The 710 legacy
With Benchmade's first Axis lock folder newly discontinued, I'm wondering if the 710 will actually cease to be produced entirely, or if this will be the year for it's last hurrah, maybe in another LE or even gold. I guess I'm just having a hard time letting go of such a classic. Benchmade's brand staple can already be had in many, many variations, but it seems to me that this flagship folder should be celebrated yet again, and if it really has met its demise, I feel a farewell edition is deserved. I really feel that the 710 should continue on, at least in small runs, despite its 'discontinuation'. We've seen it happen before with other models. So this (hopefully) can't be it... It's had a heck of a long run, which speaks volumes about it's popularity and greatness. Being so popular, the 710 should never go away. Maybe it is time to make room for newer designs. Maybe there's not much need for more 710 variants. However. I know I'm not the only one sad to see it go. The legend must live on.
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And it will!
In the hearts and minds and safes and pockets of a whole generation of men (and maybe a few women) who carried (and still do) and used this elegantly designed piece of folding cutlery.
Just last night I purchased a 710-1401, the last few remaining before being DC'd.
I'll post pics when I get it.1 -
The 730 Ares and a few others have knocked around for years as limited/special runs. I'd be surprised if the 710 doesn't live on in the same fashion. 
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I just looked through the knife cabinet and counted 8 710's. That's ok, though. I'm always looking for a new LE run of the 710, 730 Ares or maybe a 551 Grip. All it takes is a super-steel, a cool handle and a price tag around $200 or less and the forum perks right up. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by fastjan:
I just looked through the knife cabinet and counted 8 710's.
And I'm sitting here with just 3, two in M390 and one in M4.
I think you're about to cost me some money, fj. Been considering grabbing a couple in D2 just to have; this might push me over the edge.
Honestly the 570 is the only thing really catching my eye in the new stuff, so barring any LEs it's not like I'll need the money for other BMs this year...0 -
My guess is it will go the way of other discontinued greats such as the AFCK, Rukus, Ares, and others. We'll see upgraded limited editions from time to time, or so I hope.... 1 -
quote:Originally posted by sig123b:
My guess is it will go the way of other discontinued greats such as the AFCK, Rukus, Ares, and others. We'll see upgraded limited editions from time to time, or so I hope....
Unfortunately that's not entirely encouraging... when was the last AFCK LE, the 806(BK)-1101 in 2011? That's six years now.0 -
I'm thinking of grabbing some 710s that I don't have. Not even sure what to go after at this point... 0 -
I'm not a die hard 710 fan. I think I'll keep regular 710 for the user and 710-1401 as a keeper. May be two just in case. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Marty McFly:
I'm thinking of grabbing some 710s that I don't have. Not even sure what to go after at this point...
Assuming you're not looking for gold classes -
If you're a fan of carbon steels I would look for those first. 710-3 or 710-801 for CPM-M4, or the earlier ones in M2, the 710HS or 710HSSR (p.e./p.s versions, respectively).
There don't seem to be many of those floating around.
Otherwise M390 is $180 (USD) from KW and D2 is $120. Have to decide if M390 is worth a 50% price bump, then grab what you can.
I always seem to end up in humid areas so I figured 1 in M4 was good enough there for me, then I ended up splitting the difference with 2 in D2 and 2 in M390. (I was at 1 M4 and 1 M390 before I heard about the discontinuation).
I know a lot of you guys have a lot of good to say about the Crooked River, but the overall broader blade, handle, and heavier (+ 5oz) construction just don't do it for me the same way the 710 does. So I'm happy to put my money where my mouth is on this one.
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I just might grab a gold at this point...I dunno. Now would be the time before they completely dry up too. Probably another pair of -1401s, just because, definitely an early model if I can find something reasonably priced, but above all else I'd be interested in prying a 710DLC-1 from someone's cold dead hands, or when boinkman wants to sell me his, I'd take that one. 
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quote:Originally posted by Skywalker:quote:Originally posted by fastjan:
I just looked through the knife cabinet and counted 8 710's.
And I'm sitting here with just 3, two in M390 and one in M4.
I think you're about to cost me some money, fj. Been considering grabbing a couple in D2 just to have; this might push me over the edge.
Honestly the 570 is the only thing really catching my eye in the new stuff, so barring any LEs it's not like I'll need the money for other BMs this year...
I hope you are able to find what you want. When you get close, remember to post a request in the Wanted to Buy section of the forum.0 -
quote:Originally posted by fastjan:
I hope you are able to find what you want. When you get close, remember to post a request in the Wanted to Buy section of the forum.
fj, I just picked up two satin 710D2 from KW. $120 NIB is about as good as I've seen anywhere on here or BF recently.
But, if anyone has any lightly used -1401s that they're just desperate to get rid of, I'm all ears...
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quote:Originally posted by Marty McFly:
I just might grab a gold at this point...I dunno. Now would be the time before they completely dry up too. Probably another pair of -1401s, just because, definitely an early model if I can find something reasonably priced, but above all else I'd be interested in prying a 710DLC-1 from someone's cold dead hands, or when boinkman wants to sell me his, I'd take that one.
Good one Mac. If you remember there were a few people that were ticked that they didn't get that knife. I already told dj that he could have it if it were to be sold again. It was his knife originally and he clearly would like to have it back. I'll keep my eyes peeled for you. I bought one nib on eBay last year for $220 so there out there. It just takes time.0 -
I have a D2, a 710-1401 in pristine condition, and another due in today. Like, Marty, I'd love to find a 710DLC-1. That would be my grail 710, I think. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by boinkman:quote:Originally posted by Marty McFly:
I just might grab a gold at this point...I dunno. Now would be the time before they completely dry up too. Probably another pair of -1401s, just because, definitely an early model if I can find something reasonably priced, but above all else I'd be interested in prying a 710DLC-1 from someone's cold dead hands, or when boinkman wants to sell me his, I'd take that one.
Good one Mac. If you remember there were a few people that were ticked that they didn't get that knife. I already told dj that he could have it if it were to be sold again. It was his knife originally and he clearly would like to have it back. I'll keep my eyes peeled for you. I bought one nib on eBay last year for $220 so there out there. It just takes time.
Yes, yes, I do remember. Just simply a friendly jab.I won't bug you any further, just razzin' ya, cuz I love that model and I know you scored one. Good for you. I always appreciate a good heDs up though. Thanks Nate.
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Someone mentioned the possibility of occasional 710 releases not unlike the manner the 730 is treated these days. That sounds perfect. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Redwood25:
Someone mentioned the possibility of occasional 710 releases not unlike the manner the 730 is treated these days. That sounds perfect.
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quote:Originally posted by WeAreTheRomans:quote:Originally posted by Redwood25:
Someone mentioned the possibility of occasional 710 releases not unlike the manner the 730 is treated these days. That sounds perfect.
I think we're all hoping for that...
Really hoping.0 -
I have 2 710's in M2, those are my grail 710's. 
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Got these just in time...
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That's a great set Po. 0 -
Thanks, boink...an embarrassment of riches... 0 -
While humbled next to PO's pick ups, just got around to getting a 710-1401, better late than never.
Maybe one of the sexist knife designs easy on the eyes but my hand prefers the 810-1401.0 -
I've noticed a trend lately with some Disco'd BM models, such as the 710 and 707, the 908, the Vicar.... there are probably others.
It seems like before a knife's timeline expires, we see a couple LE's, maybe a dealer exclusive, and a gold class release or two, then it's bye bye, cruel world.
Strangely, the valet just got it's second Gold Class offering, and got the Shinola treatment before that.... Hmmmm.0 -
Between KW's closeout sale and some good guys here on the forum I've picked up four new/lnib 710s over the last month: 2 710D2, 2 710-1401.
Still very sorry to see the 710 disappear from the official lineup but fun to pick them up for less than I thought I'd be able to. Pretty sure before this past month I'd only bought 4 BMs total in the last 3 years.
(the darker 710-1401 has been dyed with indigo RIT; I really like the pop of the silver hardware on the overall darker knife.)
Between these four, my normal carry 710DLC-1 (also acquired from a great guy on this forum), and the 710-3 from a couple years back, I'm hoping I won't ever have to go without one of these classics.
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I gotta get my wallet working again and my butt looking for a 710-143 GC. Yeah I know a lot of you guys don't like the Damasteels but damn, I think its a beautiful knife and would most likely end up spending a fair amount of time in my safe.
And I'm still keeping an eye out for the ever elusive 710-3 without spending a mint!
I would love to see a new model 710 and pray for that to happen nightly!
710 2019 Forum Knife?
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Tim O posted:
...710-143 GC...
Oh yeah.
I too love everything about that one.
Following the -141, the -143’s damascus pattern is my second favorite. Beautiful stuff.
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Love that Ladder Damasteel!
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/|\ awesome stuff Mac. This one was a personal favorite. 710DLC-1
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