Birthday Knife

G

GotThemKnives

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Oct 1, 2013
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104
Hi guys, alright, so my birthday is coming up soon and I asked my mom if I could get a nice knife. She said 150$ is the limit. Im 14, I have always loved knives since I was little. Im a crazy knifeknut. Ive decided on a couple of knives. I want to see what you guys think about them. The Benchmade Ball Axis Flipper, the Benchmade Volli, or one of the Zero Tolerance knives. Id also like to see some of you guys recommendations.

Thanks, GTK.
 
Spyderco Gayle Bradley.
LionSteel SR-2A
Spyderco PM2
Hogue EX-01
 
The BM 300 flipper would be a good choice. I have never been interested in the volli. BM
For my ZT choice I would go 566 all the way. That would probably be my number one pic. But that may be because I also want one for my birthday coming up in March.

ZT 550 is also good, but much thicker (maybe too thick for edc)
ZT 770 would also be an excellent choice if you like aluminum handles

#1 ZT 566
#2 BM 300
#3 ZT 770

runners up ZT 350, BM 940/943
 
First off, happy birthday. Second, you have a great mom allowing you to get such a nice knife. Don't forget to tell her that you love her, at least once a day. I do not own the ZT 0566, but I do own the ZT 0561. The way I feel about my 0561 compared to any BM product that I own is that I would recommend ZT every time. This is my opinion based on the knives that I own. The 0561 is not really in the same price point compared to the BMs that I own, so this opinion may not be a fair one. But it is my opinion just the same. I own three BM products, a Grip, a mini Grip and a Bone Collector fixed blade. Honestly I am underwhelmed by all, but then I paid less for all. It is not that they are bad knives. They are all capable with good steel. Spydercos are not for me either. I own a Military that is just fine, lockup is good, no blade play at all. I just am not a fan. If Spyderco is your thing, have at it, but for my money it would have to be the ZT 0566.

Take this all with a grain of salt as it is only my opinion. Choose the one that makes you smile the most, then keep it sharp. And enjoy your birthday.
 
The Gayle Bradley gets my vote:

Wah-TSSHHHH

11989427174_84c6cd0abc_b.jpg


For that matter, why not a Spyderco Paramilitary II?

11990206916_a86d5cd4f0_b.jpg




Of course, you couldn't go wrong with a nice ZT 0350 either:
 
The only two you mentioned that I have experience with is the BM 300 and ZT566. For me personally, the ZT was much better by a long shot. I don't mean that as a slam towards Benchmade, as it was a very quality knife. But IMO the handle was a little fat and short. It just didn't fit my hand well and I have medium sized hands. The ZT on the other hand is, for me, the perfect EDC. I deassisted mine and it has better opening action than the axis flipper.

I really think its personal preference. Good luck and I hope you love whatever you choose as much as I love my ZT.
 
Don't listen to Grownstar. ZT's are terrible. Oh, right, I have not one but two 0350s for twice the magic:

11989355605_7b2bd074cc_b.jpg


Don't listen to me*! LOL





*I love ALL of my ZTs very very much.
 
I have not had any experience with the BM's you mentioned so can't help you there. But I can help you with suggestions! If size is not a real factor and you like a ~4" blade then the ZT0200 or BM 275 Adamas would be great choices. If size is a factor then the oft mentioned Gayle Bradley would be an excellent choice.

edited to add;

the ZT0350 is also an excellent choice for a smaller knife. Also going to mention the new Kizer brand to take a look at. Also the newest knife I just received is a knife worth looking at if you want something of quality, the Boker Arctos XL.

Good luck in the search and you are required to come back and post pics of your new knife!

I'm 58 and it gladdens my heart to see the growing group of young members we have here at BF!
 
Last edited:
Quiet said:
Don't listen to Grownstar. ZT's are terrible. Oh, right, I have not one but two 0350s for twice the magic:

11989355605_7b2bd074cc_b.jpg


Don't listen to me! LOL
Click to expand...

Haha I'll fight you, Quiet! And that middle ZT looks tough as nails :D
 
Quiet said:
LOL Only "ZT" I have that came with a lanyard! :thumbup: Oh, and I got it at an extreme discount.
Click to expand...

Discount? You must be some sort of navy seal ninja type haha!

Back on topic, the PM 2 is one of the most highly regarded knives in production. I plan to own one someday and make my own assessments.
 
I had to pick a knife for Christmas, same price limit. I chose the ZT 0566, and I love the thing! I deassisted, cleaned, and re lubed it. Love it even more now! I'm glad I went with 0566, I have enjoyed carrying it.
 
McVeyMac said:
First off, happy birthday. Second, you have a great mom allowing you to get such a nice knife. Don't forget to tell her that you love her, at least once a day. I do not own the ZT 0566, but I do own the ZT 0561. The way I feel about my 0561 compared to any BM product that I own is that I would recommend ZT every time. This is my opinion based on the knives that I own. The 0561 is not really in the same price point compared to the BMs that I own, so this opinion may not be a fair one. But it is my opinion just the same. I own three BM products, a Grip, a mini Grip and a Bone Collector fixed blade. Honestly I am underwhelmed by all, but then I paid less for all. It is not that they are bad knives. They are all capable with good steel. Spydercos are not for me either. I own a Military that is just fine, lockup is good, no blade play at all. I just am not a fan. If Spyderco is your thing, have at it, but for my money it would have to be the ZT 0566.

Take this all with a grain of salt as it is only my opinion. Choose the one that makes you smile the most, then keep it sharp. And enjoy your birthday.
Click to expand...

Thanks man! And I do haha, I love how my parents support my knife addiction lol. Thank you all for the recommendations, after thinking a bit, I'll have to go with the ZT0556! Thanks guys for your help on deciding! Have a great day!
 
ZT 0200!
Paramilitary 2!
Benchmade Adamas! (It is still possible to get these for under $150 even with the raise on all BM's)
ZT 0350!
BM 300SN!


I can into more detail of you'd like, but these are just my suggestions.
 
Wow whatever you get, be sure to show your mom some appreciation. THat is very nice of her.
 
Happy Birthday! I would say PM2, Gayle Bradly, ZT 0350, ZT 0770, BM 707 (I don't much like the flipping action on the 300 personally)
 
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