Benchmade 760 LFTi or 810 Contego?

jblack16

jblack16

Joined
Jan 29, 2011
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I've done some searching for both of these knives on BF and came up with some information. Didn't see anything directly comparing these two knives and I'm definitely set on getting one or the other - which one would you recommend and why?

Here are some specific things that I've been looking at - any help on these is appreciated:

  • I like the Axis lock but am new to Ti framelocks - is there anything I should be concerned about with the framelock vs the Axis?
  • I've read a little about there being some issues with the 760 lockup - true or not?
  • Is there any discernible difference in hardness of the CPM-M4 steel between the two? Which one has better edge retention?
  • I also read that the 760 blade profile is pretty thick and it doesn't make a particularly good slicer without reprofiling - how does the 810 blade profile compare in this regard?

Thanks for the help.
 
I don't have an LFTI but I do have a Contego.

The axis is a very strong lock, but the framelock is also unlikely to fail under normal use.

The M4 steel on both is hardened to the same specs. Blade thickness is very close on both knives.

The edge on the Contego is not in need of reprofiling. I doubt the edge of the LFTI would really need it either.

I love my Contego, it is a very strong quick knife. I would've for it over the LFTI.
 
wildmike said:
I don't have an LFTI but I do have a Contego.

The axis is a very strong lock, but the framelock is also unlikely to fail under normal use.

The M4 steel on both is hardened to the same specs. Blade thickness is very close on both knives.

The edge on the Contego is not in need of reprofiling. I doubt the edge of the LFTI would really need it either.

I love my Contego, it is a very strong quick knife. I would've for it over the LFTI.
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Thanks, wildmike - the reason I asked about the hardness was that the specs from Benchmade's site show the 810 to be 62-64 while the 760 is 60-62. I just wondered if this translated to significantly better edge retention for the 810 and if anyone had experience with that.
 
wildmike said:
The M4 steel on both is hardened to the same specs. Blade thickness is very close on both knives.
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AFAIK this is not true. Benchmade only recently updated their CPM-M4 heat treat to the 62..64 HRC on the Benchmade Forum knife and the contego. The older models were produced at 60..62 HRC and even if they updated their heat treat, i wouldn't buy one of them now from a dealer - he might have only knives with the old heat treat.
The difference in edge retention should be significant and I do think that my contego holds its razor edge longer than my 710-801. IIRC there are 2 optimums for heat treating CPM-M4. One reaching the lower hardness and being easier to control and the other achieving the higher hardness with more difficulties - and I guess Benchmade got the heat treating to the higher hardness under control.
 
s_f said:
AFAIK this is not true. Benchmade only recently updated their CPM-M4 heat treat to the 62..64 HRC on the Benchmade Forum knife and the contego. The older models were produced at 60..62 HRC and even if they updated their heat treat, i wouldn't buy one of them now from a dealer - he might have only knives with the old heat treat.
The difference in edge retention should be significant and I do think that my contego holds its razor edge longer than my 710-801. IIRC there are 2 optimums for heat treating CPM-M4. One reaching the lower hardness and being easier to control and the other achieving the higher hardness with more difficulties - and I guess Benchmade got the heat treating to the higher hardness under control.
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I have heard the same thing about the updated heat treat, seems to be the gospel on the BM forums, if that helps any.
 
I have an LFTi that AFAIK is a more recent (blue box vs early releases came in black boxes) production and it's pretty damn good out of the box. It did not require reprofiling the edge and it cuts very well. The blade thickness is right about 4mm, there is nothing weak about this knife, I love it. I have been edc'ing it since March of this year, cut a 10'x12' piece of heavy carpeting up for trash pick up most recently and the coating is really starting to take a beating. Probably not as durable as the cerakoted Contego. I like that model and I am a fan of the Rift as well. I can't say what the hardness is but I do know the edge hasn't chipped on me yet and it seems fairly easy to repair and dings/rolls I have gotten. I love it.
IMG-20120814-00065.jpg
 
crom said:
I have an LFTi that AFAIK is a more recent (blue box vs early releases came in black boxes) production and it's pretty damn good out of the box. It did not require reprofiling the edge and it cuts very well. The blade thickness is right about 4mm, there is nothing weak about this knife, I love it. I have been edc'ing it since March of this year, cut a 10'x12' piece of heavy carpeting up for trash pick up most recently and the coating is really starting to take a beating. Probably not as durable as the cerakoted Contego. I like that model and I am a fan of the Rift as well. I can't say what the hardness is but I do know the edge hasn't chipped on me yet and it seems fairly easy to repair and dings/rolls I have gotten. I love it.
View attachment 295470
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crom, how's the lockup on your LFTi?
 
Rock friggin solid! NO side to side or vertical wiggle, none! I'm picky about that crap and wouldn't tolerate it in such an expensive knife.
edit: haha, my last name is Lynch
 
Both knives have their issues, but offer a lot at the same time. The Contego's scales are way too rough and the ergo's aren't great, and the LFTI has a really shallow and wide thumbstud (the detent is also pretty light, IIRC). The Axis lock will be stronger, but a Ti framelock should be plenty strong for normal use. Mostly it just comes down to preference; what you're willing to allow and what you aren't.
 
Contego's scales aren't rough to me at all. Grippy yes, but nowhere near as rough as some reviewers have made noise about.

Great ergo's as well, plus a very smooth action and absolutely rock solid lockup.

For the quality of the knife, plus an M4 blade it's a great deal.
 
I have both and I love the 760 because of the Titanium and slim profile in the pocket, I am loving the 810 because of the Axis lock and the handle ergos. But, I know not everyone can afford to buy these caliber knives on a whim like some of us. My recommendation for the best bang for your 200+ dollars is the 810.
 
I would get the LFTI if i were you. It is discontinued so it will be harder to get later if you wait, and the contego is pretty new so it will be around a while. I handled an LFTI at a knife shop not long ago, it's really nice but it has a poor detent, that may be bad for most people, but you can fling the blade out with your wrist which is a cool way to open it, in a way....lol.
 
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