Which Benchmade?

M

Mobile-eyez

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Dec 23, 2008
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Hey guys, I'm looking at Benchmade for my next EDC and am kind of stuck between three models. I can't decide whether to get the 710, the 930, or the 520. Does anyone own any or all of these knives? If so, please tell me your thoughts on the models.

To me, the 930's handle doesn't look very grippy, I'm not a huge fan of the 520's 154CM blade steel for heavy cutting, and the thumb stud on the 710 looks really really close to the handle. What do you all think? :confused:
 
I'm trying to make a similar decision between the Skirmish alternating with the Rukus depending on the time of day. :(
 
I have a D2-710 which I carry on a regular basis! Size wise it is similar to a Spyderco millie.
 
Ive been using my 930 for awhile now and its been decent. I would prefer a more belly in the blade and also a little rougher g10 for a better grip, but besides that it works for what i use it for so i cant complain. Dont know about the others though.
 
If it were me, out of those three, the 520--it feels best in the hand, and 154cm should work just fine...
 
the only one i own is the 520 and let me tell u, it feels like a tank in ur hands...very solid! im very interested in picking up a 930, i love the color of the g10! 710 really isnt my style. it looks too bland and boring, too subdued to spend $150
 
The 520 scales are very aggressive. Too much for me to EDC.
I've never had a 930, but it looks nice. And that S30V steel is sweet.
I love my 710... so it would be between that and the 930.
 
I do not like aluminum handles so the 520 is out for me.

The 710 is nice. It is big but carries nicely. The thumb stud is close to the handle but on an AXIS knife I rarely use the stud and just pull back on the axis bar and give it a little flick to open it. Thats half the reason to own a AXIS knife is to play with it :D:D

The 930 looks nice but from what I can tell it is a little more 'delicate' and more along the lines of a 'gentleman's' folder. It is probably the lightest knife of the 3.

That being said I will now advocate my new favorite AXIS knife. The 14205. It is a little shorter than the 710. It feels smoother to me. The blade is wider and a little thicker so its more heavy duty but still slices nice. I like the G10 and it loves to be flipped open and closed.

HK14205.jpg
 
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I was thinking about that axis deployment. Is it that much faster or easier than a thumb stud deployment? I've kind of ruled the 930 out of the equation. How good is 154CM for edge holding in heavy cutting jobs? The 710 looks really big, but does it feel huge when used for EDC? Any other medium to large axis knives you guys would recommend? I really want to spend my money well. I might be upping my knife buying rate because I might start doing youtube knife reviews (good ones, too)
 
The 930 is a very nice looking knife the craftsmanship is also a thumbs up as it should be. However it does have some downsides 1st the axis lock buttons are are just about flush with the scales and at times are hard to engage with out the knife slipping in your grip. 2nd It is a very smooth and thin knife and much care must be taken to prevent your middle finger from sliding into the blades path while closing. "It will bite you" 3rd the thumb studs are also very close to being flush with the scales also so you have to dig in a bit harder then you should for a knife at this price range. It does deploy very smoothly the blade is pure Bencmade S30v and despite it's short commings I still carry it often. I prefer to carry my mini Rukus most of the time but the 930 is a great gentlemens folder.
 
Mobile-eyez said:
I was thinking about that axis deployment. Is it that much faster or easier than a thumb stud deployment?
Click to expand...

Yes, it is very fast (and easy) to open by pulling back the Axis lock and giving a little flick.
Benchmades are very smooth opening knives, so when you pull back that Axis lock the blade pretty much drops out of the handle. A little flick of the wrist and the blade swings open and it's ready to use.
 
The thumb stud on the 710 is designed to be pushed forward at a slight upward angle so it looks close to the scale but works like a champ if you open if properly.
 
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I have all three. The 710 is a classic. But the BM that I carry the most is a mini Grip 555. Axis lock, 154 steel and Spydie hole, it don't get any better.
 
what are your EDC uses? i carry a 710 quite a bit. it packs a lot of blade into a slim package. maybe look at the 950? there's a black handle version coming this year
 
I have a couple of 710s and a 520, but I don't have a 930 - it doesn't appeal to me at all.

My recommendation: 552 RSK Mk1. :thumbup:
 
I am presented with some pretty heavy cutting tasks on a day to day basis (wood, rope, plastic, rubber, etc.) and I don't always have time to sharpen my knives after hard use. The 950 I've read plenty of reviews on and apparently it's not NEARLY as smooth opening as other Benchmades. coop1957, I actually just agreed to a trade for a 555HG with a blue handle. Looks like a sweet knife. Agreed to it before I read your post, is that luck or what?
 
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