Why does everyone rave about the Benchmade 710?

" Why does everyone rave about the Benchmade 710?"

I wondered that myself, until I held one at Grand Prairie Knives yesterday, now I KNOW why they are so liked!

Came home with a 710 D2!
 
Well, I've held both the 154CM and the D2 and I'm torn. If $ were no object, I'd buy both. But, $ is an object. Which one should I buy???

I'm also held back by the way the thumb stud is situated.
 
My thumbs don't bend in the middle and I was torn about getting a 710 myself. I carried an auto microtech elite for a while and while it was easy to open, closing required two hands and its EDC wasn't always such a good idea. So It was replaced with a leek that I was also able to open easily using the flipper but alas I missed the size of the microtech when out in the woods.

When a 710 came up for sale in M2 I jumped on it. Normally I can't open thumbstuded knives without significant fiddling and repositioning of my hands however being able to push "up" on the stud of the 710 and letting the excellent axis mechanism carry the blade open the rest of the way was a big surprise. I generally use the axis-flick to open and close it but the thumbstuds are always there (and easy to use) when I need to open the knife in a less flashy fashion.

If I had any complaints about the 710 they would be: Benchmades forbidding you to disassemble the knife and refusing to send out replacement clips when they get bent...And since its a recurve its harder to sharpen. But these are not fair complaints about the 710.
 
I carry my D2-710 everyday, whether I pop it or use the thumb stud, it works easy and great for me. Like stated I like the lower/thinner profile of the blade because of the stud. I also carry it in the pouch it came with, in my pocket (not a clip fan), finding out lint collects fast inside if I don't.

154cm or D2? I find 154cm is way easy to sharpen, couple runs on the sharpmaker, bam sharp. D2 seems to hold the edge better, so it depends on how you'll use it and how often. You won't go wrong with either, it's a great knife...
 
I like a lot the recurve on my 710_D2: i always sharpen the first half of the blade on a ceramic stone and the recurve on a butcher's steel, thus resulting in a more abrasive cutting edge near the handle, which succesfully replaces serrations
as for the thumb studs, all it takes is a little practice...
 
ReadyFreddy23 said:
Well, I've held both the 154CM and the D2 and I'm torn. If $ were no object, I'd buy both. But, $ is an object. Which one should I buy???

I'm also held back by the way the thumb stud is situated.
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Those are both great blades from Benchmade. I think it comes down to which is more important to you, corrosion resistance or edge retention?

But to make the choice a little less obvious, consider that...
D2 is about as corrosion-resistant as steel can be without technically being classified as "stainless steel." And 154CM with a good heat treat (like Benchmade provides) holds an edge very well.

I honestly think the thumbstud placement is a non-issue.

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

Ben
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Same here, I found that they get in the way while sharpening. I also ground a opening groove into the blade. I like it just fine this way.

And as for reasons why people like the 710 so much...
It has the best blade to handle ratio of almost any knife out there.
It is very well built (dual SS liners, Axis lock).
The blade profile cuts very nicely.

And all the other reasons everybody else mentioned.
 
I've been thinking of getting a 710 with Benchmade's BK coating for sometime.The problem is that I have Camillus Madd Maxx 5.5 with a D2 blade which has a blueish/black stain on the blade from cutting acid fruits.My question is will I have the same problem with 710's satin D2 blade or should I get one with the BK coating.If BK,How does it stand up to scratches etc.
 
For me, it's for a number of reasons. First I like the way it looks. The handle is very secure, the blade shape is lovely, and overall it doesn't look like a weapon, it looks like a high quality, classy tool. I like the lock, somehow it feels better on the 710 than on any other Benchmade I had go though my hands. I have a 940 Osborne, same l lock, same general handle shape, but it's not the same. The blade is surprisingly long, nowadays you usually get a handle at least 1/4" longer than the blade, and about 1/2" longer than the cutting edge, while 710 has those almost in balance.

So, when a root in the garden needs to be cut, a serrated Spyderco Millie comes out to play. When fish gets cleaned, Spyderco Catcherman goes to work. But when I'm heading out, it's very likely it'll be the 710 that gets to come along. What it's lacking in raw reativity of Spyderco it makes up in packing a lot of punch in a small, classy package.

By comparison, a Spyderco Military, which I also love and have at least two of at any time, packs the same blade length in a much longer and wider handle. It's a flat ground strong slicer blade and M I L I T A R Y on the blade plus the opening hole bothers some people, and of course if you hapeen to carry a serrated one, heads turn, eyes bulge. But 710 looks simple, streamlined, functional but not too flashy. Butterfly on one side, McHenry-Williams in a non-militarized font on the other side. It looks like a tool, and packs a surprisingly long cutting edge in a short and narrow handle. It's what people expect the knife to look like, a somewhat curving handle of the Military makes them wonder, but straight yet ergonomic 710 does not, maybe because the blade is so narrow, and the Millie blade is so wide by comparison, the "you don't need that much" syndrome kicks in.

Anyways, it's just how it works for me. I only have one 710, the plain edge ones started to get scarce when they were discontinued, but working on getting a second so I can carry without worry. Were they ever discontinued, or was that a figment of my imagination? I could have sworn they were, but Benchmade website has them in stock or back-ordered. Hmm...

Anyways, I can't quite explain it, but I like it. :D
 
sputnick said:
If I had any complaints about the 710 they would be: Benchmades forbidding you to disassemble the knife and refusing to send out replacement clips when they get bent...And since its a recurve its harder to sharpen. But these are not fair complaints about the 710.
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Benchmade will send out clips - just visit their contact page http://www.benchmade.com/benchmade/contact_us.aspx and send the warranty department an email requesting a replacement clip, including the model number and your shipping address. I've done it loads of times. :D :thumbup:
 
Vess said:
For me, it's for a number of reasons. First I like the way it looks. The handle is very secure, the blade shape is lovely, and overall it doesn't look like a weapon, it looks like a high quality, classy tool. I like the lock, somehow it feels better on the 710 than on any other Benchmade I had go though my hands. I have a 940 Osborne, same l lock, same general handle shape, but it's not the same. The blade is surprisingly long, nowadays you usually get a handle at least 1/4" longer than the blade, and about 1/2" longer than the cutting edge, while 710 has those almost in balance.

So, when a root in the garden needs to be cut, a serrated Spyderco Millie comes out to play. When fish gets cleaned, Spyderco Catcherman goes to work. But when I'm heading out, it's very likely it'll be the 710 that gets to come along. What it's lacking in raw reativity of Spyderco it makes up in packing a lot of punch in a small, classy package.

By comparison, a Spyderco Military, which I also love and have at least two of at any time, packs the same blade length in a much longer and wider handle. It's a flat ground strong slicer blade and M I L I T A R Y on the blade plus the opening hole bothers some people, and of course if you hapeen to carry a serrated one, heads turn, eyes bulge. But 710 looks simple, streamlined, functional but not too flashy. Butterfly on one side, McHenry-Williams in a non-militarized font on the other side. It looks like a tool, and packs a surprisingly long cutting edge in a short and narrow handle. It's what people expect the knife to look like, a somewhat curving handle of the Military makes them wonder, but straight yet ergonomic 710 does not, maybe because the blade is so narrow, and the Millie blade is so wide by comparison, the "you don't need that much" syndrome kicks in.

Anyways, it's just how it works for me. I only have one 710, the plain edge ones started to get scarce when they were discontinued, but working on getting a second so I can carry without worry. Were they ever discontinued, or was that a figment of my imagination? I could have sworn they were, but Benchmade website has them in stock or back-ordered. Hmm...

Anyways, I can't quite explain it, but I like it. :D
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Vess- Well-written description. You should write ad for Benchmade. We've been talking about buying one and that may have sealed it. I think they all start out life plain w/o serrations. I had to look all over to find the BM AFO in that configuration but PVK had them in stock. I prefer the non-coated blade for the long haul and serrated knives (except the old Mk. IIs) just don't do much for me.

Thanks.

GB
 
I may have to pick one up. I have never owned a Benchmade but their redboxes look interesting partly because I love 440C(most underrated steel) and I want a 710 just because of the classsy look and the love they have for them here. 100's of internet pundits can't be wrong?
I want a plain edge either D2 or M2.
 
I'm thinking of getting a 710 as well, but I'm slightly put off by the G10 scales. While I'm sure it's an excellent material, wood or wood inserts would just look so much better to my eye. Sadly, from what I've read, 710s are most uncustomizable in this matter.
 
in response to the question of y i dislike the axis lock. i just like other locks better. frame lock and lock back being the best of the bunch.
there are little thing slike the fact that it seems to bve a magnet for dirt and debris. also ive heard that
it can pop apart doing things like batoning and prying. i never know what im gonna use my knife for. (granted whenever im in the feild and sometimes when im not i carry a fixed blade) its got springs which can break down and wear out at in opportune moments.

I know these are not deterents to the average user. i see the pluses such as its lack of blade play, its relative smoothness, and its user freindliness. its just that for me these benefits dont outweigh the negatives.


I bought a griptillian based on the fact that it seemed like one of the knives i should own due to its reputation on this forum, but its not my cup of tea, then again i like striders, emersons, and sebenzas. they arent everyones taste either.
 
My primary reason for carrying a non-microscopic folder is to have a weapon, with the tool aspect secondary. From this perspective, the 710 is less attractive than the Spydies.

That huge thumbhole (especially combined with the wave) is a sure opener, working even with thick motorcycle gloves and requiring no precision. The thumbstud on the 710 is relatively small and tucked in, as is the lock control. I can see myself flailing the 710, with the blade getting hung up in my glove and precluding a clean opening flick, or the lock being hard to grasp and pull back all the way.

That being said, I have a second D2 PE on order. It's still a great knife that gets so many things right. It's easier to EDC to the office, though with the right pants, my fav EDC - the Manix - is no problem at all. My baby laughs hysterically when I flick it open and closed, whereas he just stares at the Spydies. Out of the mouths of babes and all that... ;)
 
I still keep my Sere 2000 and Spyderco Native in s30v as my EDC but I'm realizing that for what a folder allows you to do an Opinel would probably be fine as well.
If you want a folder for self-defense take a look at the old Hackman Butterfly Knife still available in ebay once in a while. Fast to open it and a scaring blade. They were issued to CIA during cold war.
 
I have a 1st edition NIB Mchenry & williams M2HSS. The knife is very comfortable to hold and is a good size. The M2 was a good steel while it lasted ( I have an M2 Stryker and Ritter Mini grip in M2 also)

The problem with the 710 was the blade came way to obtuse, and the grind is a bit misaligned ( not much). It's too bad as the Stryker and especially the Ritter Grip came easily able to shave with. ( A common benchmade malady, I have a D2 Stryker dull & needing work out of the box. It's hit or miss.)

I could fix it myself easily enough but I figured it would be a collectors item someday and left it NIB while satisfying myself with the others. Any idea what one is going for now? Joe
 
Well, I'm going with the 710 in 154CM. I'm not experienced in sharpening and most seem to think 154CM will be easier to sharpen.
 
My 710 D2 came in the mail yesterday, couldn't be happier. For such a slim package, this really is one hell of a knife. The blade was nice and sharp right out of the box, push cuts and shaves effortlessly.

The knife needs to wear in a little though, it doesn't open as smoothly as my Griptilian. Overall, it was a great choice and I can definitely see why so many people swear by it as their main EDC.
 
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