Recommendation? Assisted opener

The Barrage knife is ok ... but in all honesty feels like a plastic toy in my hand with the handle material just leaves something to be desired ... ZT has several that I like and IMHO in todays market ZT is head and shoulders above Benchmade in quality control and material.

The ZT 770 is a great knife ... if you want a light thin knife it is great ... CF scales and you can find it in S35VN Elmax or KSF has some exclusive black coated blades in M4 ... is even a run in M390 if you can find any for sale still.

if you want a bit bigger and tougher knife ... ZT 566 is a great knife not much larger but heavier and solid and frame lock instead of liner on the ZT 770 ... and from there ZT has something in most slots ... but for assited opening knives in your price range I'd check out ZT for sure.
 
JJ_Colt45 said:
The Barrage knife is ok ... but in all honesty feels like a plastic toy in my hand with the handle material just leaves something to be desired ... ZT has several that I like and IMHO in todays market ZT is head and shoulders above Benchmade in quality control and material.

The ZT 770 is a great knife ... if you want a light thin knife it is great ... CF scales and you can find it in S35VN Elmax or KSF has some exclusive black coated blades in M4 ... is even a run in M390 if you can find any for sale still.

if you want a bit bigger and tougher knife ... ZT 566 is a great knife not much larger but heavier and solid and frame lock instead of liner on the ZT 770 ... and from there ZT has something in most slots ... but for assited opening knives in your price range I'd check out ZT for sure.
Click to expand...

I’d agree with that. I got some after market G10 scales for my standard Barrage and it turned it into a far better prospect. Also, it now opens with more of a *thunk* than a *clack*.

The 581 is even better, though. Unless you don’t like bolsters, I suppose.
 
If you aren't set on an a/o; check out the Southern Grind Spider Monkey. I don't have the standard (cf) version; but mine is one of my 2 favorite folder purchases of 2017.
YpWD8V9.jpg


actually, at the smaller end of your range, any of these would be good options
1nrSv5P.jpg
 
Last edited:
I got a 581 Barrage about 2 years ago. The Axis assist AO gives a very authoritative, and satisfying *THWACK!* when engaged. I really liked it.
Then, just for kicks, I de-assisted it.
NOW my 581 is by far my favorite production knife. I sold my Paramilitary2 & most of my other knives in that price range off.
It'a bit heavier than the plain 580, but that makes it feel really solid in hand. The m390 blade is fantastic. I have used it harder than any other knife I own (excluding fixed blades) and outside of a few dings on the bolsters it still looks rather pristine.
The ZT 0770 mentioned above is a decent knife. And if you get a plain 580/585 Barrage it comes close as a competitor. However, an upgraded Barrage just blows it away.

All that being said, the newly announced Vector has really piqued my curiosity. I'd need to know how well it works de-assisted before I take the plunge. But if someone wants to keep it assisted it seems very compelling.
BM495n.jpg
 
I would add if you are wanting a benchmade one I have that I like and not many mention is the Benchmade Voli ... its a great knife ... fires fast has the axis lock if that's what you prefer ... and it is an amazing slicer ... thin blade stock and carries well ... comes with much nicer handle scales than the Barrage.

Just an after thought from me earlier post.
 
What about the Kershaw Link in S35VN or M390 ? A different blade shape about the size of the ZT0770.
 
If you do get a Barrage, I would recommend the 581. Unfortunately the 586 is no longer made.
However, I do think AO is a poor fit with the Axis lock as you lose the easy closing flip.
ZT 0770 is great for a slim and light weight AO.

HDZwWPW.jpg

m273Xg4.jpg
 
Didn't wanna narrow it down too much on the ZTs, but yeah the 0770 CF will be super light and super slicy, and the 0350 will be tough as nails. Both are smooth and fast assisted openers with adequate titanium liner locks. I own both and have carried both, but I'm on an FRN Spydie kick at the moment. :D

Good luck on your search and yes! If money and wife permit my strongest recommendation would be to get at least two ;) One for slicing and one for ripping things apart. 770/ 350 combo? :) :p
 
Cursum Perficio said:
If you do get a Barrage, I would recommend the 581. Unfortunately the 586 is no longer made.
However, I do think AO is a poor fit with the Axis lock as you lose the easy closing flip.
ZT 0770 is great for a slim and light weight AO.

HDZwWPW.jpg

m273Xg4.jpg
Click to expand...
On the other hand, it is the strongest lock they do, and one of the strongest locks on the market. I’m happy with the axis on the 581.
 
So, thanks for all the replies. Enjoyed reading everyones opinions. I decided on the benchmade boost.... and I also convinced the wife to let me get the zt0770 as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top