Why does everyone rave about the Benchmade 710?

R

ReadyFreddy23

Joined
Jul 29, 2006
Messages
78
I'm thinking about buying the BM 710. I've read great things about this knife. I love the scales. I love the axis lock. My biggest problem with the 710 is the thumb stud. It's too close to the scales and I can't get my thumb in there to open it. I know I can use the axis lock to open and close it or a version of the Brownie Pop.

I have big hands and thick fingers. I generally carry a Benchmade Skirmish and a full size Griptilian and they fit me great. They both have thumb holes.
 
I think it's more of a matter of technique. Get your thumb around the bottom and outside part of the stud, not the side by the scale. Just practice that and it will be easy as can be. I appreciate the location of the stud as it keeps the knife slim. Any amount of material adding to the width of the knife would be a negative to me.
 
Capt. Carl said:
I think it's more of a matter of technique. Get your thumb around the bottom and outside part of the stud, not the side by the scale. Just practice that and it will be easy as can be. I appreciate the location of the stud as it keeps the knife slim. Any amount of material adding to the width of the knife would be a negative to me.
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That's it exactly. You are pressing the stud forward not out of the handle.
 
Hmm, I must have stubby thumbs, it hits it perfectly
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Stubby index finger.... tapping out its code..... la dee de dum.

(Evil Roy Slade for those unfamiliar)
:D
 
Why even use the thumb stud? The Axis lock works really well for just pulling back on the lock and swinging the blade open- that's how I open all my Benchmades and my SOG.

I guess YMMV, but try it- I think you'll like it
 
I have one...meh I like my mili more, just isnt my flavor. Most love it and its a good solid knife, just not my cup of tea.
 
never had a problem with the stud myself. I also have large hands. Its just a matter of learning how to use it. The 710 is also my fav knife. Cant find a knife that does the job better.
 
One of the best knives around, for sure.

Thumbstud closeness to scales 'looks like' it could be an issue, but somehow isn't in actual use.
 
If Ready says he can't get his thumb in, why question him?

I've had thumb stud knives that just don't work for me - and I have small hands. The position of my thumb holding the knife where I grab it and pushing on the stud location just didn't apply enough leverage on the stud/pivot line to open it.

It's called ergonomics, and not every knife fits every hand best. I've found some knives with discs and holes work a lot better for me than studs, like a SnG or BM CQC7 vs Kershaw Vapor II. The Vapor has more blade width buried, which makes for a flatter stud/pivot line than the others. Just harder to open, plus the small bearing area of the early style beehive. Although the SnG has a stiff detent, I can pinch it open with thumb and forefinger when I need to. Lots of access, not even a minus for me.

Ready, some great knives work, some don't, like you pointed out.
 
Put your thumbnail about 45 between the scales and 90 degrees away from the scales and press hard, it should fly open.

So 45 degrees from the scales and go outwards. Use your nail. Your thumb will get cut up by the stud.
 
Its funny - I love the 710... but it's the little tiny thumb stud that are too close to the handle that makes it not a perfect knife. The design overall is great - it carries like a light, slender knife but open it and you have a fairly large knife that can handle just about anything. Very solid, very strong, great handle ergos, great steel, good grind and blade shape... but yeah, not thrilled about the way I have to put like the tip of my thumb on the stud and press up. I have fairly large hands, I should add. If it had a flipper or blade hole or some other easier way to open it, it would probably be much more prominent in my EDC rotation.
 
The 710 deserves raving. As far as opening goes, hold the Axis bar back with your thumb, gently flick the knife open, and release the bar before the blade is fully opened. Closes in much the same way with your fingers all safe and sound. The thumbstuds need only be used should you choose.
 
thombrogan said:
The 710 deserves raving. As far as opening goes, hold the Axis bar back with your thumb, gently flick the knife open, and release the bar before the blade is fully opened. Closes in much the same way with your fingers all safe and sound. The thumbstuds need only be used should you choose.
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That is true, Thom but in areas where the "gravity knife" clause is pushed by the local constabulary, NYFC comes to mind, the thumbstuds will be required. They work fine for me, but for those that have problems with them, they ARE removeable, use some American ingenuity.

I own 4, BTW, ATS-34, 154CM, D2, M2. They all rock!!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Honestly, I think the thumbstuds are a tad bit too small. They don't stick out enough. Other than that I don't have a single gripe about the 710, and I wouldn't even call the thumbstud thing a gripe.
 
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