buying new blade tomorrow: ZT0560 vs ZT0550 Gen2 vs BM Contego 810 Please help!! :)

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pizmugen86

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May 21, 2011
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ZT0560 vs ZT0550 Gen2 vs Benchmade Contego 810. I can't decide...I love all three and have held all of them but just not sure. Pic comparisons or thoughts? Just bought a Spyderco Resilience and I like the idea of a larger blade, but the 0550 is surprisingly ergonomical for a 3.5" blade.....please help me out!! :)
 
What do you mean surprisingly ergonomic for a 3.5"blade?? :confused: I'm confused.
Anyway, I don't have experience with the contego, but I own the others. I prefer the 0550 to the 0560. Easier to carry, the action is awesome, but the 0560 is still a wonderful knife. I can't comment on elmax vs s35vn though, because I don't own any elmax knives.
 
I don't have any comparison pics, but I would go with the 0550 for sure. The 0560 is a very nice knife, but the ELMAX steel on it has poor edge retention in my experience. I really like the appearance of the Contego, but the jimping really starts to hurt your hand after using the knife for extended periods of time.

I like S35VN steel, which the 0550 uses. The 0550 also has great ergonomics, and a very smooth action that is similar to that of an XM-18's. My only gripe with this knife, is that I think the placement of the pocket clip is really poor.
 
I like bigger knifes as well. I have a ZT 550 and really like how it fits my hand. I have held the ZT 560 and it just a tad to much. I also EDC a Spydeco Manix 2 XL, spyderco jason breeden rescue and a ZT 350. I always come back to the the ZT 550. great overall knife. Right size, Stout Blade, Great grip and smooth action.
 
Here is some crappy pics

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Just get all three:D
 
I own a Contego and a 561, it all comes down to personal preference. The Contego's M4 steel cuts like crazy, as does the Elmax on the 561. However, the Contego is more of a slicer due to its thinner blade. The 561 is much better in wet/humid/salty environments due to the titanium/G10/Elmax build. M4 must be kept lubed to prevent corrosion.Both have super-strong locking mechanisms and clips that are southpaw-approved, grippy handles, and smooooth opening. Whatever fits your needs!
 
Thanks for the pics! What I meant that the handle on the 0550 is very ergonomic considering the size, as I usually prefer bigger blades with bigger grips. I think I might go with the 0550. I also like the fact that there are customized scales available.
 
I have all three and I choose to carry the Benchmade Contego 810 for work. However, you can't go wrong with the ZT's especially the 560.
 
I've just sold my 560 to raise funds for other things. It's a great knife but just not quite right for me.

However, I just can't keep my 550 out of my pocket. It seems like the perfect folder for me and at some point I will be looking at getting a second one.
 
knife2Agunfight said:
I don't have any comparison pics, but I would go with the 0550 for sure. The 0560 is a very nice knife, but the ELMAX steel on it has poor edge retention in my experience. I really like the appearance of the Contego, but the jimping really starts to hurt your hand after using the knife for extended periods of time.

I like S35VN steel, which the 0550 uses. The 0550 also has great ergonomics, and a very smooth action that is similar to that of an XM-18's. My only gripe with this knife, is that I think the placement of the pocket clip is really poor.
Click to expand...
A lot of that has to do with the poor sharpening job (or more not realizing the care Elmax needs) that results in burnt edges. Sharpen past them and bring out the unburnt steel from under it and it'll perform well.
 
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