Why does everyone rave about the Benchmade 710?

When I looked at the 710, the guy at the store showed be a little "trick" in opening the blade, if the thumb stud is an issue.
I have smaller hands and so he said you could practice pulling back on the axis lock and flick your wrist to snap the blade out, but you have to let go of the axis bar at the right time to lock the blade.
I manage to get it right after a couple of tries and it is a very quick way of getting the blade out albeit a slightly dangerous one!

The knife itself is a great looking knife, just a little too large for my liking. The handle material could also be a little grittier but thats personal preference
 
I've never had a problem flicking my 710 open with the thumb stud. It's not easy describing how I do it with words, but I'll try.

People who have trouble are trying to access the thumb stud with their thumb starting out on the handle scale just under the stud. That works on many one-hand opening knives, but not the 710.

The way that works with the 710 is to place your thumb on the blade behind the thumb stud and push forward. Very easy and works every time for me.
 
Perhaps the scales on the 710 could be lightly beveled to facilitate the thumb's access to the thumbstud?

I remember this from a web review of the BM806 and about the author taking his 806 and doing just that, grinding a wee bevel in the scale, to make it easier for his thumb to catch the thumbstud and open the knife.
 
I have the griptillian, love it and love the axis lock, opens like buttah. I am not a fan of the thumb stud and prefer the hole. This knife sounds perfect for you so maybe you could send it out (STR?) and get a big thumbhole put in.
 
Funny thing about that 710 thumb stud....

I thought it was too small or too close to the scales, too. But I found it very easy to use by putting my thumb under it instead of behind it and pushing it more up than out, if you follow me.

I have large hands and fingers and it works well for me. I use the thumbstud or the Axis lock to open the 710. I'm one of the folks that calls it their favorite EDC folder.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
For the people who actually read my whole post, Thank You for your replies.

In my original post, I mentioned that I know how to use the axis lock to open and close the knife. I own a Griptilian already. My BIGGEST concern was not being able to open the knife in a hurry if it's needed in a situation.

I will go to the knife store and play with the knife some more. I'll try to open the knife with the thumb stud by using some of the techniques mentioned.
 
I ground the thumb studs off of my 710, and open it one handed with a "flick of the wrist."

Ben
 
Ben Dover said:
I ground the thumb studs off of my 710, and open it one handed with a "flick of the wrist."

Ben
Click to expand...

You did'nt have to grind them off, you could have just unscrewed them.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
The 710 is just a solid Benchmade. It incorporates a nice long D2 blade of unique shape, very nice G-10 handles, axis lock, all in a slim and pocketable design. I have had one for over a year, and really like it. As for the thumb stud, it took a little time getting used to, then I found out it was just to get the blade out enough to flick open. It is not my favorite design, but it is an excellent knife. This thread made me want to EDC mine tomorrow, I think I will...
 
All this talk about the 710's thumbstud does make me think that if it was just a bit wider, perhaps almost flush with the axis lock bar studs, the blade would be a lot easier to thumb open and the comfort, ergonomics would hardly be affected.
 
theonew said:
All this talk about the 710's thumbstud does make me think that if it was just a bit wider, perhaps almost flush with the axis lock bar studs, the blade would be a lot easier to thumb open and the comfort, ergonomics would hardly be affected.
Click to expand...

Ok......thumbstuds are a very personal issue, just like clips.....seriously, some companies put locations for clip attachment in 4 positions, right?

New/different thumbstuds can be found at knifekits.com, and at Sheffield Knifemakers suppy, that should fit the 710 holes. I suggest that those of you having a problem with Benchmade stock thumbstuds give that a shot.

What this will change is width of thumstud, and projection from the blade. Location is probably always going to be a problem for some of you, unless you are very familiar with the use of tungsten carbide drill bits, or diamond bits.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I personally have no problem whatsoever opening the 710 with the thumbstud and also find it incredibly easy and smooth to flick open, almost like an invisible hand is gently pushing the blade out.
 
I flicked my 710 open & closed consistently for 3 or 4 days, by day 4 it was second nature. It's a really big knife in a small package, and it opens fast as lightning with a little practice. I bought mine a month ago and after I got it I wonder why I waited so long.
 
theonew said:
I personally have no problem whatsoever opening the 710 with the thumbstud and also find it incredibly easy and smooth to flick open, almost like an invisible hand is gently pushing the blade out.
Click to expand...

I've got a non-auto Presidio that does the same thing! The slightest pressure on the thumb stud and the blade just pops out instantly. I don't know how BM does it.
 
ReadyFreddy23 said:
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.
Click to expand...

So, what is your question, my Dear? The rave or the stud?
 
ReadyFreddy23 said:
For the people who actually read my whole post, Thank You for your replies.

In my original post, I mentioned that I know how to use the axis lock to open and close the knife. I own a Griptilian already. My BIGGEST concern was not being able to open the knife in a hurry if it's needed in a situation.

I will go to the knife store and play with the knife some more. I'll try to open the knife with the thumb stud by using some of the techniques mentioned.
Click to expand...

Freddy,

I hope you eventually find you're able to open it faster/easier. Like I mentioned, I didn't care for the 710's thumbstud at first, but now I find I can open it faster (and with much more authority) than my other Benchmades with the blade holes. I had always thought they were the fastest for me.

Practice makes perfect!

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
Thanks again for all of your responses. You guys are definitely making me think I should just go for it. I'll keep you posted.
 
jjacques said:
I've got a non-auto Presidio that does the same thing! The slightest pressure on the thumb stud and the blade just pops out instantly. I don't know how BM does it.
Click to expand...

i think those omega-shaped springs may have something to do with it...
 
My BM/HK 14210 does it better than my Griptilian. Seems like the shape of the cutout in the blade where the axis bar sits is just right to pivot the blade out as you pull down on the bar.

Speaking of which, the thumbstuds on the 14210 are also really close to the handle. I've found it's easier to open with both my thumb and index, by 'pinching' the thumb studs outward, or giving both studs a push at once.
 
For me the 710 is the easiest knife I own to open. I also have the Mini-Rukus, the Spyderco Chinook III, The Buck/Strider Tarani, CS Black Sable, Byrd Cara Cara, Ontario Hossum Retribution, Kershaw Groove and Junk Yard Dog II. The JYD II is also extremely easy to open but it is a flipper and we're talking about thumbstuds.

Just practice for a while and it will come naturally.:D
 
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