Contego vs. Adamas

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.Keens

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Sep 4, 2011
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I am looking to purchase a new EDC folder in the next couple of days. I have looked around at some reviews and am trying to decide between these two benchmades. I have handled a contego, but have not handled the adamas.

Just looking for some opinions on which knife you would buy first, with explanations. Looking for things like:

-Your experience with CPM-M4 vs. D2
-The Adamas' "stronger" axis lock vs. the contego axis
-Cerakote Blade coating on the contego vs. BK 1 on the adamas
-Anything else you deem important

If I can't decide, I will probably just purchase both, but that's beside the point. Thanks in advance
 
Well I'll just say this. Cpm-m4 is a much better steel than d2, except it is less rust resistant. The blade coatings are about the same from what I've heard. The adamas is definitely stronger, but I doubt you'll have a problem with the contego as it is still hefty. The contego is much more comfortable to carry for me, it is thinner and lighter. Hope this helps.
 
.Keens said:
I am looking to purchase a new EDC folder in the next couple of days. I have looked around at some reviews and am trying to decide between these two benchmades. I have handled a contego, but have not handled the adamas.

Just looking for some opinions on which knife you would buy first, with explanations. Looking for things like:

-Your experience with CPM-M4 vs. D2
-The Adamas' "stronger" axis lock vs. the contego axis
-Cerakote Blade coating on the contego vs. BK 1 on the adamas
-Anything else you deem important

If I can't decide, I will probably just purchase both, but that's beside the point. Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

-CPM-M4 is finer grained than D2, which I like a lot. Edge holding, both are more than adequate enough, so it is a personal choice
-Adamas does have a beefier lock, but the axis lock is plenty strong already
-I believe both are cerakote aren't they?

Between the two, I thought I would like the Contego better, but in the end of the day, the ergos on the Adamas are better. Keep in mind it is much thicker and the Contego is more carry-able
 
Anything from cardboard, burlap, clam shell packaging, nylon rope, manila rope, plastic shipping wrap, paracord, nylon screen, zip ties (rarely because it's dangerous) etc. I am looking for something a little larger to add to my my current EDC rotation
 
I don't think the coating are the same. I am pretty sure the Adamas is Bk1 and the contego is a black or "clear" cerakote. Don't hold me to that though
 
.Keens said:
Anything from cardboard, burlap, clam shell packaging, nylon rope, manila rope, plastic shipping wrap, paracord, nylon screen, zip ties (rarely because it's dangerous) etc. I am looking for something a little larger to add to my my current EDC rotation
Click to expand...

Then I would recommend the adamas. It is very strong, and d2 steel likes a toothy edge, which is great for all the tasks you mentioned. Plus, you said you wanted something bigger, the adamas is a monster for having under a 4 in blade.
 
I agree pretty much agree with what 'res1cue' had to say especially on the ergos. The Adamas is much more friendly in the hand, it seems the Contego is made for gloves as it's definitely sharp around the edges. If you'll be using your knife for a lot of hard work the Contego might be a bit rough on your hands, while the Adamas has all rounded edges and is quite comfortable with bare hands. I wanted to like the Contego it's cool looking and the M4 steel is intriguing, but in the end it wasn't comfortable in the hand YMMV. I still have and love the Adamas...
 
.Keens said:
I am looking to purchase a new EDC folder in the next couple of days. I have looked around at some reviews and am trying to decide between these two benchmades. I have handled a contego, but have not handled the adamas.

Just looking for some opinions on which knife you would buy first, with explanations. Looking for things like:

-Your experience with CPM-M4 vs. D2
-The Adamas' "stronger" axis lock vs. the contego axis
-Cerakote Blade coating on the contego vs. BK 1 on the adamas
-Anything else you deem important

If I can't decide, I will probably just purchase both, but that's beside the point. Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

I own both blades and they are completely different animals IMO.

The Adamas is noticeably beafier and sturdier than the Contego. It weighs quite a bit more as well. If you want a "hard use" folder, I would suggest the Adamas. Then again, if you are looking for a hard use blade, go with a fixed blade. With that said, I do feel the axis lock (which has been made 30% larger on the Adamas) can with stand some batoning, although I wouldn't advise it on any folder.

The Contego is slimmer and lighter and thus will make a better EDC blade than the Adamas IMO. The CPM-M4 is a bit better than the D2, but it is more prone to corrosion (but they are cerokoted so it's all good).

Handle comfort, no comparison, Adamas wins BY A LAND SLIDE! This is partly because the handle is thicker and rounder and is extremely comfortable in the hand, but also because the Contego has really aggressive edges on the handle that will create hot spots unless you file down the corners.

My overall judgement is this:

If you don't mind EDCing heavier/bulkier blades, then I'd go with the Adamas. D2 steel is a inferior to CPM-M4, but not by much, and the Adamas' thicker stock makes up for it. You also get a pouch with the Adamas (poor quality in stitching IMO) so you can also use it on your belt if you don't like carrying a bulky folder in your pocket.

If you want a more EDC friendly folder that is still up to the challenge when it comes to self defense, then go with Contego. I enjoy both blades, and I ended up EDCing the Contego a lot more, but that's because I don't enjoy lugging around heavy and bulky blades.

I will say this though, the Adamas is the sturdiest folder I've ever owned, and I own a ZT 0301. You just can't beat the Axis lock in the Adamas, it's definitely stronger than the titanium frame lock of the 0301.
 
I think I may be one of the few who think the Contego is just plain ugly. However I just picked up an Adamas, albeit the 2750 model. Put simply the knife is a monster. There are few things I don't think it could tackle. I'm not new to beefie knives by any means but the Adamas is a true pocket tank.

Also D2 is one of my preferred steels. I love the edge retention.
 
Bigfatts said:
I think I may be one of the few who think the Contego is just plain ugly. However I just picked up an Adamas, albeit the 2750 model. Put simply the knife is a monster. There are few things I don't think it could tackle. I'm not new to beefie knives by any means but the Adamas is a true pocket tank.

Also D2 is one of my preferred steels. I love the edge retention.
Click to expand...

How do you like the auto? How fast does it fire compared to other autos you have handled?
 
Bigfatts said:
I think I may be one of the few who think the Contego is just plain ugly. However I just picked up an Adamas, albeit the 2750 model. Put simply the knife is a monster. There are few things I don't think it could tackle. I'm not new to beefie knives by any means but the Adamas is a true pocket tank.

Also D2 is one of my preferred steels. I love the edge retention.
Click to expand...

your not the only one. when i look at the contego all i think is huh? really ugly knife to me, but then again i haven't used it so maybe what it lacks in good looks it makes up in performance and ergos?


to the op....i really like d2 steel. while it's not cpm-m4, it's a really great steel for a pocket knife, imho. granted i'm no steel testing expert, but i do know it just plain works and works well. ymmv.

i'd go adamas all the way, but that's me and you are you.
 
Ive had both and ended up selling the adamas.

It's a great knife for the money but I like the contego a bit for. I think it feels better in hand, and the steel is also a bit better. You'll be happy either way!
 
I couldn't be more satisfied with the 275 as a tough folder.

It feels amazing in hand and it's pretty tough.
 
Consider that the 810 Contego can be downright painful on the hand. Its covered with sharp edges. I began push cutting some saplings with the 810 when I got mine, and very quickly it hurt. Now, I did smooth out the G10 real easily with some sand paper, and that really helped. But just be aware that it has sharp edges on the "shoulders" of the G10, and those ridges in the G10 are pretty tough on the hand too. Not a big deal, and I like my 810 a lot, but its just something to be aware of.

Btw, mine is headed back to Benchmade to replace the glass breaker that chipped off (with no use).

20120531_143241-1-1.jpg
 
I have both and really like both, I'd go with the buy both option, however If I had to choose one it would be the 810 Contego. The +/-'s of each are...

810 Contego:
CPM-M4 (better edge holding, and tougher steel than D2)
Higher Grind/better slicer and cutting ability
Handle isn't as thick so carries more comfortably in pocket
I actually like the grippiness of the G10 and don't find it painful at all
Deep pocket carry clip
The coating on the Contego is a little rougher and seems a bit more durable

275 Adamas
Stronger lock (though the regular isn't weak in anyway)
Stronger/thicker blade
Smoother handle, a little more comfortable in hand
D2 is a little more stain resistant

IMG_2392.jpg
 
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