Benchmade Barrage vs Contego (first knife)

Good to know. I didn't notice any flex, but then I only held it for a minute. The only downside I saw was that I had trouble flicking it open like my rift, although that may be something that comes with practice. I did like how thin it was and how thin the axis was. Just so different.

Op I hope you don't mind my comments, I'm not trying to take over your thread. :o
 
I know it wasnt on the original list, but I recently got a Benchmade 707 Sequel, and it is just about perfect for EDC for me. It's nothing super fancy, but it's slim and compact, well built, has good materials, and for my money it has the most useful blade shape of all of my Benchmades for everyday tasks. Also, being a little on the smaller side, it's easy to be discreet with it when using it in public. I love the Rift, but whipping it out in the post office feels a little like overkill. The best thing to do is really think about what you plan on doing with the knive. If it just your normal things like cutting open packages, maybe cutting some food, a 3 inch blade is more that enough.
 
FYI, on the BM knives with assist, if they are anything like the auto BM's I've handled they will have a little safety switch on the handle spine. Extra piece of mind if you require such things.
 
michaelm466 said:
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jazub said:
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Really want an Ares...and now the Rift/Contego is back on my radar. Told myself i'd hold off until March. February is gonna be a long month.
 
Have you had a chance to see how both actually feel in hand? The reason I ask is because the ergonomics of the 810 can be a bit goofy. This will obviously vary from person to person but I find that the 810 really hurts my index finger after a short period of time. Otherwise, the 810 is one heck of a knife and is built like a brick s**thouse. I find that the reverse tanto blade on the 810 as well as the glass breaker make it a far more versatile knife. Although the 810 is not an assisted opener, the weight of the blade will cause it to fly out in the blink of an eye. Lastly, are you stuck on the benchmade brand? Take a good look at the Spyderco Manix 2, Paramilitary 2, Military etc.....
 
Bubblinwaters said:
Have you had a chance to see how both actually feel in hand? The reason I ask is because the ergonomics of the 810 can be a bit goofy. This will obviously vary from person to person but I find that the 810 really hurts my index finger after a short period of time. Otherwise, the 810 is one heck of a knife and is built like a brick s**thouse. I find that the reverse tanto blade on the 810 as well as the glass breaker make it a far more versatile knife. Although the 810 is not an assisted opener, the weight of the blade will cause it to fly out in the blink of an eye. Lastly, are you stuck on the benchmade brand? Take a good look at the Spyderco Manix 2, Paramilitary 2, Military etc.....
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This.
 
I had to grind off the jimping, round the corners, and sand the G10 on my Contego before I was comfortable handling the knife. I like it now, but I thought the handle was pretty terrible a couple days after I got it.
 
Played with a few today!

I actually liked the assist on the Barrage! But as others noted, the plastic is less than ideal. The more expensive Barrage with the G10 handle felt WAY better (but isn't a tanto and I don't like the metallic part of the handle).

The 940 was really nice! But the metal piece sandwiched between the aluminum handle pieces had a weird purple coating... Not sure what that was about or if it comes off...

Also played with the Microtech. Seemed nice but not drastically better than the Benchmades, and I HATED the lock. The Axis is way WAY better.

Also, I think Benchmade's "mini" size is better for edc in a pants pocket.

I'm intrigued by the Presidio, as I think it's aluminum and the weight difference is pretty awesome.

Didn't try the Contego but given the size, it might not work for edc for me.

The Rift is still a viable option too.
 
The Purple on the 940 is an anodized titanium back spacer. I assume you could take it apart and rub off the ano, but I actually love the anodized ti, however the purple and green are a little bit of a goofy color combo for me. It's still a great knife, looks nice and feels wonderful. I wouldn't hesitate to get it, goofy colors or not.

The 943 - Is basically the 940 with a different blade shape, black handles and a blue spacer. Another excellent EDC. Same blade steel too.

I prefer the blade shape of the 940 but the 943 is no compromise. It's an excellent knife as well, so if you're interested in the 940 but want different colors I would look into that.

Either one will do you well as a solid EDC.
 
Being a designer, I cannot abide bad color pairings! That rules out the 940.

It's looking more and more like the Rift.
 
Being a designer, I cannot abide bad color pairings! That rules out the 940.

It's looking more and more like the Rift.

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Pretty sweet.
 
As said above, try giving the 943 a look if you like teh 940 design. Since you don't like the anodized purple backspacer on the 940 you could sand off the purple if it's just the color bugging you.

Here you can kind of see how the blue has worn off on some parts
IMG_20130131_215538_zps9989506d.jpg
 
Handling the bar setting EDC Benchmade 940 for a while will make you forget/forgive the purplish bit. My other 10 folders are in rotational use, my 940 lives permanently in my work vest. Love it.

If you do get a Barrage get the 581. Much better in every way.

Myself, I wouldn't recommend a Tanto blade or combo edge for EDC. But that's just my opinion/experience.
 
Just to add the mix.

OP, if you like the Barrage but not the scales, there is a Warn version. It has G10 scales and a D2 Tanto blade.

I have the mini version and love it.

And while the barrage family does have a lock, there isn't an extra step opening it if you don't use it!

I never use the lock. It's impossible for it to open on your pocket if you carry the spine of the blade against the back of your pocket.


http://www.benchmade.com/products/583-1
 
I got my Rift today. It's EXACTLY what I wanted.

I love the handle; the G10 feels great. It's light enough for EDC. Easy to open with one hand. Steel seems good (what do I know I'm a total n00b), and I like that it's reverse tanto, which is more useful than a regular tanto (which I originally wanted).

Now to learn how to sharpen. :) I was going to get a SharpMaker, but I think I'd rather learn how to use a proper stone.
 
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