M390 810-1401 Contego

While the real crux of this model is the M390 blade, if you're going to have two different color patterns for the handles you may as well let the buyer choose which one. Either KnifeWorks does that or they came from Benchmade in two models. With two models you have the good potential of increased sales.

By the way, I got my blade centered and don't mind the black down the middle of the handle but now would like one with blue down the middle.
 
The description says each knife may be slightly different in color on the handle, One may have a little more blue or a little more black in the handle.I can't say that I agree with the slightly different little more blue or black on the handle description.I think it is more like there some that are black on blue, and some that are blue on black and there is more than a slight variation in color.Some are a lot more blue or a lot more black witch makes two distinct color variations in my opinion.I received a black version and can only find one QC issue a scratch on the satin blade from BM factory.I was hoping for a more blue version, but I have a black and am happy with the one I have.The black version is nice and has unique scales that are much smoother than the standard 810.I will just enjoy this knife and the scratch is not a deal killer for me. The price is pushing the $200 mark and I feel in that price range a knife should not have scratches or other QC issues regardless if it is a production knife or not.I will only purchase LE BM products as I feel there is more value with other domestic producers for standard production models since the price fixing.The Folks at KW are first class and provide us with great options and exclusives consistently.
 
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It arrived today!

I can honestly say that this knife is nice. It doesn't have any of the usual quality control issues that I normally get with Benchmade knifes. No scratches/dents, the blade is centered, the engraving is dark and even (the camera flash makes it look lighter than it is), and it has even edge grinds on both sides. The sharpness is OK, I have others that are sharper but it is satisfactory. The handle is of the mostly blue variety. I would have been happy with either color, but that blue is really nice - it gives it that one-of-a-kind custom look without having a "pimped" look :). Totally satisfied, might even buy another one. ;)

The pictures below show how close the blue is compared to the recently released 707-1201 "limited edition" Sequel. Just a shade or two difference.

Contego_3870.jpg


Contego_3871.jpg


Contego_3877.jpg
 
Harris2
It looks great. I'm glad you got one without the issues other people are talking about. I'm on the verge of braking down and pulling the trigger.
 
Thanks, Dan.

Pull the trigger :). It's a big folder, too big when wearing a Tuxedo - but still Worth having. Reading other posts it looks as if KW will trade a black/blue handle for a blue/black handle or vice versa if you're not happy, so give it a shot.
 
I wonder if BM just got two different batches of G10, or if it was a marketing test to see if guys would buy multiples to get both variants. It would have been easy to separate them since it's the textured flats, so the handle grinding has nothing to do with it. The tolerances/QC leaves something to be desired on some of the examples we've seen, but for under $200 with a 4" M390 blade in a LE that's pretty good. Even though I have a love/hate with the 810 ergonomics and it's too big for me to carry 98% of the time I'd be tempted if I could specify a black handle, and inspect it first due to the QC issues we're seeing.

It's interesting that KW is allowing for an exchange based on handle color when their ordering page specifically states that customers will not be allowed to specify which color they want at the time of initial order. Seems like that would be a lot easier than having to exchange them.
 
ToddM said:
It's interesting that KW is allowing for an exchange based on handle color when their ordering page specifically states that customers will not be allowed to specify which color they want at the time of initial order. Seems like that would be a lot easier than having to exchange them.
Click to expand...

I agree. Although, I wonder if they put that policy in place for when they get low on stock.
 
Mine is very blue. I like it. It's also obvious BM spent more time finishing these up than the standard 810 in M4. The G-10 is very smoothly polished, as is the blade and liners. The knife overall has excellent fit and finish. The best I've ever seen from BM on any knife. Everything about it seems spot on to me and I'm not afraid of being critical.

I love how smoothly it opens and closes with the polished blade compared to the coated blade of the M4 model as well. It's a keeper for me for sure.
 
Is this the method you all would recommend for centering the blade better?

[video=youtube;1NZT7Go0Ztk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NZT7Go0Ztk[/video]

I've never had a BM that was this off center and it is starting to bother me. Looks like the first time I'm going to have to try this.
 
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dfsutton said:
Is this the method you all would recommend for centering the blade better?

[video=youtube;1NZT7Go0Ztk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NZT7Go0Ztk[/video]

I've never had a BM that was this off center and it is starting to bother me. Looks like the first time I'm going to have to try this.
Click to expand...

Yes. Here's another video. Also, tips in this thread from Keyman, Officer's Match & loonybin.

After tightening the pivot down hard and loosening the handles screws I pushed the blade away from the off-center direction and stuck some paper in there to hold it in place. Then, I tightened the handle screws from the bottom up. Finally, loosened the pivot to my desired liking.

[video=youtube_share;tYHYYgSVZAY]http://youtu.be/tYHYYgSVZAY[/video]
 
Bottom Video,
It's scary watching how many times his thumb is placed on the sharp edge of the blade. He probably has a large supply of band-aids. :eek:
 
DapperDan said:
For me it's more about a Contego with M390 steel and less about handle color.
Click to expand...

Yep. I'm into this model just because of the blade. I prefer satin finish blades, and I can have the "stainless M4" with the 810-1401. I'll be selling my M4 Contego, and I'm currently debating between a Manix2 XL in s90v or the 810-1401. I don't have any knives in s90v yet, so that's the draw, and also the unknown. I know how good Benchmade does with M390 since I have a 581 and 586. I don't doubt the Contego will be just as good.
 
I wanted mostly blue to black, that's not what I got.
But, I like the mostly black to blue...it's very hansome, I think I'll keep it
I did have a little difficulty getting the blade centered.
But, I have triumphed!
For the most part ;)


 
Keyman said:
I wanted mostly blue to black, that's not what I got.
But, I like the mostly black to blue...it's very hansome, I think I'll keep it
I did have a little difficulty getting the blade centered.
But, I have triumphed!
For the most part ;)


The bevels on that tip look abysmal!
Click to expand...
 
Keyman said:
Thanks NSA.
It was either that or mirror polish the backspacer.
I've always been more of standoff kind of guy.
Click to expand...
Where did you get those? If I get one, I want to do the same with it.


It's not really as bad as the picture makes it looks.
The edge is good.
I'm sure that tip will look much better after the first sharpening.
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I'm glad to hear that.
 
Keyman said:
I wanted mostly blue to black, that's not what I got.
But, I like the mostly black to blue...it's very hansome, I think I'll keep it
I did have a little difficulty getting the blade centered.
But, I have triumphed!
For the most part ;)


Click to expand...
Those blue stand offs are really nice Keyman !!!
 
Keyman said:
Knife kits .190" Ti standoffs.
But they come satin, you'll need to anodize them.
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Thanks! I can find someone who will be able to anodize them. I might even send off the backspacer on my 940 and get some standoffs for my 520 and my wife's 275 to boot.
 
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