Thoughts on Benchmade 730 and 735 Ares

D

diletante

Joined
Mar 20, 2002
Messages
389
I've done a few searches and this knife appears to be well respected. I'm thinking about buying one. Any thoughts?
 
The Axis lock on this model is smooth as silk, and the grip is great. I traded mine off though. The grind was just too thick to cut efficently.
 
Good ergonomics, though you might want to round the edges of the G10 handles. Very smooth. Though Buzz doesn't like the blade geometry, it is stout, not too thick and a pretty nice cutter. Really a nice package. Not too many threads on this knife, but you would not be sorry if you bought one.

However, too close for comfort to my 710, so I will probably be trading/selling my NIB 735. If I had it first, I may not have gotten the 710.
 
Nice knife design, good size and ergonimics. I have the CF handled (don't care for G-10), very smooth action and balance.
 
Strong construction and good size – just right for heavy duty urban carry. Also colorful handle provides more bystander-friendly appearance than black one. The handle is big enough to provide good handling comfort and equally good leverage. The blade cuts very decently if some thinning bevel is added behind the edge.

I have carried my 730 Ares with maroon/black handle for longer time. In fact the only reason I gave up is that it have rubbed my pant rear pocket pretty noticeably with the forward-protruding projection of the handle. Driving I’m practically seating on the knife clipped into my rear pocket.
This problem shouldn’t appear carrying the knife in the belt sheath or clipping into front pocket or inside the waistband.

This knife looks pretty underestimated in the shadow of axis lock classic 710 and new axis lock AFCK...
 
As a mechanic for the county, the 730 has been part of my EDC since I bought it. It's a strong knife and quick to bring into play.

As Buzz said the grind is a little thick, but than again I thinned mine out a little. After my AFCK it's my next favorite.
 
The 730/735 series is, IMHO, one of the most successful of BM's designs. It will do just about anything you want it to do, from daily carry to field use to kitchen use and even back up SD. Very useful blade shape. The fact that it has come out in so many different "incarnations" would seem to indicate that it has been a top seller for BM.
 
My most carried knife without a doubt. I got the CF handled one with the M2 steel (730cfhs). Thinned out the edge and it is an all around winner. Got rid of my 710 if that gives you any idea what I think of this knife. In fact, it is the only production blade I still have along with a large Sebenza. Right at the top of the heap IMO.
 
Originally posted by Buzzbait
The Axis lock on this model is smooth as silk, and the grip is great. I traded mine off though. The grind was just too thick to cut efficently.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly. I gave mine to my father (a retired police officer) and he carries it EDC. IT is the first knife I have gotten him to carry. He carried a Buck 100 on his work belt for years, but never carried a knife of duty. I had given him many knives over the years, but the 730 is the only one he carries.

Jamie,
I imagine the M2/CF version is very nice, especially with one of your edges applied to it.

I like the 710HS much better for my uses.
 
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