Photo Request--Benchmade 710 & 950...

timberweasel

timberweasel

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Jan 5, 2011
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G'day, Folks!

I have only one Benchmade in my collection so far... the 940. Great knife and I think it's time it had a stable mate. After a lot of 'shop-looking', I've narrowed it down to two: the 710 McHenry & Williams in D2 and the 950 Rift in 154CM. I have several knives for several different applications, so I suppose the intended purpose of this purchase will be to simply have a new quality Benchmade... to have and to hold, to take on long walks, whisper sweet nothings to... *ahem* Anyhoo... :o :rolleyes:

Can anyone help me out with a few side-by-side comparison pics? I'd also be keen on hearing any opinions on either or both...

Thanks campers!

-Timber
 
Hi there,

I don't own a Rift, but I do have the 710. It's really a wonderful knife. The thing I didn't realize about it from only seeing photos online was how slim and compact it is. When you carry it, it surely does not feel like you're carrying a huge folder even though the blade is essentially 4 inchs. I prefer larger folders and my collection reflects this, but I also work in an office environment. The 710 gets alot of carry time M-F due to how low profile it is and how easy it is to carry in dress pants in comparison to other folders with a similar blade size. I'm sure you know plenty about D-2 and how good it is but if it needs to be said, the steel is top knotch and I've never complained or wished I had something different in my pocket when it came time to use the 710.
 
Howdy Shem! Thanks for posting; I found your impressions on the 710 very useful... :thumbup:
 
I should have my 710 in today and I also have a Rift I got for Christmas that I love. I will take some pics and post them up when I get off work.
 
I don't have a 710 (I want one though), but I do have a 950 Rift. I've got a few pictures I've already taken of it, and I'd be glad to take more if you would like. I've got a few other knives I could compare it to if you needed.

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Here are the pics of them together. Of the two its hard to pick a favorite. Both feel good in hand. For the 710 to be as large as it is, it rides very well in the pocket because it is such a slim knife but when you hold it there is a heft to it that is surprising. My wife said the Rift is the better choice because it looks cooler but to me each is different kind of cool. I love how Benchmade did the G10 on the Rift. One thing to consider is the 710 does have a recurve so if you dont like recurve blades then it might not be for you.

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My advice in the end....get BOTH.
 
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Much appreciated, Shandrydan1! Thanks muchly! I reckon the only answer here is the standard BladeForums response...

"Buy 'em both."

:D
 
Well, I went and ordered a 710. Figured the 950 could wait since I already have another Osborne design with the 940... but hopefully the 950 will not wait not for too long. ;)

Thanks again to all!
 
I love the BM 710. I think you will be happy with your choice. Here is a photo of mine.

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I have a couple of 710's. One is CM-154, the other M390. I can't carry D-2 in the summertime. It rusts in my pocket. I took the recurve out of the CM-154 but not the M390 yet. I haven't used the M390 blade much (too many knives), but it specs out similar to ZDP-189 which I really like.
 
Those two are at the top of the list of knives I owned and regret getting rid of. The 710 was pure awesome, and was my favorite knife the whole time I owned it. I only traded it because I knew it would add a lot of weight to the trade. I WILL be getting another.

The Rift was really, really cool, but I was a little self-conscious about the tactical look of the knife. That, and the G10 was really sharp around the edges, which made it uncomfortable to hold for me. Now I am a little older and wiser, and I would just sand down the g10 a tad to smooth out the edges. It is definately up there on the list of knives I am interested in re-aquiring.

The new BM Contego looks like a blend between the 710 and the Rift, with a just shy of 4" blade. That knife is probably #2 on my list of knives to buy (Case Sway Back Jack in Chestnut bone CV is #1). Can't wait for it to come out!
 
bobusx said:
Those two are at the top of the list of knives I owned and regret getting rid of. The 710 was pure awesome, and was my favorite knife the whole time I owned it. I only traded it because I knew it would add a lot of weight to the trade. I WILL be getting another.

The Rift was really, really cool, but I was a little self-conscious about the tactical look of the knife. That, and the G10 was really sharp around the edges, which made it uncomfortable to hold for me. Now I am a little older and wiser, and I would just sand down the g10 a tad to smooth out the edges. It is definately up there on the list of knives I am interested in re-aquiring.

The new BM Contego looks like a blend between the 710 and the Rift, with a just shy of 4" blade. That knife is probably #2 on my list of knives to buy (Case Sway Back Jack in Chestnut bone CV is #1). Can't wait for it to come out!
Click to expand...

I sanded down the G10 on my Rift and it made a huge difference! I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who owns that knife.
 
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