Microtech socom elite vs Benchmade contego?

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Ztmma

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Oct 9, 2012
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Hey everyone, I am a huge fan of big knives and as such I usually carry around a fixed blade. But I am in the market for a nice solid folder.
So far I have narrowed it down to these two and I am leaning towards the 810 because it is about half the price of the elite but I have heard amazing things about the elite. If anyone has experience or recommendations with similar knives that would be awesome! :)
Other knives I have looked at that are kind of similar if anyone would like to comment on them...
ZT300
Al mar eagle
Spyderco police
Spyderco military
Cold Steel spartan
Benchmade Adamas
 
I avoid Microtech, so I can't give a fair comparison, but I can give you my opinions on the Contego. It's pretty fantastic knife if you're pulling it out of your pocket and making a cut or three then pocketing it again. It's also great when you're wearing gloves, but the machining on the G10 and overjimped handle make it one gigantic hotspot for extended cutting. Luckily, a little sandpaper makes it waaaay more manageable.
 
The Socom Elite is one of my all time favorites. The 810 otoh is one of the ugliest things with a blade ever produced. That is my opinion though.
 
810 all the way, owned a few microtechs, but sold them off because of forum CS horror stories... I've owned every knife on your list except the Al mar, the 0300 and the Adamas are gonna be heavier and more overbuilt, than the 810 but the 810 is no slouch, the police is a nice knife , and I love mine but It's long. The military is a great knife, with great ergos you can't go wrong, are you wanting a slicer , or a beefier knife that can take some abuse???
 
The Socom Elite is definitely on a different level then the 810. I like the tactical style they Benchmade tried to go with and I actually like it and it is good for the price as it was literally half as much as I spent on my Socom Elite. I love my Socom Elite though and it is one that will stay in my collection and I plan on buying more if they are at the right price. I am a big fan of the traction tape inserts and the knife is has a great action. Fast deployment and if feels well built. The aluminum handles are very well machined and fit well for the price. The Knife is a lot lighter than I expected and makes a great carry/tactical. I love the blade steel and the length of the blade. The blade to handle ratio is nearly one to one as well. Now this knife is not perfect but I sure do like it. The thickness of the blade at the tip might not be the strongest and the 810 would win in that part, but as far as fit, finish and materials, I give it to the Socom Elite. The one I have also came with a Microtech sheath which is a nice touch and is good for carrying.
 
From the list: I would probably pick either Adamas or Military.
I had Socom and did not like it for the handle: I guess it will surprise many but it is one of the most uncomfortable handles that I have ever handled. Similarly I have some reservations about Contego and ZT 300. Police is a good knife, but it felt sort of flimsy for me if compared to Endura. Cold Steel Spartan: as my wife usually says, I am too young for that...
 
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810 has a heck of a blade, great steel, a very solid lock and the handle sure is grippy, but it's not very comfortable, feels a bit odd even. It has jimping all over, great blade to carry just in case, but it's very impractical for EDC. That said, I like it a lot and will hang on to this one.

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Spyderco Military, Benchmade Contego, Benchmade Adamas are all very popular knives. They all have different characteristics so you might be able to make the choice that way.

The benchmade 710 is popular. It isn't a big knife but does have a lot of blade. I like the Benchmade 760 if you can find one, or even the Benchmade 790. I recommend the ZT 0200 or the ZT 0561, depending on whether you want a basic using knife or a slightly fancier knife.

That's 8 knives, all of which are great. Maybe you should just buy them all and decide which you like best.

I have the 760, 0200 and 0561 and I like them all. Actually I've been interested in a Socom too and might buy one if I find one at a reasonable price. So far this has been difficult though. Another big one that I'm interested in is the Spyderco Starmate.
 
Went ahead and bought the 810, I cant wait for it. I think i would have went with the microtech but I found out its a chisel grind...
 
Great choice on the 810, lots of bang for the buck!!!! Enjoy it

I like the SOCOM Delta S/E, maybe put one on your short list when your looking for another blade, Light and nice 4 inch blade.

I like Military's too!!!!!

Your short list has lots of winners!!!!!
 
810 is a great knife, congrats! you will like it im sure, many complain about the handle, but I honestly like it, I find it comfortable and its good at locking to your hand. Though I agree with extended cutting It could prove to be uncomfortable.
 
I have the 810 and the Delta,
Two very nice knives but the Delta is in a different class in my opinion.
Not to take away from the 810, I have that M4 blade running very smooth for a tank.
The Delta has sweet F&F mine has the alum. handles, D2 steel and it's bearing system is very nice.
Two very nice knives indeed, happy with both.
 
Nothing wrong with the Contego at all. But, I love my Socom Elite. It really is in another class.
 
Went ahead and bought the contego and a para 2. I wish the microtech was a flat or hollow grind :( Thanks everyone...I am sure I will be getting more soon. Pictures soon to come.
 
I'm late to the party, but... Have you looked at the Hogue series of knives. I like the EX-01 specifically. Best of luck.
 
Ztmma said:
Went ahead and bought the contego and a para 2. I wish the microtech was a flat or hollow grind :( Thanks everyone...I am sure I will be getting more soon. Pictures soon to come.
Click to expand...

They are made in V-grind. Most V-grinds are pretty common the only V-grind that is a little harder to come by if you want plain edge clip point.

I own two MT Elites w/ clip points and in v-grinds. One P/E and one combo edge for use. For they money that I paid, excellent knives. Picked up a 810, but wasn't impressed by it. There was no distinctive feature that separates it from other BM knives aside for M4 being the stock blade. MT Socom Elite wowed me the moment I held one. I didn't expect such excellent ergos. The weight and weight distribution is mind blowing. It's actually balanced at the pivot with a full 1 to 1 blade to handle radio. One of the best part is that blade will fly out faster than any axis lock folders because of what feels like ball bearing pivots. It would almost borderline my Protech TR3. MT is known for getting the optimal and proper HT out of their steel. I love BM to death, but I still love my Socom Elites more.
 
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When looking at most of the dealers it listed the microtech socom elite as a chisel grind...So it is a flat grind?
 
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