Benchmade 810 Replacement

argyle1812

argyle1812

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I am a new member to the forum and thought I would post a quick question. I recently purchased a Benchmade 810 from Knifeworks and while I love the knife I find the handles totally uncomfortable. I am looking for something to replace it with that is close to the same size. I am not picky about any particular brand but I do not like liner locks. Any recommendations?




BTW here is a link to the knife I purchased for reference.
http://www.knifeworks.com/benchmade...dlem390steelknifeworksexclusivepre-order.aspx
 
Cold Steel Voyager is similar in size and comfortable. BD-1 is much softer than m390 though if that matters to you.

Benchmade 710 is another good choice. Just got one a couple days ago, and I'm very happy with mine.
 
Cold Steel Recon 1
Benchmade 860 Bedlam (I've never handled this one, but it's about the same size as the Contego.)
Benchmade 757 (liner lock, but it's heavy duty)

I'll also throw in another vote for the 710, same length blade in a much slimmer package.
 
M390 Ritter Grip from Knifeworks if you want a quality blade with the axis lock and cutting performance. If you are looking for a more tactical blade to stand up to harsher tasks I would go with ZT 0550, 0560, or try a 0909. The ZT's have a frame lock similar to the liner lock so they may be out of the question. If I were to replace my 810 with something similar in function I've always wanted to try the Triage. There are lots of options out there. If you are set on one specific lock style or have a preference for blade steel, that could help with suggestions greatly.
 
Thank you all for the replies. All the knives everyone suggested look nice buy they are all a bit smaller than the 810. I dont mind going up alittle bit in size but I do not want to go smaller. I do not have a preference as to one specific lock style, although most of my other folders in that size are from Benchmade or Cold Steel so I am more familiar with their locks. As far as steel goes something similar in quality to say S30 or better is fine.
 
Do you find the texture of the handles or the handle itself uncomfortable? If you like the knife, just dislike the scales, there are many skilled craftsmen here that will make you some. Check out ShepardCC, Keyman, Sketchen and Boomer52, to name a few. Just a thought.
 
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blades&wrenches said:
Do you find the texture of the handles or the handle itself uncomfortable? If you like the knife, just dislike the scales, there are many skilled craftsmen here that will make you some. Check out ShepardCC, Keyman, Sketchen and Boomer52, to name a few. Just a thought.
Click to expand...
This is a great suggestion and may solve your issue ;)
(Thank you blades&wrenches)
However, BM's Crooked River maybe exactly what you are looking for.
The Crooked River is almost exactly the same sized knife as the Contego, but with a much friendlier handle configuration.
Check it out.
 
A couple other ways to make the Contego handle more to your liking:
If it's the scale itself that is too aggressive, many here have taken their scales off and used 320 sandpaper to round the edges and sharp points.
If it's the jimping on the liner that you're not liking, then as blades&wrenches said custom scales are in order.
Many, many times I have made a set of custom scales for the Contego that are made in such a way that they make these jimped area's on the handle totally unnoticeable.
Other's have taken the liners off and ground/sanded the jimping completely off.
 
Rev suggested the 710. I can second that. And you can get the knifeworks version with the same color scales as your 810 :thumbup:
 
Thank you all for the great responses. I went ahead and ordered a OD Green CS Recon 1 from Bladehq since it was on sale.
 
I've seen a few 810's with reshaped handles altogether removing the center "hump" in the middle of the handle.

Smoothed a bit in this pic:

maxresdefault.jpg



I'm tempted to do it to mine after I did the blade mod... Mine right now:

25484496800_6ae9bb1247_o.jpg
 
Like many others, I also had issues with the 810 handles. I clamped the knife down to a table and took my dremel with a sanding bit to the sharp edges at 45 degrees. I wouldn't call myself handy yet it only took 10 min. I would recommend keeping a vacuum under the sanding bit and a mask so that you don't inhale G-10 powder. The small mod made all of the difference in the world for me.
 
OP - I have exactly the same knife so I think I know what you are talking about. Try to put your index finger and middle finger in the bigger/deeper groove and the other two fingers in the shallow groove. I can see how people with big hands (with thick fingers) would find it uncomfortable. Contributing to the uncomfy handle are the aggressive jimpings in these two grooves. Wearing gloves while using the knife may help.

Now for replacement, how about Spyderco Military (excellent ergo) or ZT 0560/1? They are about the same size (length and width). Or how about ZT 0452cf (same length but much slimmer, comparable to BM710)?

Edit: just realize you don't like liner lock. So the plain Jane millie should not be recommended. Well, you can still consider a millie with frame lock (would be ti millie).
 
I know you bought the cold steel, but you should REALLY check out the KW 710 and the Crooked River!!
Excellent steel on both with an awesome lock!!
Joe
 
Another vote for the 710 or new Crooked River...that is a beauty of a big folder!
 
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