Benchmade CPM-M4 Contego vs ????

BePrepared

BePrepared

Joined
Aug 26, 2010
Messages
4,441
I ran across one of these at gander an LOVED the way it felt. Is there anything else out there that you'd recommend in the same size and price point as being better for edge retention?

KC has them at $149
 
Nope, or at least that's my opinion. Many people complain about the scales being too rough but I don't find that to be the case at all. I think it's one of the finest production knives made today. The M4 steel is just icing on the cake.

By the way, KW has them for less if you use the discount code at checkout.
 
I think you'll find KnifeWorks has a better price. Last time I checked it was 123.00
 
I was wrong. If you use the code BR549 it comes out to 128.52. Not 123.00. Must use the code.
 
the contego is the way to go there are no 4 inch m-4 folders made in the usa at that price you can find some taiwan made knives at $10 - $20 more than the contego just goes to show you how great a deal the contego is. super smooth opening solid no blade play at all.
 
Last edited:
BePrepared said:
I ran across one of these at gander an LOVED the way it felt. Is there anything else out there that you'd recommend in the same size and price point as being better for edge retention?

KC has them at $149
Click to expand...
Better than M4 for edge retention? Nope. Not until they come out with the Contego/Adamas/Rift in M390... I had a Rift, sold it to get a Contego and am saving to get another Rift (hopefully they'll make a LE model in M390). My wife has the Adamas (yes, my wife. She wanted the Adamas for our anniversary). The only other knife that would come close in edge retention would be the 581 Barrage since it has a M390 blade. It costs more than the Contego, but it can serve dual purpose of being a dress knife.

Accelerator said:
Nope, or at least that's my opinion. Many people complain about the scales being too rough but I don't find that to be the case at all. I think it's one of the finest production knives made today. The M4 steel is just icing on the cake.

By the way, KW has them for less if you use the discount code at checkout.
Click to expand...
some light sanding on the scales will take care of the rough edges if needed. And yes, Knifeworks (now a supporting dealer here!) has the best price on them when using the discount code -- $137 shipped with the discount code.

810bk-1_zpseedb4d82.jpg
 
You can't beat the Contego for a delivered price of about $134. An excellent all-day cutter. I like the handle and it wrist-flicks open like a charm. I like the glass-breaker.
 
RamZar said:
You can't beat the Contego for a delivered price of about $134. An excellent all-day cutter. I like the handle and it wrist-flicks open like a charm. I like the glass-breaker.
Click to expand...
All day cutter is right. I don't consider the M4 steel a novelty, like some folks would on a different thread in here. I don't care to have a dull blade by 7:30 in the morning, so I'm really lovin my Contego. It's an excellent value.
 
okay, i'd love to hear another few opinions.... i'm sitting here staring at the complete transaction page and i'm just not 100% sure... i have already spent 800 on knives this week :-/
 
BePrepared said:
okay, i'd love to hear another few opinions.... i'm sitting here staring at the complete transaction page and i'm just not 100% sure... i have already spent 800 on knives this week :-/
Click to expand...

If you have the money to do it...then do it! :thumbup:
 
well, i ordered it... i got the satin version. Experiencing a bit of buyers remorse, but that will wear off i'm sure
 
The M4 makes up for the atrocious handle ergos. I took a benchgrinder and 150 grit sandpaper to my 810, and now it's great. The blade is heavy enough to just flick out without holding the Axis bar down.

I've never had a steel hold an edge like my 810. I've got an M390 blade, and I feel like the M4 "bites" much harder. M4 also rolls, whereas M390 chips (it takes a lot of force to do either). That being said, I can't get my M4 as freaky sharp as the M390.
 
Cypress, i actually like the ergos. The handle is a little too spiky, but i can fix that easily
 
I ground a lot of the spikiness out of mine, then rounded the G-10. It's almost a different knife now! I brought it back into my local knife shop so the owner could feel the difference after the modification and he couldn't believe how drastic the change was.

It's mainly the first "nubs" on the exposed liner jimping. Once I took those down, the handle became much less edgy. After that, rounding the G-10 took 2 minutes. I did a review of the 810 and posted it in the review section recently. It'll tell you what NOT to do with yours when you get it.
 
I think i'm one of those weirdos who this knife was designed for. My hands are big enough to need the larger handle, but my fingers are small enough for the grip to be perfectly comfortable
 
^^^Me too. The large front choil/cutout holds my fingers perfectly while my ring and pinky fingers rest comfortably in the slightly relieved area behind it. The factory jimping is fine without being too aggressive and the G10 gives very good traction. I experience no hotspots when using this knife and have never considered any area of it to be too rough. I think it's excellent just the way it is.

One other thing. I've heard people complain about the deep carry clip for a number of reasons. I love the clip. With the grippiness of the G10, it is very easy to remove the knife from my pocket. As I reach into my pocket, my thumb grabs the G10 while my index finger rests in the curvature of the clip. A little tug and the knife slides right out. Furthermore, I EDC the 810 regularly, so I really like how the deep carry clip keeps it so concealed. I like knowing that I have a monster 4" M4 blade in my pocket while to anyone else, it might as well be a mini-grip.

I'm crazy about the 810. I have no complaints and as I mentioned before, the M4 steel is amazing. The 810 Contego - It's Long & Strong!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top