Yet another special edition, limited run of the Benchmade 710-02. This time, it comes with D2 tool steel blade and brass handles with rosewood inserts. Produced in 2002 if I am not mistaken. Limited run of 300 units and mine is #176. I've had two other 710s by then, including my favorite EDC 710 HSSR BC AL, nevertheless I went for this one too. It's my favorite model from benchmade after all this years. Besides, the knife looked really nice, and has it's own distinct, very unique design.
Overview
- Everything I've said in my other review of BM 710 applies here as well, save for different blade steel. Visually I like this model, but I still like 710-02 better. Perhaps because of its[710-02] darker tones. Anyway, the beauty is in th eeye of beholder, so here's a picture of all four 710 knives together and you can decide for yourself which one looks the best. What I really like about this blade is the polished d2 blade. I've sharpened it to quite thin 30(included) deg. angle and it cuts like crazy, while holding the edge very well.Handle
- Along with the polished edge brass handle was a major reason for me to get this knife. It has very solid feeling in your hands, and weights quite a bit more too, to be precise ~31% more(185.5gr on 710-01 and 141.6 on 710-02, btw for some reason Benchmade lists 710-02 as 128gr, but that's clearly not the case). Brass slabs are quite thick and obviously they're quite heavier than aluminum used on 710-02 or G-10 used on standard models. All that is good, but there's some cons as well. For one I don't really like rosewood inserts visually. Second, I suspect it'll get damaged over time in humid environment, or if left wet accidentaly. I never leave my knives uncleaned or wet, but things happen. And last complaint is that the knife has no holes for the clip. So, your're pretty much forced to use a pouch or sheath, which I really don't like for folding knives. I've carried this one in my pocket for some time, but somehow i've dropped it few times because there was no clip. Gave it a good scratch too during one of those drops, which can be seen here.
- Specifications:
- Model: #710-01 McHenry & Williams
- Blade: D2 Semi Stainless Tool Steel Hardened to 60 HRC
- Length: 3.90" (9.90cm) Thickness: .115" (2.92mm)
- Open: 8.80" (22.34cm) Closed: 4.90" (12.44cm)
- Weight: 185.6gr
- Handle: Brass scales with rosewood inserts/double 410 stainless steel liners
- Lock Mechanism: Axis lock (U.S. Patent #5737841)
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Last updated - 06/22/08