Let's discuss the Contego and Rift.... Aaaaaand help me choose

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Krissig12

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Sep 11, 2013
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Hey guys,

Ive been going through my big and bulky folder phase, and I've always kinda wanted a Contego. They look badass, are extremely tough, and I could definitely use some M4 in my diet.

BUT, I'm not sure I could handle that much knife..... I know I would never carry it in public and it would be reserved for home carry and outdoors carry only. I thought about compromising and going with the rift, but I just cant justify the price for a knife with 154cm, especially with BMs new pricing BS. Sure the g-10 on it looks awesome, but I think I would rather just pay a little more and get a Contego. And even if I did get the rift, I just know I would eventually want the Contego anyway. I just wouldn't feel right making the compromise. Any thoughts?
 
Can we not start a thread without mentioning Benchmade's pricing in a negative way?

If you want a big folder with M4 steel the 810 would be the one. Cypress has used his with good results.
 
It sounds like a Contego is what you desire.
I've got the M390 Contego and love it.
I also have a Rift and love that too.
But, my Rift is the BM forum knife Rift with CF scales and M4 steel.
Not your average Rift.
Out of the 2 you mentioned.....I'd go with the Contego.
 
Have the same mindset as you thinking the Contego is the better value and probably is. Don't have a Rift(yet) but have the 810 in M4 and it's a good one.
 
If you want an EDC the Rift is the clear winner. If you want a hard use folder that you use for camping/outdoor work go with the Contego.
 
The Contego is a big knife, and about as capable as a folding knife could possibly be. The Rift is great, but the Contego takes the size and capability up a few notches, and the M4 steel is a really good performer for both edge-holding and toughness.

It's interesting how the 940, 950, and 810 have such strong similarities in blade design, and yet they each have a very distinct role from the others. If you can afford it, I say get a 940, a 950, AND an 810!!!

Chances are whichever you buy you will probably buy at least one more of the above. A lot of guys like the 940 for office and city carry, and the 810 for chores requiring a big, tough, capable folder. Also, the 940 is in S30V, which to me is a pretty big performance upgrade over 154CM.
 
I don't think 154cm is a slouch by any means. Benchmade seems to know that steel inside and out and its exceptional.
 
AWWW, now im even more torn.... I DO want the contego, but im just not sure if I need something that big that costs that much.

Believe me, I understand that BM does good 154cm, but im just saying its a little on the cheaper end for the price you are paying for a rift. I just got a zt 0566 in ELMAX (a better steel than 154cm for sure) for only 114. So why charge 140+ for 154cm?

If i find a rift on sale for like 20 bucks off, I might just grab it, but I think the Contego is probably the better option....... even though it will cost more and be too big for my needs.......Damn im just going in circles :grumpy:

#firstworldproblems :D


Is the Contego really TOO big??? Like how does it compare in hand to the 0566? Cuz thats about as big as ill go for edc..... But then again, I wouldnt be getting it for edc anyway

EDIT: RamZar, that was my first thought, but then I saw the price and the fact that it was PRE ORDER ONLY
 
I own them both and love them both. As others mentioned, the Contego has some size to it. The M4 steel is awesome, and overall it's one of my favorite carry knives. A lot of folks have issues with the aggressiveness of the Contego scales, although I've honestly never had an issue with them. The Cerakote blade is also a nice touch, paired with a glass breaker. I love my Rift too, but have other knives in that general size and style that I prefer (namely PM2, Manix 2). Both, as you know, are in Benchmade's black class, so they're built with a more tactical philosophy than the blue class.
 
Have both. Carried the standard rift for the better half of a year. Great knife, great steel. Been carrying an M4 810 for a month or so and it is deceptively easy to carry.

Both big folders....but in different ways. 950 seems fatter and wider in the pocket as the the 810 seems slim and thin...long, mind you. I started carrying because I couldnt put it down. Took it out one day for "trials", rode way better than I expected. Hasnt left my pocket since...mostly. Im blue collar so, it works for me. I wouldnt edc it to an office gig, jogging or to a wedding....however.

I honestly feel the is one of the most capable folders ever. While Im a big fan of M390...(had a 710 in that steel)...I am perfering the comfort of the higher toughness of the M4. It has become my latest favorite steel, coming of D2. This has kicked a 710 and a 913 out of my pocket, both in D2, for the time being.....you will never regret the 810, in either steel....even if you only carry it on Sunday.
 
RamZar said:
Go straight with Contego 810-1401 exclusively from KnifeWorks with M390 stainless steel and nice blue/black G-10.

http://www.knifeworks.com/benchmade...nifeworksexclusivepre-order.aspx#.U7y7UNq9KSM
Click to expand...

Krissig12 said:
EDIT: RamZar, that was my first thought, but then I saw the price and the fact that it was PRE ORDER ONLY
Click to expand...

Even though it's preorder they do become available often but only this year. Contego 810 doesn't feel that big since it carries thin and narrow as in slim.

If it was before November 2013 I'd say Contego M4 since it used to be a super bargain as brand new.
 
Thanks everyone.

Awesome pics too. The Contego just has that epic look about it. Love the blade shape

I think if I do get anything, it'll be an M4 Contego. Don't wanna wait to spend more (m390 version) and I think the rift would be a bit fat in pocket for my likings. Anyone know where I can a Contego for cheap ?
 
Would definitely opt for the M390 Contego myself... M390 is a great steel and its really not much of a premium over the M4 version. 154CM isn't anywhere near in the same class as those two steels. Get the expensive knife, that way it only hurts once!
 
I have been carrying the 810-1401 everyday since I got it. I don't notice the extra size or weight.
But I don't live in an urban environment.
So, get the contego...and when they do a rift exclusive, you get the rift then.
Well, I guess I'm hoping they do the rift next or eventually.
The rift blade is almost the same size anyway.
The m390 version is not that much more than the m4 version.

I like that review powernoodle!
 
Last edited:
Thanks powernoodle, shoulda done a search first.....:o

And thanks to those who suggest the m390 version, but I think I might actually WANT M4. I already have m390 in my collection, but no M4 yet. It would also fill the roll of "large tactical folder" that is currently pretty neglected in my collection
 
I would say get 810, if you have M4 craving. But I would also recommend getting Rift. We can all cross our fingers that KW would release 950-1401 or 950 1501, but it is pure speculation at this time.

I don't know how big is your hand, but unless yours are small, Rift is just right. One issue I have with 810, not 810-1401 is that G10 is very aggressive and jimping can be creating hot spot when you are holding 810 in longer length of time. Naturally, you can wear gloves.

It also depends on what is your life styles as well. Me? I work as PM in large software company, so I need to be discreet in the office (uses 940) and after hours, I use 950. Only on the weekend or vacation where I would be needing heavier duty, I would resort to 810.

Of cause Your Mileage May Vary, so you can "adjust" to that.

It seems no one is mentioning is that 154 is very easy to sharpen and hold the edge for relatively long time (not as long as M4, of cause). It is also stainless steel, so you can cut acidic fruit, vegetables, or meat with blood (salt) without staining as long as you wipe it clean. M4 needs more maintenance than 154cm.
 
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