The Benchmade 710: A Good Choice for High-quality, Durable EDC?

M

MLJ_1758

Joined
Nov 19, 2011
Messages
11
Hello,

I'm new to the forum here. For most of my 23 years, I have solely used Victorinox Swiss Army knives. The first knife my father gave me was a Swiss Army knife since both he and my maternal grandfather had and used one exclusively. So what does this have to do with the Benchmade 710?

Well, I am working in a job where I frequently find myself in need of a knife and already have one hand occupied, typically holding that which I need to cut. I have yet to find a useful way of opening a Swiss Army knife (the classic, Officer's style) one-handed except with my teeth. So, I am in the market for a (or possibly two) durable and high-quality folders that can be opened with one-hand and will last. I don't mind an investment but I want to make sure I get value for my hard-earned dollar.

So, that being said and after having done much research, I have sort of settled on a Benchmade knife and the tradition behind the 710 appealed to me. However, there are a few concerns that I have and I hope that the members of these forums can help me out. Here is what is worrying me:

1. I have read that in order to be useable, the edge profile will need to be reground to a sharper/more acute bevel. Is this true? I have experience sharpening an already established blade profile but never have reground a blade or changed the profile and I am loathe to try it for the first time on such an expensive (yes, to me it is rather expensive) knife.
2. I have also read that the D2 steel used in these knives is impossible to sharpen properly without a grinder and that it will not hold an edge properly. Are either of these statements true?
3. I know that the blade has a recurve to it. I have never sharpened or maintained a blade of this type. How difficult will it be to sharpen this blade profile and to maintain it? I don't want to keep sending it back to Benchmade simply because I cannot maintain the blade shape correctly.

Finally, on a general note, is the 710 a generally reliable and durable knife that can handle the rigors of EDC?

Any and all advice on these questions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance and all the best,

Michael
 
I own a 710 in D2. I sharpen it on the Sharpmaker and it gets shavng sharp with no problems. It's an excellent knife, and very goodlooking too.
 
The 710 is an excellent knife. So here I go with your questions.

1. No, the factory edge varies by knife. If it's not sharp enough for you, sharpen it. But i don't think you need to go through the trouble of reprofiling or thinning the edge out to use it.

2. D2 isn't that difficult to sharpen. Just don't let it get down to dull. I have both d2 and zdp-189 knives which people say are a bear to sharpen, i haven't had any issues. But i also don't use my knives until they are dull. Touching up once in a while is a good idea anyways.

3. What do you use to sharpen? It's not a ridiculous recurve so you may be ok. A sharp maker would make the job of sharpening very easy.

This knife is built for use. My grandfather, although a knife fanatic isn't exactly the easiest on his knives. I've seen him cut wire, use it to pry parts off of a car, pry open metal objects, etc. The knife edge is still mint, i sharpened it back up for him to scary sharp once, disassembled and cleaned it out and re-lubed it. Pretty much reconditioned the knife to new, and it's still ticking. His is the older 154cm model and he carries it daily. He's done worse with it than i have listed, but those are most of the chores he's done with it.
 
Michael:

Get the 710. It opens like butter, you can sharpen the D2 and the recurve with no worries, and it will hold an edge a long time. Its arguably Benchmade's flagship model. No worries.
 
It's a very nice knife and I highly recommend it. I really like D2 steel, but if you're worried about the performance characteristics of D2 there is a 710 in M390 that, I believe, is still available.
As for the dull initial edge, the truth lies somewhere in between. I've found all my Benchmades have at least an adequate 'working edge' out of the box. Not as sharp as Spydercos, but certainly not dull. Give it a quick touch up when you get it and it will be fine.
 
To answer your questions:

1. This is, after all, a forum of knife enthusiasts. What a lot of us consider dull, the average person would consider insanely sharp. And, further, some people like to take their knives down to very shallow edge angles--BM usually seems to put a steeper edge on their knives.

2. D2 can be hard to sharpen if you are used to softer, less wear resistant steels. A person can sharpen with dozens of different methods; I've found that free-handing on diamond stones and diamond paste work best for me. In my experience Benchmade's D2 holds a pretty good edge, and if this is your first foray into more expensive knives, then it will hold an edge far longer than most of the knives you've probably experienced.

3. The recurve is very gentle, at least compared to some of Kershaw's recurves, and I didn't really have much of a problem sharpening it.

The 710 is a pretty great knife that has been around for over a decade.
 
The 710 is a true classic for good reasons. Buy with confidence.

That being said, this thread lacks big time in the picture department :p

710_D2_Blk_01.jpg
 
Here's my 710 in ATS-34 with deep carry pocket clip. After I lost my Endura I decided to give Benchmade a try and EDC'd this 710 for around a year. A few months ago I purchased another Endura thinking it would replace the 710. Now I carry both... :) One left pocket, one right.

I bought this used, but apparently the knife had been recently returned to BM for sharpening and the edge was quite sharp. Whatever edge profile they did at the factory works for me - I have a scar on my finger to prove it! I also have no problems keeping it sharp with a pair of ceramic rods. I can't comment specifically on the D2 steel, but I can definitely concur that overall, the 710 is a winner. Love the Axis lock, too!

P1030549.jpg

P1030547.jpg
 
The 710 is the way to go, got one in my pocket now. I haven't had much practice sharpening yet, but I got a hair popping edge with my edge pro with the D2 Tool Steel. However, I just got in a couple with M390 and these are the most beautiful 710s I've ever seen. These are also the sharpest I've seen ANY Benchmade out of the box. If Benchmade continues producing edges like these, wow! Anyways the ones in M390 are still available for now, just look for the 710-2.
 
MLJ_1758 said:
Hello,

I'm new to the forum here. For most of my 23 years, I have solely used Victorinox Swiss Army knives. The first knife my father gave me was a Swiss Army knife since both he and my maternal grandfather had and used one exclusively. So what does this have to do with the Benchmade 710?

Well, I am working in a job where I frequently find myself in need of a knife and already have one hand occupied, typically holding that which I need to cut. I have yet to find a useful way of opening a Swiss Army knife (the classic, Officer's style) one-handed except with my teeth. So, I am in the market for a (or possibly two) durable and high-quality folders that can be opened with one-hand and will last. I don't mind an investment but I want to make sure I get value for my hard-earned dollar.

So, that being said and after having done much research, I have sort of settled on a Benchmade knife and the tradition behind the 710 appealed to me. However, there are a few concerns that I have and I hope that the members of these forums can help me out. Here is what is worrying me:

1. I have read that in order to be useable, the edge profile will need to be reground to a sharper/more acute bevel. Is this true? I have experience sharpening an already established blade profile but never have reground a blade or changed the profile and I am loathe to try it for the first time on such an expensive (yes, to me it is rather expensive) knife.
2. I have also read that the D2 steel used in these knives is impossible to sharpen properly without a grinder and that it will not hold an edge properly. Are either of these statements true?
3. I know that the blade has a recurve to it. I have never sharpened or maintained a blade of this type. How difficult will it be to sharpen this blade profile and to maintain it? I don't want to keep sending it back to Benchmade simply because I cannot maintain the blade shape correctly.

Finally, on a general note, is the 710 a generally reliable and durable knife that can handle the rigors of EDC?

Any and all advice on these questions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance and all the best,

Michael
Click to expand...

1) You don't have to, but if you did it would take advantage of the fact that it CAN take a thin edge and still resist deformity and wear.
2) It is a bit tougher, and takes a bit longer, but I personally think that is something that is exaggerated. It will hold an edge for a very long time, but it is more of a toothy edge, not super fine.
3) Well then, its about time you learned! :p I personally don't think it is that much harder. Stropping is thought.

And your topic question of "Is it a good choice for a high quality durable EDC?"
There are few better.



PS: forgot to add, do note that D2 is a tool steel, not technically stainless (some call it semi-stainless). Basically if you make sure it is dry when you put it away, you won't ever have a problem. If you don't do that, you may see some spotting but nothing really serious by the way of rust.
 
The 710 is my favorite folding knife at the moment. If you want to spend a little more for $150 you can get the M390 version from knifeworks.com, it's in stock right now. I have the limited edition that is black coated and it's amazing. They have a standard edition M390 that has a satin blade, it is also not limited edition. M390 is great and the durability of the 710 is great.
 
It is a good knife.
I did reprofile a knife edge a few times. Considering how many knives I have got - you can say, I never have to do it. Probably because I do reprofile only when I really have to. The last example was Buck Vantage. I am pretty sure there will be no need to do it on 710. The two I have are perfect.
As for sharpening: you do not have to spend money on some expensive sharpening contraption. Check out first if you are capable of doing it free hand. It requires some skill, but I believe it is worth it. So try it on some CHEAP knife you will have no regrets if you ruin. And remember: you do not have to reprofile it - so start with some fine grade sharpening stone. Stones often used by people to sharpen kitchen knives are too coarse for folders.
 
My Benchmade 710 with black finish (whats left of the finish) D2 steel blade has NEVER let me down and I use it hard:thumbup: If anything I owe this knife it does not owe me a thing:) It's very ez to maintain the edge on my "Sharpmaker"

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Paul
 
I have read...
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It's obvious that I don't have to tell you this, but you can't rely on a lot of what you read. :( #s 1 and 2 are at best simply fiction. :rolleyes: Phil covered #3 nicely, and it has been the same as my experience:

philwar said:
I own a 710 in D2. I sharpen it on the Sharpmaker and it gets shavng sharp with no problems. It's an excellent knife, and very goodlooking too.
Click to expand...

Here's food for thought. The 710 was introduced in early 1999, IIRC. It has survived essentially unchanged for a dozen years. That tells you something about just how well McHenry and Williams did when they designed this knife. I bought one of the first 710s and although it has lots of brothers in various combinations, it is still a great and really useful and reliable knife. The 710 is a modern classic that I think every serious knife enthusiast should buy and give a try. It may or may not float your boat, but it's one of very few knives that really need to be given a try. :thumbup:
 
Good rugged workhorse of a knife. The D2 is not easy to sharpen -- it just takes longer -- but holds a great edge. Coarser hones (DMT red) seem to impart the best edge for large-carbide steels like D2.
 
The 710 is a good knife but there are a few I like better. To me the 950 Rift is the best design I have come across regardless of manufacturer. The Bone Collector is another nice design. At least worth checking out. The 14205 is a great knife as well but discontinued. I bought a second when they quit making them but there might be some new ones floating around. No matter which AXIS lock knife you choose you won't be disappointed. It's the best lock available IMO.
 
Mine's the older 154CM version. Still going strong...

P1030896.jpg
 
The Benchmade 710 is definetly my favorite Benchmade knife and one of my all time favorite EDC knives.

1. The edge on mine came just right from the factory
2. I cannot speak for free hand sharpening, but i use a Spyderco Sharpmaker and the D2 blade sharpens fine. i have had zero issues with it. It holds an edge just fine. I was using mine recently to cut fiberglass mesh screening and it held up through a few hours of that. Needed to be sharpened after, but i always touch up my blades after i use them.
3. Again, i use the Sharpmaker, but the S curve blade is no problem to sharpen.

Yes, its is a great durable EDC knife. I have Spydercos, Emersons, Cold Steels, other Benchmades and other knives in my EDC rotation, but i keep goin back to the 710.
 
I have 2, an old ATS-34 blade with serrations and a M2 plain edge. I've carried both a fair amount but the M2 gets the most use BY FAR. Love the M2 steel, it takes and holds a great edge. These knives really cut good IMHO. Also I don't feel bad about using them either, they just feel like a "working" knife, they can handle any job. I've really thought hard about picking up one of the "special" runs that come up every now and then with a new steel but never have because my M2 version just keeps on doing the job a never giving me any problems. I guess one day I'll pick up another one but for now I'm really happy with the two I have.
I have 2 BM knives with D2, an AFCK 806 and a mini Bone Collector. I don't find them to difficult to sharpen, a little worse than say 154CM, VG-10, or 440C but still managable. My AFCK will hold an edge for a long time as well, I'm sure the Bone Collector will turn out to be just as good I just haven't had it long enough to dull it yet. I just picked it up yesterday at my local knife store. i think you will be very happy with a 710 and I know it will serve you well.
 
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