want to purchase my first bench made, opinions on 710, 940, 943?

H

hemi1300

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Sep 9, 2013
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can't decide which one would be best. Was stuck on the 710 at first but then read it can be difficult to sharpen the slight recurve, already have an edge pro, would this sharpen the recurve easily if the knife dulls? Out of the 3, which would be your first pick? Really like the looks of the 943 but not sure how strong it would be bc the blade looks awfully thin compared to my paramilitary 2, even though i would never use my knife to pry or severely stab a hard surface
 
All good but get the flagship 710. Everyone should have one. One of my favorite knives overall.
 
Definitely the 710 all the way!
The 710 is legendary.
The re-curve is no issue for me.
But, I do use a Lansky sharpener.
The 710 has full liners that are quite a bit thicker than either the 943 or the 940.
The scales for the 710 can be easily customized to be made of whatever you would like. ;)
& they aren't aluminum.
The 710 is just more substantial "in hand".
 
I've had a 940 for a while now and I'm really impressed with it, light and easy to carry, feels strong in hand/in use, strong tip, and the Axis lock is truly excellent. I highly recommend it.

I chose it over the 943, but I like the 940 so much I've now ordered the 943.
 
so i should have no issues sharpening the recurve on the 710 with the edge pro? Does the 3.9" blade seem a bit much at times for edc?
 
also, my last few knives i have strictly tried to stay with s30v steel (2 paramilitary 2's, kershaw blur), is the d2 steel on the benchmade 710 just as good or better than s30v steel?
 
All your gonna get here is opinions. The 710 would be my last choice as I can't stand that knife. Get what you want/drawn to and you'll be fine. Benchmade makes a hell of a pocket knife. I'd go with a rift or 940, but this is all my OPINION.
 
hemi1300 said:
also, my last few knives i have strictly tried to stay with s30v steel (2 paramilitary 2's, kershaw blur), is the d2 steel on the benchmade 710 just as good or better than s30v steel?
Click to expand...

In my experience, yes. Others may have the EXACT data and cut counts blah blah. My usage, I like d2 over s30v.
 
I like te 943 out of your choices. IMO it's one of the best knives BM has produced. I like it much better than the 710. That being said, I despise the finish BM uses on their aluminum scales. It shows every little mark and rub.
 
The 940/943 are perfect for EDC since they are very portable (slim, light, sleek) but also quite capable. The 710 is more knife than I need for EDC, so it's one of my "into the woods" knives.
 
My first BM was a Griptilian, that's my suggestion for you. At under $70 new it's an incredible knife. :thumbup:
 
940 or 943 for EDC and pick which blade shape you like best. Narrow profile and light weight makes them very practical to carry.
 
I chose the 943 over the 940 simply because of the color of the scales. They can be anodized but I didn't feel like going through the trouble. Thought the thin scales might make it too small (big hands) but it JUST fits the bill. No problems here (time will tell, I did just get it a few months ago).
I have owned a 710 and I wouldn't hesitate to get another one. Great blade/handle ratio. Narrow, thin, light, fast, and D2 holds a really nice edge. I'm looking for 1 in M390 or M4 without having to sell a kidney to buy one.
 
I have a 940 and 710, and I like the 940 better. The 943 would be a great choice too if you prefer the drop point blade and different colored handles.
 
I don't own a 940 or 943, so my answer will be kind of biased. I vote for 710 since it's one of my most used folders out of my whole collection regardless of brand. I like the slim package that tucks away in my front pocket. I sharpen mine on the Lansky and it hasn't been a problem.
 
As Keyman stated : The 710 is lengenday. And it is.

I won't blab away about why it's my choice. It's just a fantastic knife in every way IMO. Def the best in your choice selection (again IMO).
 
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I own the 710 and 940. I'd say take a look at the 950 (own it as well). All three are great knives but I am a big fan of the 950.
 
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