Benchmade Barrage vs Contego (first knife)

B

ben_allison

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Jan 27, 2013
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The hunt started because I started watching 24 on Netflix, and in one episode Jack Bauer mentions a "Microtech Halo." Well, curiosity got the better of me, and 30 mins later I'd convinced myself I need a knife! I want a good knife for EDC.

This will be my first "real" knife.

Overwhelmingly, I love the aesthetics of the Benchmade knives, and from what I can tell, for the money, Benchmade is a solid brand. Also, I keep reading great things about their Axis lock. I seem to be drawn to tanto blades, and think having it partially serrated will make it more versatile.

All that said, I think I've narrowed my search down to two models: the Barrage 583, and the Contego 810.

Any advantage of one over the other? I'm torn. I love the more sleek and minimalist look of the Barrage, but the Contego just looks badass. I assume both perform similarly?

The Barrage is 154CM (hardness of 58-61) and the Contego is CPM-M4 (hardness of 62-64). Being a noob, that means almost nothing to me. From what I can tell, both are reliable steels that can hold an edge.

Price difference from S&R Knives here in Canada is only $40, which is more or less a non-issue.
 
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There are several differences-
The blade shapes are different, you have to decide if one works better for you
I think the Contego is bigger and heavier, is this a problem for you
The Contego has better blade steel. It will hold an edge longer but will be harder to sharpen.
And last IIRC the Contego is bigger and heavier.
 
bdmicarta said:
There are several differences-
The blade shapes are different, you have to decide if one works better for you
I think the Contego is bigger and heavier, is this a problem for you
The Contego has better blade steel. It will hold an edge longer but will be harder to sharpen.
And last IIRC the Contego is bigger and heavier.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply!

I think a bit smaller and lighter would be better for EDC.

I'm unsure on the steel type. I'm not cutting rope or boxes every day, so I'm unsure how a given steel will hold an edge, for me, based on my usage.

Also, I've never sharpened a knife before (I plan on getting the Sharpmaker or a stone and learning though) so perhaps a knife that's harder to sharpen would be a bad move...
 
For me, the Contego is one of my favorite knives, and probably my current favorite benchmade model. M4, will hold an edge noticeably longer, and is stronger, its not as rust resistant (although I live in rainy Oregon and have never had a problem with it rusting). I don't have the 583 but have handled it. I much prefer the handle material of the Contego (G10) to the plasticy feeling Valox/FRN of the 583. The Contego is heavier, but not ridiculously heavy, I don't really notice it clipped in pocket at all. Overally the Contego just feels/looks more quality.

IMG_2431.jpg
 
i say barrage. 154cm is a very good steel. the barrage should be an excellent knife for edc, but that depends on the individual. that steel/size and weight work well for me, but you want one to be comfortable to you. have you handled both of these by chance? i personally like partially serrated knives, while most here don't seem to care for them, but that's because people have different uses... i'm more likely to cut someone out of a seat belt, but someone else may be more concerned with slicing, and having better leverage towards the base of the blade. you won't be underknifed with a barrage, it's a step above the almighty griptilian. one of my reasons for suggesting the barrage over contego is the fact that i use my knives a lot, so i sharpen a lot and i don't like sharpening anything worse than s30v, and 154cm isn't that bad.
 
ben_allison said:
The hunt started because I started watching 24 on Netflix, and in one episode Jack Bauer mentions a "Microtech Halo." Well, curiosity got the better of me, and 30 mins later I'd convinced myself I need a knife! I want a good knife for EDC.

This will be my first "real" knife.

Overwhelmingly, I love the aesthetics of the Benchmade knives, and from what I can tell, for the money, Benchmade is a solid brand. Also, I keep reading great things about their Axis lock. I seem to be drawn to tanto blades, and think having it partially serrated will make it more versatile.

All that said, I think I've narrowed my search down to two models: the Barrage 583, and the Contego 810.

Any advantage of one over the other? I'm torn. I love the more sleek and minimalist look of the Barrage, but the Contego just looks badass. I assume both perform similarly?

The Barrage is 154CM (hardness of 58-61) and the Contego is CPM-M4 (hardness of 62-64). Being a noob, that means almost nothing to me. From what I can tell, both are reliable steels that can hold an edge.

Price difference from S&R Knives here in Canada is only $40, which is more or less a non-issue.
Click to expand...

I have the nicer version of the Barrage and it is a nice knife however in your situation I would go with the Contego for two reasons. The first reason is that the handle material is G10 instead of a plastic and the rugged quality feel of G10 is not only functional but will be enjoyable to you every time you hold it. The second reason is that the Contego is NOT assisted. My Barrage opens powerfully but the assist causes me to always carry it with the safety on which increases the time it takes me to open the knife and when I am just sitting around playing with my knives I prefer the feel and response of a non-assisted knife. These are just my opinions and as you buy and experience knives you will find out what features are liked and important to you.
 
I will definitely try and feel both before making a decision.

Also, I don't anticipate heavy usage... though who knows, maybe once I have a knife I'll want to slice and dice everything!
 
GMAHN said:
The second reason is that the Contego is NOT assisted.
Click to expand...

That's one thing I was wondering about... the assist.

Automatic, centrifugal, or gravity-assisted knives are illegal in Canada, but apparently the Barrage with assist is legal. What does its assist entail?

Also, if this is my first, good knife, I'm all for getting one that has a "more expensive" better feeling handle material.
 
Neither of them are hard to sharpen, M4 is very easy to sharpen because it takes a really nice toothy or refined edge and will hold an edge three times as long as 154cm. I love the Contego and it's not so bad for everyday use. I think there is an M4 Barrage but I have never owned or handled one, It will probably be the better choice because it looks like an overall better carry knife. Also don't leave out the 710 it is kind of between the two. Also don't let the Contego's size deceive you, it is one of the best slicers around.
 
GMAHN said:
The second reason is that the Contego is NOT assisted. My Barrage opens powerfully but the assist causes me to always carry it with the safety on which increases the time it takes me to open the knife and when I am just sitting around playing with my knives I prefer the feel and response of a non-assisted knife.
Click to expand...
i actually thought about mentioning this as a ding against the barrage for a lot of people. i don't count it against them for myself, as i've never had an issue, but to some it is.
 
If you want a Barrage with updated materials - Better steel and handle materials - get the 581. It's seen in the picture above, second from the left.

Out of the two I'd probably get the Contego. I prefer a manual knife, though I like the size of the Barrage better.

I would also suggest just getting a plain edge knife. Half serrations don't really make a blade versatile. In my opinion it gives you not enough of either to actually be useful. And a Plain Edge can do anything serrations can just as well.

As for your concern about the assisted knife opening on its own and cutting something, it's not very likely it will happen. A good assisted knife has enough detent to stay closed and most likely will not misfire.

However I prefer a nice manual knife for EDC. I'm not sure why, it's just a personal preference. I can open all of my manual knives(11 out of 12 are manual) just as fast or faster than my assisted knife(and all of the other assisted knives I've owned).

Either knife will be great. =] But if you want a Barrage, take a serious look at the 581.
 
I have the Contego....it weighs practically nothing. The steel takes and holds an exceptional edge, and it is very easy to sharpen.

Since getting it several months ago it has not left my pocket. It is a great edc blade.
 
ben_allison said:
I think I'm sold on the Contego!
Click to expand...

The Contego is an outstanding knife, especially considering BM's higher heat treat on the CPM-M4. However, I consider it a bit too large for EDC and do not use it for extensive cutting tasks due to the excessive jimping and rough ergonomics. Honestly, it's not that great of a slicer due to its width and although the handle provides outstanding grip, the jimping leads to major hot spots after prolonged use. I've never used a barrage due to its assisted opening mechanism (not a fan of assisted opening knives; the axis lock is just as fast as an assisted opening knife anyhow).

OP, I would STRONGLY suggest considering a few other models that are better slicers and EDC options:

1. Benchmade 710 (probably the most balanced and versatile BM model);

2. Benchmade 940 (best EDC model);

3. Benchmade 950 (a strong compromise between the 940 and 810; same blade shape as both, but lighter, thinner, and more comfortable for extended use than 810 while larger and more beefy than the 940).
 
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I'm open to other models!

Thanks for the recommendations.

I'm also still considering the Microtech Socom Delta. Pricy but it seems pretty perfect!
 
I'll add a third recommendation for the Benchmade 950 Rift. I received one for Christmas and it hasn't left my pocket since; definitely my favourite EDC to date.

IMG_2076.jpg
 
If I recall, the Barrage has a lock. Check on this, but if so, it means you have an extra step before you can actually use the knife.

The assist on the Barrage is one of the most solid around. The blade opens with an overwhelmingly resounding thud. Very powerful noise and feel.

After using it for awhile, I decided I didn't like assisted knives at all. I like the tactical feel of opening my own knife, albeit with a thumb stud, hole or disc.

Felling the knives for yourself will be very important. Every knife has a different anatomy, a different feel. Some of the most popular knives here just didn't feel right to me.

Size of the handle alse really matters. E.g., I have very small hands and anything beyond 4 1/4" is too big for me, preferably 4". The only way you can really find out is by trying.

Good luck and have fun. Welcome to the tribe; this is a great place to be.
 
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