Benchmade 755 MPR or ZT 0350- beefy folders

M

MRaymond

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Jan 27, 2012
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I am in the unfortunate position that where I live, I can't go to a store and put my hands on these knives to decide for myself. I am very interested in the 755 MPR for several reasons. 1. It's a solid, beefy folder that isn't too long, 2. It is made from very good materials/blade steel. 3. It would be handy to have to compliment my 707 when camping/working outside for some heavier duty chores. I was looking at the ZT 0301 and decided that this knife is just too large for what I am looking for. The 275 Adamas was on my list also but it seems bigger than the 0301. Keep in mind, I am nowhere near anyplace that has these knives in stock so I have to rely on fine people like you and a bunch of youtube videos to help decide. My search led me to the 0350, which could be exactly what I am looking for and has several of the qualities that got me excited for the 755 MPR. Now I am torn, they can both be had for virtually the same prices.

Does anyone own (or used) both of these that could tell me your experiences/opinions? Pertinent details like fit and finish, quality perception, ergonomics, blade steel comparison, mechanism pros and cons, would all be helpful.

Thanks! Mike
 
I'm actually looking for a MPR, have handled it from a friend who also has a ZT 0350.
My verdict is MPR as i think the design is very well-thought out.
The titanium scale with machined pocket clip, cut out on frame lock and not to mention super thick G-10 and the already amazing M390 steel in good grind.
It's a compact knife.
 
Thanks for the response Jay. Have you had the opportunity to handle both? I couldn't tell from your post. In your opinion, does is the MPR a better "value" if both knives are equally priced?- Scratch the equal pricing part. It appears the ZT 0350 is much less expensive than the 755 MPR. That leads me to ask, is the MPR that much more of a value (about $50.00) when compared to the 0350. I really don't like black coating on blades. Do they make a satin finish ZT350?
 
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I have both and took a couple of quick cell phone pics. The 0350 is obviously a little longer and slimmer, but has a taller handle. However the MPR has a thicker handle. For me the 0350 is more comfortable in hand. I have medium sized hands. You do get the higher quality (M390) steel in the MPR, but the S30V in the 0350 is no slouch. The 0350 is assisted opening and the MPR is a manual opener. Of course that boils down to personal preference. At the end of the day I like and carry both knives. You can get the 0350 in a satin finish. Just goggle ZT 0350 satin.

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This is a great comparison. Thanks! The 0350 looks mighty slim compared to the MPR. It looks short, stocky and strong. Decisions decisions, I guess they aren't as similar as I thought...
 
Bnechmade gets my vote. I love frame locks and it feels like a tank (I've handled one, never owned one). I did own a 350, which was a tank as well, no blade play and the spring assist was quick. The thing I didn't like was the liner lock, it wasn't very comfortable and used to hurt my thumb to close it, not grippy enough IMO. I prefer manual folders as well. You should highly consider a ZT 550 OR 551. Best of both worlds!
 
The only thing I'd point out is that the pocket clip on the 755 doesn't have a whole lot of wiggle room. Getting it over a pocket seam on heavier material can be a bear and it's a bit too much of a lump to sit in-pocket for me. Both are very smooth, solidly built, take and hold a great edge - just comes down to if you like `em chunky.
 
The ZT can be had for around $100, I'm curious as to where you found the 755 for a similar price.
 
In terms of strength this is really no comparison. The 0350 has a 3 mm blade and is nowhere near the robustness of the other 0300s. Get the 755 if you want a tank, get 0350 if you want a slimmer and more ergonomic work blade. I really enjoy my 0350.
 
@Random Dan, You are right, a 755 is about $165 compared to about for the 0350. I guess I didn't research prices on the 0350 as thoroughly as I should have.

It appears the 0550/0551 is a solid choice as well. I wish I could just get them all... In due time I am sure.
 
I had a 755 for about four hours before I put it back on the Exchange. I thought it looked like a fun knife, but it felt like I was carrying a brick in my pocket. The 0350 feels svelte in comparison...heck, even my 0301/0303's feel downright slim compared to that BM. I agree the 755 is built like a tank...only heavier and more bulky. :) Definitely see if you can put your hands on one before you buy one.
 
I really like my 755, the grind is nice and slicey, it sits in the hand nicely too. Now, it is a bit of a pain to carry if you have tightish pants. Also I had to sand down some of the G10 cuz it waswearing fabric super quick.
 
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