Best of the Big 3?

Ron Sabbagh

Ron Sabbagh

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Found myself with a little cash injection.....normally I'm a customs guy but I'm no custom snob. Interested in what you feel is the best of the top 3....maybe get myself one from each.

Spyderco
Benchmade
ZT

not looking to use for any specific purpose other than a folder I can carry (no fixed blade or kitchen knives) ...these are just to play with and use occasionally.

By best I mean which model do you feel is their best effort/production/achievement?
 
Tough choice, I'm a fan of all three manufacturers and own quite a few folders from each.
I'm going to post this and think on it during the work day. I'll leave the Spyderco and BM blank and edit later.
I already know my favorite ZT knives.

Spyderco-
Benchmade-
Zero Tolerance- 0562cf or 0450cf
 
For Benchmade, get the 496 Vector, or the Mini or full sized Crooked River. I think those are the absolute best knives they make right now.
For ZT, go with the 0562Ti.
I still haven't found a Spyderco that I like, so I can't recommend one.
 
Benchmade 51
Spyderco Para 2
ZT 452

That'd give you a good example of each brands stuff and also be a good variety of different things.
 
I'll define "best" as my favorite users

Spyderco - PM2/Slysz Bowie
Benchmade - Bugout
ZT - 0392
 
Out of the three brands you mentioned I’d suggest a ZT0562 if you want a beefy one, a ZT0452 if you want a long one or a ZT0450 if you want a small one. If you’re in a Spyderco frame of mind, I’d suggest a PM2 or PM3 in a premium steel (M390, CPM20CV, S90V or something like that).
 
FWIW I've owned numerous ZTs, Benchmades, and Spydercos, but all I own now are a bunch of Spydercos. Much of it is personal preference.
 
Of those 3 I’m only a fan of Spyderco so I’ll recommend:
Manix 2
Para 2/3

it’s not available yet but the new siren has me interested
 
My favorites:
•Spyderco - GB2, Endela, Delica
•Benchmade - 575 mini presidio II & mini Crooked River
•ZT - 0562 series
 
Benchmade 556-1
Spyderco Native 5 lightweight maxamet
ZT doesn't have a single ambidextrous lock that I'm aware of. I don't pay any attention to ZT at all.
 
:) Cold Steel AD-10 ! :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:

At least 2X the value / performance of anything from your 3 brands .
 
Larrin said:
I would rather argue about which brands would count as "The Big 3."
Click to expand...

agree my list is very subjective. OK...I'll play. Let me know your favorite "fun" folder from any production brand...
 
Check out the new M4 Bailout from Benchmade, IMO one of their best offerings in a while. They're also coming out with a new auto in S90V (the moderator, I think?)

Strongly suggest a Spyderco Para 3 - endless steel options and customization. (Recently re-released the Maxamet Para 3)

ZT - 0452, worth the extra cost to find the G10 model on the secondary market.
 
I would say from benchmade a bug out or grip
Spyderco I would say a native 5 lightweight,or for a larger folder manix2 handsdown.
I've never owned a zt so can't comment on that one.

For me so far I have to say the native 5 is my favorite modern folder with no other even close.
 
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