Benchmade 275 or ZT 0301?

knife2Agunfight

knife2Agunfight

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Jan 11, 2012
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The Benchmade 275 Adamas or the ZT 030X, and why? I'm considering buying one of these knives and I'm wondering what your guys' opinion is on these knives, since they are similar in size and can serve the same general purpose.

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I love ZT 30x series. Great knife made by a reputable company from high quality materials. A little pricey, but well worth the money.

BM 275 is just as tough, if not tougher. Made to take on any cutting task and beyond. All that at about half the price of 301, unless you're looking at a blem.

Both knives will do the job, both companies offer exceptional customer service and warranty. 301 has a coolness factor of AO, 275 will open just as fast AND AXIS lock gives you an option of closing the knife with one hand in a fraction of a second. Keep in mind that both knives are monsters and they will occupy a lot of pocket's real estate (BTW 275 come with a sheath so you have that carry option as well).

What I'm trying to say here... get both! Or at least try and handle them at a store and see how each one fits your hand.
 
Would get the 275! IMO the 275 is very well built! Tough as nails! Like the blade shape better! And you can grab them at a great price!
 
I just got my Adamas yesterday, and it's nicer than I thought it was looking at pics. Gets my vote.
 
I just picked up an 275 as well, and I like it as much as my 200, which I like more than the 30X. I'd pick the 275 because of the blade shape (no recurve), I prefer Axis lock to a frame lock, more comfortable in hand (personal preference though) I prefer non-assisted opening, oh and price is a big one. Mostly I just don't like the blade shape/width of the 30X.
 
I just got my 275 about a week ago and I am amazed at how brutally well made this knife is for the price. It is a tank. I have really fallen out of love of liner locks and (as mentioned before) since the blade of the 275 is so heavy, closing with the axis lock is very smooth with one hand. The 275 comes with a great MOLLE sheath if you find it a little large in your pocket (it is).
 
I've got a 275 and a ZT0300 when it comes to durability I think they are pretty much neck and neck. The ZT is by far a better knife and the price shows it, but I seem to give them even time in my pocket. One thing I will have to knock the adamas on is that the handle is very wide. So it takes up some room in the pocket.
 
275 has a better/more useful blade shape.. not sure why you would need such a wide blade on the ZT.. just adds more weight. Also the Axis lock is about the best lock system there is. I prefer manual over assisted or auto also. The 275 is just as tough as any ZT (which they are known for). The only downside (for some) is that the 275 is D2 vs S30V on the ZT. They are both BIG folders with the 275 being thicker width wise.. and the ZT wider top/bottom (blade spine to back of handle), so think about that if pocket room matters. The 275 is also half the price of the ZT.
 
I recommend the BM 275 for many of the same reasons already stated.

Other than preferring the overall design and aesthetics of the 275, some opinions on why I like the 275 better than the ZT 0301:
1.) Blade shape (no recurve) is easier to sharpen.
2.) Strengthened Axis lock. Frame locks are okay if executed properly, but the Axis is a step up overall.
3.) Non-assisted. I can live with assisted mechanisms on the right knife, but speedsafe is my least favorite and it's slower on the 0301 than most Kershaw/ZT's.
4.) Deep carry clip.
5.) More comfortable in hand.
6.) Includes molle pouch if you prefer not to carry clipped in pocket.

D2 vs s30v is a wash for me.

I would choose the 275 regardless of price, but it is certainly the better value. The ZT is around $100 (give or take) more expensive. Having compared them side by side and internally, I am somewhat at a loss for justifying the higher priced knife. It may be the heavily machined slab of titanium that really jacks up the price. The two knives are virtually the same quality of construction and materials.

If I were going the ZT route, I would take a 0200 over the 0300 because I like a steel on steel lockup over ti on steel, plus it's manual.

You may like recurved blades, ti framelocks, and speedsafe, so take any opinions for what they are. If you can get both of them in hand, that is ultimately the best way to decide.
 
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i haven't seen anyone mention it yet, but the 275 comes with a nice Molle sheath. the only downside is that the hook portion of the hook and loop likes to dig into your side a bit. they should have switched sides on it.
 
Wow. Seems like everyone suggests that the Benchmade is a better knife. I was going to spend the extra cash and get the ZT 0301, but apparently the 275 is more superior. Looks like Zero Tolerance has some new competition and my wallet just got a little thinner. :D
 
I also agree with the guys about the ZT200 over the ZT300... so if you want two great knifes.. get the ZT200 and the 275.
 
I'd go with the 0300 for several reasons.

1. Superior blade steel.
2. Assisted open is very fun to play with.
3. DLC holds up better than BM's coatings.
4. Awesome texturing on both the G10 and Ti sides.
5. It looks beast.

That said, the 275 is a great value. I'd buy one if it weren't so darn big.
 
I say BM275. It is easy for me because I DO NOT like the new style of folders with one handle titanium, and the other something else. I've had two ZT3XX's and tried my best to like them, but I couldn't warm up to them and got rid of them.

The BM275 is a very nice and tough knife, and one that is in my current edc rotation.
 
30x - I love recurves, tougher pivot, better lock (IMO), assisted opening, Kershaw warranty (faster service and in my experience just all around better than BMs), better handle, better cutter based off the grind.

Adamas - Better price, probably tougher blade (thick, shorter grind), lock is preferred by some people, looks to carry easier/slimmer

Between the two I'm going with the ZT.
 
Had a 0301 and sold it. It is an amazing knife, it just didn't speak to me.

Got to play with the 275 back in September at Modern Day Marine and fell in love with it. It is an awesome knife and the price is far less than I thought it would be pre release. The only reason I haven't bought one is it is no competition when compared to my SMF.

I'd get the 275 if I was in your shoes. The 030X series will still be around, or you could get a 056X when theryre out...
 
the 301 is a better knife in just about every way.

the only thing that would really sway me here is the price.. if you can afford the ZT just get the ZT.
 
I own and edc a ZT 0300, I do not own the benchmade.

In my opinion titanium framelocks are the best lockblades you can get. The only moving part is the lock, no springs, screws or complex mechanics to fail. I have heard that the axis lock is prone to failure due a susceptibility of being jammed and accidentally unlocked when choking up on the handle. If you get lint, blood or mud in a framelock, the lockbar will usually just push it out of the way and continue to function. Plus the tighter you grip the frame, the stronger the lock gets.

The 0300 is one of the best framelock knives you can get. I would take it over a strider, emerson, or sebenza. The combination of Titanium, Steel, and reinforced fiberglass is nearly indestructible. If you don't like the blade shape, their is enough material that you can grind in any blade shape you want, and the speed safe can be removed.

I got my ZT 0300 used for around $150, which is less then the MSRP of the benchmade 275. Forget about the tiger stripes, they are useless.
 
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I have the ZT301 & Benchmade Adamas 2750 i like both knives. I like the 301's handle better & the look of the zebra stripe blade & the option of putting the clip at any of 4 corners were the 2750 i like it being Automatic which makes the opening blow the 301 away. Also like the Axis lock better than the liner lock. The clip can be swithed from left to right handed only plus if you want it comes with sheath to wear on belt. So on which knife to pick there both well built very nice knives! Also the Adamas was a little easier on the wallet. Not by much.
 
knife2Agunfight said:
Wow. Seems like everyone suggests that the Benchmade is a better knife. I was going to spend the extra cash and get the ZT 0301, but apparently the 275 is more superior. Looks like Zero Tolerance has some new competition and my wallet just got a little thinner. :D
Click to expand...

Both are solid knives but, 275 has a solid advantage in value. And I agree with other posters that it is more impressive in person

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