What do you look for when buying a folder?

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AmadeusM

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I will be buying a new Benchmade 710 Axis Lock folder, and I was wondering if some of you could suggest a list of things for me to go through to check, i.e. to look for flaws in quality/manufacture of that particular model.

BTW, how is Benchmade's QC these days, when compared to Spyderco and SOG for example?

Many a thanks.
 
Here are the questions I ask myself when buying a knife.

First is, "Is it made may a known knife maker with a good reputation?".

Second is, "How does it feels in my hand and will it be comfortable to use over and extended period of time?".

Third is, "How easily does it open and close?". Is the fit good and tight?

Fourth is, "How well does it seems to lock up?".

Fifth is, "What kind of steel and handle is it made of?". Are they strong?

Sixth is, "How does it look?".

Seventh is, "How much does it cost?".

The 710 is a great knife and I doubt you will have any issues with it.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=710

If yours is similar to my 710 it will not get dull quickly but when it does plan on spending some time at the sharpener bringing that D2 blade back to NIB scary sharp.

All three of the companies mentioned are "Real Deal" knifemakers and turn out (and warrant) good products.
 
I bought a 710 HS M2 about a month ago, it was a discontinued configuration but the overall quality is fantastic. I liked it so much that I've since bought several more BM Axis lock models and a Stryker too.

IMO the fit and finish is excellent, the combination of smooth action and Axis lock makes it truly a one handed knife.
You'll never regret buying the 710....
 
Benchmade's quality has always been top notch for me. Here's my quick check list:

Overall fit and finish--look for gashes in FRN, machine marks, general stuff...just look it over closely from every angle.

Blade centered when closed--this is a common problem (never been for me and Benchmades though)--and it bothers me

Blade play, both lateral and vertical--vertical is much harder to correct, so if it has a torx screw, a little lateral play doesn't bother me since there's a great likelyhood I can just tighten it up.

GOOD LOCKUP! If it's a liner or framelock, make sure it engages to your satisfaction. I like the edge of the bar to be about half way across the tang (not the whole lockbar, just the edge). Other people have different standards.

I like to check the action. Actions tend to smooth up, and you also develop technique for every knife, but if it's hard to flick, I probably won't buy it. That's just me.

Generic knife fondling test- if it doesn't feel right in your hand, you don't want the knife, period. I usually try a couple of grips, but that might just be because it amuses me.

The pocket test--I put it in my little watchpocket to see if it fits satisfactorily. What does the knife look like sticking out of my pocket? If you can see the big shiny end of a blade sticking out into the handle when in my pocket, I exclude it for certain stuff. Is it too heavy?

That's the short list--but I also do a TON of research.

That said, Benchmade has never, ever, ever let me down even a little.
 
Three things that I look for immediately when I get a knew knife (others have said it)

1. Is the blade centered in the frame when closed. (Drives me nuts if it isn't)

2. Is there any blade play when the knife is open?

3. Is the lock-up positive.

And most of the other stuff previously mentioned.
 
It starts with, do I like the looks of the knife. If I like the knife, I check out the blade material, and of course who made it. But, I look at these things when I like the looks at the knife. Do I have the money?? It has to appeal to my eye first, if not, see ya.......
 
First I look at the overall looks
Then I look at the tech-specs
Then I look at the reputation of the blade
Then I look for the price & availability
Then I look if it suits my bank account..


I'm only interested in users, so when looking at the 'looks' I'm mainly imagening it's ergo's, comfort and possibilities.

I'm mainly interested in high-tec knives for toughness, durability and user comfort so specs are important. What type of steel, hardness, grind-type, bladeshape, thickness, handle-material.. etc..

I'm mainly interested in blades with some kind of reputation based on the reviews of users. They cost a lot of money, and I want to be as sure as possible that it'll stand up to my expectations. This forum an mr. Stamp's site are great helps

I'm mainly interested in bargains. Swamp Rat being the only exception.
Living in Europe means paying a lot more for a lot of knives. Examples.. My Harsey T-2 from NG cost me 155 dollars. The same knife in Europe will sell for 335 dollars.

A lot of times I don't get to handle the knives since internet is the way to go for me. There are not so many knife-stores out here.. I rarely get dissapointed..

Favourite fixed blades: Ratweiler, Bandicoot, S-1, Jarvenpaa Puukko
Favourite folders: SnG, Sere 2K, Harsey T-2, Rat Trap, Para-Millie, LCC, Buck 881
Favourite 'cheap' folders: Endura, Delica, Native, Calypso jr. Kabar Dozier..


:D
My 2 cts..
Take Care Y'all
 
You could buy it online, sight unseen, and be perfectly happy. It's a Benchmade, first of all. Second, it's a 710, which has been their flagship for years.

If you're buying it in person, try it out to see if you're comfortable with it (open it, check out the lock and action, close it), and then buy it.

Easy.
 
i baught a BM710 one month ago (154 cm blade).

It's a nice knife, my today EDC.
honestly, the blade was'nt "scary sharp" out of the box, not dull, but fare from perfect.
it has been corrected since.
I find the blade to be slightly too long (3.9").
Previously i was carrying BM940 (3.4"), that i found slightly too short:D

So now, i am looking for a blade in between (may-be CUDA dominador 3.6")
I look first in a knife, the look of the blade, the look of the handle.
If i like it both, i check the size of the blade, then ...
the cost of the knife !
according to the cost, i check the steel of the blade (for example 80 usd for 440A is too much, but 20 usd is ok... same apply for 150 usd knife !)

if cost is ok, i buy it !:D
 
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