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First Knife Purchase

primalgunner

July 27, 2013 12:37

Hello Guys,
Have been carrying Skeletool as part of my EDC gear but I Am ready to get a real knife.
Hard time deciding between Contego,Griptilian or mini grip.
I use the Skeletool for the normal work stuff so knife as I see it is more of a survival/SHTF tool. I have no desire to ever use it in self defense, any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks, Mike

Comments

32 comments

reinan

July 27, 2013 13:16
Wow, there is some extreme size difference between the 810 Contego and a 556 Mini Grip! Any more info on what you like in a knife would be helpful.

Personally, I like larger knives. I have the 810, as well as a 710 and 275. I really love the 710 as a great all around knife, it carries much smaller than it is. The 275 is more robust and gives the feeling that it can take anything you throw at it, plus the ergonomics are great. However, the 275 is almost 10 oz and you definitely know it is in your pocket. The 810 is also a very large folder, thinner and lighter than the 275 but feels larger than a 710 in my pocket. Love the blade on the 810 though. Most days it's a tough decision as to which one i carry.

RE
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fastjan

July 27, 2013 14:05
I would say that RE has some great insight there.

Since as RE said, there is quite a spread in size between the 810 and the 556, personally, I'd start with something in the middle like a 710 or a 551 Grip. That will let you adjust up or down next time.

Out of the 710 and 551, the 551 handle is a little fatter, but not as long. I think a 710 is slightly more comfortable to carry, but I carry one or the other almost every day.

The 810 is fairly thin for its larger size, so it carries pretty well, but it is a 5.7 oz. knife, where the 710 comes in at a more painless 4.5 oz.
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primalgunner

July 27, 2013 14:09
I don't like small caliber pistols either, carrying something small would definitely be more comfortable but I am willing to be less comfortable and have more options.
The thought on the mini was that may likely be legal all across the Country.

Thanks for your reply, further comments are welcome
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primalgunner

July 27, 2013 15:27
Anyone care to comment on the value of the glass breaker??
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charlesmartin

July 27, 2013 15:38
Look at the rift I've been carrying mine a I love it the 2 bone collector knife with the g10 are pretty nice also I've been carrying them I don't think it really matters witch one you get now because in a month you'll get another then another so you can adjust with the next purchase ask anyone one here in 6 months you'll have all three you listed and maybe more
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reinan

July 27, 2013 15:38
Another quick thought: blade steel. The contego comes with m4 which is amazing if you live in a dry climate and maintain it. D2 isn't as bad in that regard, however it's a semi-stainless so rust is still a minor concern. You can get Grips in 154cm, s30v, or D2. I don't have any experience with s30v but 154cm is solid as a stainless.

I think the video in the testing forum shows the glass breaker in action.

RE
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charlesmartin

July 27, 2013 15:39
The glass breaker works good for punching holes in beer cans for better flow
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dj

July 27, 2013 15:41
quote:

Originally posted by Primal Gunner:
Anyone care to comment on the value of the glass breaker??

Vandals and thieves find them really handy .......LOL
In reality , it might be nice to have in your vehicle if the need ever arises to break into a hot car with a child stuck inside.
Iam almost 60 and have never found the need to break any glass , that my hammer wouldnt handle.
All in all , its nice to have if the need ever arose.
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charlesmartin

July 27, 2013 15:42
Really when it comes down to it if it wasn't a good steel benchmade wouldn't use it IMO you can really go wrong with any of the steel then offer you more then likely end up with a few benchmades so you can always try a different steel with the next knife
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mcm

July 27, 2013 16:14
-5on the term benchmark. Grab a Benchmade 710 from KnifeWorks and call us in the morning.
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charlesmartin

July 27, 2013 16:50
Damn auto correct
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otacon

July 27, 2013 19:29
I suggest the a mini grip because that way if you don't ended up liking carrying a knife if wont be too much a financial loss.

The mini grip will handle most jobs, the important thing with EDCing is keeping the edge maintained and keeping the lock area clean with a q tip.

I have had a couple people i know that went out got a very nice folder and then just left it in the car. They wasted alot of finite cash on something they weren't sure of in the first place.

However if your stuck on getting a EDC and cash isn't a problem then definite get the 810, best bang for your buck with the materials given.
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echo117

July 27, 2013 21:55
quote:

I use the Skeletool for the normal work stuff so knife as I see it is more of a survival/SHTF tool.

By this you mean that the knife would be a survival tool or that the Skeletool is what you would use for that purpose?
-If you want something to handle many tasks including but not limited to possibly using a folder in a survival/hard use scenario all of the abovementioned knives would be excellent choices. My personal recommendation would be the 950 Rift. In ever way it is a phenomenal design, and while the steel snobs might sigh at the though of the "mere" 154CM blade I have had nothing but good experiences with 154, plus it is pretty easy to sharpen. The 950 is the Contego's little brother and is a perfect do-everything knife that is comfortable for EDC.

-The Mini-Grip is a fantastic EDC and is much less obtrusive in the pocket, but it wouldn't be my first choice for "survival/SHTF" situations. It is a perfect small, inoffensive pocket knife for general everyday cutting tasks.

Like mentioned, once you get one you're probably going to get more
thats just how it is with quality blades. So don't agonize too much over which to pick because you can always get another one to fit a different role. And another one. And another one. And another one...

I say get the 950 first.
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geocyclist

July 27, 2013 22:45
The regular Grip is a good all round knife. Especially if you like larger ones. Otherwise I would say get the mini grip.

You say you will use your multi tool and the knife as a backup. It think once you get your hands on any Benchmade with an Axis lock (all knives you ask about have this) you will love it and use the knife first for all cutting tasks.

If you do want a SHTF backup blade I would suggest the 275 Adams. Big, heavy duty. May be too heavy for EDC. But I like it for a "survival" folder.
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fastjan

July 27, 2013 23:36
Geocyclist touched on a most important point, IMO. There are a lot of Benchmades with liner locks, frame locks and Axis locks. Do yourself a favor and make sure you get one with an Axis lock. That's the real flagship set-up from this company. Others have copied it, but not well. Its the best lock in the industry and you'd be ahead by starting with one.
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charlesmartin

July 28, 2013 00:55
I 2nd the 950 rift it was my first benchmade and now I have 12 of them and the rift is in my pocket everyday the full size grip is nice I have 2 full size and 1 mini but the g10 and full liners of the rift just does it for me
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markg

July 28, 2013 00:58
Of the knives you listed, get the 810. It will give you more pride of ownership as it is a step up in materials over the Grips. The 810 is an amazing knife. The M4 is coated so rust is not a concern, at worst maybe some on the cutting edge but doubt you would notice it. Big strong knife,that carries well.

Actually for your intended use, the 810 was designed to fill that niche.

Shout out for the Skeletool. Have one that has been to Central America a few times.
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trailboss

July 28, 2013 01:33
All of your selections sound good. I'd get the 810: great knife, great steel. Tremendous bang for your buck.
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primalgunner

July 28, 2013 01:58
Thank You guys again for all the advice, I am gonna kick it around for the weekend and order Monday or Tuesday.
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primalgunner

July 29, 2013 21:50
Thanks Again for the suggestions. I just ordered the Contego & the Mini Grip also
I may give my Wife the mini, but I am really excited to recieve them!
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geocyclist

July 29, 2013 23:18
Keep the mini and give it a try. I carry my mini's fully in pocket and remove the clip. This is the perfect size knife for most office tasks.

I also carry a multi tool (not 100% of the time), but my BM is always the go to blade for cutting tasks. The multitool blade is only used for 2 things: 1. To cut anything that would trash a blade, 2. Whenever a non-knife carrying persons asks to borrow my knife.
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primalgunner

July 30, 2013 00:13
That is a good tip, whether I keep the Mini or not I will remember your Knife "Policy"
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po

July 30, 2013 07:31
Knives are not like wives, there is no moral or social compulsion to have only one. Enjoy the broad spectrum of cutting tasks and knives, don't deny yourself. Get them all.
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markg

July 30, 2013 14:55
Wait, we can only have one wife!?!?

Now you tell me...
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po

July 30, 2013 16:21
You are just trying to drum up wedding business.
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markg

July 30, 2013 18:29
Ugh. I hate doing weddings. Would rather have dental work.
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primalgunner

August 02, 2013 15:35
Just received my knifes! These are nice...
The Contego is a beast! I can see already how this could be habit forming.
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po

August 02, 2013 15:47
quote:

Originally posted by Charles Martin:
I 2nd the 950 rift it was my first benchmade and now I have 12 of them...

Okay, Charles has earned a special karma title...

Riftiac?
950ac?
...eh...not at my creative zenith this morning...
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primalgunner

August 02, 2013 16:02
I think I will go for the Rift next, or maybe full size Grip or 710,275..... Who knows.
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po

August 02, 2013 21:40
quote:

Originally posted by Primal Gunner:
Just received my knifes! These are nice...
The Contego is a beast! I can see already how this could be habit forming.

Dah...sorry, you are going to have to get another Benchmade...I meant to tell you that you should get the Contego and the 525 Mini Presidio...so now you have to get a Mini Presidio too...
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