Size comparison between BM 551 and BM 710

jfindon

jfindon

Joined
Dec 12, 2006
Messages
967
I really like the 710 also even though it's a bit more. I'm just worried it's a little big for my liking, does anyone have these two knives that could take a picture of them? Thanks.
 
I wish I owned both and had some pics. I have neither but, consider the specs:
THe 710 is approx. 5/8" longer than the Grip when open and less than that longer when closed. They're both fairly good sized folders (though certainly not HUGE, like the Rukus or Skirmish). 5/8" isn't a huge difference in knives this large.

And (this is important to me): the Grip is about 5/8" thick and the 710 is a little more than 7/16" (read: less than 1/2"). This is important to me because I wear my folders inside the waistband where slim means something. Also, the G-10 scales on the 710 are smoother when drawing or "sheathing" the folder from wherever you carry it, yet it has plenty of grip in your hand.

Having handled them both, I would say that, overall, the 710 is a higher quality knife and its price reflects that. NOT that the Griptilian is anything to scoff at, of course.

Hope this helps.
 
StretchNM said:
I wish I owned both and had some pics. I have neither but, consider the specs:
THe 710 is approx. 5/8" longer than the Grip when open and less than that longer when closed. They're both fairly good sized folders (though certainly not HUGE, like the Rukus or Skirmish). 5/8" isn't a huge difference in knives this large.

And (this is important to me): the Grip is about 5/8" thick and the 710 is a little more than 7/16" (read: less than 1/2"). This is important to me because I wear my folders inside the waistband where slim means something. Also, the G-10 scales on the 710 are smoother when drawing or "sheathing" the folder from wherever you carry it, yet it has plenty of grip in your hand.

Having handled them both, I would say that, overall, the 710 is a higher quality knife and its price reflects that. NOT that the Griptilian is anything to scoff at, of course.

Hope this helps.
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Yeah I know, but I'm one of those people that needs to see the pictures to let it really hit home:)

I thought the 710 looked slimmer, and the G10 sounds nice. I may just end up waiting to save a little more money and getting that one. Only problem is I've never sharpened anything before and the 710 is a D2 blade, so if it gets dull it'll be a pain to get sharp for anyone much less someone like me.

The Grip I would get will come to about $75 anyway, so the 710 I want is $110 for the coated version, not really THAT much more. Here I go nickel and diming myself until I end up with a $500 knife :(
 
hehehe. Well, good luck. Either will be fine I'm sure :) Like I say "We buy what we like and, if not, we like what we buy" :D

Now if, instead of inquiring about the size difference, you were to ask the forum "Which one should I get?" I think you know which one nearly everyone would recommend (hint: 710)

As far as sharpening goes, how about this: I'm a woodworker and I sharpen to a razor edge chisels, plane irons, and spokeshave blades. Yet, with all the knives I own, I never really tried to sharpen them! They were all dull as my thumb. I was afraid to put a blade down on a stone and I never trusted sharpening services with my knives.

So....I bought a Sharpmaker (based on suggestions from the Toolshed). Things are a little bit different now :D
 
With sharpening the 710 D2 the trick is to never let it get too dull.
If you let it get really dull, it will take a long time to get it back
to shaving sharp. Once it stops shaving hair (or some other test)
I touch it up.... and that only takes a minute on a Sharpmaker
and a strop. Also, under normal/average (for me) circumstances it takes awhile for the 710 D2 to lose it's edge.
 
one more thing... the 710 rocks! Best knife I've owned so far.
It's like getting a Porsche at Honda prices.
 
I've had a 551 and a 556.

Still have a 710.
The 710 IMO is an easier carry even though it's longer.

Slimmer, and with scales that are more slippery.
(As noted by StretchNM already.)
 
Here's a pic of my two....

I prefer the 710, I'm not too crazy about the hollow feeling handle of the Grip. But the Grip was half the price.

BM3.jpg
 
That is the very one. The Spyderco 204 Sharpmaker. I may have to buy one someday just to see if my freehands skills are really as good as I think :D
 
yablanowitz said:
That is the very one. The Spyderco 204 Sharpmaker. I may have to buy one someday just to see if my freehands skills are really as good as I think :D
Click to expand...

That's where I was. I was afraid (shaking, trembling, urine dripping down my leg ) at the very thought of trying to sharpen one of my knives on a benchstone. So, with everyone recommending the Sharpmaker, I had to ask: Is this a "freehand" sharpening method?" The reply was "yes" (more trembling, shaking, dripping)

But when I got it and tried it, it was so natural that THAT in itself scared me (more shaking, trembling, but no dripping). After using it extensively on everything in the house except plastic, including my camp axe(!), I feel like I could sharpen on a flat benchstone. While at Sportsman's Warehouse the other day, I borrowed their diamond benchstone and actually sharpened my already sharp RAT-3 without ruining the edge!! (shaking/trembling) It seems that the Sharpmaker actually teaches you sub-consciously how to maintain a bevel on a stone!
 
I'm not even sure what sharpening involves on the Sharpmaker. What is the general process?

I have a Gerber here that I can do a test run with once I get it.
 
StretchNM said:
That's where I was. I was afraid (shaking, trembling, urine dripping down my leg ) at the very thought of trying to sharpen one of my knives on a benchstone. So, with everyone recommending the Sharpmaker, I had to ask: Is this a "freehand" sharpening method?" The reply was "yes" (more trembling, shaking, dripping)

But when I got it and tried it, it was so natural that THAT in itself scared me (more shaking, trembling, but no dripping). After using it extensively on everything in the house except plastic, including my camp axe(!), I feel like I could sharpen on a flat benchstone. While at Sportsman's Warehouse the other day, I borrowed their diamond benchstone and actually sharpened my already sharp RAT-3 without ruining the edge!! (shaking/trembling) It seems that the Sharpmaker actually teaches you sub-consciously how to maintain a bevel on a stone!
Click to expand...

Actually, I learned to put a razor edge on a knife using nothing but a bench stone before Sal invented the Sharpmaker. I was thinking about getting one to see if it really could improve on my edge ;)
 
I see, thanks a lot. Seems like I'd worry about running the whole blade down the rod instead of just the area I want to be sharp. Oh well, that's why I'd practice on other knives first I suppose.
 
I own the 710 and 552, the Doug Ritter version of the 551. I love both knives, but they are both different animals. If you can afford both, get both, you will not be disappointed.
 
Nope, one or the other right now. Since the Grip I was going to get was going to be $75 anyway I may as well just add a little more and go right to the 710. Is that still a serious contender for value in the $110 price range? I would guess so because I really want something with an Axis lock and none fo the other BM knives really appeal to me right now.
 
yablanowitz said:
Actually, I learned to put a razor edge on a knife using nothing but a bench stone before Sal invented the Sharpmaker. I was thinking about getting one to see if it really could improve on my edge ;)
Click to expand...

After I posted, I reread your post and realized you were already proficient with a benchstone and were just toying with the idea of a Sharpmaker :)
 
jfindon said:
Nope, one or the other right now. Since the Grip I was going to get was going to be $75 anyway I may as well just add a little more and go right to the 710. Is that still a serious contender for value in the $110 price range? I would guess so because I really want something with an Axis lock and none fo the other BM knives really appeal to me right now.
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Well GPKnives has some Benchmade knives on sale that are also great choices. The Resistor and the Gravitator are both beautiful knives. The mini grip for $45.00 is not a bad deal either.

The Resistor is a little fat , but the build quality and style is very appealing. Same for the Grav, but it's a Titanium Framelock not an Axis Lock. Of all the BM knives I own both are my favorites, with a slight lead going to the Resistor. The 710 however is more practical...

I buy from GPKnives all the time and can recommend them too...

http://www.gpknives.com/specials.html
 
JPD1998 said:
Well GPKnives has some Benchmade knives on sale that are also great choices. The Resistor and the Gravitator are both beautiful knives. The mini grip for $45.00 is not a bad deal either.

The Resistor is a little fat , but the build quality and style is very appealing. Same for the Grav, but it's a Titanium Framelock not an Axis Lock. Of all the BM knives I own both are my favorites, with a slight lead going to the Resistor. The 710 however is more practical...

I buy from GPKnives all the time and can recommend them too...

http://www.gpknives.com/specials.html
Click to expand...

Bleh, not fond of the way either of those look. Do you think there is a chance they may put the 710 for sale any time?
 
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