help me pick my first Benchmade!

El Bandit0

Gold Member
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Feb 4, 2013
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1,278
Howdy!
Never had a Benchmade before, but really like the AXIS lock and its suitability for Southpaws. Here's specs:
-4''-ish blade, Clip, Drop-Point, or reverse Tanto are acceptable. NO std. Tanto.
- Steel can be M4, 154CM, Aus-8a, I need something that will last, be corrosion resistant (dont mind oiling M4) and be fairly easy to sharpen on non-diamond sharpeners.
-Handle needs to be G10 with SS liners, grippy.
-reversible or 4-pos. clip
-thumbstuds preferred, but blade must be easily opened with a wrist snap- reliably. Lockup needs to be rock solid with no movement.
-Plain edge only- I don't need no stinkin serrations!
- Black blade coating would be great, simply for increased corrosion resistance- I will be in a very humid environment.
Possibilities right now include the Contego, Bedlam, and the Onslaught, but unsure if the Onslaught has a reversible clip, looks like only righties need apply.
Any info would help.
 
Might take a look at the 950 Rift. Should meet most of your requirements. I really like the Contego, but the overall size is a bit large. The Rift just fits my hand perfectly and is smooth as butter to deploy the blade. Good luck picking just one!
 
Of the three I would definitely go with a Contego. M4 steel, 4", reversible, and grippy as hell. Available with a black blade, plain edge. Also has a glass breaker. IMHO, one of the best ever BM designs. If I had the money I'd probably get two of them.
 
I own a Rift, and its an amazing knife. Carries small for such a large blade. Love it.
 
Out of your criteria, I'd say its the 710, 950, and 810 for sure. Each of these will serve you very well.
 
I do not like the Rift's handle. Really leanin towards the Contego for now. I prefer folders from 3.75-5.5 inch blade lenght, just works for me. No one likes the Bedlam or Onslaught? Only thing I have against the Bedlam is that the tip is too upswept for my preference, but a wicked blade regardless. The full-size Onslaught is no longer made as far as I know, but looks really nice.
 
A bit late to the dance, however...

Consider the BM 15020-1, shown below as a green/black Micarta scaled version or, with a -2, it'll come with the same walnut wood grip as the smaller 15030-2 sports below. They are part of Michael Waddell's 'Bone Collector' series - and AXIS lock equipped.

003-3.jpg


The larger one has a 3.36" x .125" blade of D2 (60-62 Rc) & MSRP $155 as shown. Great sleeper of a knife. The wood one is $5 more MSRP. A great way to transition over to Benchmade from Spyderco.... or, in my case, the reverse!

Stainz
 
Well, just got the Contego in the mail today! Really nice blade, impressed with the sharpness of the M4- first knife I can push-cut paper with out of the box!!!!!! Axis lock is a bit gritty, but I believe it will smooth out once broken in and lubed a bit. Thanks to all for the input!
 
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