So I finally decided to register and post, after reading many posts here, and going through this entire thread!
My first purchase was a 710, which blew me away and got me hooked on these cheap (but quality!) knives. I wasn't really into knives before learning about the 710, but I recently got a EL-01KH and have both the Aluminum and G10 versions of the SRM 763 on the way, in addition to a black SRM 939 that I could't resist, knowing it is discontinued ( and has an interesting design/blade profile).
Here is a quick picture comparison of the Enlan EL-01KH and SRM 710. I apologize for the picture quality, I took these pics quickly using my old camera and then resized them some more. Pics and some of this content has already been posted at another forums I frequent, but I thought it would be better suited and more relevant here
I tend to baby my knives and likely won't be using them for any intense tasks, but should the need arise I feel reasonably confident that both the 710 and EL-01 can perform. Proprietary screws and minor issues aside, the EL-01KH has grown on me, particularly after cleaning, lube, and some wear. The size and weight isn't actually that bad, and I could see myself making it my EDC blade if I required the blade length and ruggedness of this knife for daily tasks.
love the swedge, ergonomics and the flipper/finger guard. If you have knife opening OCD, this feature won't cure you at all
The 710 has a finer grind to the blade, all in one direction while the EL-01 appears to have slight variations in grind as you go towards the tip. Nothing a minor polish and touch up can't fix, and both come super sharp
The 710's clip feels much stronger, while the EL-01 clip is weaker - a good thing, otherwise the g10 scales may shred your pockets.
^ The evil triangle pivot. Quite shallow too, but enough to grind a slot into it if needed. Torx T6 screws with orange loctite hold the scales, liners, and standoffs together.
On mine, the blade is off-center while closed, but it actually doesn't touch the liner. After much tinkering and measuring, I have come to the conclusion that it may actually be the strong leaf spring of the liner lock pushing the blade off center while the knife is closed. I ran into a post somewhere that it may actually be due to the asymmetrical swedge near the tip, which upon closer examination is indeed longer on one side. I have tried to reassemble/lube it and wear it in, but doesn't seem to help. Otherwise no blade play and I can't see the liner lock disengaging by accident, it requires deliberate force.
I used a standard 3/4 keyless drill chuck to get at the pivot screw. Got this idea from a youtube comment in one of Joben's vids.
It takes some minor back and forth adjusting to get the jaws of the drill chuck to grab onto the shallow pivot screw. I found it best to press the knife against the chuck, otherwise it slips off easily. I can see this being a potential issue with the EL-01D, as the ring of the chuck might scuff up the rosewood with all the pushing and twisting. A larger chuck that has the jaws extend outward more may be better in that case, but I don't have one to try it out.
I must say, this forum and SrJoben's youtube reviews played a huge part in helping me pick out the knives that are the right fit for me. I find myself buying more and more, but probably for the better as I've already lost my other 710 to a friend who really liked it. I never told him how much I paid for it, he probably thinks he got a $50 knife
