Benchmade Contego Fixed Review

A close up look at the Benchamde Contego fixed version.
Use coupon code CROKT20 for 5% off from www.knifehog.com/

[@TheLateBoyScout]

Great job on the review. Good to see that knife filling such a variety of roles so seamlessly. When I first heard about the fixed Contego, my thought was "Why...?" Well, now I see why. :)

[@TJackSurvival]

I like it!

[@Patriot36]

I take it, that as an outdooring knife, you might still prefer the Buck Punk? How about design, would you prefer one over the other if the steel was the same? Great video, thanks buddy!

[@Cr0cket20]

good question. If the steel were equal I still think I would go with the Punk. I prefer the reverse tanto for a more tactical designed blade (which the contego is). I really like the slight curvature of the punk in its overall functionality for an outdoors knife.

[@1RugerShooter1]

I like how you show yourself using these knives in every situation... You don't really think of these knives for cutting up food, but anyone who goes camping frequently knows you use your knife for everything. Good reviews keep em' coming!

[@drzmanproject]

Thanks to knifehog. It's cool how companies are recognizing the economic power and community of KZbinrs.

[@Cr0cket20]

Agreed.

[@chrismartin4335]

What is the best way to clean it after using it to cut into food? Water and towel? Great Review by the way.

[@CampfireTalk]

Right blade length and love that blade shape as it harkens back to one of my favs. Always good to hear your take and see how it performed for you.

[@Cr0cket20]

Such a great size of blade. For me it is a great size that bridges the too big or too small knife

[@UltimateCap]

Hey, can you tell me about that black jacket you're wearing? Looks like a nice comfortable jacket. Thank you.

[@scooter17568]

Great review...really like the turkey and celery footage. We're not always out in the woods and love that practical aspect to the review.

[@EDKG]

You just wrote my comment, pretty much word for word!

[@Cr0cket20]

scooter17568 Good feedback. Will have to put more of that type of use into reviews.

[@grumpyoldwizard]

I love the look and performance of the blade. It is a great length with a strong tip. I have quite a few knives and this is one of my major favorites. I put gun grip tape, in certain spots, on the handle for retention. It was a bit slippery.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Crockett, I still sometimes think I'm going to get it, I do have the Bushcrafter #162 and I did get the Arvensiswhich I piggybacked it with the Boker Coye Ridgeback for a lite horizontal carry. I do like it, But recently I got the Fox Bushcrafter Parang which I just teamed up with my Vintage Frost 840 MG Clipper, I used it and kept it very sharp. But I never used the Clipper alot, But when I did it performed great. We're going out this weekend and I almost brought my Mora 2000 with it because it matched better than the intended 3V Master Hunter. Don't get me wrong, the two work great together. But when I remembered I had the Clipper MG, I brought it out again. I didn't hesitate that the two would work well together, and they are bear perfect match. The Bushcradt Oarang is more of a robust survival knife while my Clipper is a Bushcraft knife sort of the best of both worlds. I'm also bringing a Axe and saw which is still very manageable to carry. I still have a few knives in my list to get then maybe I'll still get the Contego.,,.

[@Steeleprophet]

Like this style of review. Looks like a good knife, but it's not my first choice either. What was the other knife you were carrying in the leather sheath?

[@Cr0cket20]

Bradford Guardian 3. Really like it, but there would be some things to change/improve given the price point.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah C rocket, For my B'Day I bought a Benchmade Arvensis 119 and a Bokor Coye Ridgeback, I think both will be a nice match too. But mostly I wanted stainless steel blades for wet and snowy weather trios. I also just started using a knife I had in a box because I ordered the Serrations by mistake, I ordered a Benchmade 156 CSK in the D2, I only took it out to fondle it, But when I found out you can make feathers with a serrated blade, I started to use it, and it's great, The Arvensis 119 is in the 154 CM and tge Ridgeback is in 440c. Thanx for sharing your knife, Nice to see you use and like Benchmade.

[@Cr0cket20]

Benchmades are great knives. Glad you're enjoying the ones you have. Take care.

[@paulie4x1]

Oh Yeah, I also have a Skeleton Skinner in 154 C M. good stuff, Infact good enough to even skin a squirrel, I don't, But my friend used it.

[@ramoncampa9334]

paulie 4x

[@chadmiller8019]

Hey Crocket20, a few weeks ago I commented on this knife saying how there is not too mnay good reviews on it and you did a great job, I broke down and bought one and got it last friday and I got it from knife hog as well, although for some reason I did not have the option to put the discount in. Anyways it is one of my favorite knives I own.

[@johnlupo8581]

Great review.... Been thinking about getting this knife to go along with my larger knife. Have you been using this knife since the review? If so thoughts?

[@Cr0cket20]

John Lupo I still really like the knife. One that I will not be selling.

[@buckskin88]

Nice review Crocket! I own the satin version and agree with everything you said, although I like to semi/less aggressive grips. There's a number of their sheaths that are so-so or can be made just a bit different to make them better. Great videos btw.

[@grumpyoldwizard]

I put gun grip tape on the handles of the knifes I own that are a bit slick. Bark Rivers seem to be very bad about slippery handles. I bought one of these and it came with a chipped edge. I was shocked. I returned it and I am awaiting a replacement. I hope I got a bad heat treat and not a defect.

[@Cr0cket20]

Nice. It's always fun to add a little personality to a knife.

[@nobraidps]

Fantastic review! love the blade. What do you think about Spyderco Serrata?

[@dvolsky914]

What would be your choice if you could only go into the woods with one? I don't need to baton wood, necessarily. I am looking more for good ergonomics, quality steel (preferably stainless for low maintenance) that is durable but fairly easy to maintain, good balance (maybe a little more toward the blade for chopping, but not heavy--thinner, not so stout), something you could possibly edc. Probably around a 4 inch blade and nice aesthetics. Does any such knife meet these qualifications without breaking the bank? I'm assuming I would have to compromise in some of these areas but would like to get close to this.

[@TedsOutdoors]

I'm glad somebody finally did a review on this knife.

[@TedsOutdoors]

I also agree that a five inch blade is perfect. But they can be hard to find.

[@gideonstactical]

Great review. I do love reverse Tanto Blades too.

[@Cr0cket20]

gideonstactical Me too. Like the looks and the functionality.

[@Entheogin913]

***** You said you wouldn't pick this knife if you for your outdoor knife, which one would you pick? I want a good outdoor knife.

[@MrAwesomeglock]

Thanks for the coupon code. Is there going to be a review of that other knife on your belt. If not. What is it and how makes that sheath? I have been considering caring a fixed blade horizontal. Beautiful place to shoot a video you got there.

[@Cr0cket20]

MrAwesome glock The other knife is a Guardian 3 by Bradford knives. The sheath comes with the knife. It's on the pricey side at about $200.

[@crabbysam]

I think that you're more than gracious with describing the sheath, I would describe it a little less gracefully. One thing that boggles my mind is why Benchmade used superior CPM-M4 for the Contego folder and SV30 for the fixed blade. Still scratching my head on that one. I very much liked your turkey test, next time I roast a turkey, I'll be replicating your handiwork with my Contego. PS, While I liked the ergonomics of my Contego's handle, I did make more grippy micarta scales with a rocky mountain tread, as the factory handle is a little slimmer than I'd prefer. But I usually change the scales of many of my working knives. When I go camping, I have knives more suitable for that role, this Contego is ok for light use, but it wasn't made for bushcraft imho. Good review, better than most. Appreciate you making it, albeit two years ago :)

[@Cr0cket20]

Appreciate you watching a leaving a great comment with good info.

[@blackbullitt6398]

Been looking at this knife as a fixed blade option. Any recommendations on a fixed blade tactical/outdoor?

[@paulie4x1]

Actually S30V is a very high carbon stainless, over 1.3 Carbon, 1095 carbon has .95-1. Carbon, but a little harder to sharpen.

[@LukeMorry]

I've been super excited about this knife, I really love it, but I just can't see it being a practical blade for me when compared to blades I already have (it doesn't offer anything I don't already have) But I love the blade and I'm really looking forward to hearing what you have to say about the little Tops you've got, that's something I can see myself getting very soon lol

[@Cr0cket20]

At this point in the tops use I would definitely recommend. Still need some use for a final analysis.

[@Blessedhart]

I had blade chipping from light use the first time I used my contego. Returned it immediately and bought a Rat-3

[@gring55555]

Great vid Cr0cket. I don't get benchmade's steel choice for the folding and fixed. Personally I would swap the steels over fixed = CPM-M4. Folding = S30V

[@Cr0cket20]

Vipertech I'm wondering if it's a price point thing? Maybe too expensive to build a fixed blade in the CPMM4.

[@psychadaze]

What knife you carrying on belt

[@TexasJuggernaut]

i like this vid. i like the way you show us and talk about the knife. serrated or no? this one or the esse 5?

[@Cr0cket20]

+SM Texas non serrated. This blade. Unless you wanted a big beefy blade in regard to thickness...then go with the esee 5.

[@RichAllfieldnohit]

oh man, same thing happened with my RTAK II, still usable, but it bugs you. Nice review, appreciate the honesty. I had to fashion another spoon last time out, I can't seem to hold on to my sporks. Used NW Ranger 100%, came out...not bad.

[@Cr0cket20]

Rich Allfieldnohit Thought I mentioned in the vid but did not. I did not carve the bowl portion with the knife. Need to annotate that. Ah the gold old NWR. Such a great knife. Still have mine and don't plan on getting rid of it any time soon.

[@danofiremano]

If I was to buy it I would add the Nut'n Skateboard Grip Tape Mod. Also, I usually wear leather gloves when I'm hard using an outdoor knife. Thanks for the video!

[@madmike1284]

You know you love a knife when you're CARVING THE THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH IT. Haha, nice review!

[@TheExpandingLibrary]

Great review! I've been wanting one of these for awhile. Finally pulled the trigger on a satin blade one. Looking forward to getting it!

[@TedsOutdoors]

I own the Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 so it's good to know about the S30V. Thanks-Ted

[@Cr0cket20]

how do you like the 162? Was looking at it the other day at the store.

[@TedsOutdoors]

Love it! It's so beautiful! And it holds a very nice edge. But I replaced the sheath. It just wasn't good enough for a knife like that. I got kydex.

[@jayjensen8255]

I've got the folder. I ordered the fixed blade due to you. Thank You Semperfi Jay

[@Cr0cket20]

Jay Jensen Right on. I think you will like it. It's a cool blade.

[@mikedifeo8344]

Good Vid. How would you compare this knife to one of my favorites knives, the SOG North West Ranger, which I purchased due to your review on it.

[@Cr0cket20]

I think if you like the NWR you would like this knife. Two very different price ranges due to steel and other factors, but both about the same size. Slimmer designs in handle and overall form.

[@TNPviewer]

Sweet, I have had a benchmade in the rotation for a long time this looks cool

[@mychaelpierce8049]

I think they have discontinued this model. Just ordered one from Kniveshipfree for 157.00 DLC. Great review thanks!

[@1911customz]

Did you have any issues with their website?

[@MichaelTravis12c27]

Has this been an issue with other S30V blades in hard use tasks?

[@Cr0cket20]

Michael Travis Honestly this is the first S30V blade that I've tested in batonning. Other S30V blades I've used in folders.

[@jaybirdjtt]

Just got a folder 810 and perhaps Benchmade modified the handle?!! It's not sharp or uncomfortable at all. I'm thinking that Benchmade watched the reviews and smoothed out the rough spots on the handle.

[@VicariousReality7]

ohhh good to hear, have you put serious weight on the handle while cutting or simulating cutting?

[@rpnp2]

Dude is that a Guardian3?... I am really on the fence about buying one.

[@Cr0cket20]

rpnp2 It is. There are some things I really like about it. There are some cosmetic things I don't like about it given the price point. In hand though it feels and performs great.

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

Benchmade should have used CPM-M4 like their 810 folder. Shouldn't worry about rust with a knife you actually use, etc. Also need some traction like the 810 folder. Handle hardware anemic, IMO. Good review.

[@tm1182]

ReclusiveMountainMan I'd buy 3 in m4

[@agger732]

What knife was that with the horizontal sheath?

[@aaronnaylor59]

Did you just give us a flash of the Bradford ? How do you like them?

[@Cr0cket20]

Great knives! I would prefer more traction on the handles, but if any knife were covered in sandpaper I would be a happy man. So take that with a grain of salt. Many don't like as aggressive texture as I do.

[@RevHiker]

Thanks a lot...now I have another on my list to buy...

[@TedsOutdoors]

That's such a good looking knife! I would love to own one!

[@DesertKnifeGuru]

Im going to get one for sure. Thanks Crocket

[@EDKG]

Great review, shame about the small bend, but a nice blade nonetheless.

[@Cr0cket20]

EveryDay Knife Guy Thanks. Ya too bad about the bend. Haven't noticed it though when making feather sticks for example. I guess it could be worse. Thanks for watching.

[@PREPFORIT]

Thanks for the honest pro.s and cons .

[@719phats]

***** What knife and holster is on the belt?

[@cwrowe]

What do you use for re-sharpening?

[@Cr0cket20]

cwrowe I use spydercos ceramic stones. I like the idea that they are low maintenance and I enjoy the freehand process as well. I also have the spyderco sharpmaker. Don't use that as much anymore due to the stones.

[@matthiast3943]

I would say this is a light use outdoor blade you can do it but it is not smart to baton with it for a very long time or on a really big piece of wood

[@matthiast3943]

Btw: thank you for this review really helped alot for me only problem is is that i live in holland so it is a little tricky to get it.

[@Wingman115]

Great video! Benchmade makes good stuff.

[@Cr0cket20]

***** I do like their knives.

[@Wingman115]

***** The make knives for HK and I have one of their folders. It's a beast for sure.

[@kylewood8327]

I was thinking this would be more like its folder brother, I guess not.

[@dseednorwayn47]

good review mate, like the outdoors style :)

[@livefree8245]

Fantastic review. Thank you.

[@VicariousReality7]

Ironically, the fixed version should use m4 and the folding s30v

[@13tubanator]

VicariousReality7 it seems like benchmade can never get it right lbs

[@frankwoods135]

Why didn't they just stick with m4 why 💀🔫

[@grumpyoldwizard]

I like everything about the knife but the handle shape. The scalloped out area is just a bit too small for 3 fingers and too large of 2 fingers, which makes it uncomfortable to hold. That’s a big deal. Perhaps if the handle material was softer it may help but it is hard and slippery. I don’t like the way it feels in the hand so it has become a keeper, not a user.

[@dobermansnp]

Seems a really good knife with a pretty nice design too! Great review ***** !!! L&F!!!

[@Cr0cket20]

dobermansnp Thanks man. Much appreciated.

[@noctis120]

the problem with the s30v is a common thing with that steel. known to deform

[@CASTRO45ACP]

C'mon, tyat knife wasn't meant for that, btw the bushcrafter from BM is s30v and doesn't deform, I beat the crap out of it.

[@noctis120]

Yeah it probably chips. If not, you either don't use it much. Or lucky. I've read reviews about the BM chipping and or deforming. Every steel isn't perfect, not even busse. Under the right circumstances anything can fail. But for the price and hype the steel gets is bizarre. Be careful with it

[@noctis120]

CASTRO45ACP

[@johnrycroft4855]

Great review.

[@StaedtlerFox]

I own one of the(183SBK), but I did ask my friend to made a kydex shell for the knife, I really don't like the original shell so much because it can't fit with Bladetech's techloc. Here's the photo: images.plurk.com/7uWIMBW7LgTButKFB8QAI5.jpg

[@wonkim8672]

Ok... Now the folder please :)

[@Cr0cket20]

Won Kim I like it. Ergos turn off many concerning the handles. I don't mind too much. Will do a vid down the road.

[@neanderthor66]

"I've done a lot of knife fighting..." Maybe you should have chosen "B0wie20" for a youtube handle.

[@Cr0cket20]

neanderthor66 "...knife fighting..." should be more accurately stated as knife training.

[@danielheller9624]

i ove crocket but i hate the way you pronouce izula and contego

[@samstrimbu8360]

W

[@ronfry5851]

Those are scallops

[@dalecarpenter8828]

if it says bencmade it means it has a way over ridiculous priced ! deal breaker price ! all hype ! these so called super steals are just re-invented old steel ! sold at ridiculous high hyped up prices !

[@TedSpacey]

What the hell kind of blood do you bleed?.. it's so thick!.. Even your blood is manly dude!

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I'm sorry, but my opinion is that this is just one ugly knife!

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Crockett, I still sometimes think I'm going to get it, I do have the Bushcrafter #162 and I did get the Arvensiswhich I piggybacked it with the Boker Coye Ridgeback for a lite horizontal carry. I do like it, But recently I got the Fox Bushcrafter Parang which I just teamed up with my Vintage Frost 840 MG Clipper, I used it and kept it very sharp. But I never used the Clipper alot, But when I did it performed great. We're going out this weekend and I almost brought my Mora 2000 with it because it matched better than the intended 3V Master Hunter. Don't get me wrong, the two work great together. But when I remembered I had the Clipper MG, I brought it out again. I didn't hesitate that the two would work well together, and they are bear perfect match. The Bushcradt Oarang is more of a robust survival knife while my Clipper is a Bushcraft knife sort of the best of both worlds. I'm also bringing a Axe and saw which is still very manageable to carry. I still have a few knives in my list to get then maybe I'll still get the Contego.,,.