Benchmade 707 Sequel Review: A Modern Classic
History and Development
Released in 2003 as a follow-up to the popular Mini-AFCK, the Benchmade 707 Sequel represents a refined approach to everyday carry. Designed by Mel Pardue, it aimed to blend gentleman’s folder aesthetics with modern materials and functionality. Though discontinued in 2017, its influence on EDC knife design continues to resonate.
Specifications
- Blade Length: 2.95 inches
- Overall Length: 6.75 inches
- Blade Steel: 154CM
- Handle Material: Aluminum scales with stainless steel liners
- Weight: 2.8 oz
- Lock Type: Axis Lock
- Made in USA
- Original MSRP: $165-185
Benchmade 707 Sequel Review: Personal Experience
Having carried the 707 Sequel for over five years, including three years as my primary EDC, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for its subtle refinements and practical design choices. The knife’s slim profile and capable blade geometry have proven themselves repeatedly in both urban and business environments.
Benchmade 707 Sequel Review: Performance Analysis
Through years of daily carry, the 707 Sequel has proven itself remarkably capable despite its modest size. The 154CM blade, while not exotic by today’s standards, delivers consistent performance and takes a keen edge. During my extensive use, I found the edge retention more than adequate for weekly touch-ups, though modern steels like S30V certainly outlast it.
Blade Performance
The drop-point blade, with its clean hollow grind, excels at everyday cutting tasks. The geometry provides an excellent balance of slicing ability and tip strength. During my time with the knife, it’s handled everything from opening mail to breaking down boxes with ease. The 2.95-inch blade length hits a sweet spot – long enough for most tasks while remaining legal in many jurisdictions.
Ergonomics
Where the Sequel truly shines is in its refined ergonomics. The lovely aluminum handles are slim and provide surprisingly comfortable grip options. I’ve spent hours cutting cardboard without developing hot spots – a testament to the thoughtful design. The knife disappears in the pocket thanks to its thin profile and lightweight, yet it provides confident control when needed.
Benchmade 707 Sequel Review: Carry Experience
At 2.8 ounces, the Sequel carries exceptionally well. The deep carry clip, while not as refined as newer Benchmade designs, holds the knife securely without being overly aggressive on pocket material. The aluminum scales have proven durable, showing only minor wear after years of daily carry. The knife is slim, which leaves plenty of room in your pocket, so you can carry other items without feeling bulky.
Practical Applications
Over five years of use, the Sequel has proven particularly adept in professional environments. Its understated design and clean lines make it appropriate for office settings, while its performance ensures it’s never just a “gentleman’s folder.” I’ve found it particularly excellent for precise cutting tasks – the blade control is exceptional thanks to the well-designed handle and lighter weight.
Benchmade 707 Sequel Review: Long-Term Testing Insights
After half a decade of regular use, certain characteristics of the 707 have become apparent. The aluminum handles have developed a subtle patina that adds character without looking worn. The Axis lock, initially quite stiff, broke in beautifully around the six-month mark and has maintained its smooth action since. The blade centering has remained perfect, though I did need to adjust the pivot tension once after about two years of use.
Benchmade 707 Sequel Review: Maintenance Experience
The 154CM steel has proven relatively low maintenance, responding well to basic stropping and occasional sharpening. The open construction allows for easy cleaning – though I’ve noticed the aluminum handles can occasionally develop a slight galvanic reaction with the steel liners if exposed to salt water. A simple cleaning and light oil remedies this.
Notable Long-Term Observations
Several aspects became apparent only after extended use:
- Omega springs have remained reliable (no failures in 5 years)
- Clip paint wore through at contact points after about 2 years
- Blade geometry maintains effectiveness even after multiple sharpenings
- Handle anodizing holds up remarkably well to daily wear
Benchmade 707 Sequel Review: Value Proposition
Though discontinued, the 707 Sequel originally retailed for around $175, positioning it in the mid-premium category. When found on the secondary market today ($150-200), it still represents solid value. The knife combines reliable materials, excellent design, and US manufacturing made the 707 worth it, particularly for those seeking a refined EDC knife that balances capability with discretion.
Final Thoughts
Pros:
The Sequel excels in several critical areas. The ergonomics provide exceptional control despite the slim profile. The blade geometry offers remarkable versatility for its size. The overall build quality has proven itself through years of use, and the weight-to-capability ratio is outstanding. The Axis lock remains smooth and reliable after thousands of deployments.
Cons:
There are some considerations worth noting. The 154CM steel, while serviceable, falls behind modern super steels. The aluminum handles can feel slick in wet conditions. The clip, while functional, shows wear relatively quickly. Being discontinued, parts availability may become an issue in the future.
Benchmade 707 Sequel Review: Who It’s For
- Professionals needing a discrete yet capable EDC
- Users who prioritize slim carry and light weight
- Those who appreciate refined, understated design
- Collectors interested in significant Benchmade models
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Users needing premium blade steel
- Those preferring more aggressive grip texturing
- People wanting a current production model
- Users requiring a heavy-duty work knife
Legacy and Impact
The 707 Sequel’s influence can be seen in many modern EDC designs. Its successful blend of slim profile, capable cutting geometry, and refined aesthetics helped establish a template for professional-friendly EDC knives. While discontinued, it remains a benchmark against which many similar knives are measured.
Benchmade 707 Sequel Review: Long-Term Value Assessment
As a discontinued model, the Sequel has maintained its value remarkably well. Clean examples often command prices at or above original retail, suggesting both its enduring appeal and the validity of its design principles. For those able to find one at a reasonable price, it continues to offer excellent value as a practical EDC tool.
Benchmade 707 Sequel Review: Alternatives and Modern Successors
Benchmade 535 Bugout ($140-170)
Having carried both extensively, the Bugout feels like a spiritual successor to the Sequel, though with different priorities.
Comparative Strengths:
The Bugout offers S30V steel and a lighter overall package (1.85 oz vs 2.8 oz). During testing, I found its Grivory handles actually provide better grip in wet conditions than the Sequel’s aluminum. The modern deep carry clip design is notably superior, and parts availability is excellent.
Trade-offs:
The Bugout does not quite have the feel of the Sequel’s aluminum construction. And while lighter, does not come across as refined. The blade stock is thinner, making it less suitable for harder-use scenarios where the Sequel’s robust geometry excels.
Spyderco Para 3 Lightweight ($105)
A contemporary competitor that approaches EDC from a different angle.
Comparative Strengths:
The Para 3 LW offers BD1N steel with better edge retention than 154CM. The compression lock provides one-handed operation similar to the Axis lock, and the FRN handles offer superior grip. Through testing, I found its cutting geometry more aggressive than the Sequel’s.
Trade-offs:
The wider blade and more tactical appearance make it less office-friendly than the Sequel. The FRN construction, while practical, lacks the refinement of machined aluminum. The broader profile carries noticeably larger in pocket.
Hogue Deka ($160)
A modern interpretation of what the Sequel might have evolved into.
Comparative Strengths:
The Deka features 20CV steel, significantly outperforming the Sequel’s 154CM. The ABLE lock system provides similar function to the Axis lock with improved spring durability. G10 scales offer better grip while maintaining a slim profile.
Trade-offs:
The design lacks the Sequel’s refined aesthetics. Despite being a similar size, the Deka feels less sophisticated somehow. The clip design is ok but doesn’t disappear in the pocket quite like the Sequel’s.
Modern Context
What’s particularly interesting is how well the Sequel’s design holds up against modern competitors. While materials have certainly improved, its core design principles – slim profile, excellent ergonomics, and refined aesthetics – remain relevant. The main advantages of modern alternatives typically center around steel choice and weight reduction rather than fundamental design improvements.
Collecting Perspective
For collectors, the Sequel represents an important time in Benchmade’s design evolution. It came at a time between traditional EDC knives and modern knives we use today. This historical significance, combined with the 707’s obvious abilities, helps explain why people still want to get hold of them even today.
While modern alternatives might offer superior materials or lighter weight, none quite capture the Sequel’s particular combination of refinement, capability, and professional appearance. This unique position helps explain why, even years after discontinuation, the 707 remains sought after by both users and collectors.