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Just wondering if a Map torch would do the deed?
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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
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M390 810-1401 Contego
- Thread starter Keyman
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So, I think this one might actually be too big for me, which sucks because with the color/feel of the G10, the blade-steel, the low-rider pocket-clip, and the overall finish (love satin hardware/blade), I feel like it's the best produced Benchmade I've owned (I'm just not a fan of the size).
I'm thinking that I should have jumped on the limited-run 730 (or just picked up an M390 Barrage). I really do love everything about this knife but the size - when I break it out, I feel a little like I just pulled out a machete. I think part of it has to do with that swedge and ultra-thick part of the spine towards the tip - it makes for an extra solid "thwak" when opening that draws attention to it too.
I wish Benchmade would put this kind of work into the scales/pocket-clip/blade-steel of other knives - one of my biggest complaints was that even the M390 Barrage doesn't have a satin clip (much less a low-rider clip).
Here's a stupid question - will the Low-rider clip from this Contego fit onto the typical Split pocket-clip of other Benchmade knives (just skipping the center hole), and will Benchmade sell just the lowrider pocket clip (or is it some sort of special thing that you can't order)?
I'm thinking that I should have jumped on the limited-run 730 (or just picked up an M390 Barrage). I really do love everything about this knife but the size - when I break it out, I feel a little like I just pulled out a machete. I think part of it has to do with that swedge and ultra-thick part of the spine towards the tip - it makes for an extra solid "thwak" when opening that draws attention to it too.
I wish Benchmade would put this kind of work into the scales/pocket-clip/blade-steel of other knives - one of my biggest complaints was that even the M390 Barrage doesn't have a satin clip (much less a low-rider clip).
Here's a stupid question - will the Low-rider clip from this Contego fit onto the typical Split pocket-clip of other Benchmade knives (just skipping the center hole), and will Benchmade sell just the lowrider pocket clip (or is it some sort of special thing that you can't order)?
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Now, if they would just give little brother the same treatment.
I would be happy with the CF M4 version.
I tried the Contego bit I found it too large as well. I've always liked the Rift and that version is perfect in my opinion.
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I sent you an e- mail.
Yes, the Contego low rider clip fits the "standard" three-hole clip style perfectly. I have changed many of my Benchmades to the the 810 low-rider style for a stealthy pocket carry.
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Can you buy/order these low-rider pocket-clips from Benchmade?
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Ah, I didn't realize I could call. I submitted a question via the website, but haven't heard back yet. Appreciate the info.
BTW, this is possibly the best Benchmade Pocket-clip I've ever handled.
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Now, if they would just give little brother the same treatment.
I agree, especially since there isn't a whole lot of difference in the blade - the bigger difference is the size of the 810's handles.
It's safe to say that 99% of knife manufacturers production and custom have a telephone number where they can be reached at. The other 1% might not have evolved into this technology yet.
Yes, and phone contact is always more reliable than email contact.
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This is why I just sold my Rift. No jimping and it just doesn't feel good in the hand nearly as well as the Contego. I think the Rift would be a real winner if it was just a scaled down version of the Contego.Now, if they would just give little brother the same treatment.
RamZar
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On Thursday night I emailed KnifeWorks regarding exchanging my M390 Contego with a centered blade one and blue down the middle of the handle. I got responses today with further communication.
They basically said that per Roger's orders they will not handpick a color option. Also, all 200 pieces in the first batch have been shipped and they don't know when they'll be able to get the next batch from Benchmade. So, no exchange is possible but sending it to Benchmade to get fixed.
Of course, in the meantime, I fixed the blade centering and have decided to keep the one I have with black down the middle of the handle. Would've loved to get another with blue down the middle of the handle but it looks unlikely now! Bummer!
They basically said that per Roger's orders they will not handpick a color option. Also, all 200 pieces in the first batch have been shipped and they don't know when they'll be able to get the next batch from Benchmade. So, no exchange is possible but sending it to Benchmade to get fixed.
Of course, in the meantime, I fixed the blade centering and have decided to keep the one I have with black down the middle of the handle. Would've loved to get another with blue down the middle of the handle but it looks unlikely now! Bummer!
Interestingly, at $195.95 the first batch was depleted faster than expected. Since the number of 810-1401s bought in this thread is not even close to 200, there must be other enthusiasts out there buying Benchmade knives too. 
RamZar, maybe you can find someone here at BF that likes the black/blue and received a blue/black version that would trade scales with you.
RamZar, maybe you can find someone here at BF that likes the black/blue and received a blue/black version that would trade scales with you.
RamZar
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I'll order another one in a few months and who knows it may end up being blue down the middle and if not I'll exchange it with someone who wants the opposite. Certainly, I don't want two of the exact same color scheme.
Interestingly, at $195.95 the first batch was depleted faster than expected. Since the number of 810-1401s bought in this thread is not even close to 200, there must be other enthusiasts out there buying Benchmade knives too.
In the current Benchmade MAP enforcement edict, this M390 Contego is a relative bargain and perhaps accounts for it selling out so fast. I think some are missing the point that Benchmade/KnifeWorks will keep producing them throughout this year.
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Just call and ask for extras for your Contego. I have found that this pocket clip will bend very very easily. I keep extras because of this.
Now, if they would just give little brother the same treatment.
AMEN!! M390 Rift is my Grail knife. It can even have the standard grey/black scales, as I can use some Denim Blue RIT dye and make my own blue/black G10...
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The M390 is my first Contego and I am honestly shocked by how sweet a knife it is. It has the opening/closing action of a 940 (obviously very beefed up), which means it has amazing opening/closing action. It went straight into the pocket. Dang, I like this knife.
I would have been happy with either a mostly blue or mostly black; ended up with mostly blue. Mine is perfectly centered and arrived with a fantastic edge. The posts in this thread had me starting to sweat but everything worked out great. This is one knife I'll probably end up purchasing a backup for. Well done Benchmade and Knifeworks :thumbup::thumbup:
I would have been happy with either a mostly blue or mostly black; ended up with mostly blue. Mine is perfectly centered and arrived with a fantastic edge. The posts in this thread had me starting to sweat but everything worked out great. This is one knife I'll probably end up purchasing a backup for. Well done Benchmade and Knifeworks :thumbup::thumbup:
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Once again; it's nice to read you're 810 is what you expected. Many of us have well sharpened knives with centered blades, and G-10 or better scales that need nothing but to be enjoyed and used well.
On QC...There have been issues with bad springs. There was a period when knives came out of boxes duller than they should've been. That was addressed, and every knife that's come home here has had excellent geometry. And If there WAS a problem, the knife in question was promptly assigned a priority level and quickly fixed to my satisfaction. Without fail and with courtesy. To my knowledge the repair policy hasn't changed, and we remember that in our postings here.
On QC...There have been issues with bad springs. There was a period when knives came out of boxes duller than they should've been. That was addressed, and every knife that's come home here has had excellent geometry. And If there WAS a problem, the knife in question was promptly assigned a priority level and quickly fixed to my satisfaction. Without fail and with courtesy. To my knowledge the repair policy hasn't changed, and we remember that in our postings here.