What's the best BM AXIS and why?

As many have said, the 705 is built like a tank. It's small size makes it more appropriate for moving in mulitple jurisdictions (e.g. live in State A, work in State B). While I'd like a 710, I think for what I use my knife for (mostly opening containers, clipping newspaper articles, cutting fruit, etc), the extra inch on the 710 doesn't justify it's purchase, particularly since it's illegal in many of the jurisdictions near me. Even though BM has discontinued the 705, they are still in ample supply right now.

My next knife will be the BM 720 (or the discontinued 721 if I can find one). I'd like a Bowie blade. Too bad BM favors 154 CM and 440C instead of VG 10 and S30V. I'd like a Spyderco steel with an axis lock. Now that would be something.

Kref
 
Krefcenz, I am personally not a fan of S30V, but I'm with ya' on the VG10. S30V holds its edge awesomely, but when I've had to sharpen my Random Leek, it's a pain in the arse to get it shavng sharp. Although, this could have something to do with my sharpening ability and the continuous curve of the blade. I have no problems with any of my other knives in this area.
 
J.Davey said:
Oh yeah, and if Benchmade would make a damn Stryker Axis, I'm sure this would be in there, too!
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isnt that the 722 or the tanto grip? can't imagine having 3 different tanto axis models... :D
 
Err..Tanto grip is a LE. 722 doesn't have the feel of Elishewitz's original design. I'm guessing, since Elishewitz left, they can't change the design without his approval.

Any one have pics comparing the thickness of the 520 with G10 knives? Comments on the 420?
 
GarageBoy said:
Err..Tanto grip is a LE. 722 doesn't have the feel of Elishewitz's original design. I'm guessing, since Elishewitz left, they can't change the design without his approval.

Any one have pics comparing the thickness of the 520 with G10 knives? Comments on the 420?
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I know. My point is that I doubt BM is going to introduce a 3rd tanto into the lineup. Or even a second if the tanto grip doesnt stick around. For most folks the difference between a stryker AXIS and a Pardue 722 AXIS is going to be negligible.

The 520 is the largest handled BM I have owned except for a full size grip. the 420 seems a little form over function to me. The first thing I thought of was removing that partial g10...
 
My EDC is a BM 940 living "on that margin between 'too big' and 'too small' " (thanks to Hateman for the quote, it's right-on). I also have a Ritter Grip, an 806D2 and a 710M2 (all to big for my EDC), and a 960 (which I found too small). I keep coming back to the 940.
 
My top 3 ; The 710 , the 705 , and the 520 , cant loose with any one of them, just depends on your applications, and hand type .
 
Find a dealer and play with them all. I was sure I wanted a 94x until I handled a 520. That was it.

Gordon
 
ras said:
My EDC is a BM 940 living "on that margin between 'too big' and 'too small' " (thanks to Hateman for the quote, it's right-on). I also have a Ritter Grip, an 806D2 and a 710M2 (all to big for my EDC), and a 960 (which I found too small). I keep coming back to the 940.
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M2 vs D2 what do you like better and (ofcourse) why? Based on my research and the collective opinions in this thread I think I have narrowed it down to the 806/D2 or the 710 (probably in M2 but maybe 154). I am headed to a dealer on the way home from work today so who knows what may change after that.
 
mblanton said:
My vote goes for the 94x series - 941 is in my pocket now. I prefer it for EDC - the smoothest Axis lock of all my BM's. The aluminum handles can be a little thin for heavy cutting but my requirements for an EDC is a knife that will handle any tasks that may arise and still remain lightweight and unobtrusive. If you are prone to heavy use in EDC then I would suggest a larger knife such as the 520, 722, or 710.

Michael
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Well sir I must say I agree. After going to my local shop and handling almost every AXIS available (and few discontinued models) I just couldn't put down the 941. It's was so incredibley light weight and was the smoothest AXIS lock amoung them all by a long shot. My second choice was probably the 921 Switchback. The S30V and the whole switchback thing were definate pluses and it was just as light weight as the 941 but I could never love a knife with the Modified Wharncliffe blade geometry... not for EDC anyway. So the 941 wins! It's in my pocket right now and it's so light I hardly know it's there. Thanks everyone for your opinions. I read them all carefully and considered each seriously. This 941 is a great little knife. When I see the blade length listed as 3.4" is sure seems small to me, but in my hand and pocket it feels just right!
 
I can't say which knife is the best Axis-lock folder, but I was surprised that I like my 551 Griptilian BETTER than I like my 722 Pardue.

The 551 seems smoother and easier to operate than the 722.
maybe the 722 studs are too close to the handle when its closed?

And the handle of the 551 is much more comfortable than the 722, especially at the end where the pinky finger rests.

Allen.
 
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