Benchmade 950 Rift or Zero Tolerance 0560?

M

Mike Zombie

Joined
Feb 5, 2015
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Hey guys I am looking to buy either the Zero Tolerance 0560 or the 950 Rift. The version of the Rift I would buy would not be a regular version, but it would have orange and black scales and it would have S30V steel instead of the usual 154cm that it comes with. That version is an exclusive on Cutlery Shoppe's website.

I have been thinking of buying the rift for sometime now until I just saw the ZT 0560. I like the looks of it and it looks like a very dependable knife. I know they both have S30V. I could get the 0560 for $210 or I can get the Rift for $162. I own a Griptilian and I a huge fan of the axis lock. I also own some knives that are flippers, such as the Spyderco Domino.

I am unsure which is the better buy, they both look very reliable and dependable knives. I am looking for a nice edc knife, both in my opinion fit the category. Any help on a comparison of the two would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
 
I have both, and subjectively prefer the Rift. The 0560 is just a little bit blingy for my tastes, with its 3D machined titanium. But that ball bearing pivot on the 0560 is sweet, too. They feel more or less the same in hand, and both have deep clips that I love (I may have added the deep clip to my Rift, but am not sure). But they are both sweet and they both cut stuff, so its one of those deals where you just buy what you like the most. You are good either way. I have had superior customer service from both companies as well.
 
I honestly couldn't pick between them. I've went through 3 0560's and even though I did like them the size was just too big(and I carry a BM 275 around a lot) and the texture of the framelock is just off putting for me. Reminds me of tinfoil. It really is a good knife though. Solid enough and smooth . I prefer my zt 0566 cf more for size and just feels better in the hand too me. I also like the rift but again don't like the texture of scales or the way it looked. Still a good knife. No negative in functioning just preference. I'd rather have a 551 with custom scales and a custom/limited s30v/m4 blade. Or even a 520. I would just get both and which one you don't like sell. Hard choice.
 
The ZT will have Elmax which I find better than 154cm. Both are great but I still own two 0560s and I sold my rift because I like its bigger brother the 810 better.
 
I can't speak on behalf of the Rift, but I do own Axis locks and love them. I own both the Domino and 0560. The 0560's flipping action is night and day better than the Domino's. The 0560 has been discontinued and comes with Elmax not S30V. To make decisions even harder look into the ZT 0562 in either-or any- flavor, flips better and fits my hand better than the 0560.
 
I prefer the rift for quite a few reasons. First, it's a better cutter due to the thinner blade stock. Second, I generally prefer the axis lock to most frame locks. Third, my one rift is smoother than either my 0561 or 0560. Fourth, the Rift packs almost as much blade into a substantially smaller package; at least it feels that way to me, though I've never compared side-by-side. Finally, both my 0560 and 0561 have pretty weak detents; on a flipper I prefer a fairly strong detent. Reportedly the 0560 detents are all over the map. I do like the ZT's, but the Rift definitely sees more use for the reasons above.

The biggest potential downside to the Rift is that the handle doesn't fit everyone's hand due to the bump. It's a knife that I'd recommend handling before buying if possible.
 
These are crappy cell phone pics but maybe they help. They have about the same blade length but the 560/561 is definitely a bigger overall package with extra handle. I love AXIS locks but also dig on the flipper framelock. While I like the Elmax and blade shape of the 560 I guess I'd have to go with the Rift for the lock and smaller package. Or as you can see from some of these posts the correct answer is get both.

ETA: Also the Rfit is tip up only if that matters to you.




 
I have both and for a EDC I would choose the 560. It is slick and very balanced. I saved and carry a Bart Southard or i would have the 560 in my pocket.
 
For light to moderate EDC use, I'd go with the 560. I feel that it's much more versatile, has a more one-size-fits-all handle design, and a better steel choice.
 
I also own both. Picked up a Rift while my 0560 was back at ZT being tweaked a bit, so the Rift was my EDC. Prior to that my 0560 was in my pocket at all times. The Rift is significantly smaller and carries exceptionally well, while still packing almost as much blade length. I found that it took a really nice edge, and has been a pleasure carry and use. Now that the 0560 is back in my pocket, I find myself missing the Rift, and may switch back to it. I find the blade shape to be extremely useful as well (love the reverse tanto). Having said that, the 0560 doesn't feel that big when its in my pocket, and is a fantastic knife as well.

Honestly I don't think you could go wrong with either one. My only gripe with the 0560 is the flipping action isn't anywhere near what the new ZT offerings are like.
 
No ZT here but the rift is one of my most favorite knive that I own, and definitely the smoothest.
 
I own both, I prefer the Rift for edc. Going to sell the 560 to fund my first Busse, a TGLB, and I got a 562 cf on the way!
 
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