I want a Rift but -

H

Helderberg

Joined
Dec 8, 2013
Messages
322
I have a Contego and, from what the spec's say, they seem very close. I do not have a Rift currently at either of my local stores so I can not
fondle one. I see the blade steel is different and the scales are also but I was wondering what the general feeling by those of you that own
both is. Are they different enough to justify owning both or are there others to look into to add to my group?
Thanks in advance, Frank.
 
Frank, the 950 Rift fits my hand better than does the 810 Contego. I've owned a couple of them and currently have one of the 2012 Forum models in M4. They're similar, that's true. If you looked at the 940 and then these two you'll see the resemblance. If there's any place you can go to try one out, that's one safe way of seeing if it's right for you.
 
Frank,

I own both and the Rift was one of my favorite knives (Still is) until the Contego came out. My personal preference has always been toward a larger sized blade.

When I first got the Rift I remember thinking the only thing they can do to improve this knife (For me) would be to make one with a larger blade. The Contego filled that bill nicely. That takes nothing away from the Rift though. It's still an awesome knife in it's own right.

The Rift has a lot going for it on many levels that are important to me. It's a tough as nails dependable knife you can count on and I love the utility offered by the reverse tanto blade. I find the ergo's excellent although the handle just isn't large enough to completely fill my hand. But, esthetically I have to say I love the looks of it too!

As far as owning both I think realistically that if you own and are happy with either then that's enough to meet your practical needs. However the "hobbyist / enthusiast" in me say's you must have both!

The Rift is a great knife and I'd still want one even though I own the Contego.. Although they are very similar there's enough of a difference besides just the size to justify having both IMO.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

Paul

 
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I bought a Rift and ended up giving it to my wife because the handle did not fit my hand. It just felt short in my grip. I bought 2 of the Benchmade Forum Rift knives in 2012 to support the forum but as much as I wanted to like the knife, it did not fit my hand. I ended up trading my other two, but my wife still has hers in her purse and really likes it's look and feel. I would try to handle one before buying if I were you.
 
I got my rift as my first fathers day gift last year. It is a great knife for me, the reverse tanto is my favorite blade shape and this one is big! The blade seems a lot wider than the 810, but the handle is much more ergonomic than the 810. I just consider the rift to be the contegos little brother.
 
OBJ Viking said:
I bought a Rift and ended up giving it to my wife because the handle did not fit my hand. It just felt short in my grip. I bought 2 of the Benchmade Forum Rift knives in 2012 to support the forum but as much as I wanted to like the knife, it did not fit my hand. I ended up trading my other two, but my wife still has hers in her purse and really likes it's look and feel. I would try to handle one before buying if I were you.
Click to expand...

Same here. The ergos didn't work for me at all. However, the Contego resolved that and the knife is a very nice piece.
 
The Rift fits my hand as if it were made for it. So it seems as if there are as many who like the grip as those who do not. It lays flat in the pocket with a nice flow through design. The G-10 is grippy and well done. I call the blade a butcher knife. Not for its length but for its width and design. It used to be well priced. Unfortunately it is now overpriced.

It turns heads in public. I also have a 2012 Benchmade forum Rift. It’s special to me for many reasons but mostly for the process of its design and those responsible. Who I won’t soon forget’



950-1201_RIFT_akcZWe.jpg

1_Rift_1201950kx3z0.jpg
 
Thanks people. I appreciate the feedback and will wait until I can handle one.
It is a very good looking knife though and I may just have to have one just because.

 
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For me the Rift has taken it's place as one of Benchmades classics and a must own for Benchmade fans. I have owned both the Rift and the Contego and the Contego for me is just a longer version of the Rift with a little better blade steel. My other dislike for the Contego is the liner jimping and super aggressive G-10.
 
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