Which one??? Benchmade 710 vs. 940

[White.Lightning]

Hey guys. I am looking into getting a 'nicer' folder that will last me a long time. Saying that, I came across two that I think are good candidates for that purpose. Let me know which one you feel is superior and why. Also, give me personal experiences on blade longevity, finish longevity, and if serrations are good (I only own non-serrated knives currently).

Option #1: McHenry Williams 710 SBKD2 partially serrated
D2 steel, modified clip point, G10 handles

Option #2: 940 Osborne SBK partially serrated
S30V steel, modified reverse tanto, aluminum handles

ETA: I currently own the following
EDC- Spyderco Tenacious, SOG Flash II, Kershaw Leek Damascus
Other folders- Buck 110, Buck 112
Fixed- US Navy MK1, Kinfolks hunting knife

Thanks!

 

[bravodelta]

Very different knives, both great and must haves for a collection. The 710 is a larger heavier utility knife. The 940 is super slim and super light.

 

[kreole]

Benchmade sucks at serrations, so really I wouldn't bother with them; it's practically just harder-to-sharpen plain edge. They don't grip and rip, like serrations should. Even from those pictures, if you look right at the edge, you can tell they aren't cut deep.

This is a no-lose scenario, except for preference. What are your favorite knives to carry now? That'll give some idea of the size that would fit you best. Despite the ~.5" difference in blade length, they're in different size classes (which is kind of interesting since both are compact for the amount of blade you get).

 

[Surfingringo]

I own the 940. It was given to me by a friend and I have to say...I just don't get it. Nothing about the knife does anything for me. The design, ergos, blade shape, handle...nothing. I just don't care for the knife at all. The 710, on the other hand, I do not own but I've handled it and it seems like a very nice knife. I guess it's all subjective, but those are my opinions.

Edit: oh yeah, and what kreole said too! ^. The 940 that was given to me is a combo edge and the serrations are a joke. I would definitely go pe no matter which benchmade you choose.

 

[sunandsteel]

I don't have experience with either but looks at the specs, the 710 blade length is almost 4". Do you need a blade that long?

 

[Stays Sharp]

My 710 is one of my favorite knives ever. 940 is nice too but 710 is my favorite BM. Like the length, edge geometry, and how slim it is in the pocket for such a length.

 

[White.Lightning]

I currently own the following
EDC- Spyderco Tenacious, SOG Flash II, Kershaw Leek Damascus
Other folders- Buck 110, Buck 112
Fixed- US Navy MK1, Kinfolks hunting knife

I'm headed to the local gun store soon. I'll see if they have either to try out. I guess, since there are so many mixed reviews, I'll need to handle both and decide from there.

 

[White.Lightning]

Ok so it seems the non-serrated version is the way to go. The gun store had about 30 Benchmade knives, but neither of the ones in question.

I did a quick google image search for comparison pictures and came up with the following......

You guys were right, they are basically 'different' knives. I thought the sizes were a lot more similar than different.

Looking at the images, I think the 940 Osborne catches my eye more, and would seem to be a better fit for me. I still want to handle one or both of them prior to spending that kind of money on a knife.

 

[tactical45]

I can't comment on the 710 because I don't have one. I do have a 943 and love that little knife. An interior door was locked and the side trim was not on. I used the 943 to pry the frame away from the latch. which required a lot of force and nothing happened to the knife. That happened a few times. It's a great tough little knife. I usually like bigger knives, but there is something about the 943 that just does it for me.

 

[kda89508]

I really like the 940! Good size blade in a small and lite package! The 710 is nice too but I think you would enjoy the 940! GOOD LUCK! Kevin :thumbup:

 

[rexromic]

I have 710 and 940 and they are equally great.What can I say, get them both.

 

[Cereal_killer]

I dont like the 940, I just think its ugly (if anyone does I'm not attacking you, its just my personal opinion). I own the 710 and I love it but if you want a slightly smaller blade I'd go with be 943 Osborne.

The 710 is a large knife that carries small, you'll really be surprised, the 94x is a smaller knife that [should] carry tiny. I have a kershaw Shallot which by its specs is similar sized to the 94x and it carries amazingly well for a 3.5" blade/metal handle knife.

If you can manage to carry the big 710 its the way to go, but the 943 is a great knife if you just can't swing it.

 

[Wolf_HR]

Ceral, that's my line of thinking... My local store is out of Benchmades, but when they get them (next month) I'm going shopping- I'd dearly like to get 710, but if it turns out to be too big*, my alternative would be 943. IMHO, 710 is one of most beautiful knives, especially with Keyman's green scales (then it's drop-dead gorgeous ).

* but I doubt it, since I EDC Rat-I (cherished gift from PIF) or Endura4, and before that I was packing Nieto Navaja, which is of similar size to 710 but packs even smaller/lighter.

 

[Cereal_killer]

Ceral, that's my line of thinking... My local store is out of Benchmades, but when they get them (next month) I'm going shopping- I'd dearly like to get 710, but if it turns out to be too big*, my alternative would be 943...

If your deciding factor is how it carries you really have to try it with a deep carry clip, its a different knife than without. If you want I'll mail you one of my spare deep carry clips and 2 screws (and a wrench if you need one) and you can put it on at the store (you don't even have to remove the original, just put it on the other side) just to really get a feel for it.

Or you could just tape it into your pocket, the tip of the knife is even with the pocket so just one piece of tape over the top would hold it there to get a feel for it.

 

[Cereal_killer]

Also when I lay my 710 on my Rat-1 (also a PiG gift) its within a fraction of an inch the same size and even with a deep-carry clip on the rat the 710 is still lower (btw the benchmade deep-carry clip is the same clip I have on the rat-1!)

 

[Blade-fiend]

Out of those 2 I would go with the 710 just because I really dont like the blade shape of the 940. I do however have a 943 which is very comfortable in your hand or in your pocket, and the blade shape is very nice. If you prefer larger knives the 710 is the way to go without a doubt if you prefer slightly smaller 940/943. As for serrations, I hate them. Combo edge knives are annoying atleat to my they are. I cut alot of very thin plastic sheeting to cover cars for paint and combo edges just rip it all the hell.

 

[dewingrm]

I love the 940 in every way. I love the green anodizing with purple spacer and the blade profile. The 940 is very comfortable in the pocket. I traded mine a few years ago and it has been one of my biggest knife regrets.

 

[flarp]

I have both and much prefer the 940 for EDC. There isn't anything wrong with the 710, but it is a bit larger than I prefer for general use.

 

[txman321]

The 940 is my pick between the two

 

[mromeo23]

Ive owned both and while I def prefer larger knives (I currently edc a zt 560bw), I just couldnt warm up to the 710. Even tho the 940, is much smaller and thinner, I loved that knife. Id say it depends on what you're gonna use it for and How big you want your edc to be.

Also keep in mind the different steels and hand materials. The aluminum of the 940 brothers some ppl because it will scratch easier.