"Built Like A Tank" Benchmade Adamas Competitive options?

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jayz5000

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Jul 25, 2013
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Hello All!

I am heavily considering getting a Benchmade Adamas as a super duty tactical folder (Anybody out there have anything bad to day about it? I don't mind the heftiness), but I am just wondering what some competitive options may be?

After witnessing the brutality this knife managed in this video I was nearly sold. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWz_JLXgIL0

I don't want to break the bank so if it isn't close to the ~160$ price of the Adamas I won't consider it a very competitive.

I know hinderer, strider, and Grayman (Satu) are knives that fit this perfectly but they are $300-400+.

I'll check out any knife!

Thanks for reading/helping!
 
Look at the Cold Steel tri-ad lock knives - American Lawman etc are TOUGH knives and way below your budget.

Spyderco Tuff doesn't particularly appeal to me but it should be a "tough" knife!

Pretty much everything Zero Tolerance makes is going to fit the bill too. I like my 0560 although I think they're more like low 200s than 160.
 
I've heard some good things about the ZT 0350 which may be worth checking out as well. I am not into the hard use knives really, I just get what I like so I can't tell you much about it in that department besides it has a reputation for being a tank.
 
Thanks for the imput man!

I actually already own a Cold Steel Recon 1, Spartan, AK-47 and Spike 2103 Bowie.

Great knives, but the Aus-8 steel is slightly sub par in general (at least for me, not bad but not great, mediocre) but especially in rust resistance. Even wd-40 could not protect my Spartan and once the coating wears off (and it will in hard use) of the Recon or AK the rust will become a problem.

Almost nothing beats that Tri-ad lock though, you're right.

Spyderco Tuff is a weird looking thing and pretty pricey, I really like ZT's though I am a little anxious about spending 200$ on a knife. What model do you have?

Any huge selling points you can think of regarding the ZT? Not saying it is not worth the money but I am not sure if I personally can justify spending that much on a knife.

Thanks again for the feedback!
 
The Adamas is truly a “tank” - just get the black (plain G10 version), no painted tan like I bought :(

Closest folder to a fixed in my entire collection.
 
ZT 0350 looks great and its in my price range. Always liked the 0560 myself but its pricey.

Thanks for the feedback!
 
Contego? Same lock just not beefed up like the adamas, but has m4 steel. great value to be had there.
 
ZTs are great. Smooth, fast, solid, good looking, great materials, and just about the best warranty out there.
 
jayz5000 said:
Thanks for the imput man!

I actually already own a Cold Steel Recon 1, Spartan, AK-47 and Spike 2103 Bowie.

Great knives, but the Aus-8 steel is slightly sub par in general (at least for me, not bad but not great, mediocre) but especially in rust resistance. Even wd-40 could not protect my Spartan and once the coating wears off (and it will in hard use) of the Recon or AK the rust will become a problem.

Almost nothing beats that Tri-ad lock though, you're right.

Spyderco Tuff is a weird looking thing and pretty pricey, I really like ZT's though I am a little anxious about spending 200$ on a knife. What model do you have?

Any huge selling points you can think of regarding the ZT? Not saying it is not worth the money but I am not sure if I personally can justify spending that much on a knife.

Thanks again for the feedback!
Click to expand...

I second his recommendation of a Tri-Ad lock folder. The Spartan is notorious for rust because of its bead blast finish, not because of AUS8A steel. Starting this year they are only being produced with a stone wash finish.
 
You cannot beat the Adamas in the sub-$200 price range. Even "beefier" knives priced at $100-$200 more, such as Striders, Hinderers, ZT, Medfords, etc., will not out-perform the Adamas.

The only knives that can compare to it are Cold Steel tri-ad knives, which are substantially less expensive. However, Benchmade's warranty service and the faster action of the axis lock justify the price difference. I'd suggest purchasing the Adamas and a Cold Steel tri-ad lock beater (a larger Voyager is ideal).
 
I've heard great thing about the Contego. Not quite as "hard use" as the Adamas but man is it wicked cool. Wish I could have all these knives to be honest.

This decision is just getting tougher! (I like that though) :)

Thanks for the Feedback!
 
jayz5000 said:
I've heard great thing about the Contego. Not quite as "hard use" as the Adamas but man is it wicked cool. Wish I could have all these knives to be honest.

This decision is just getting tougher! (I like that though) :)

Thanks for the Feedback!
Click to expand...

Check out benchmades test vid on the contego, the results may surprise you :)
 
Thanks for the input.

Why do you say the large Voyager is ideal? Is it beyond your personal preferences? I like my Recon 1, Ak-47 and Spartan a lot but I've never thumped on them too hard.
 
Yes to Benchmade Contega and Zero Tolerance 0550 in your price range.
 
Thanks for all the help everybody but I decided to go with the Adamas. I found out that the proceeds of buying it go to the Ranger assistance foundation (they provide aid to current and ex-army rangers and their families who need and deserve it) and that is truly incredible.

A little way for me to give back to those who have risked their lives for me. I salute you all!

I encourage anybody who sees this to buy one of these knives.

It's not everyday you can buy a great knife for a great price and support the troops. I recommend amazon.
 
jayz5000 said:
Thanks for the input.

Why do you say the large Voyager is ideal? Is it beyond your personal preferences? I like my Recon 1, Ak-47 and Spartan a lot but I've never thumped on them too hard.
Click to expand...

Here is an extensive Voyager review from a man who has thumped on his quite a bit. He also has reviews of the Recon 1, AK-47, and Spartan.

[video=youtube;qtMAi_-pHac]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtMAi_-pHac[/video]

I own a large Voyager. It's one of my favorite folders. I highly recommend it, I think it outclasses many folders that are twice as expensive, or even more so.
 
Oakengroves said:
You cannot beat the Adamas in the sub-$200 price range. Even "beefier" knives priced at $100-$200 more, such as Striders, Hinderers, ZT, Medfords, etc., will not out-perform the Adamas.

The only knives that can compare to it are Cold Steel tri-ad knives, which are substantially less expensive. However, Benchmade's warranty service and the faster action of the axis lock justify the price difference. I'd suggest purchasing the Adamas and a Cold Steel tri-ad lock beater (a larger Voyager is ideal).
Click to expand...


This oak knows exactly what he is saying. . . You just won't beat a Adamas with that beefed up axis. Anything else I'm sure you could eventually fail. I have failed zt, spyderco, others with frame and liner. But never a never an axis. I have no experience with cold steel locks... but sounds good. We need someone to put a hard use test with Adamas and spartan together... would love to see who wins that battle! I'm confident that Adamas will kill spartan, but would love to be proved wrong.
 
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