Considering 810 Contego and 275 Sibert Adamas?

[tatfiend]

Impressions of these two knives by owners please. Both are in the BM "Black" lineup which are claimed to be aimed at police, military, search & rescue and other critical use users. I presume this means that they are two of BM's most rugged folding knives.

I note that the Contego uses a CPM-M4 non stainless high speed steel blade, coated to presumably prevent rust. The Adamas uses a D2 tool steel blade. How hard are these steels to sharpen as heat treated by BM and how well do they hold an edge?

Overall impressions of these two knives would be appreciated including both positives and negatives.

 

[bertosknives]

Cpm-m4 is a very tough steel that holds a better edge than d-2 I really dont care about the edge holding as much as the toughness.I'am really impressed with my contego but I've heard the 275 is more comfortable.

 

[Jastab]

The adamas is a beefier knife being wider. As far as the steels m4 will be the better edge holder. D2 is no wimp by any means tho. Its a tough, durable steel. Some people complain about the sharp milling in the g10 handles of the contego. I personally find them useful and comfortable. I think the contego will give you a better pocket carry than the adamas. But bottom line is they are both rock solid and you can count on either one serving you well. I find sharpening them the same difficulty... easy

 

[fatheadhill]

I'm personally a fan of the Adamas. I've bought two of them, and will be buying a third soon only because once I got the black/tan version I had to have the all black one, and now I'm wanting the cerakoted tan one as well. I almost always carry two knives, but since getting the Adamas' I haven't found anything to take it's place. I did hold a Contego, but the Adamas felt better in hand to me, YMMV. They are both beefy knives though, and I'd probably go with whichever catches your eye or whichever feels better to you if you get the chance to fondle them before buying.

I'd love to see an Adamas with tan, OD, or other colored G10 with a stonewashed blade though!!

 

[Sulaco]

I own both and M4 holds an edge longer. D2 is no slouch though. I like them both with a slight nod going to the 810.

 

[pbcg]

I own both and prefer the Contego but like them both very much. For me I prefer the length and design of the blade on the Contego. However, the Adamas is a stronger knife. The Contego is also a strong well built knife that I can't really imagine not being able to handle whatever you throw at it but side by side the Adamas is beefier and the Axis lock bar and liners are 20% larger / stronger then standard Axis models.

I think they are both on a level that you will be very well equipped with either so it truly comes down to which model you prefer or like best. As far as use either will serve you well.

As far as ease of sharpening I can't speak to the Adamas directly but D2 in general has been more difficult for me to sharpen I think. The CPM-M4 on the Contego is not any harder to sharpen then most perineum steels I have which is to say not too hard at all.

Hope this helps.

Best of luck!

Edit to add: The edge holding performance of the Contego's CPM-M4 is incredible. Don't know what your experience is to date is with various steels but the CPM-M4 is a "cut" above anything else I have. Truly impressive.

My past experience with Benchmades D2 is also very impressive. Prior to trying the CPM-M4 I would have said their D2 holds an edge the longest but in all truth there's not that much greater edge holding then other premium steels like 154CM, S30V, even ATS-34 that steel alone would be a deciding factor in buying a particular knife..But yes, the D2 holds an edge a very long time.

 

[jkarp_53]

I prefer the 810. At a local dealer I handled the 275 and found it too large for my hand. The actual difference in slicing between D2 and M4 is debatable, as Benchmade does their heat treating very well. The rest is a matter of preference.