Why does everyone rave about the 710?

[ReadyFreddy23]

Why does everyone rave about the Benchmade model 710?

Don't get me wrong. I like the knife. I'm just not sure I love it. I love the axis lock. I love the handle scales.

I don't like the thumb stud. It's useless to me. I can't get my thumb in it to flick it open.

My concern, is that in the heat of the moment, I might not be able to grab the axis lock and swing my knife open when it's needed.

Please share your thoughts and experiences regarding this legendary knife.

 

[rantingredneck]

LOL. For a minute there I thought this thread was about the Remington 710 Rifle and I was gonna ask what you were smokin. . Never mind. Carry on as you were.

 

[MadMercS55]

The 710 is a very nice knife, but I tend to agree with what you've said. I have large hands, and the studs on the 710 sit very close to the handle, so I often find myself missing them or sliding over the stud and not quite opening the knife. I found the now discontinued 800/805/806 series much easier since they have the round or oval hole instead of the thumb stud.

 

[CWL]

I guess I'm not a "everybody", I had to look up what a 710 is.

RF, you are going to need to practice with whatever you decide to carry. Every folder has some sort of manual-at-arms necessary to deploy.

I do have a Benchmade axis lock knife and it has proven to be smooth and reliable for the past 6-7 years. I haven't had problems opening it with thumb stud, gravity open (pressing axis lock), wrist snapping or brownie pop.

If it truly does not fit your hand, then by al lmeans find something that does.

 

[cereedy]

I have large hands and I have no problems with the thumb studs it took a little practice it's been my EDC for 3 years. The reason I love it is because it's built like a tank and has been able to do every cutting job I've had to do. I even have a spare in my desk.

 

[hso]

CWL,

Don't feel bad, I had to look it up too and if I had to look it up it ain't hardly legendary.

RF23,

Despite the hyperbole, the 710 is a nice knife, but no one knife is "right" for every hand and every taste.

Remember, if what we read about the 710 on the internet we're going to see a lot of mindless fanboy gushing and very little objective discussion.

 

[sm]

710? Where?

http://www.ontarioknife.com/oldhickory.html

I don't see a 710 listed.
I do see my favorites 753, 750, and let me guess, 1001 ain't it either - huh?

Axis? Thumb? I must be doing something different with knives than everyone else...

 

[ReadyFreddy23]

For those that don't already know, the Benchmade 710 is the first knife designed with the axis lock. It has proven to be a very strong lock. As I stated in my original post, I can't use the thumb stud. It's just too close to the scales. It's very awkward. Does anyone that owns the 710 feel that the stud is awkward?

 

[Bartkowski]

LOL. For a minute there I thought this thread was about the Remington 710 Rifle and I was gonna ask what you were smokin. . Never mind. Carry on as you were.

Same confusion here.

 

[7ranquilcitizen]

The 710 I have seems fine. The stud is a bit close but no problem as I have small hands yet I still prefer the spyderholes. They did a sprint run of 806 recently but price is up there. Personal preference is a Caly3 as it is lighter but shorter then the 710. Living in San Francisco I rarely carry the 710 as folks freak out even when I use my Cricket. Sure wish they would bring back the 710 in M2.

 

[HiWayMan]

I'm with Steve on this one. I'll take a 1001 and a 753.

Guess I didn't get the memo to drink the Benchmade Kool-ade.

 

[Coyote3855]

I have a Benchmade Mini Ruckus with the Axis lock. I don't know how the location of the thumb stud on the Ruckus compares to the 710. Initially I had the same concerns about the size and location of the thumb stud, and some difficulty both opening and closing the knife. I spent many hours while reading, watching TV, etc. practicing one hand opening and closing the knife. This accomplished two things: a callus on my thumb where it contacts the stud, and a much smoother action in the knife. CWL is correct that every knife has a different manual of arms, and requires practice. I transition between the Mini Ruckus, a CRKT M16, and a Svord Peasant. I practice with all of them.

 

[cedjunior]

I'm with Steve on this one. I'll take a 1001 and a 753.

Guess I didn't get the memo to drink the Benchmade Kool-ade.

I'm not sure I see the point of bashing modern folding knives and referring to those who don't want to carry old wooden handled kitchen knives in their pockets as brainwashed "kool-ade" drinkers.

Back OT:
I have large hands too and I had a similar problem with an Aries model that I owned. I just adapted to it and used more of my wrist and less of the initial movement from the thumbstud to open the knife. Right now though, I'm into Spydercos so its not so much of an issue.