Which Benchmade?

Although the 710 should have better edge holding, you probably wouldn't notice the difference. 154cm by all means is NOT just some mediocre steel. Sharpening jobs really shouldn't takt too long anyway. It might be more of an indication of letting the steel (any steel) go for excessively long periods without being touched up. Touching up an edge should be a very quick and easy job.
 
I've got a 520 and 710HSSR (no 930), and feel that either knife would probably serve your needs very well (I'm not convinced the 930 would be as great, but again, I don't have one).

For a knife its size, the 710 carries extremely well, and actually feels much more compact in the pocket than the 520. D2 may also hold up better for your cutting than 154CM. The thumb studs are quite close to the handle when closed, though - I don't find this to be any issue when using the knife with a bare hand. If you need to open one-handed while wearing a glove, it's more difficult (or nearly impossible, depending on the glove).

The 520 doesn't carry nearly as nicely as the 710, not only because it's bulkier, but also because it tends to shred your pockets after time. Then again, those pocket-shredding scales do provide a better grip while you're working than do the scales on the 710. And unlike the 710, the 520 is a breeze to open one-handed, gloves or otherwise.

My personal pick would probably be the 520, though either would serve you well. (And I wish that they made the 520 in M2 or M4...)
 
I have all three and I edc the 710 all the time. My 710 is an older version with 154cm---no problems with this steel at all:thumbup:

Paul
 
I actually found out today that my parents (I'm only 17) are going to buy me a Benchmade for my birthday, along with paying for a Concealed Carry class for me. Because I'll be both knives soon anyway, I might go for the 710 right now, just to see how it goes. I've carried a Columbia River Knife and Tool M1 by Greg Lightfoot for about a year and a half now, and as most of you probably know, it's a pretty bulky knife. I'm not really concerned with bulk (within reason, of course) but don't want it to be too big in the pocket.

Like I said, I think I'll go with the 710 for now just to see how it goes, then this March I'll get the 520 and probably alternate the knives as my EDCs. I've heard alot of people really enjoy carrying the 520 as an EDC, but it can tear up jean pockets kind of quick. I don't really care about that even, my jeans are all torn up from the sharp jimping on the spine of my M1.
 
ive been goofing off with a friends 930 for a week now and its a nice knife definately, i personally prefer the 940 for EDC though, definately think about adding the 550 or the 555 to the potential line up too the 555 is a perfect EDC blade
 
bradpierson26 said:
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
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Brad, send me an email. I might have something you're interested in!
 
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The 940 looks nice, and I will definately be adding it to my collection sometime later this year. The handle looks a little small for me because I have some pretty good size hands. To give you an idea pf about how big I am, one-arming a Desert Eagle just doesn't bother me. I actually am getting a 555HG in Blue pretty soon from a trade, and those handles look a little beefier. I wanna get something right now that I know will be comfortable ang big enough for me to carry. If I buy the 940, can I send it back if it's just too small for me? Some people have told me it feels bigger than it is, but I don't wanna be spending around $200 on something I won't usually carry. 940 will definately be a purchase later this year though.
 
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.
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to clarify, the 930 is indeed the lightest of the three but in no way is the 930 more delicate than any of the others. the blade steel is the solid s30v and the blade thickness is the same as the 710. yes, the 930 LOOKS more refined, but that in no way implies that it is a weak design.

of the three knives the OP mentions, i'd vote for the 710 as it is hands down the best knife of the bunch (or of ALL Benchmade folders). but the 930 *IS* more carry friendly.
 
710 or 940.


Have both, they are excellent. HAd a 930. Gave it to my little brother. Felt awkward in my hand, and kept nicking my palm while flipping it closed.
 
The 930 may be my next knife as I have a 710, 550 Grip and 940 Osborne. The 930 may be hard to justify because my 940 fills that roll, however, you can't have too many knives. :D
 
710 D2 - I just got one for Christmas. Its the first large folder which is presenting a real challenge to my CF BG42 milli for pocket time.
 
Alot of people have been saying that I should get a 555 because it's the perfect EDC knife in their opinion. Just to clear things up, I accepted a trade offer of a blue 555HG for my Spyderco Native. So I should be getting that one soon.
 
If you like the 940 but are concerned about the dimensions maybe you should check out the 950 Rift. It's got similar lines, a larger handle, and you can pick one up without going out of the specified price range.

The 940 is a great knife but at least initially I found it a bit awkward to close one handed since without the clip the finger-side scale is difficult to grip in a manner that allows the blade to clear. The extra depth to the rift should allow for better purchase, especially with large hands.

As for steel, Benchmade's 154cm has proven reliable and at least in the products that I've owned, preferable to their D2 in terms of ease of hone and overall sharpness.
 
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