Which is more like a Seb? BM 707 or Mini-Ritter

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fleetparadox

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Jul 4, 2007
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Long story short - I'm selling my Small Classic Sebenza and switching my EDC to a Benchmade 707 or Mini-Ritter.

Which of the new choices is more similar to the Sebenza?
Which of the two would be an easier transition for me to switch to?

BM 707 Sequel
- Alu Handle - like Ti Seb ones (negative for me)
- Wide(ish) blade - maybe slightly less than Seb
- Closed Length is within 1 or 2 mm of Seb
- 154CM is not S30V (or BG-42 in my case)

Mini-Ritter
- FRN handle
- Wide(er) blade - more like Seb
- Thicker handles than other two (negative point)
- Flat Ground unlike Seb
- S30V Stonewashed - like Seb

(If you care to throw in the D2 version of the Mini-Grip as an alternative... feel free)

Any Opinions or contradictions would be helpful.
Pictures of course are a plus.
 
I've never had a Sebenza so I can't compare the Benchmades to that, but I do have all 3 Benchmades that you are talking about. The 707 has always been a drawer queen for me. It's too thin and light and I don't like metal handles of any kind. Good blade, though. I really like that. I just didn't realize how thin the knife was until I held it (after I bought it).

The mini-RSK used to be my EDC until I switched to a Spyderco Caly 3. The RSK is still light, but the blade profile and steel in the RSK is perfect for what I do. I still like that Ritter blade slightly better than the Caly 3's blade profile, but the Caly 3 seems to be a much better complete package to me so I carry it.

S30V is one of my 2 favorite stainless steels for a folder (the other is VG10) and my RSK did everything I ever asked it to do with no complaints. Great slicer and easy to touch up when needed.

I like the FRN scales on the mini-RSK and I really like the rounded shape... makes it a much easier knife to grip for controlled cuts and for long-term cutting. Flat, thin handles are hard for me to hold and control.

The only down side to the RSK for me is that I couldn't get a good four-finger grip on the handle because it's about 1/4" too short. Other than that, the mini-RSK would probably be giving my Caly 3 some stiff competition for pocket time.

I have both sizes of the D2 Cabelas version also. If I'm going to carry a Grip, I want the Ritter blade profile. D2 is a fine steel for a folder this size, but I don't like the standard BM blade profile on the Grips nearly as much as I like the Ritter blade.
 
Have both the small classic Sebenza and the 707. First thing I thought when I recieved my 707 was this is an excellent poor mans Sebenza. Similar size to the small classic, perhaps just a tad smaller, nice little knife. Hope that helps.
 
It would help to know why you're selling you Sebbie and what you plan to use your new knife for. You'll be taking a step down in quality, but the axis lock will probably be nicer to use. I don't like plastic handles, although they are certainly functional. And I didn't like the S30V in the Ritter, although I like it in other knives.

A Caly in ZDP would give you something special in a steel. I really like the new Military in CPM D-2, but it may be too big for you.

Between your two choices, I like the 707. But I'd take the Ritter if you get it in M2.
 
Well, I find that my Sebenza just isn't appreciated enough (by me) for the amount of cash it represents. Basically all my Seb did was cut open packages, mail, an occasional piece of string... sad huh?

In an effort to raise some Christmas shopping funds, I decided to downgrade (you're right, that's exactly what it is) to a different folder in the $110-60 range that would essentially do the same thing for a fraction of the cost.

The more I keep reading about the Caly 3/Jr it makes me want to get my first Spyderco. I've owned a Mini-Ritter and loved the blade and the shape of the handle - but in the end the plastic was constantly nagging me. That's part of why I'm posting this thread. These two knives 707 and Ritter both have parts of them that are similar to the Sebenza... in entirely different ways.

I wouldn't mind throwing a Spyderco into the mix...

Jimbo, thanks for that "poor man's Seb" comment cause from the specs and materials alone I'd think the feel of the 707 would be similar to the Seb... but then everyone is so anti-aluminum handles, yet still love the Ti... I just don't know.
 
I no longer have the knife, but I actually felt that the B/M HK 14210 was similar in size to the Seb. There are differences, but the width & length of the knife were similar. Differences: G-10 scales (More scratch resistant, though) & 154CM blade (Not quite S30V).

If you're looking for a similar sized titanium frame-lock knife, get a B/M 635. The mini-Skirmish is a tad larger closed, has a longer blade (It's also S30V), but it's definitely a nice frame-lock. Titanium's more scratch resistant than aluminum & looks good, too.

Just some ideas. Personally, when I got my 1st Sebenza (Just last week), I thought I made a mistake, & was wishing for either the B/M 635 or B/M HK 14210 back (2 knives that I had traded for the Sebbie).

I've owned some Spydercos & I think it depends on which one you get. I've generally found B/M's to be smoother closing/opening & of course, if you get the axis lock (HK 14210), you can open it quite quickly. Although the Spyderco P'kal was one of the smoothest opening/closing Spydercos I've tried.
 
fleetparadox said:
Well, I find that my Sebenza just isn't appreciated enough (by me) for the amount of cash it represents. Basically all my Seb did was cut open packages, mail, an occasional piece of string... sad huh?

In an effort to raise some Christmas shopping funds, I decided to downgrade (you're right, that's exactly what it is) to a different folder in the $110-60 range that would essentially do the same thing for a fraction of the cost.

The more I keep reading about the Caly 3/Jr it makes me want to get my first Spyderco. I've owned a Mini-Ritter and loved the blade and the shape of the handle - but in the end the plastic was constantly nagging me. That's part of why I'm posting this thread. These two knives 707 and Ritter both have parts of them that are similar to the Sebenza... in entirely different ways.

I wouldn't mind throwing a Spyderco into the mix...

Jimbo, thanks for that "poor man's Seb" comment cause from the specs and materials alone I'd think the feel of the 707 would be similar to the Seb... but then everyone is so anti-aluminum handles, yet still love the Ti... I just don't know.
Click to expand...


Ok, then try a bradley alias...It has a similar look and seefl of a sebenza, quality is not on par, but is still very nice, same materials used, the TI ahndles you will like, framelock, S30V but not your BG42 you had...still good though...Alot of people say its a nice poor mans sebenza, lol...It certainly looks the part...and I think you cna get the smaller one, the Alias I for like $150 - $160 ish...
 
I own a 707, mini-Grip & small reg Seb, and to me they really are very similar. Both B/M's open & close much easier than the Seb. The Seb has best ergonomics by far, the mini-grip is OK, but I never really liked the feel of the 707 for heavy cutting. But for light duty, the 707 is great - I love the slim design & clean lines. The mini-grip will probably hold up better over time than the alum scales on the 707, but I could never get past the "cheap feel" of the plastic scales on the min-grip - just a personal thing with me I guess.
 
I did try an Bradley Alias once in store and it just didn't feel as smooth as a Sebenza. I think in the same capacity, I would prefer an axis lock...

One of the huge issues I appreciated about the Sebenza was the thinness of the handles (for In Waistband - IWB carry). The Mini-Ritter and its FRN handles simply didn't allow for it unless I was wearing thick underwear to protect me from the rough and thick handle.

Is the 707's handle thinness better for IWB carry?? What about the G-10 insert??
The BM catalog lists the handle thickness at 10.67mm - which is within a mm of the Sebenza handles.

Anyone have an opinion of Spyderco Caly3 for IWB carry? It looks like a nice thin package...
 
I'm definitely more of a fan of the Caly 3 design, especially the CF/ZDP version. I'm pretty sure both the Ritter & the 707 are high bevel flat grinds and that BM doesn't make ANY full flat grinds. Though it's not far off from being full flat to the point where it wouldn't really matter to me. I think the high bevel grinds from BM are classy.
 
Fleetparadox, I have owned all of the knives that you mention.

I'll make you decision even harder by recommending a 943 Osborne or 525 Mini Presidio :D





Go for the 943. :thumbup:
 
Sent you an email before I saw this thread. The Benchmade 705 is nice, someone correct me if I am wrong, but I think it was an axis lock. :)



Tom
 
707 is nearly perfect save for its too short (for me) handle. Add just a half an inch or more, it would be my EDC.
 
The CF Caly 3 would be an excellent IWB carry. Actually, I carry my G10 Caly 3 that way, too, but then I also carry a Para-Millie, an Al Mar mini-SERE, and sometimes a Nomad IWB. The G10 scales don't bother me when I draw the knife.

If those G10 models seem too thick to you, I think the CF Caly 3 would be the right choice for you for IWB carry.
 
Dale, your EDC choice actually got me thinking down this road.

Yeah, I'm thinking either the:
1. Caly3 (CF or G10)
2. Caly Jr. in ZDP-189

Any specific owner issues that I should know about? What really differentiates these knives?
 
Well... for me, the Caly Jr is a drawer queen. I bought it because I wanted to see the slicing ability everyone was talking about. It is a great slicer, but it's also a "phantom" weight knife. The damn thing has no weight to it. I like a knife to have some bulk and weight. I started out carrying Buck 112s, so you'll understand where I'm coming from. The Jr is a great knife, it's just not my cup of tea.

The Caly 3, OTOH, is as close to perfect for me as I've ever found. The size both open and closed, the blade shape and thickness, the full liners and G10 or CF scales... if I could ask for any improvement, it would be to collaborate with Doug Ritter on a Ritter/Caly 3 to get his drop point blade profile and S30V or M2 steel.

I've found very little slicing difference between the Caly Jr and the Caly 3, even though the Caly 3 has a thicker blade. Since both are flat ground blades, they both cut very cleanly with little pressure required. I can pop hairs or push cut newsprint without having to hold it using either blade. That's good enough for me. If you are looking at the ZDP models, both the Caly 3 and the Caly Jr are laminated blades, if that matters to you.

As far as choosing between the Caly 3 models... I'm a fan of G10 and VG10. The CF Caly 3 is a work of art, but it is a bit thinner and slipperier to hold, and then there's that ZDP189 steel to deal with. Good for edge holding, but it does need touchups like any steel. The VG10 blades are much easier for me to return to an edge that I like than the ZDP189 is.

I'm glad I have both models and I do carry the CF Caly 3 some, but it's usually a Sunday knife that I clip to the top of my shirt so I can wear it under a choir robe and get to it quickly if the sermon goes too long or something. All that being said, I don't go anywhere without one or the other Caly 3.
 
You know what? I can't think of any way that a drop point Ritter blade would work in a Caly 3 frame.

Guess that's why I write databases for a living instead of designing knives.

Carry on Sal... nice work with the Caly 3... don't mind me.
 
Between your original choices, the blade shape of the 707 is closer as is the over all feel. The Grip maybe perceived as "cheap" handle material wise
 
jimbo@stn23 said:
Have both the small classic Sebenza and the 707. First thing I thought when I recieved my 707 was this is an excellent poor mans Sebenza. Similar size to the small classic, perhaps just a tad smaller, nice little knife. Hope that helps.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the 707 is nowhere near comparable, but a great knife, that will cut the pain of letting the small Seb go.
 
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