Benchmade 710

Yet another great collaboration from Benchmade and McHenry & Williams, the Benchmade 710 provides a larger frame and more cutting power.

The design is so pure that it does very well over a wide spectrum of uses.
A modern clip-point blade interpretation puts the slice back into the utility blade, and its reverse curve edge is an ideal addition for efficiency.

Here are a few features of the Benchmade 710SBKD2

The Benchmade 710SBKD2 features a slight reverse-curve grind for improved cutting efficiencies. Textured G10 covers the handle sides to provide for secure grip, and the double liners have finger treads positioned near the handle front for added control.

The Benchmade Axis Lock, Design by Custom knife making duo Bill McHenry and Jason Williams used the Model 710 to introduce the knife world to AXIS for unprecedented single-hand ambidextrous function.

Dual thumb studs for easy right and left hand opening.
AXIS lock system.
Lanyard hole in the handle.
Pocket clip mounted for tip up carry, left or right pocket.
Blade is partially serrated.
Compact yet extremely strong, this will make a fabulous every day carry knife.

What do the letters next to the model number stand for?

Here is the answer from the manufacturer

In addition to the particular model numbers, Benchmade uses a fairly simple coding system to differentiate the various model specific blade configurations.

We commonly offer four basic blade configurations in each model with a few exceptions. First off, if the model number appears by itself without any additional characters that means the blade is plain edge with satin finish.
Next, the “S” stands for serrations or our ComboEdge™, which has a partially serrated and partially plain edge.
“BK” (or the older “BT”) stands for our exclusive BK1™ BenchKote™ black coating on the blade for increased corrosion protection.
And, the two together in “SBK” (or the older “SBT”) stands for a partially serrated blade with BK1™ coating.

As for the “HS” and the “HSSR”, they designate M2 high-speed steel blades with the first being plain edge and the latter being ComboEdge™.

Other letters you might see are BP, which stand for Black-Pearl, a ceramic style coating, and BX or SBX, which stand for either a plain edge black oxide coating or ComboEdge® black oxide coating.

Some more facts

Textured G10 covers the handle sides to provide for secure grip, and the double liners have finger treads positioned near the handle front for added control. Comes with movable steel carry-clip.

To make things easier the manufacturer has segmented the Benchmade brand into four product classes for easier distinction of product throughout the line.
The Benchmade 710SBKD2 is in the Blue Class.

The Blue Class represents the heart of everything that is Benchmade. These USA made products are designed and built for the individual who appreciates the difference that a high-quality cutting tool can make. Made in USA.

Benchmade Blue Class blades are high-quality, dependable cutting tools designed for the experienced blade connoisseur. Whether you want your Benchmade knife to add to your tactical gear or for general daily use, Benchmade creates knives that are both dependable and versatile.

Specifications

•   Overall Length: 8.80″
•   Closed Length: 4.90″
•   Blade Length: 3.90″
•   Blade Thickness: 0.115″
•   Handle Thickness: 0.480″
•   Blade Material: D2 Tool Steel
•   Blade Hardness: 59-61HRC
•   Blade Style: Modified Clip-Point; Ambidextrous Dual Thumb Studs
•   Weight: 4.50oz.
•   Clip: Black, Reversible, Tip-Up
•   Lock Mechanism: AXIS
•   Country of Origin: USA

For those who like history

From the manufacturer website

Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. set-up shop in Clackamas, Oregon in 1990 (originally founded in California in 1988). The initial knives primarily consisted of the Bali-Song® knives, using a combination of outside vendors and inside processing to build finished products. And like most companies, starting out meant scarce money and big plans, using second hand equipment and limited resources.

Soon, a natural born fortitude and an undying passion to make it right and make it Benchmade, prospered into significant growth. As the product line grew so did the in-house capabilities. We began to acquire new machines and technologies including the first of several lasers, making Benchmade the first knife manufacturer to have such equipment in-house. Open minds and positive attitudes would lead to several more industry firsts over the course of the next several years.

Consecutive years of aggressive growth led to the next logical step in 1996 when Benchmade moved into its own 35,000 sq. ft. facility. A contemporary styled building complete with all of the modern equipment and amenities necessary to manufacture what has become recognized as a higher standard of specialty cutlery.

Today, Benchmade Knife Company, Inc. manufactures knives for a loyal and ever growing following of knife users. As we move into the 21st century we are poised for even more exciting opportunities, innovations and ongoing total world-class quality.
Here at Benchmade we employ a simple philosophy- “Make it cool, make it solid, make it happen and definitely make it Benchmade.”

Before you spend your hard earned money read what actual owner has to say

Despite certain common problems (mainly the thick factory edge) with BM knives and some QC complaints regarding different BM knives, 710 is kind of the ultimate pocketknife. Amongst the high end, mass production knives that is.

IMHO – it’s a very well thought and designed blade. As for the production blade I think it’s very hard to beat, especially considering the price/overall performance/quality ratio.

Yes, it may have some QC problems, but in the end it’s a workhorse and the beauty. Actually, this is my favorite, every day carry knife ever since I got it. Besides the looks, that I like so much (well, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder anyway) 710 McHenry & Williams is a real user knife, stout and versatile, it can take some real punishment, especially in M2 blade configuration.

One of the things I’d like to notice first is the innovative Axis Lock mechanism. It is very simple, easy to operate, provides very smooth action, plenty strong, durable, prevents knife from opening in your pocket, self adjusting to the wear process, what else would you demand from the folding knife locking mechanism?

G10 handle provides good grip, durable & dependable, plus the handle design/ergonomics are very good. Lately introduced Aluminum handles are even better (IMHO), though again some dislike the aluminum handle slabs, because they scratch, not very comfortable in cold weather, etc. I find aluminum handles very comfortable though, and they definitely give more solid feel.

I carry my knife in a jeans front pocket as usual & it is almost unnoticeable, unlike for example Emerson Commander, which has the same OAL length & even a shorter blade, let alone Strider Buck.

And one more nice detail, as on most of the Benchmade folders the clip is reversible, i.e. can be easily attached from any side, and the thumbstud is ambidextrous, thus lefties are covered as well.

To read more reviews visit the Benchmade 710