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

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I have both but would recommend the Contego for you. I carry the Rift more as the size is better for everyday carry, but the 810 is just too nice not to have.
Good luck, Frank.
 
The 810 and 950 (along with the 940) are my favorite Benchmade models without a doubt. If I had to choose only one I'd have a tough time. I have multiple variations of all three models and I actually carry the 810 and 950 quite frequently. The 810 doesn't really feel that much bigger than the 950 to me though the ~1oz weight difference is noticeable.

If I absolutely had to choose just one I would go for the 810-1401. Though it doesn't have the glass-breaker like the 810 does, M390 is at the top of my list of favorite steels and I absolutely love the blue/black combination.
 
I just looked at the handle thickness and the 810 is actually a hair slimmer if I read the specs correctly. I would go for the 810 over the 950 for that and the fact that I hate the Rifts handle.
 
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bluemetalchurch, might I ask why?

I think it looks sick with the two- tone g10. Is it that shape? Cuz I agree, it looks a little off when it comes to ergos....

Anyway, the Contego is definitely going to be my next purchase, but Ill just have to wait for the best time to buy. Ill keep my eyes peeled for good deals on the M4 810, but might try and get an m390. Im still not sure on that though, because it would require waiting for the preorder and saving up a bit more. I love m390, but i really think I want to give M4 a try. If anyone sees a good deal on a standard Contego, go ahead a post it here, would ya? (just make sure its a BF registered dealer and what not so that your not violating any forum rules) Thanks again everyone!

PS: just checked the bay for the m390 version, and sure enough, theres a few listings all right...... Aaand there all going for 260+.......LOL really???
 
Krissig12 said:
bluemetalchurch, might I ask why?

I think it looks sick with the two- tone g10. Is it that shape? Cuz I agree, it looks a little off when it comes to ergos....

Anyway, the Contego is definitely going to be my next purchase, but Ill just have to wait for the best time to buy. Ill keep my eyes peeled for good deals on the M4 810, but might try and get an m390. Im still not sure on that though, because it would require waiting for the preorder and saving up a bit more. I love m390, but i really think I want to give M4 a try. If anyone sees a good deal on a standard Contego, go ahead a post it here, would ya? (just make sure its a BF registered dealer and what not so that your not violating any forum rules) Thanks again everyone!

PS: just checked the bay for the m390 version, and sure enough, theres a few listings all right...... Aaand there all going for 260+.......LOL really???
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Looks wise I really dislike the black and gray G10; it looks cheap to me. I strongly prefer the solid black scales. I've seen some died Rift scales and I like those as well. The handle also doesn't fit my hand very well. I hate that little hump...
 
bluemetalchurch said:
Looks wise I really dislike the black and gray G10; it looks cheap to me. I strongly prefer the solid black scales. I've seen some died Rift scales and I like those as well. The handle also doesn't fit my hand very well. I hate that little hump...
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If you mean that ridge which I assume is meant to go between your ring and pink finger, then yes I agree looks cool but not very comfortable...it's really the only complaint with my Rift which has me torn whether to keep it as I really like the design and the huge blade it packs into a small package. I also want to buy a Contego but need to hold it first and no local stores have one, I'm afraid the ergos will be off with that deep groove up front.
 
Redmasta said:
If you mean that ridge which I assume is meant to go between your ring and pink finger, then yes I agree looks cool but not very comfortable...it's really the only complaint with my Rift which has me torn whether to keep it as I really like the design and the huge blade it packs into a small package. I also want to buy a Contego but need to hold it first and no local stores have one, I'm afraid the ergos will be off with that deep groove up front.
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Yep, I hate that ridge.
 
Well I have a Rift, and like it a lot. But after 4 months of ownership, it has slight side to side bladeplay. I assume I just need to tighten the screw or something.
 
bluemetalchurch said:
Looks wise I really dislike the black and gray G10; it looks cheap to me. I strongly prefer the solid black scales. I've seen some died Rift scales and I like those as well. The handle also doesn't fit my hand very well. I hate that little hump...
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950 has black/gray, but 950-1 is solid black g10.

Krissig12, if you want 810-1401, make sure to check KW site and not elusive Bay. ;)
 
bluemetalchurch said:
I just looked at the handle thickness and the 810 is actually a hair slimmer if I read the specs correctly. I would go for the 810 over the 950 for that and the fact that I hate the Rifts handle.
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Measure the distance between knuckles (from the base of index finger to pinky). Needless to say that shouldn't exceed closed length minus 1/2 inch for give and take. At least that is what I use for any contoured handle.
 
When I first got my Rift it quickly became one of my favorite knives. Loved the Reverse Tanto and what a well made knife it was. Very well thought out design, tough as nails and made for real work.

I remember saying to myself, the only thing they could do to improve this knife for me would be to make the blade and handle slightly larger.

Then the Contego came out, Which is now hands down my favorite, currently in production, production knife period!

So, I would highly recommend the Contego based on my preferences. However, if you prefer or need a smaller blade you really can't go wrong with the Rift.

Their both winners and standouts in the Benchmade line up.

As far as steel, although CPM-M4 may be considered the "better" steel BM's 154CM is also one of my favorites and if I only had one knife and it was BM's 154CM I'd be more then happy with it. I don't get too caught up on the steels. More so the over all design and blade geometry for the intended purpose of the knife.

I also believe that for the most part, the premium steels offered, 154CM, S30V, D2 and so on offer as much or more performance then most will really ever need. It's nice maybe to have better but for me not a deal breaker at all.

Best of luck on whatever you choose. Either way you can't go wrong.

All the best!
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Thanks man, and thanks for the great pics!

The contego so awesome. Its hands down one of the coolest looking large folders. Its just sexy....
 
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I've held a Rift, and it was a fine knife, but I pretty much carry one of my Contego's every single day. I just flat out love everything about the knife. The only reason I don't carry it is when I wear shorts that don't have pockets deep enough.... I don't wear those shorts too often. If I were only buying one it would be the one in the pic above. I love M390, it can take some serious abuse.
 
Ok sixate, you've convinced me. I'm gonna try for the m390 version. Just gotta wait a bit longer, but the looks are amazing and I love m390. I also just don't wanna risk not liking how m4 isn't stainless. That pic just has me drooling...

I'm just wondering how huge this thing really is. Like is it obnoxiously large? I'm not gonna Edc it, but I don't want to have it arrive and be so big I'll never use it...
 
If you're not gonna EDC it then why be worried about the size?

I think it's the perfect size for EDC, but I'm also very tall (6'8"), and I have big hands. Anything smaller than the 810 feels like a toy to me.

I also have a ZT 0560BW and a Manix 2XL, and they carry way bigger than the Contego. I can barely get my hand in my pocket to grab my keys with the other two. I don't have that issue with the Contego.
 
Cool thanks for the info! Damn dude, your tall :eek: :D

Maybe comparison pics with a few knives? I cant seem to find any online that compare the contego with anything i currently own. Do you have a para 2 or a 0566 you could take a picture of next to the contego? From what ive seen, it should be around the size of a millie, but Im not sure how it looks next to a para 2. Millies were always way to huge for me so im not sure if Im gonna like the 810's size. But like you said, it doesnt matter much since im not gonna edc it
 
I edc the 810. The handle is 5.25 inches. It's really not that big to carry, but my previous edc is the 710 for over ten years. Some non-knife people might be a little uneasy about the blade size but if you're discrete...
 
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