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

I have a 710 in M390. I did not have to change the edge angles, though I did sharpen it a bit when I got it. I've used it a bit and have no issues. I find the handle to be extremely comfortable and it offers a very secure grip.

Dennis Strickland, a former member here, uses a 710 in M390 daily in his carpet cleaning business cutting carpet and all sorts of nasty stuff. He says he doesn't have any problems with it standing up to everything and anything that comes its way.
 
Hey everyone,

First, thank you to all who have replied and taken the time to answer my questions (and for the awesome pictures - they really make the thread a lot more enjoyable to read). Second, in answer to some of the questions raised, I have been using DMT bench stones and Diafolds with water to sharpen my old SAK and kitchen knives. I do it freehand (no guide/brace), like my grandfather taught me. He also taught me how to strop a razor but I haven't yet applied the technique to any knives. The only reason I raised the issue of the recurve is that most of the knives I've sharpened tend to have a long straight edge or a gently sweeping/curving belly, all of which are easy to take care of on the bench stones. After reading the posts, I think I should also invest in at least a Sharpmaker (Spyderco) and/or another sharpening system that might be more suited to folders and start to learn how to sharpen a recurve.

So, it looks as if I will soon join the ranks of the many satisfied 710 owners. Actually, some of the other Benchmade folders are starting to look really good as well. This could be the beginning of a slippery slope to a knife collection.

If anyone else wants to add his or her opinions, please feel free to keep the discussion going.

Thanks and all the best,

Michael
 
The 710 will join the ranks of knives like the Buck 110 and Sebenza in the near future. It's an American classic.
 
I have an older 154CM model and while it does not stay shaving sharp for very long it has taken abuse very well. It is one of those knives that I just beat to death and it still opens like butter and locks up tight.
 
@MLJ1758:

There is one thing about DMT Diafolds is that I don't need water on the edge or the diamond paddle to sharpen.

Round ceramic sticks or various grits of sandpaper wrapped around a stick might work on recurves. But I don't have any direct experience with sharpening recurves nor have I owned any recurved knives.

I have shied away from Axis Lock-based folders mostly they don't come in a tip-down option, or 4-way carry. Only the 805 TSEK and 806 AFCK (a classic Benchmade), to my knowledge so far, have Axis and 4-way carry options.
The 710 is one tastefully designed folder albeit too long for me and tip-up only.

Welcome to BladeForums. :cool:
 
The Sharpmaker is a good value and even if you buy other systems you'll find continuing uses for the Sharpmaker. The "rods" are small enough that you can use them to sharpen moderate recurves like the 710 without any special techniques.

MLJ_1758 said:
Hey everyone,

First, thank you to all who have replied and taken the time to answer my questions (and for the awesome pictures - they really make the thread a lot more enjoyable to read). Second, in answer to some of the questions raised, I have been using DMT bench stones and Diafolds with water to sharpen my old SAK and kitchen knives. I do it freehand (no guide/brace), like my grandfather taught me. He also taught me how to strop a razor but I haven't yet applied the technique to any knives. The only reason I raised the issue of the recurve is that most of the knives I've sharpened tend to have a long straight edge or a gently sweeping/curving belly, all of which are easy to take care of on the bench stones. After reading the posts, I think I should also invest in at least a Sharpmaker (Spyderco) and/or another sharpening system that might be more suited to folders and start to learn how to sharpen a recurve.

So, it looks as if I will soon join the ranks of the many satisfied 710 owners. Actually, some of the other Benchmade folders are starting to look really good as well. This could be the beginning of a slippery slope to a knife collection.

If anyone else wants to add his or her opinions, please feel free to keep the discussion going.

Thanks and all the best,

Michael
Click to expand...
 
I use a DiaFold with recurves and hawkbills with no problems. No need for a Sharpmaker, but knife/sharpening stuff quickly stops being need, so reason to limit one's self to necessity, either.
 
If the blade were shaped like it's little brother (707 Sequel) I'd have one. I'm just not a fan of the shape of the blade.
 
It is a classic and one of the first modern tactical folders. I have them in M2, 154, ATS34...Forget about the steel, and go with the overall design.

It will definitely serve you well.
 
They are great knives.I like the large size and hefty feel.
IMG_1646.jpg
 
Mine is 710 in M390,great knife,use it hard and don't worry,there is nothing 710 can't handle.:)
 
I carried the M2 version for many, many years, and it held up great to hard use.
I would however check your local carry laws, I doubt there are many places you could carry it legally (blade length).
I could be wrong.
 
A classic knife.

Mine was a 154CM version that got beat on pretty hard.

I sent it to Benchmade with a check for 25 bucks and it came home good as new with a D2 blade


I sharpen mine on dmt plates and it takes a wicked edge
 
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