SanRenMu 710

[cziv]

So out of all curiosity generated by the highly hyped SRM knives in the forum especially the 710 by some of the forum members, I went ahead ordered two 710s. It arrived from Hong Kong in around a week.
Out of the packaging, there are a few scratches and surface blemishes which are the norm to knives cost only $12 each shipped. I was surprised to find couple rather big stain in the liner cut-out, stainless steel I thought? And the cut out itself is rather rough with horrible burs. Blades are off centered on both, but not to the extent toughing the liner. Lock up is solid with no vertical play as I said in a previous post that frame/liner lock are the easiest lock type to achieve no-play, no surprise here, none of my knives did even the $5 Walmart special Winchester I got couple years ago. However, there’s noticeable side-to-side play if you tried, but I guess tightening the pivot may fix it. The blades are plentiful sharp, not sure how long it would keep that way though. No steel type indicated anywhere. Question, how can you tell what steel was used? 8CR13MOV anyone?
All in all, the impression is mediocre at best for a knife cost $12 shipped. Fit and finish is around the same or a little better then my $5 Winchester from Walmart, but the Winchester proved itself to be a better value. Will I buy it again? Absolutely NOT! Is it a replacement to $100 knives from reputable American companies, ex: Spyderco, like some of members claimed? Are you serious?? I would take $45 Vantage Pro S30V/G10, $25 Skyline any day! That’s about it, a really cheap knife whose market is in below $10 none knife users. Until now, I really start suspecting some of the members here are affiliated with SRM sellers. Case closed, at least for me.

I bet you bought from SanRenMuman and got blems. Mine were immaculate and exihibited none of what you're mentioning. That sucks. I ordered a couple more for my brother and one for myself. I hope they don't come from that batch!

 

[dawsonbob]

I bet you bought from SanRenMuman and got blems. Mine were immaculate and exihibited none of what you're mentioning. That sucks. I ordered a couple more for my brother and one for myself. I hope they don't come from that batch!

Mine was virtually perfect, too. I know I'll be ordering more.

Seems like everybody but 00max00 got good quality knives; makes you wonder.

 

[cziv]

Mine was virtually perfect, too. I know I'll be ordering more.

Seems like everybody but 00max00 got good quality knives; makes you wonder.

Probably that member conspiracy thing he was alluding to?

 

[00max00]

I bet you bought from SanRenMuman and got blems. Mine were immaculate and exihibited none of what you're mentioning. That sucks. I ordered a couple more for my brother and one for myself. I hope they don't come from that batch!

No, not from SanRenMuman, and that guy has sold plenty SRMs w/ 100% feedback. I am not going to give him negative as he is obviously not the maker. I can tell those knives are fresh out of the factory as it has the same "Chinese Oil" smell as my Tenacious and the packaging looked original. Funny, both may came out from the same factory. Only Sal is able to give the answer.

I may sounded like overly picky to some as I own many high end knives with lot of attention to detail and high-end materials. But that's just from my personal observation, you are free to own anything you like.

 

[dawsonbob]

Probably that member conspiracy thing he was alluding to?

Well, what else could it possibly be? But be quiet: the first rule of member conspiracy, is don't talk about member conspiracy.

 

[chevy_racin]

Granted, I have not ready the whole thread. This is just my 2 cents worth. I can go to Big 5 or Dicks Sporting goods and get the weekly special for around $12.

I know I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I don't understand getting one of these. BUCK, Kershaw, and Spyderco, just to mention a few, have something in the less expensive range. Not all of us have $100+ to spend on a knife or want to.

The 710 may look like a Sebenza (sort of). The first thing is, can I trust it. Say more or the same as than my Vantage (Pro, Avid, or Select) or a Delica 4. Second, (may be the most important to me personally) would I suggest to some one I like, or a family member, buy one. Third, not trying to impress people, the knife people we hang around with are going to know it is not what it looks like. This (for many of us) is our hobby, something we like to do, so why would I want to get one. I'm happy to show my Spydercos, Bucks, or Benchmades to people. Not the collection some of our friends here have, but I like them and they work for me.

 

[STR]

Mine was virtually perfect, too. I know I'll be ordering more.

Seems like everybody but 00max00 got good quality knives; makes you wonder.

I've bought 18 of the 710 models so far for myself over a period of a month or more and given some away as gifts already to folks that have in turn bought some for themselves after seeing them. I've given some to nephews which know their uncle is a knife nut so it makes them feel special to get something from me. None of the 710 knives I've bought had any finish flaws or burrs and the worst things I could say about them are some had slightly off centered blades, most seem to have detent balls that really grab tighter than I'm used to holding the blade down really well, especially at first but that seems to work in and ease up over time (but to me thats a good thing). Oh and the clips need flipped to make them worthy of carry at least for myself.

Probably that member conspiracy thing he was alluding to?

Yeah that conspiracy thing. Some comment huh?

I've read many reports now, most of which are positive remarks on several forums all over the net from around the world on the 710 model. Youtube is full of reviews of praise also. Who knew they were all on the take and the whole thing was a conspiracy? Frankly I find that comment hilarious! When I first read the first reviews where a guy sung the praises of a 710 having only ever seen or handled that one sole knife he bought I took it and tucked it away saying okay there is one report that is positive. Over time more positive remarks were seen and over time you start to be able to put a picture together. Very few negative remarks are coming out but there will undoubtedly be some.

No matter the model, high dollar or not, buy several of them and you'll see some variance at times, and you'll read of other impressions about models you own that may not jibe with your and one may not even come out right at all from time to time and get out there in the hands of end line users. We've seen some reports on the forums lately of some higher priced ones that were shipped sub par with locks that defeat, or edges not sharp, finishes not quite up to par and so on. No one was shouting conspiracy there though. :You can't judge by seeing one or two knives.

You certainly can't say the whole of all those made are bad based on the two knives you've seen and handled and that goes for any companies products. You can say your experience was such with the two you bought or that it was less than positive for you but to now accuse others with experiences different than yours of being on the take because you bought two and they are for $hit is laughable at best. I've handled 18 of my own 710 models and a couple others belonging to others and I can't say I have seen enough to judge the line. I can say of what I've seen that the consistency seems to be there though. But in truth I can only comment on the ones I've seen and hope that the company is consistent in build quality so that the knives you get should you buy them will be on par with the ones I've seen and handled and own myself.

STR

 

[Itch Blade]

Granted, I have not ready the whole thread. This is just my 2 cents worth. I can go to Big 5 or Dicks Sporting goods and get the weekly special for around $12.

I know I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I don't understand getting one of these. BUCK, Kershaw, and Spyderco, just to mention a few, have something in the less expensive range. Not all of us have $100+ to spend on a knife or want to.

The 710 may look like a Sebenza (sort of). The first thing is, can I trust it. Say more or the same as than my Vantage (Pro, Avid, or Select) or a Delica 4. Second, (may be the most important to me personally) would I suggest to some one I like, or a family member, buy one. Third, not trying to impress people, the knife people we hang around with are going to know it is not what it looks like. This (for many of us) is our hobby, something we like to do, so why would I want to get one. I'm happy to show my Spydercos, Bucks, or Benchmades to people. Not the collection some of our friends here have, but I like them and they work for me.

You answered your own question.

Why would you want to get one? Because you like on and they work for you.

For some people, owning a knife that looks like an unreachable knife is most of the way there.

I bought a Gerber Torch because it looks like a Hinderer Flame.

I wouldn't use a Hinderer, and I don't use the Torch. Realistically, I just saved myself a huge amount of money.

 

[ThePharce]

Granted, I have not ready the whole thread. This is just my 2 cents worth. I can go to Big 5 or Dicks Sporting goods and get the weekly special for around $12.

I know I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I don't understand getting one of these. BUCK, Kershaw, and Spyderco, just to mention a few, have something in the less expensive range. Not all of us have $100+ to spend on a knife or want to.

Ummm, if you HAD read the whole thread, you would have seen where the less expensive Spydercos are likely made.....and looked at the SRMs a bit more seriously.

 

[00max00]

STR, as a knife maker yourself, is this good enough to you by your standard? or am I overly picky?? This is fresh out of the box with nice new knife oil smell.

Off centered blade.

Bur and rust spot.

 

[NaturalMystic]

Mine's got the same burr and a single rust spot in the same area but closer to the tip of the clip. My blade's also off-centered like yours, I assume due to tension from the frame lock pressing against the base of the blade.
I like the detent because it keeps the blade in place when closed, unlike some of the other models of SanRenMus, Navy and Bee that I got today (see the "Your Opinion of Sanrenmu Knives" http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8680825#post8680825 for my post on them).

 

[00max00]

Thanks NaturalMystic to confirm this is not my individual case. So what do your Pro-SRM people have to say? If you call this is excellent F&F, then I have nothing to argue with. The SRM is a OK product for its price, but it just worth what it worth, nothing more. May I say "myth" busted? Oh well, at lease for me.

 

[STR]

STR, as a knife maker yourself, is this good enough to you by your standard? or am I overly picky?? This is fresh out of the box with nice new knife oil smell.

I just had a Strider PT here with a blade every bit as off center as that 710 and every bit as unfinished in spots and it's a $300 folder. I have an Emerson folder with a blade that rubs and it cost me $122! Speaking of Emerson, have you looked at the finish of a Emerson folder? You can count the laser cut lines on many of them and even see burn marks on others and no one seems to blink an eye at that for the money. In fact they call folks overly picky for bringing it up so you tell me. My standard is not what you see there. I simply call it as I see it for what I see across the board comparing the knives in question to what else is being sold out there. As I said earlier I'd much rather own and carry a Leek but I see a lot to make the 710 worthwhile for what little investment is required to get into one. When I compare the SRM 710 to many knives more expensive I'm not seeing much to complain about for the price even when they come like the one you have there. I have a couple similar to that also but more are dead centered and better than that so it appears they bat about the same average as some of the companies offering products for more $. What you are showing is unfortunate in any folder and we all hope to get perfect knives when we buy them but look at the bright side. At least you don't have a hundred or more bucks in it!

EDIT: Here is the blade center of one of the ones I bought.

STR

 

[chevy_racin]

Yea, I read that part. Heck most manufacturers have parts and models made in China and other parts of the globe. Not a new concept in today's world.

Not getting baited into this one. I'm not "seriously" looking at SRM.

Buy what you like. Buy what works for you. Buy what you can trust.

Ummm, if you HAD read the whole thread, you would have seen where the less expensive Spydercos are likely made.....and looked at the SRMs a bit more seriously.

 

[SBaker34]

Would a stock spyderco sharpmaker work to get a shaving edge on one of these? I'm thinking of buying one of these for my nephew and putting a razors edge on it for him.

 

[cziv]

STR, as a knife maker yourself, is this good enough to you by your standard? or am I overly picky?? This is fresh out of the box with nice new knife oil smell.

For a $6 - $7 knife + shipping that's not worth a notice from me personally. That rust mark looks like it would come right off with a rub of some 300 - 400 grit sandpaper and some oil. Voila!

 

[ThePharce]

Yea, I read that part. Heck most manufacturers have parts and models made in China and other parts of the globe. Not a new concept in today's world.

Not getting baited into this one. I'm not "seriously" looking at SRM.

Buy what you like. Buy what works for you. Buy what you can trust.

I wasn't trying to bait at all....just found irony when you asked why someone would buy a SRM and then listed inexpensive Spyderco as an alternative...you know, the Spyderco likely made by SRM....

 

[NaturalMystic]

Thanks NaturalMystic to confirm this is not my individual case. So what do your Pro-SRM people have to say? If you call this is excellent F&F, then I have nothing to argue with. The SRM is a OK product for its price, but it just worth what it worth, nothing more. May I say "myth" busted? Oh well, at lease for me.

No problem man, but I will say that for the $$ spent I'm happy with what I got. I definitely got my money's worth, even though I may have paid a bit more than others have for some of these knives. I played around with the plain 710 and wanted to EDC it today but couldn't bring myself to it. I hate stainless steel handled folders because my hands always start to sweat and slip on them.
Again, I wasn't expecting Sebenza quality, but IMHO these (the models with G10 scales in particular) do compare to some of the Chinese built Spydercos I've handled so far. I think this is fair to say considering some of Spyderco's models are made by SRM according to Sal. (Don't worry Sal, I'm a lifelong Spyderco fan so nothing's changed there! I just had to see for myself what all the hype's been about!).
I hope this isn't too pic intensive but here are some shots I just took for reference.

SanRenMu Mini 401:

SanRenMu 710:

SanRenMu B4 710:

Navy K615:

Navy K502:

Bee L05:

Group Shots:

Group Shot with Spyderco Caly3 and Manix 2 for size comparison:

 

[00max00]

For a $6 - $7 knife + shipping that's not worth a notice from me personally. That rust mark looks like it would come right off with a rub of some 300 - 400 grit sandpaper and some oil. Voila!

$8 knife +$4 shipping + XX hours*whatever dollar/hr of your labor. Voila! You now have a knife at a price of US made Skyline or better. Did I mentioned you need to tighten the pivot to remove that side-to-side play? After I did it, it became a beast to open single handed. Doesn't the rust in the handle fresh out of the box make you wonder the quality of material used? Let alone unmarked blade steel, yes, I knew from the seller it was supposed to be the higher end 8cr13mov which is better than some marked "surgical stainless".

Again, I never meant to dismiss the worth of it to be a nice cheap beater if you need one. I would never gotten myself buying SRM if not because of all the hype around it, and end up to prove personally once more that I still get what I paid for. The existence of crappy overpriced "high-end" products doesn't automatically make cheaper as crappy products superior. End of story.

 

[effer]

Not trying to defend SRM or anything, but I think you're judging $8 knife a bit too harshly.

Off centered blade.

Not cool. Mine were perfect.
The big question is if it can be adjusted to center properly.
On some knives it is fairly easy to do, on some it is impossible.
I had several HIGH-end ($150+) knives with the same problem. Some people say it isn't even a problem if blade is not touching the scale. I definitely don't like un-centered blades (don't think anybody does). In half of the cases I was able to get the blade centered on those high dollar knives. Other half couldn't be helped no matter what I did. This issue can be seen on nearly ALL production knives from time to time (Sebenza excluded, haven't seen one like it).

Bur and rust spot.

I have the same finish at the cut. No rust. But again, let's be real. First of all it is $8 knife ($2-4 in China). Second, the location of the "rough finish" is under the clip where the hand will never touch. You have to really look for it to find it. Handle material is the same as the blade. Stainless, but definitely not rust resistant. Who knows how long it was sitting on the shelf in storage.
Finish is very good where in counts (on the outside edges). Some other knives I've seen and handled were not as good.

In all honesty I think that if SRM were making Striders, we would've been less complaints about not so good F&F on a $400+ knife (though I haven't heard much noise about current Strider production).

Remember how many were complaining about Buck Vantage PRO when it came out. Love the materials and price, hate the execution. I remember reading that almost every third knife had un-centered blade, or lockbar going all the way to the other side and so on. Buck probably got it under control now.

Here is picture of another hot knife. Hinderer 18-xm ( "Sebenza quality" ). Notice the bur at the cutout. I had XM-18 like this, seen several others like it. I care less about this little detail, but this is a $400 ($600 on secondary market) that isn't perfect. I think most Xm-18's now don't have this issue. Maybe it was only one batch like this.



You can say whatever you want about SRM, but they definitely can do good quality at a low price.


I have a feeling that progress in manufacturing process with time should be able to bring "Sebenza quality" at a fraction of the cost. It might take several years to get there, but it isn't unreachable. If quality is the only thing that people pay for, then there might be a problem. But really there is a lot more to it.