Spyderco versus Benchmade (in praise of the Paramilitary)

I never took a liking to the 940 either. The blade shape , handle shape and very light weight just turn me off. But I know it's a popular model. I do like the Axis lock very much though. I'd say (for me) the Axis and Compression locks are pretty even. Love them both.
 
I love both Spyderco and Benchmade. I have 5 benchmades "2 Grips, 2 Mini Grips, and the new Foray" and I have 6 Spydercos "PM2, Delica 4, Dragonfly, Gayle Bradley II, Tenacious, and Persistance". I will say that for the money Spyderco wins every time. As much as I love my Griptilians I can't believe that you spend $100 and get a knife with a plastic handle. So I have to go and spend another $80-$100 on decent scales to make the knife what it should've been in the first place. So as far as I'm concerned Benchmade needs to either step it up on their current models and get the quality inline with the price or they need to offer these entry level knives at a more affordable price.

In comparison I put the Delica in the same boat as the mini grip and the endura inline with the full sized grip, but the delica and endura can be bought for $60 and the grips are at $100. That to me is just ridiculous. For just about the same money as a full size grip you can almost get a PM2 and in my opinion the Griptilian couldn't sniff the PM2s shorts in terms of quality.

Ok, my rant is over.
 
I don't have a side by side pic of the 710 & 940 so I'll post a couple of each.
I love both. And don't let the weight of the 940 fool you into thinking it isn't a tough knife!! They will take tons of abuse!!
I changed the scales on my 940, 943 and 710. Also, my 710 is a KW exclusive in M390. Absolutely awesome knife!!!
I also have the s110v Para 2 and can tell you it will be a favorite!! Great blade!!!
Joe

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BilboBaggins said:
Hmmmmm....do you know how it compares to the 940-1?
Click to expand...

The 940 is more slender than the 710. While the 710 is still a sleek knife , it is noticeably more substantial than the 940. The 710 is very well-made and solid. IMO the 940 feels almost delicate. It's too thin and light for me. A lot of people like that. But I like knowing and feeling I have my knife on me. The 710 is bigger and heavier than the 940. But that's a good thing. IMO the 710 represents near perfection in a production knife.

Anyway , I wish I felt the same way about other BM's. But I don't. I feel like Spyderco has them beat with a wide array of designs , steel choices and locking mechs. In particular , I find the Nirvana , Tighe Stick and Myrtle to look like outstanding designs. And I feel Spyderco gives you much more for your money. All this is just my opinion , of course.
 
Wolverine666 said:
The 940 is more slender than the 710. While the 710 is still a sleek knife , it is noticeably more substantial than the 940. The 710 is very well-made and solid. IMO the 940 feels almost delicate. It's too thin and light for me. A lot of people like that. But I like knowing and feeling I have my knife on me. The 710 is bigger and heavier than the 940. But that's a good thing. IMO the 710 represents near perfection in a production knife.

Anyway , I wish I felt the same way about other BM's. But I don't. I feel like Spyderco has them beat with a wide array of designs , steel choices and locking mechs. In particular , I find the Nirvana , Tighe Stick and Myrtle to look like outstanding designs. And I feel Spyderco gives you much more for your money. All this is just my opinion , of course.
Click to expand...

I just bought the new 698 Foray and it's something you may like. It has some heft to it and feels tough as nails, yet it has that gentleman folder look to it. I looked at the 940 series knives and there wasn't even a comparison in my eyes next to the 698. I never have understood the craze around the 940. I'm sure it's a great knife in its own right but at that price range there are so many options that just blow it out of the water in my opinion.
 
Benchmade and Spyderco. Love 'em both. Both brands dominate my box of daily carry folders--along with one Emerson and a CRK Small Sebenza.
 
Wolverine666 said:
The 940 is more slender than the 710. While the 710 is still a sleek knife , it is noticeably more substantial than the 940. The 710 is very well-made and solid. IMO the 940 feels almost delicate. It's too thin and light for me. A lot of people like that. But I like knowing and feeling I have my knife on me. The 710 is bigger and heavier than the 940. But that's a good thing. IMO the 710 represents near perfection in a production knife.

Anyway , I wish I felt the same way about other BM's. But I don't. I feel like Spyderco has them beat with a wide array of designs , steel choices and locking mechs. In particular , I find the Nirvana , Tighe Stick and Myrtle to look like outstanding designs. And I feel Spyderco gives you much more for your money. All this is just my opinion , of course.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. I keep thinking I need to pick up a benchmade or sabenza just for varieties sake, but every time I get close, I find a spydie that I want more. I have a feeling the nirvana will cure me of my sabenza leanings.
 
The 710 has one glaring problem I can't be alone on. The thumb stud is to close to the handle. Otherwise the knife it excellent Benchmade doesn't
Tug on my wallet as much as Spyderco or some other brands do.
 
Never really thought bout that. Just pulled mine out to check it out. I do it without thinking, but what works fine for me is just placing my thumb, directly beneath my nail on TOP of the stud. Don't try to go low on the stud. Works every time.
Just saying.
Joe


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I have zero problems with the 710 thumb stud. It never even entered my mind. I guess everyone's take is different.

Bilbo , I too want a Nirvana. But I suspect they will be sold out for a while once they are released since the pre-order crowd will have dibs for some time.
 
I've never noticed the 710 thumb stud position as a limitation. I just glide it open like every other knife I have. The 710 is a great knife...one of the all time greats. I rank it and the first edition of the Gayle Bradley as being two of the finest knives ever made.
 
Couple great knife companies IMO. I love my spydies and have a Grip in M4 with g10 handles that's a beaut and I am really enjoying a new 710 the last couple of weeks.
 
Looking at the PM2 comparison pics, I think the small sebenza I have fits the bill for an alternate profile/blade shape compared to my handful of Spydercos. I know I'll pick up a Benchmade someday, but If I'm spending 100-150 on a knife, theres just so many Spyders I want in that price range already its hard for me to justify it.

Maybe my tune will change once I get a Manix and see how I like the axis lock.
 
Can't get enough of my 710-1401!!! Every time I show a friend that knife I get the same reaction.......WOW!!!
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Paloma , why would you pick that color scheme for your custom 710 scales ? Kinda looks like swimming pool tile.
 
I like swimming pool tile I guess.


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ribstabsheart said:
Looking at the PM2 comparison pics, I think the small sebenza I have fits the bill for an alternate profile/blade shape compared to my handful of Spydercos. I know I'll pick up a Benchmade someday, but If I'm spending 100-150 on a knife, theres just so many Spyders I want in that price range already its hard for me to justify it.

Maybe my tune will change once I get a Manix and see how I like the axis lock.
Click to expand...

One thing about that bro!!
The ball bearing lock is NOT an Axis lock. It's a great lock, I have 4 Manix's and love them, but the Axis lock is MUCH easier to manipulate. The spring holding back the BB is very strong and takes 2 fingers to disengage. The Axis can be unlocked with 1 finger all day long easily.
They look similar, but are much different.
Joe
 
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