself to use it. I would like to get one of these again and really put it to work but just can't decide which one. The con for the Para was the tip seemed really delicate and the con for the 710 was that the length of the blade made it feel like the pivot would not hold up well (side to side play). These are my perceptions and probably not a big deal. Both knives are about the same price$175 ish. So which one would you pick? I know the correct answer is both but I'll have to get one at a time.
 
I like the Para 2 a little more, but have each model. As for the tip, one of my Para 2's I dropped from about 3ft up point first into a steel sink with a very (1mm) small amount of damage to the very tip, took about 30 seconds to sharpen out, so while it is a fine tip, its still quite strong.
 
710 especially in M4. Nothing against the Para or M390, I just like M4 better and am an Axxis lock fan. The 710 in M4 MIGHT be able to pry my Spyderco Gayle Bradley out of my pocket...
 
710. Great steel and silver twill G10 handles. A 710 with a properly loc-tite'd pivot wont develop bladeplay BTW. That's not bullshit, I open and closed my 710 so much that one of the omega springs broke.
 
I have not handled a 710. But I love my M390 Para 2. M390 is some great stuff. I don't think you would make a bad choice either way, so just pick which you like best.
 
I have both (S30v P2 I mean) and much prefer the 710's design.
 
I've never had a 710. I did carry a 690 for a number of yrs; good knife. I have used M4. However, I've collected/owned/sold about 10-15 PM2's and Military models in M390, S90v, CTS-20CP, M4 and D2 and perhaps left out one or two, like CTS-XHP. Reality, and bills, got the best of me. I'm really sold on Spyderco, the compression lock, M390. Don't care about a 710, but that's just me. I know darned near everybody loves it.
Sonny
 
Thanks for the responses! Looks like a lot of support for the 710. I am leaning this way as I did not care for the way the compression lock on the Para pinched my hand when opening it. Maybe I just have fat hands lol.
 
I'd say go for the PM2 M390. M4 is a fine steel but it is not rust resistant, in a folder where there are many gaps, it could play as a negative.
 
Have both, I'd take the Para 2 over the 710 anytime. The 710 is good, but the Para 2 is as close to perfect as you can get (IMO). Good luck, you will not go wrong with either.
 
Two great knives, but the BM 710 is kind of a must have for most collection IMO. Or if not owned, at least previously owned.
 
I'm having the same conundrum. I'm leaning towards the 710. But I LOVE m390.

It's a rough life we lead that force us into these decisions.
 
I've owned both and only have a regular 710 now. That being said if you are more inclined towards pure performance I dont think the Para 2 in m390 steel can be beat. The m390 para 2 I had was just an absolute beast of a cutting machine and I wish I never got rid of it. Fantastic ergos and steel in a thin, light package. Not to mention I think the opening hole is the best deployment method for me. m390 para is the clear winner between the two you mentioned from a functional standpoint imho.
 
BM 710.

Classic time tested design.The M4 steel upgrade takes it to another level.
 
1. Even though the PM2's tip is strong, it can't possibly be stronger than the 710's. Plus, it just makes me think that it's weak even if it isn't so I couldn't bring myself to use it.
2. On Knifeworks, the 710 M4 does NOT have silver twill g10 handles. Big disappointment for me but it's hard to miss what you never had.
3. I think you can pretty safely ignore the fact that M4 is not stainless because of the clear cerakote.
4. Thumbhole is great, but the Axis lock plus thumbstub option is just unbeatable. It's just a joy to use.

I'd have to go with the 710, but I hope they make in in grey cerakote and silver twill g10 sometime.
 
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