"Benchmade 810 Contego: Embracing Tactical" by Nutnfancy

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Published 2012-08-19

Benchmade flat out declares the 810 to be a tactical blade. That is refreshing. Instead of running away from that all important emergency defensive role, they embrace it. In fact it rides in the Mil/LE Black Line of blades. I fully concur with this POU. The 810 Contego is a larger version of the also-excellent 950 Rift. It also improves upon the size and some ergos of the McHenry W. 710. The 810 has a 4" reverse tanto blade reminiscent of an all time favorite EDC blade, the Osbourne Axis 940 (discussed!). The blade shape has proven to be an outstanding slicer and stabber in TNP under hard use and in years of testing. The blade steel choice is unusual: CPM M4, a powder metallurgy high speed tool steel. It takes a fine edge and should hold it adequately. But it is not stainless and rust can be a huge problem with it. As such it wears a CeraKoted finish. My fave is shown: the black on black version. The satin version is actually grey in color. The ergos stretch out comfortably from the Rift especially with the Contego's longer handle with jimped liner and finger guard. The spine has a steel backspacer that I wish was made from purple titanium for both looks and weight. The G10 scales are excellent on the side but suck on the corners. I discuss and show a necessary sanding job to radius them to make the 810 comfortable. Speed, lockup, and durability are in line with standard Axis lock excellence. Weight is a reasonable 5.8 ounces thanks to fully skeletonized liners. Often 4" folding tactcal blades weigh much more. The clip is perfectly situated and carries very deep. It needed more bending to make it carry tighter and it is perhaps to deep from the handle. Value is excellent, coming it at the price point of the 950 Rift. Some competitive options are shown. But in looks, function, strength, and value, this Benchmade 810 unabashedly embraces the serious life of a tactical folder and I applaud its arrival.//////////////////////Nutnfancy Likability Scale: 7.5 out of 10 from box, with my mods: 8.5 out of 10; with S30V steel, tighter pocket clip, titanium backspacer, rounded G10 scales: 10 out of 10

All Comments (21)

@philipmarcus97 8 years ago

So sad to hear that warren Osborne passed away...he was one of my favorite designers.
@teejsaysulkowski 10 years ago

I bought this knife 5 or 6 months ago based off of this review, and I am extremely happy with this knife. I honestly feel bad for my other folders because I literally cannot keep this knife out of my pocket for more than a day. I LOVE THIS KNIFE. My only beef is that the backspacer rusts. But you can't tell unless you're cleaning it. I'm not certain that the backspacer will retain it's color after long term use. But let's get real, this shouldn't be a deal-breaker ;) IMO - The sharpness of the handle scales did not bother me in the slightest. I feel it helps me secure a solid grip on the handle even better.
@WesleyKennedy 11 years ago

Love all the new knife videos coming out! Nutnfancy knife TV! I've been with you for a few years now and here's to many more... Thanks for all you do.
@Privat3Kag3 8 years ago

M4 is an Ultra-Premium steel for Drill Bits. I know because my old man made them for 30+ years. Viking Drill & Tool. Look it up.
@324590 8 years ago

Bought this knife before I saw this review. I have a collection of BM knives approx 30 and dang I really love this knife. I think you're right that this knife will be a huge seller! Great review nutn!
@shredrik 11 years ago

Damn you put in some mad work nutn, it's like a new knife review every day. Well done.
@timeactor 11 years ago

Nutn your Benchmade 940 review is what got me started with TNP many years ago. Back then there must have only been 600 views on it and you even replied to my comment! I bought the knife based on your review, still have it, still love it. I would have never thought that your BM 940 vid would turn into something much larger.
@TacticalReviewer 11 years ago

AWESOME MAN! I've been anticipating this review ever since I saw the blade at Shot Show. You rock man!
@raevogt 11 years ago

I've had mine for almost 2 years now and I LOVE it! Mine's #969 out of 1000 First Production. I didn't sand mine down tho, I just use it a LOT and it is super comfortable now. Blade lasts a long time...haven't needed to sharpen mine yet & believe me, it's still sharp! I've cut truck tires, rope, drywall, wood, even used the serrated section to sharpen my spears for spearfishing. SOLID BLADE! Love your reviews Nutn...keep em coming!
@azurlight 8 years ago

Nutnfancy, as always, thank you for your extraordinary attention to detail and your perspective that balances "tactical" and "practical." I've been watching your gun reviews for years and always appreciate your input. Your reviews have helped me make very informed purchases in addition to helping me develop practical and balanced approaches toward self-defense. Please keep up the good work! Happy Veterans Day, sir! Thank you for your service.
@Splathammer 11 years ago

Just ordered one....your killing me Nutn. Awesome review can't wait to put it to use
@rjcoopaloop 11 years ago

Love how your not a bullsh*ter in your reviews nutn. You tell it like it is and that is why i just got this blade and i couldn't be happier with it. Looking forward to more reviews!
@Thecollaborator1990 10 years ago

Awesome review man! Keep it up!
@MONKEYDUDEELITE 11 years ago

Awesome man keep the knife videos going!!
@nutnfancy 11 years ago

@timeactor Me either! Thanks tons for hanging around. What a great knife that is. I'll never get rid of mine (unless Warren adds jumping!). I like rolling in these classic TNP hof blades. Thanks my friend.
@ghostofonyx51 11 years ago

love your reviews bro!
@nupersoob 10 years ago

My gateway knife was the Dlc Leek by Kershaw. Always liked knives, didn't really have an outlet--I never even thought of online buying. My buddy showed me his Leek, the speed assist, flipper design, nice smooth, sleek look. Bam! I was hooked man.
@venuslnd 11 years ago

NutNFancy is super cool. I love how you stand by not doing "Group Thinking." I love all your long review because it is super fun to listen to. Please stay as yourself and never let anyone or anything change that. Thanks.
@jardo531 11 years ago

Nutnfancy, I used to be happy with my Kershaw Blur as my ONLY edc knife. I didn't see any reason to own more than one edc knife. Now, thanks to your many great knife reviews, I own at least a dozen different knifes. My wife wants to ban you from my internet viewing. To say the least, she is PISSED when she hears your voice on my computer in the mornings. I haven' t purchased a benchmade yet but I think this knife just jumped to the top of my "want list". Thanks.
@zantbob 11 years ago

Stopped by Blade HQ a month ago to pick up an emmerson I had my eye on... wanted to compare size to a benchmade griptilian and saw the contego on the rack... i quickly phone youtubed nutn to see if there was a review... none existed... i did a quick "what would NUTN do moment..." and walked out with both knives... and a dent in the visa... Glad to see I've learned a few things watching for so long! Awesome REVIEW, keep rockin dude !