Which one??? Benchmade 710 vs. 940

[Sulaco]

I own both as well as the 943. I think the 943 and the 710 are probably a better comparison as the blade shapes are similar. The reverse tanto design of the 940 is somewhat unique in Benchmade folders.

Personally I think the 940/943 are some of the best folders on the market and if I had to choose, I'd take my 943 over any other knife I own. The 710 is lots of fun, but I see you already own a Buck 110. I think the sizes of those two are so similar, I'd go with the 940/943.

 

[White.Lightning]

I own both as well as the 943. Personally I think the 940/943 are some of the best folders on the market and if I had to choose, I'd take my 943 over any other knife I own.

Why do you choose the 943 over the 940? Personal preference with regards to blade shape?

 

[Hawk45]

I'd go with the 940.. it's about the perfect EDC. Light, thin, big blade, strong.

 

[jmclfrsh]

I have both also, 710s in M390 and CPM-M4, and a Gold Class 940-121.

It all comes down to size. The 710 is more robust, while the 940 is more delicate IMO. Personal preference entirely as to which one you will like carrying more, and "delicate" is probably not the correct word. Lighter-duty, perhaps, is more accurate.

Both are classic Benchmade knives, and I (and many others) feel the 710 is Benchmade's flagship model.

 

[d0nut]

Love my 940. For it's size, it's super slim and takes up minimal pocket real estate.

 

[mmarkh]

You really can't go wrong with either. I'm just glad you dropped the combo blade nonsense. Plain blades every day, all day.:thumbup:

 

[McFlurrey06]

I am a big fan of my 940. The s30v takes a great eadge, and keeps a good working edge for a long time. Opens like lightning, and locks up tight. I haven't gotten my hands on a 710, so I can't speak to that.

 

[joe90]

I've had both. Still have the 710. Don't carry it much TBH as I find it a little on the heavy side ... but I won't be parting with it. It's a great blade IMHO. I've got the standard 154cm version. The 940 I let go. Why? Loved it, but couldn't cope with the aluminium handle - as in, it could be scratched way too easily (I'm fickle that way I guess). Super slick opener for sure. I actually liked the blade shape. If the handle had been G10 or some micarta/CF variant I'd have kept it. Very light and easy to carry. Saw one that had titanium handles the other day - looked cool, but still... Not sure why BM didn't do a more 'standard' handle material version. Oh well.

If you're looking for light, take the 940. If you don't care about weight I'd go for the 710.

My 2c.

Joe

 

[blairtech]

I'm a little torn like you... Not so much about the new 2014 gold class 710 model; but about whether to drop $260 for the new 2014 PRODUCTION 940-1 ..... with carbon fiber scales..... and S90V blade..... holy crap batman! I HAD a 943 for a while, and while a fantastic EDC knife, I didn't care much for the cheapish-feeling aluminum scales. So I found something similar, but with G10 over titanium liners, both sides... but more $$$ about 225... Now.... if the NEW 940 had G10 scales and was about $200-$220, I'd DEFINITELY pick one up.......... But with the new 940-1 instead being $260, S90V steel, and CF over steel partial liners, I'll have to think about it for a little while..................................... and THEN pick one up! Jeez, definitely expensive, but you WILL have bragging rights on owning one of the top EDC knives in existence (in SUPER-CLASS materials!). And...... CF, or titanium scales, with special blade steels, used to be either gold class, or limited production, and usually DOUBLE regular production prices... Whatcha gonna do now??? 3.4 inch S90V reverse-tanto, dripping in carbon fiber, and UNDER 2.5 ounces............ whatcha gonna do?????

 

[tiguy7]

I really like the 943. The pointier tip is great for food prep. The 940 is great for skinning, but I don't do a lot of that. The highest spec'd steel offered has been S-30-V up until now. I have a 940 S-90-V on order, but I might have to reshape the tip.
The 710 is now offered in M-390. I have one of these, but I don't like the recurve. I have ground the recurve out of a 154-CM 710.
The neat thing about the 940/943/Gaucho series is that all the parts switch, although the 940/943 handle won't cover the tip of the Gaucho blade. Handle choices are "limited" to Aluminum,Titanium, and Carbon fiber. The weights of the 3 models are 82, 92, and 72gm. respectively.View attachment 418112View attachment 418113View attachment 418114

 

[link2derek]

Of those two choices? 940 -- easy decision (for me, at least).

 

[White.Lightning]

I've been up to something. Hope to have an update by the end of this week. Stay tuned for pics/impressions.

 

[White.Lightning]

Don't mind the crappy cell phone pics.....

My Benchmade 940 Osborne just arrived in the mail. I love this thing!!!

I'll have to snap better photos and break the thing in. So far I like it!

 

[d1ce]

710 all day my man! I feel it's a better size, materials (G-10), and looks. You really can't go wrong with either though.

 

[Garkia]

The 710 feels more tactical (more sturdy) than the 943. The 710 almost feels like it could be in the Benchmade black line rather than blue. The steel, however, can pose a problem. D2 (at least for me) is hard to get a good edge on when resharpening (maybe with experience I will get it), but there are definitely other steels that are easier to sharpen (my experience, mileage may vary). Also, D2 has a tendency to become ridged and chip in cold weathers. Not a problem in SoCal, but definitely a problem on the east coast, especially with the current weather.