The Benchmade 710: Just A Good Knife

I usually write about knives that I own myself, but today I am going to write about one that I am getting ready to purchase. I can't be more excited about it. I have ordered the Benchmade 710, a McHenry and Williams design that has become one of Benchmade's more popular knives in recent years.

The thing I love the most about the 710 is the grip. I am a huge fan of G10, and Benchmade does not use that handle material a lot, using anodized aluminum most of the time instead. The 710 has a sleek look and design, with a great grip. Benchmade's AXIS lock is also present, and the blade is made of a premium D2 Tool Steel, which means this knife is made for hard use applications. Take a look:

As you can see, it has a modified clip point, and the blade is almost 4 inches, which is pretty long for an EDC, but the weight is good at under 5 oz, and the balance feels great. Basically, if you have the need for an everyday knife that will work as hard as you do, while still keeping style in mind, this is the knife for you. The knife retails at around $170, and with all it has to offer, is totally worth it!

Anyone have a 710? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Sincerely,

TKG

Bedlam the Beast - Why You Need This Knife

The scimitar blade, which curves back to a point usually higher than some point on the spine, has been around since the 9th century, and has many different variations, such as the saber. It was mostly found on swords used by mounted soldiers. The curved blade and light weight made it great for slashing while on horseback.

This blade style is just one of the things that makes the Benchmade Bedlam so popular. This knife is a beast, and is quickly becoming a staple of the Benchmade lineup. It is sleek and aggressive and because of the textured G10 handle, feels great in the hand. The grooved handle shape gives the knife great grip and control. And as the blade type insinuates, it is a great slashing blade with a sharp point capable of piercing about anything. Take a look:

The knife is large, 9.75 inches overall, and is not recommended for those with small hands, but is a great carry knife for military, police, or anyone who wants to be able to protect themselves at the touch of a switch, an AXIS switch to be exact.

Bedlam means a state of uproar, or chaos, and with this knife that is exactly the reaction you get. You get a big, striking, well-made knife that you will want to have by your side, and with a handle like the Bedlam's, it is safe to say that the kind of chaos you get with this knife is the best kind: Controlled Choas.

TKG

The Benchmade Adamas - New to Me

Well friends, I was finally, after a almost a year of waiting, able to get my hands on the Benchmade Adamas Folder. While the knife was released last year, I am just now getting one in my hands. Needless to say, it is quite a piece of work.

I have always been a huge fan of the AXIS lock system. It is always good to have an ambidextrous locking system because of the many times when you are using a tool with your non-dominant hand. The AXIS lock is also strong and holds up incredibly well. The Adamas utilizes the AXIS in the manual as well the Auto version, which has the AXIS-Auto mechanism where the AXIS functions as both the firing switch and the lock mechanism.

The Adamas also has Benchmade's popular tactical drop-point blade made of D2 Tool Steel. D2 is a premium American steel that is often used on tools and fixed blade knives due to it's incredible toughness. This makes the Adamas a knife designed for tough, hard use and durability.

The handle is a G10 with a lanyard hole and a great feel, and is available in both black and tan. Another very cool thing about this knife is that it was designed, by Shane Sibert, as a tribute to the Army Rangers, The US Army's premier fighting force. For every one of these knives sold, Benchmade Knives donates some of the proceeds to the Ranger Assistance Foundation, which makes the manufacturer suggested $195 price tag a little easier to deal with. Although, to get a true Benchmade Folder with D2 that is a pretty good price, and I am sure you can find it for less.

Here is a look at the tan version:

Overall, if you are looking for a tough, good-looking knife while donating to a great cause, this is your knife. It has stood up to every test I have put through so far, so let me know what your experience is like.

Sincerely,


TKG

Favorite OTF Models

Out the front automatics are a very popular knife style these days. Despite their legality issues in most places, they remain a staple in the forefront of knife technology and popularity. So...

What is an Out-The-Front (OTF) Knife?

An OTF is a knife on which the blade fires out of the front of the handle, as opposed to the more traditional side opening knives. Original OTF autos were spring loaded and fired with the push of a button, but then had to be retracted with a plunger on the  bottom of the handle.

In a design perfected in the Microtech Ultratech, the OTF became a truly one handed operation. The knife fires and retracts automatically, due to a spring that sits at rest, and is charged by the firing switch, which replaced the button of the old models.

While the Ultratech is an automatic favorite, I actually prefer Microtech's Scarab. It is a wider, beefier, double springed model based off the Ultratech design. As a larger guy (6'3'', 240 lbs) I tend to like the bigger knives, and a considerable amount of thumb strength is required to effectively use this knife.

My second favorite, and though it is second it is more readily available, is the Benchmade Infidel. Like all other models from Benchmade Knives, this Infidel is made with great materials and unbeatable quality. The spring just does not have the same snap as the Scarab, and the firing switch is on the top of the handle instead of the side, which does not seem as natural. The Infidel is also a big, beautiful knife and features a 3.95" blade.

Let me know in the comments below what your preference is and why! Also, I am up for discussing anything you want to know about in the knife world, leave your suggestions below!

Sincerely,

TKG

Here we go...

Hello Everyone!

I am pretty excited to be talking knives with everyone. This blog is a place to come for discussion on blades of all kinds. From Benchmade Knives to Kershaw Knives to Microtech Knives, we can talk about the things that make these knives special to us as well as new models, steels, and designs by today's top brands! I will also be pointing out the sales that are available on your favorite models, as well doing reviews on certain knife models. Let me know if there is anything you want to know, and we will try to address it!

Much Love,

The Knife Guy