Benchmade Barrage vs Contego (first knife)

Im familiar with both knives. I prefer my barrage over the contego. Now that being said i don't like either of them as an EDC.

I strongly recommend looking into the BM 710 or 940 for an EDC knife over the barrage or contego. Better feel and sizing in my opinion.

SR knives has a huge selection. Handle different ones and ask them questions. Its all about what feels comfortable in your hand not just what looks "badass". You just might walk out of there with something totally different.
 
I'll totally handle several and see what feels right.

With a wallet, iPhone, keys, pack of gum and chapstick, having something light and comfortable will be important too. Unless I just throw it in my bag! In that car all bets are off!
 
ben_allison said:
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!
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Some may call me heretical, but Microtechs are unreasonably priced and receive excessive praise per the tacticool wave. The Benchmade models you are considering use equivalent steel (if not better, especially the CPM-M4), stronger locks, and are just as ergonomic at approximately half the price. Not to mention Microtech's warranty service, considering the price paid, fails to compete with services of other reputable manufacturers [compare their warranty with Benchmade or Strider for instance; both of whom will replace blades, usually cover 'abuse' repairs, do not require law enforcement ID to be sent in with automatics, no mandatory registration, $5 fee (BM) vs. $15 fee (Microtech].

Honestly OP, if this is your first 'real' knife, I'd stick to something in the $100-$175ish price range, so you can get a feel for features you like. Picking a model that appears to be a "middle ground" in features is also a good idea.
 
I really wanted to love the contego, the specs and design looks awesome. When I actually got to hold it though the handle shape just didn't feel right in my hand. I think if ever end up getting the contego, I would want custom scales that gives it better ergonomics. On the other hand the barrage just has a simple handle design that's pretty comfortable.

If you can I would definitely suggest trying to see the knives in person before purchasing.
 
Fair point! I was only flirting with the idea because I can't see how the Microtech is twice the knife (given that it's twice the price), especially considering the reputation the Axis lock had.

The 950 looks really nice. I like that it's a G10 handle, for a little less than the Contego.

S&R has all these models which is great! I'll be able to compare.
 
I have a 950 and an 810. For me personally I did have a tougher time getting the 810 as sharp as my 950, although I was eventually able to get the 810 sharp enough for my liking. As far as the steel types, I HAVE had some issues with minor rust on my 810 but I do travel a lot so its not always the easiest for me to keep the knife as clean and dry as I'd like. With that being said it was never a big issue getting the rust off, although it still has some noticeable rust around the benchmade butterfly on the knife. To me this doesn't affect the knife's performance more just my lack of maintenance :( All in all my 810 seems to end up in my pocket the most and even though its a big large for an EDC, it does have the deeper pocket clip and its easy to let the knife disappear in your pocket! Either way your looking at a benchmade and you will not be let down by the quality of the knife and most likely become addicted just like I did! Good luck on your purchase!
 
I'll second (or third) the call to consider the 940 or 710. The 940 is the sweet spot carry knife for me. Here's a pic of my Benchmades (top-down: 710, Adamas, Ares, 940, Griptilian):

8421400376_0c88807589_z.jpg


Hope that helps -but this thread needed more pics anyway ;)
 
Here's a fourth recommendation for the 950 Rift. Blade shape is similar to the Contego but slightly smaller and thinner. The handle is a lot more friendly to use without gloves than the Contego as well. I have a 580 Barrage and it's a decent knife but I think both the Rift and Contego are in a higher class.
 
I've never tried a Barrage, but I have one of these on the way -

580-1102 LE

barrage_le_3.jpg


G10 scales and m390 steel, but they only made 50.

I also highly recommend the rift. Amazing knife!
 
ben_allison said:
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!
Click to expand...

Get the Socom Delta! I have the Socom Elite and it is awesome. It slices like none other and holds an edge better than most other knives, It is also better to edc than my Contego.
 
ben_allison said:
I'm open to other models
Click to expand...

now that will be a problem because everything they make is worthy of consideration.

pick your blade length- 3", 3.5" or beyond
pick your lock type- axis lock, liner lock, frame lock
pick your scale type- g10 or molded plastic
pick assisted or manual

this will help narrow things down, but if you like the contego then you might also like the 940 and 950
 
The Contego and 950 are the front runners now...

People seem to really prefer the G10, and I trust that. I'm no fan of cheap plastic.
 
The regular 940 looks nice, and being aluminum is super light:

940.jpg


But this 470 is aluminum too, and looks pretty slick:

470-1.jpg
 
I like my 942 and 470, both great knives. Just a heads up, the assist on the 470 has a strong kick.
 
I'm with you man. I can't decide which Benchmade(s) I want next. I'm leaning toward the 940, but the 530 has me very intrigued. I got to play with one and it's the lightest (1.9oz!) "normal" sized knife I've ever held. It's amazing. If you can't handle one find something that weighs 2ozs then look at the knifes dimensions.
 
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The 530 is an amazing light weight knife, but it's a hit or miss for some people. Regular production models have a plastic handle some some people find it feels "cheap" and there's flex. I enjoy the knife but that's my main problem with it; even then it's not really a big deal for me. Last month I had the chance to handle a limited run 530-1301 damacus blade with a black/green g10 handle. The g10 solved my gripe with the flex in the original plastic handle leaving me wishing it was mine, but I just couldn't justify spending that much on it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0e-m0WaWr0
 
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